Globe Life (GL) 10-K 26 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 19, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	TMK
Entity Registrant Name	TORCHMARK CORP
Entity Central Index Key	320,335
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		121,264,589
Entity Public Float			$ 7,291,560,829

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	[1]
Assets:
Fixed maturities-available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015–$13,251,871; 2014–$12,823,612)	$ 13,758,024	$ 14,493,060
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2015–$776; 2014–$776)	1,635	1,477
Policy loans	492,462	472,109
Other long-term investments	36,803	10,449
Short-term investments	54,766	15,882
Total investments	14,343,690	14,992,977
Cash	61,383	66,019	[2]
Accrued investment income	209,915	204,879
Other receivables	344,552	327,856
Deferred acquisition costs	3,617,135	3,457,397
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	522,104	493,495
Assets held for sale	312,843	288,045
Total assets	19,853,213	20,272,259
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	12,245,811	11,750,495
Unearned and advance premiums	67,021	71,703
Policy claims and other benefits payable	272,898	254,149
Other policyholders' funds	95,988	95,446
Total policy liabilities	12,681,718	12,171,793
Current and deferred income taxes payable	1,450,888	1,786,070
Other liabilities	380,158	347,526
Short-term debt	490,129	238,398
Long-term debt (estimated fair value: 2015–$856,291; 2014–$1,148,749)	743,733	992,130
Liabilities held for sale	51,035	38,876
Total liabilities	$ 15,797,661	$ 15,574,793
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share–Authorized 5,000,000 shares; outstanding: -0- in 2015 and 2014	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, par value $1 per share–Authorized 320,000,000 shares; outstanding: (2015–130,218,183 issued, less 7,848,231 held in treasury and 2014–134,218,183 issued, less 6,287,907 held in treasury)	130,218	134,218
Additional paid-in capital	482,284	457,613
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	231,947	997,452
Retained earnings	3,614,369	3,376,846
Treasury stock	(403,266)	(268,663)
Total shareholders’ equity	4,055,552	4,697,466
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 19,853,213	$ 20,272,259
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 13,251,871	$ 12,823,612
Equity securities, cost	776	776
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 856,291	$ 1,148,749
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	320,000,000	320,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	130,218,183	134,218,183
Common stock, shares held in treasury	7,848,231	6,287,907

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	[1]	Dec. 31, 2013	[1]
Revenue:
Life premium	$ 2,073,065	$ 1,966,300		$ 1,885,332
Health premium	925,520	869,440		863,818
Other premium	135	400		532
Total premium	2,998,720	2,836,140		2,749,682
Net investment income	773,951	758,286		734,650
Realized investment gains (losses)	(8,791)	23,548		10,668
Other-than-temporary impairments	0	0		(2,678)
Other income	2,185	2,121		1,931
Total revenue	3,766,065	3,620,095		3,494,253
Benefits and expenses:
Life policyholder benefits	1,374,608	1,301,562		1,227,857
Health policyholder benefits	602,610	559,817		567,607
Other policyholder benefits	38,994	42,005		43,302
Total policyholder benefits	2,016,212	1,903,384		1,838,766
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	445,625	415,914	[2]	400,869	[2]
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses	237,541	222,463		207,399
Other operating expense	223,858	217,531		211,443
Interest expense	76,642	76,126		80,461
Total benefits and expenses	2,999,878	2,835,418		2,738,938
Income before income taxes	766,187	784,677		755,315
Income taxes	(249,894)	(256,603)		(248,110)
Income from continuing operations	516,293	528,074		507,205
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	10,807	14,865	[2]	21,267	[2]
Net income	$ 527,100	$ 542,939	[2]	$ 528,472	[2]
Basic net income per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 4.13	$ 4.04		$ 3.68
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.08	0.11		0.16
Total basic net income per common share	4.21	4.15		3.84
Diluted net income per common share:
Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	4.07	3.98		3.63
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.09	0.11		0.16
Total diluted net income per common share	$ 4.16	$ 4.09		$ 3.79
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 527,100	$ 542,939	[1],[2]	$ 528,472	[1],[2]
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	(1,166,032)	1,283,062		(1,183,652)
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	408,092	(448,985)		415,481
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	(757,940)	834,077		(768,171)
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs	8,682	(6,200)		14,906
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	(3,039)	2,170		(5,217)
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	5,643	(4,030)		9,689
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities	(20,651)	(10,770)		(2,962)
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	6,892	3,290		1,220
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities, net of tax	(13,759)	(7,480)		(1,742)
Pension adjustments:
Amortization of pension costs	14,586	10,285		18,366
Plan amendments	(2,104)	0		0
Experience gain (loss)	(11,632)	(65,817)		52,296
Pension adjustments	850	(55,532)		70,662
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	(299)	19,436		(24,732)
Pension adjustments, net of tax	551	(36,096)		45,930
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(765,505)	786,471		(714,294)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(238,405)	1,329,410		(185,822)
Securities [Member]
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	(1,163,259)	1,312,841		(1,166,332)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on securities included in net income	9,478	(23,771)		(13,138)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of (discount) premium	(6,346)	(8,621)		(6,569)
Foreign exchange adjustment on securities recorded at fair value	(3,010)	(1,567)		(1,173)
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	(1,163,137)	1,278,882		(1,187,212)
Other Investments [Member]
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	(1,793)	4,180		28
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on securities included in net income	(1,102)	0		3,532
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ (2,895)	$ 4,180		$ 3,560
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Consolidated Statements Of Shar

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 4,361,786		$ 0	$ 158,718	$ 439,782	$ 925,275	$ 3,350,432	$ (512,421)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Other Comprehensive income (loss)	(185,822)					(714,294)	528,472
Common dividends declared ($.45 in 2013, $.51 in 2014 and $.54 in 2015 a share)	(61,991)						(61,991)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(482,264)							(482,264)
Stock-based compensation	25,642				23,464		563	1,615
Exercise of stock options	118,991				21,315		(25,195)	122,871
Retirement of treasury stock	0			(7,500)	(22,503)		(296,748)	326,751
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	3,776,342		0	151,218	462,058	210,981	3,495,533	(543,448)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Other Comprehensive income (loss)	1,329,410					786,471	542,939
Common dividends declared ($.45 in 2013, $.51 in 2014 and $.54 in 2015 a share)	(65,998)						(65,998)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(449,308)							(449,308)
Stock-based compensation	32,203				31,315		362	526
Exercise of stock options	74,817				18,524		(22,641)	78,934
Retirement of treasury stock	0			(17,000)	(54,284)		(573,349)	644,633
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	4,697,466	[1]	0	134,218	457,613	997,452	3,376,846	(268,663)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Other Comprehensive income (loss)	(238,405)					(765,505)	527,100
Common dividends declared ($.45 in 2013, $.51 in 2014 and $.54 in 2015 a share)	(67,182)						(67,182)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(418,526)							(418,526)
Stock-based compensation	28,664				21,813		(2,132)	8,983
Exercise of stock options	53,535				17,577		(36,322)	72,280
Retirement of treasury stock	0			(4,000)	(14,719)		(183,941)	202,660
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 4,055,552		$ 0	$ 130,218	$ 482,284	$ 231,947	$ 3,614,369	$ (403,266)
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Consolidated Statements Of Sha7

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholder's Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common dividends declared, per share	$ 0.54	$ 0.51	$ 0.45

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Net income		$ 527,100		$ 542,939	[1],[2]	$ 528,472	[1],[2]
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided from continuing operations:
(Income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(10,807)		(14,865)	[1],[2]	(21,267)	[1],[2]
Increase in future policy benefits		631,202		585,632	[2]	578,217	[2]
Increase (decrease) in other policy benefits		14,609		12,521	[2]	(7,151)	[2]
Deferral of policy acquisition costs		(612,181)		(562,245)	[2]	(520,248)	[2]
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		445,625		415,914	[1],[2]	400,869	[1],[2]
Change in current and deferred income taxes		103,558		102,720	[2]	74,989	[2]
Realized (gains) losses on sale of investments and properties		8,791		(23,548)	[2]	(7,990)	[2]
Other, net		13,985		(38,354)	[2]	27,230	[2]
Net cash provided from (used for) continuing operations		1,121,882		1,020,714	[2]	1,053,121	[2]
Net cash provided from (used for) discontinued operations		(1,832)		(156,006)	[2]	66,159	[2]
Cash provided from operations		1,120,050		864,708	[2]	1,119,280	[2]
Cash provided from (used for) investment activities:
Fixed maturities available for sale—sold		226,792		109,024	[2]	133,463	[2]
Fixed maturities available for sale—matured, called, and repaid		376,158		273,223	[2]	493,885	[2]
Equity securities		0		700	[2]	14,000	[2]
Other long-term investments		3,740		795	[2]	1,333	[2]
Total investments sold or matured		606,690		383,742	[2]	642,681	[2]
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale		(1,070,908)		(704,993)	[2]	(1,143,840)	[2]
Other long-term investments		(31,707)		0	[2]	(591)	[2]
Total investments acquired		(1,102,615)		(704,993)	[2]	(1,144,431)	[2]
Net increase in policy loans		(20,353)		(23,222)	[2]	(24,837)	[2]
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments		(38,884)		61,008	[2]	17,970	[2]
Net change in payable or receivable for securities		0		0	[2]	(43,987)	[2]
Additions to properties		(36,957)		(19,367)	[2]	(11,168)	[2]
Sales of properties		0		8,752	[2]	570	[2]
Investments in low-income housing interests		(41,231)		(56,083)	[2]	(51,176)	[2]
Cash provided from (used for) investment activities		(633,350)		(350,163)	[2]	(614,378)	[2]
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Issuance of common stock		35,958		56,294	[2]	97,816	[2]
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(66,899)		(65,006)	[2]	(60,911)	[2]
Net borrowing (repayment) of commercial paper		1,978		9,328	[2]	3,983	[2]
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises		17,577		18,524	[2]	21,315	[2]
Acquisition of treasury stock		(418,526)		(449,308)	[2]	(482,264)	[2]
Net receipts (payments) from deposit-type product		(95,793)		(69,792)	[2]	(21,808)	[2]
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities		(525,705)		(499,960)	[2]	(535,919)	[2]
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash		34,369		14,491	[2]	6,250	[2]
Increase (decrease) in cash		(4,636)		29,076	[2]	(24,767)	[2]
Cash at beginning of year	[2]	66,019	[3]	36,943		61,710
Cash at end of year		61,383		66,019	[2],[3]	36,943	[2]
7.375% Notes [Member]
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of 7.375% Notes		$ 0		$ 0	[2]	$ (94,050)	[2]
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.
[3]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Business : Torchmark Corporation (Torchmark or alternatively, the Company) through its subsidiaries provides a variety of life and health insurance products and annuities to a broad base of customers. Basis of Presentation : The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the results of Torchmark and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When Torchmark acquires a subsidiary or a block of business, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets is recorded as goodwill. Expenses incurred to effect the acquisition are charged to earnings as of the acquisition date. Upon acquisition, the accounts and results of operations are consolidated as of and subsequent to the acquisition date. Torchmark accounts for its variable interest entities (VIEs) under accounting guidance which clarifies the definition of a variable interest and the instructions for consolidating VIEs. Only primary beneficiaries are required or allowed to consolidate VIEs. Therefore, a company may have voting control of a VIE, but if it is not the primary beneficiary, it is not permitted to consolidate the VIE. As further described under the caption Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests below in this note, Torchmark holds passive interests in limited partnerships which provide investment returns through the provision of tax benefits (principally from the transfer of federal or state tax credits related to federal low-income housing). These interests are considered to be VIEs. They are not consolidated because the Company has no power to control the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of these entities and therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these interests. Torchmark’s involvement is limited to its limited partnership interest in the entities. Torchmark has not provided any other financial support to the entities beyond its commitments to fund its limited partnership interests, and there are no arrangements or agreements with any of the interests to provide other financial support. The maximum loss exposure relative to these interests is limited to their carrying value. When a component of Torchmark’s business is expected to be sold during the ensuing year, Torchmark considers whether the criteria of ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations , have been met, which includes evaluating if the disposal of a component represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company. If the disposal meets the criteria for discontinued operations, the assets and liabilities of components held for sale are segregated and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale for all periods presented. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. The results of operations for the component held for sale are reported in "Income from discontinued operations, net of tax" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for current and prior periods. Discontinued operations are reported commencing in the period in which the business is either disposed of or meets the accounting criteria for discontinued operations, including any gain or loss recognized on the sale or adjustment of the carrying amount to the estimated fair value less cost to sell. As discussed in further detail in Note 6—Discontinued Operations , Torchmark has classified one of its operating segments, Medicare Part D, as held for sale and it is reflected as a discontinued operation for the year ended December 31, 2015 . As this business has been classified as held for sale and its operations are discontinued, the financial results of this business are excluded from Torchmark's continuing operations and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements , other than Note 2—Statutory Accounting and Note 6—Discontinued Operations . Investments : Torchmark classifies all of its fixed maturity investments, which include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in equity securities, which include common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Investments in real estate, included in “Other long-term investments,” are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method. Investments in limited partnerships, also included in "Other long-term investments," are accounted for using the cost method of accounting as Torchmark's partnership interest is minor since Torchmark lacks the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnership's operating and financial policies. The Company considers its cost method investments for impairment when the carrying value of such investments exceeds the net asset value (“NAV”). Short-term investments include investments in interest-bearing time deposits with original maturities of twelve months or less. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Income attributable to investments is included in Torchmark’s net investment income. Net investment income and realized investment gains and losses are not allocated to insurance policyholders’ liabilities. Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities : Torchmark measures the fair value of its fixed maturities and equity securities based on a hierarchy consisting of three levels which indicate the quality of the fair value measurements as described below: • Level 1 – fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. • Level 2 – fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that can otherwise be corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3 – fair values are based on inputs that are considered unobservable where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability as of the measurement date. In this circumstance, the Company has to rely on values derived by independent brokers or internally-developed assumptions. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available to the Company which may include the Company’s own data or bid and ask prices in the dealer market. The great majority of Torchmark's fixed maturities are not actively traded and direct quotes are not generally available. Management therefore determines the fair values of these securities after consideration of data provided by third-party pricing services, independent broker/dealers, and other resources. At December 31, 2015 , Torchmark's investments in fixed maturities were primarily composed of the following significant security types: Corporate securities, state and municipal securities, redeemable preferred stocks, and U.S. government securities. The remaining security types represented less than 1% of the total in the aggregate. Over 95% of the fair value reported at December 31, 2015 was determined using data provided by third-party pricing services. Prices provided by these services are not binding offers but are estimated exit values. Third-party pricing services use proprietary pricing models to determine security values by discounting cash flows using a market-adjusted spread to a benchmark yield. For all asset classes within Torchmark’s significant security types, third-party pricing services use a common valuation technique to model the price of the investments using observable market data. The foundation for these models consists of developing yield spreads based on multiple observable market inputs, including but not limited to: benchmark yield curves, actual trading activity, new issue yields, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector-specific data, economic data, and other inputs that are corroborated in the market. Pricing vendors monitor and review their pricing data continuously with current market and economic data feeds, augmented by ongoing communication within the dealer community. Using the observable market inputs described above, spreads to an appropriate benchmark yield are further developed by the vendors for each security based on security-specific and/or sector-specific risk factors, such as a security’s terms and conditions (coupon, maturity, and call features), credit rating, sector, liquidity, collateral or other cash flow options, and other factors that could impact the risk of the security. Embedded repayment options, such as call and redemption features, are also taken into account in the pricing models. When the spread is determined, it is added to the security’s benchmark yield. The security's expected cash flows are discounted using this spread-adjusted yield, and the resulting present value of the discounted cash flows is the evaluated price. When third-party vendor prices are not available, the Company attempts to obtain valuations from other sources, including but not limited to broker/dealers, broker quotes, and prices on comparable securities. When valuations have been obtained for all securities in the portfolio, management reviews and analyzes the prices to ensure their reasonableness, taking into account available observable information. When two or more valuations are available for a security and the variance between the prices is 10% or less, the close correlation suggests similar observable inputs were used in deriving the price, and the mean of the prices is used. Securities valued in this manner are classified as Level 2. When the variance between two or more valuations for a security exceeds 10%, additional analysis is performed to determine the most appropriate value for that security, using resources such as broker quotes, prices on comparable securities, recent trades, and any other observable market data. Further review is performed on the available valuations to determine if they can be corroborated within reasonable tolerance to any other observable evidence. If one of the valuations or the mean of the available valuations for a security can be corroborated with other observable evidence, then the corroborated value is used and reported as Level 2. The Company uses information and analytical techniques deemed appropriate for determining the point within the range of reasonable fair value estimates that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions. Valuations that cannot be corroborated within a reasonable tolerance are classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , fair value measurements classified as Level 3 represented 4.4% and 4.0% , respectively, of total fixed maturities and equity securities. Torchmark invests in a portfolio of private placement bonds which are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by third parties and was $542 million at amortized cost and $546 million at fair value on December 31, 2015 , compared with $497 million at amortized cost and $513 million at fair value a year earlier. The portfolio managers provide valuations for the bonds based on a pricing matrix utilizing observable inputs, such as the benchmark treasury rate and published sector indices, and unobservable inputs such as an internally-developed credit rating. If the unobservable inputs can be closely corroborated with publicly available information, the fair values are classified as Level 2. If they cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2015 , fair values of $15 million were classified as Level 2, while the remaining balance of $531 million was classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2014 , all private placements were classified as Level 3. The fair values for each class of security and by valuation hierarchy level are indicated in Note 4—Investments under the caption Fair value measurements. Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments : Fair values for cash, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables and payables approximate carrying value. Policy loans are an integral part of Torchmark’s subsidiaries’ life insurance policies in force and their fair values cannot be valued separately and apart from the insurance contracts. The fair values of Torchmark’s long-term debt issues are based on the same methodology as investments in fixed maturities. Because observable inputs were available for these debt securities at December 31, 2015 , they were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2015 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt . As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits , Torchmark maintains an unqualified supplemental retirement plan. Therefore the assets which support the liability for this plan are considered general assets of the Company. These assets consist of the cash value of corporate-owned life insurance policies and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The fair value of the insurance cash values approximates carrying value. Fair values for the ETFs are derived from direct quotes and are considered Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy. Impairment of Investments : Torchmark’s portfolio of fixed maturities fluctuates in value due to changes in interest rates in the financial markets as well as other factors. Fluctuations caused by market interest rate changes have little bearing on whether or not the investment will be ultimately recoverable. Therefore, Torchmark considers these declines in value resulting from changes in market interest rates to be temporary. In certain circumstances, however, Torchmark determines that the decline in the value of a security is other-than-temporary and writes the book value of the security down to its fair value, realizing an investment loss. The evaluation of Torchmark’s securities for other-than-temporary impairments is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of Company investment and accounting professionals. Each security which is impaired because the fair value is less than the cost or amortized cost is identified and evaluated. The determination that an impairment is other-than-temporary is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. Among the factors considered are: • The length of time and extent to which the security has been impaired • The reason(s) for the impairment • The financial condition of the issuer and the near-term prospects for recovery in fair value of the security • The Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery • Expected future cash flows The relative weight given to each of these factors can change over time as facts and circumstances change. In many cases, management believes it is appropriate to give relatively more weight to prospective factors than to retrospective factors. Prospective factors that are given more weight include prospects for recovery, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery, and expected future cash flows. Among the facts and information considered in the process are: • Default on a required payment • Issuer bankruptcy filings • Financial statements of the issuer • Changes in credit ratings of the issuer • The value of underlying collateral • News and information included in press releases issued by the issuer • News and information reported in the media concerning the issuer • News and information published by or otherwise provided by credit analysts • The nature and amount of recent and expected future sources and uses of cash While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimately recoverable amount of a distressed or impaired security. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and is treated as a realized loss in the period the determination is made. The written-down security will be amortized and revenue recognized in accordance with estimated future cash flows. Current accounting guidance is such that if an entity intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is to be considered other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of impairment must be charged to earnings. Otherwise, losses on fixed maturities which are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into two categories, the portion of loss which is considered credit loss and the portion of loss which is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is charged to earnings while the loss due to other factors is charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss portion of an impairment is determined as the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s original effective yield rate. The temporary portion is the difference between this present value of expected future cash flows and fair value (as discounted by a market yield). The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and loan-to-collateral value ratios. Management believes that the present value of future cash flows at the original effective yield is a better measure of valuation because fair value determined by a discounted market yield is often based on limited observable market data, and the market for these securities is generally neither active nor orderly. Cash : Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions. Overdrafts arising from the overnight investment of funds offset cash balances on hand and on deposit. Other Receivables: Other receivables consist primarily of agent debit balances, which represent commissions advanced to insurance agents. These balances are repaid to the Company over time as the premiums are collected by the Company and agents' commissions on such premiums are retained. The balance was $334 million and $313 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Management believes these balances are recoverable as they are less than the estimated present value of future commissions. Deferred Acquisition Costs : Certain costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and recorded as an asset. These costs are essential for the acquisition of new insurance business and are directly related to the successful issuance of an insurance contract including sales commissions, policy issue costs, and underwriting costs. Additionally, deferred acquisition costs include the value of insurance purchased, which are the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies. These costs represent the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed compared against the assets and liabilities for insurance contracts that the Company issues or holds measured in accordance with GAAP. Deferred acquisition costs and the value of insurance purchased are amortized in a systematic manner which matches these costs with the associated revenues. Policies other than universal life-type policies are amortized with interest over the estimated premium-paying period of the policies in a manner which charges each year’s operations in proportion to the receipt of premium income. Universal life-type policies are amortized with interest in proportion to estimated gross profits. The assumptions used to amortize acquisition costs with regard to interest, mortality, morbidity, and persistency are consistent with those used to estimate the liability for future policy benefits. For interest-sensitive and deposit-balance type products, these assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and are revised if actual experience differs significantly from original expectations. For all other products, amortization assumptions are generally not revised once established. Deferred acquisition costs are subject to periodic recoverability and loss recognition testing to determine if there is a premium deficiency. These tests evaluate whether the present value of future contract-related cash flows will support the capitalized deferred acquisition cost asset. These cash flows consist primarily of premium income, less benefits and expenses taking inflation into account. The present value of these cash flows, less the benefit reserve, is then compared with the unamortized deferred acquisition cost balance. In the event the estimated present value of net cash flows is less, the deficiency would be recognized by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits, as described under the caption Future Policy Benefits . Advertising Costs : Costs related to advertising are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain Globe Life Direct Response advertising costs are capitalized when there is a reliable and demonstrated relationship between total costs and future benefits that is a direct result of incurring these costs. Globe Life Direct Response advertising costs consist primarily of the production and distribution costs of direct mail advertising materials, and when capitalized are included as a component of deferred acquisition costs. They are amortized in the same manner as other deferred acquisition costs. Globe Life Direct Response advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating expense were $10 million , $8 million , and $6 million in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Capitalized advertising costs included within deferred acquisition costs were $1.21 billion at December 31, 2015 and $1.15 billion at December 31, 2014 . Goodwill : The excess cost of business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing based on certain procedures outlined by GAAP. These procedures include a qualitative assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, and they also require consideration of a change in relevant events or circumstances that could possibly affect the valuation of a goodwill reporting unit. If it is determined that an impairment is likely, the procedures then involve measuring the carrying value of each reporting unit of Torchmark’s segments, including the goodwill of that unit, against the estimated fair value of the corresponding unit. If the carrying value of a unit including goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, then the goodwill in that unit could potentially be impaired. In that event, further testing is required under the accounting guidance to determine the amount of impairment, if any. If there is an impairment in the goodwill of any reporting unit, it is written down and charged to earnings in the period of test. Torchmark tested its goodwill annually in each of the years 2013 through 2015 . These tests, performed in the second quarter each year, involved assigning carrying value by allocating the Company’s net assets to each of the reporting units of Torchmark’s segments, including the portion of goodwill assigned to the unit. In 2015 , the qualitative assessment was employed as permitted by accounting guidance. Based on the analyses as outlined in the guidance, it was determined that an impairment of goodwill was not likely. In both 2014 and 2013, the fair values of the various reporting units were developed. The fair value of each reporting unit was determined using discounted expected cash flows associated with that unit. Judgment and assumptions are used in developing the projected cash flows for the reporting units, and such estimates are subject to change. The Company also exercises judgment in the determination of the discount rate, which management believes to be appropriate for the risk associated with the cash flow expectations. The fair value of each reporting unit is then measured against that reporting unit’s corresponding carrying value. Because the estimated fair value substantially exceeded the carrying value, including goodwill, of each reporting unit in each period, Torchmark’s goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests : Torchmark invests in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits and other related federal income tax and state premium tax benefits to Torchmark. The carrying value of Torchmark’s investment in these entities was $306 million and $318 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , $302 million associated with the federal interests was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the remaining $4 million state-related interests included in "Other long-term investments". At December 31, 2014 , the comparable amounts were $313 million , and $5 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , Torchmark was obligated under future commitments of $69 million , which is included in the above carrying value. Torchmark accounts for the amortization of these tax benefits in accordance with the new guidance discussed below. On January 1, 2015, Torchmark adopted new guidance concerning Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (ASU 2014-01). The guidance replaces the effective-yield method of amortization with respect to investments in qualified affordable housing acquired after the date of adoption and, if certain conditions are present, provides for a proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the investor amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits received during the current period to the total expected tax credits to be received over the life of the investment. The guidance further provides that a company which previously used the effective-yield method of amortization may continue to use such method with respect to investments acquired before the date of adoption. Amortization, previously required to be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of "Net investment income", is now included in "Income tax expense." Torchmark continues to use the effective-yield method of amortization with respect to its guaranteed investments acquired prior to January 1, 2015, and has retrospectively adopted the new guidance and applied the proportional method of amortization with respect to its non-guaranteed investments. The proportional method of amortization is consistent with Torchmark’s historical method of amortization. As a result, the only impact of the adoption is the reclassification of amortization expense from “Net investment income” to “Income tax expense” with no impact on Torchmark's historical net income, cash flows, or statutory earnings of its insurance subsidiaries. The following table reflects a summary of the impact of the retrospectively adjusted balances on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 . Twelve months ended December 31, 2014 Income Statement As previously reported (1) Adjustments As adjusted Net investment income $ 729,207 $ 29,079 $ 758,286 Total revenue 3,591,016 29,079 3,620,095 Income before income taxes 755,598 29,079 784,677 Income taxes (227,524 ) (29,079 ) (256,603 ) Net income 542,939 — 542,939 Twelve months ended December 31, 2013 Income Statement As previously reported (1) Adjustments As adjusted Net investment income $ 709,743 $ 24,907 $ 734,650 Total revenue 3,469,346 24,907 3,494,253 Income before income taxes 730,408 24,907 755,315 Income taxes (223,203 ) (24,907 ) (248,110 ) Net income 528,472 — 528,472 (1) Total revenue, income before income taxes, and income taxes were adjusted for discontinued operations as discussed earlier in this note. Property and Equipment : Property and equipment, included in “Other assets,” is reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is recorded primarily on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from three to ten years for equipment and five to forty years for buildings and improvements. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Impairments, if any, are recorded when certain events and circumstances become evident that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. Original cost of property and equipment was $175 million at December 31, 2015 and $139 million at December 31, 2014 . Accumulated depreciation was $92 million at year end 2015 and $85 million at the end of 2014 . Depreciation expense was $8.0 million in 2015 , $7.4 million in 2014 , and $6.4 million in 2013 . During 2013, Liberty National Life Insurance Company (Liberty National), a Torchmark subsidiary, sold real estate for a loss of $265 thousand after a previous write-down for other-than-temporary impairment of $2.7 million earlier in the year. The sale of this property eliminated substantially all asbestos-related liability for Torchmark. Future Policy Benefits : The liability for future policy benefits for universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 85% of total future policy benefits, is determined on the net level premium method. This method provides for the present value of expected future benefit payments less the present value of expected future net premiums, based on estimated investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and other assumptions which were considered appropriate at the time the policies were issued. For limited-payment contracts, a deferred profit liability is also recorded which causes profits to emerge over the life of the contract in proportion to policies in force. Assumptions used for traditional life and health insurance products are based primarily on Company experience. Assumptions for interest rates range from 2.5% to 7.0% for Torchmark’s insurance companies with an overall weighted average assumed rate of 5.7% . Mortality tables used for individual life insurance include various statutory tables and modifications of a variety of generally accepted actuarial tables. Morbidity assumptions for individual health are based on Company experience and industry data. Withdrawal and termination assumptions are based on Torchmark’s experience. Once established, assumptions for these products are generally not changed. An additional provision is made on most products to allow for possible adverse deviation from the assumptions. These estimates are reviewed annually and compared with actual experience. If it is determined that existing contract liabilities, together with the present value of future gross premiums, will not be sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits

Statutory Accounting

Statutory Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting	Statutory Accounting Life insurance subsidiaries of Torchmark are required to file statutory financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities. Accounting principles used to prepare these statutory financial statements differ from GAAP. Consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity (capital and surplus) on a statutory basis for the insurance subsidiaries were as follows: Net Income Shareholders’ Equity Year Ended December 31, At December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 393,466 $ 446,439 $ 572,509 $ 1,253,007 $ 1,262,624 The excess, if any, of shareholder’s equity of the insurance subsidiaries on a GAAP basis over that determined on a statutory basis is not available for distribution by the insurance subsidiaries to Torchmark without regulatory approval. Insurance subsidiaries’ statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements in the aggregate was $452 million at December 31, 2015 . More information on the restrictions on the payment of dividends can be found in Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity . Torchmark’s statutory financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed by the insurance department of the state of domicile of each insurance subsidiary. All states have adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) statutory accounting practices (NAIC SAP) as the basis for statutory accounting. However, certain states have retained the prescribed practices of their respective insurance code or administrative code which can differ from NAIC SAP. There are no significant differences between NAIC SAP and the accounting practices prescribed by the states of domicile for Torchmark’s life insurance companies that affect statutory surplus.

Supplemental Information about

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income An analysis in the change in balance by component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income is as follows for each of the years 2013 through 2015 . Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income For the 12 months ended December 31, 2013: Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 1,024,367 $ (16,417 ) $ 26,608 $ (109,283 ) $ 925,275 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (758,857 ) 9,689 (1,742 ) 33,992 (716,918 ) Reclassifications, net of tax (9,314 ) — — 11,938 2,624 Other comprehensive income (loss) (768,171 ) 9,689 (1,742 ) 45,930 (714,294 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 256,196 (6,728 ) 24,866 (63,353 ) 210,981 For the 12 months ended December 31, 2014: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 855,132 (4,030 ) (7,480 ) (42,781 ) 800,841 Reclassifications, net of tax (21,055 ) — — 6,685 (14,370 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 834,077 (4,030 ) (7,480 ) (36,096 ) 786,471 Balance at December 31, 2014 1,090,273 (10,758 ) 17,386 (99,449 ) 997,452 For the 12 months ended December 31, 2015: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (759,976 ) 5,643 (13,759 ) (8,930 ) (777,022 ) Reclassifications, net of tax 2,036 — — 9,481 11,517 Other comprehensive income (loss) (757,940 ) 5,643 (13,759 ) 551 (765,505 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 332,333 $ (5,115 ) $ 3,627 $ (98,898 ) $ 231,947 Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for each of the years 2013 through 2015 . Reclassification Adjustments Year Ended December 31, Component Line Item 2015 2014 2013 Affected line items in the Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ 9,478 $ (23,771 ) $ (9,606 ) Realized investment gains (losses) Amortization of (discount) premium (6,346 ) (8,621 ) (6,569 ) Net investment income Total before tax 3,132 (32,392 ) (16,175 ) Tax (1,096 ) 11,337 6,861 Income taxes Total after tax 2,036 (21,055 ) (9,314 ) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 377 2,113 2,276 Other operating expenses Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 14,209 8,172 16,090 Other operating expenses Total before tax 14,586 10,285 18,366 Tax (5,105 ) (3,600 ) (6,428 ) Income taxes Total after tax 9,481 6,685 11,938 Total reclassifications (after tax) $ 11,517 $ (14,370 ) $ 2,624

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Portfolio Composition : A summary of fixed maturities available for sale and equity securities by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015: Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 368,718 $ 404 $ (14,078 ) $ 355,044 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,296,396 131,516 (1,908 ) 1,426,004 10 Foreign governments 21,594 1,369 (163 ) 22,800 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 2,760,552 301,624 (54,881 ) 3,007,295 22 Utilities 1,981,241 223,535 (28,267 ) 2,176,509 16 Energy 1,568,392 53,776 (219,101 ) 1,403,067 10 Other corporate sectors 4,761,192 294,026 (230,911 ) 4,824,307 35 Total corporates 11,071,377 872,961 (533,160 ) 11,411,178 83 Collateralized debt obligations 63,662 16,158 (9,438 ) 70,382 1 Other asset-backed securities 18,963 668 — 19,631 — Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 382,517 45,926 (4,781 ) 423,662 3 Utilities 28,644 731 (52 ) 29,323 — Total redeemable preferred stocks 411,161 46,657 (4,833 ) 452,985 3 Total fixed maturities 13,251,871 1,069,733 (563,580 ) 13,758,024 100 Equity securities available for sale 776 859 — 1,635 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 13,252,647 $ 1,070,592 $ (563,580 ) $ 13,759,659 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value 2014: Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 367,463 $ 5,561 $ (3,183 ) $ 369,841 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,278,429 177,052 (718 ) 1,454,763 10 Foreign governments 25,824 1,350 (1 ) 27,173 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 2,659,266 419,303 (12,136 ) 3,066,433 21 Utilities 2,154,433 377,962 (2,945 ) 2,529,450 17 Energy 1,511,839 173,485 (21,641 ) 1,663,683 12 Other corporate sectors 4,240,082 530,462 (24,158 ) 4,746,386 33 Total corporates 10,565,620 1,501,212 (60,880 ) 12,005,952 83 Collateralized debt obligations 67,876 4,165 (8,809 ) 63,232 — Other asset-backed securities 21,424 1,104 — 22,528 — Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 468,290 56,845 (5,008 ) 520,127 4 Utilities 28,686 781 (23 ) 29,444 — Total redeemable preferred stocks 496,976 57,626 (5,031 ) 549,571 4 Total fixed maturities 12,823,612 1,748,070 (78,622 ) 14,493,060 100 Equity securities available for sale 776 701 — 1,477 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 12,824,388 $ 1,748,771 $ (78,622 ) $ 14,494,537 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value A schedule of fixed maturities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2015 is shown below on an amortized cost basis and on a fair value basis. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions. Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 66,545 $ 67,585 Due from one to five years 535,903 583,237 Due from five to ten years 1,051,912 1,129,107 Due from ten to twenty years 3,877,844 4,201,334 Due after twenty years 7,635,180 7,684,715 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 84,487 92,046 $ 13,251,871 $ 13,758,024 Analysis of investment operations : As discussed in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , net investment income was retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2014-01 for all periods presented. Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net investment income is summarized as follows: Fixed maturities $ 747,663 $ 732,925 $ 709,756 Equity securities 13 8 323 Policy loans 36,763 35,015 33,471 Other long-term investments 2,008 1,508 1,281 Short-term investments 95 75 138 786,542 769,531 744,969 Less investment expense (12,591 ) (11,245 ) (10,319 ) Net investment income $ 773,951 $ 758,286 $ 734,650 An analysis of realized gains (losses) from investments is as follows: Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities $ (9,479 ) $ 23,170 $ 13,138 Equity securities — 601 — Loss on redemption of debt — (258 ) — Other 688 35 (5,148 ) (8,791 ) 23,548 7,990 Applicable tax 3,077 (8,242 ) (4,025 ) Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax $ (5,714 ) $ 15,306 $ 3,965 An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows: Fixed maturities $ (1,163,295 ) $ 1,279,190 $ (1,187,529 ) Equity securities 158 (308 ) 317 Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities (1,163,137 ) 1,278,882 (1,187,212 ) Other investments (2,895 ) 4,180 3,560 Net change in unrealized gains (losses) $ (1,166,032 ) $ 1,283,062 $ (1,183,652 ) Additional information about securities sold is as follows: At December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturities: Proceeds from sales $ 226,792 $ 109,024 $ 133,463 Gross realized gains 259 17,583 5,948 Gross realized losses (16,894 ) (1,879 ) (1,310 ) Fair value measurements : The following tables represent the fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using: Description Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 355,044 $ — $ 355,044 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,426,004 — 1,426,004 Foreign governments — 22,800 — 22,800 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 2,945,048 62,247 3,007,295 Utilities 22,189 2,020,268 134,052 2,176,509 Energy — 1,377,861 25,206 1,403,067 Other corporate sectors — 4,515,006 309,301 4,824,307 Total corporates 22,189 10,858,183 530,806 11,411,178 Collateralized debt obligations — — 70,382 70,382 Other asset-backed securities — 19,631 — 19,631 Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 10,124 413,538 — 423,662 Utilities — 29,323 — 29,323 Total redeemable preferred stocks 10,124 442,861 — 452,985 Total fixed maturities 32,313 13,124,523 601,188 13,758,024 Equity securities available for sale 765 — 870 1,635 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 33,078 $ 13,124,523 $ 602,058 $ 13,759,659 Percentage of total 0.2 % 95.4 % 4.4 % 100 % Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using: Description Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 369,841 $ — $ 369,841 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,504 1,453,259 — 1,454,763 Foreign governments — 27,173 — 27,173 Corporates, by sector: Financial 56,517 2,940,267 69,649 3,066,433 Utilities 30,054 2,366,408 132,988 2,529,450 Energy — 1,636,653 27,030 1,663,683 Other corporate sectors — 4,463,339 283,047 4,746,386 Total corporates 86,571 11,406,667 512,714 12,005,952 Collateralized debt obligations — — 63,232 63,232 Other asset-backed securities 661 21,867 — 22,528 Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 17,811 502,316 — 520,127 Utilities 5,134 24,310 — 29,444 Total redeemable preferred stocks 22,945 526,626 — 549,571 Total fixed maturities 111,681 13,805,433 575,946 14,493,060 Equity securities available for sale 644 — 833 1,477 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 112,325 $ 13,805,433 $ 576,779 $ 14,494,537 Percentage of total 0.8 % 95.2 % 4.0 % 100.0 % The following table represents changes in assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Analysis of Changes in Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Asset- backed securities Collateralized debt Obligations Corporates Equities Total Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 7,981 $ 46,571 $ 231,072 $ 739 $ 286,363 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — — — — — Included in other comprehensive income 426 10,083 (17,243 ) 37 (6,697 ) Acquisitions — — 129,755 — 129,755 Sales — — — — — Amortization (57 ) 2,838 5 — 2,786 Other (1) — (1,287 ) (834 ) — (2,121 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 (8,350 ) — (42,455 ) — (50,805 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 — 58,205 300,300 776 359,281 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — 15,924 1 — 15,925 Included in other comprehensive income — 3,323 27,864 57 31,244 Acquisitions — — 186,366 — 186,366 Sales — (16,049 ) (1 ) — (16,050 ) Amortization — 5,519 13 — 5,532 Other (1) — (3,690 ) (1,829 ) — (5,519 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2014 — 63,232 512,714 833 576,779 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — — 1,182 — 1,182 Included in other comprehensive income — 11,365 (11,925 ) 37 (523 ) Acquisitions — — 38,600 — 38,600 Amortization — 5,536 17 — 5,553 Other (1) — (9,751 ) (9,782 ) — (19,533 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2015 $ — $ 70,382 $ 530,806 $ 870 $ 602,058 (1) Includes capitalized interest, foreign exchange adjustments, and principal repayments. Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in each of the years 2013 through 2015 are comprised of private-placement fixed maturities managed by an unaffiliated third-party. See Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies for more information on private placements. Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Unobservable Range Weighted Collateralized debt obligations $ 70,382 Discounted cash flows Discount 8.85 - 9.5% 9.4% Private placement fixed maturities 530,806 Discounted cash flows Credit A+ to BB BBB Discount 3.13 - 7.47% 4.31% Equity securities 870 Third-party pricing without adjustment N/A N/A N/A $ 602,058 The collateral underlying collateralized debt obligations for which fair values are reported as Level 3 consists primarily of trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurance companies. None of the collateral is subprime or Alt-A mortgages (loans for which the typical documentation was not provided by the borrower). Collateralized debt obligations are valued at the present value of expected future cash flows using an unobservable discount rate. Expected cash flows are determined by scheduling the projected repayment of the collateral assuming no future defaults, deferrals, or recoveries. The discount rate is risk-adjusted to take these items into account. A significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate will produce a significant decrease (increase) in fair value. Additionally, a significant increase (decrease) in the cash flow expectations would result in a significant increase (decrease) in fair value. The private placement fixed maturities are valued based on the contractual cash flows discounted by a yield determined as a treasury benchmark adjusted for a credit spread. The credit spread is developed from observable indices for similar public fixed maturities and unobservable indices for private fixed maturities for corresponding credit ratings. However, the credit ratings for the private placements are considered unobservable inputs, as they are assigned by the third party investment manager based on a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the credit underwritten. A higher (lower) credit rating would result in a higher (lower) valuation. For more information regarding valuation procedures, please refer to Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under the caption Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities . The following table presents transfers in and out of each of the valuation levels of fair values. 2015 2014 2013 In Out Net In Out Net In Out Net Level 1 $ 17,252 $ (49,744 ) $ (32,492 ) $ 36,468 $ — $ 36,468 $ 19,416 $ — $ 19,416 Level 2 49,744 (17,252 ) 32,492 — (36,468 ) (36,468 ) 50,805 (19,416 ) 31,389 Level 3 — — — — — — — (50,805 ) (50,805 ) Transfers into Level 2 from Level 3 result from the availability of observable market data when a security is valued at the end of a period. Transfers into Level 3 occur when there is a lack of observable market information. Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 occur when direct quotes are available; transfers from Level 1 into Level 2 result when only observable market data and no direct quotes are available. Transfers between levels are recognized as of the end of the period of transfer. Other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) : Based on the Company's evaluation of its fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with the OTTI policy as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , the Company concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments during the three years ended December 31, 2015 . As of year end 2015 , previously written down securities remaining in the portfolio were carried at a fair value of $60 million , or less than 1% of the fair value of the fixed maturity portfolio. Torchmark is continuously monitoring the market conditions impacting its portfolio, especially in the energy and basic materials sectors. While adverse market conditions for an extended duration could lead to some ratings downgrades in these sectors, Torchmark has the ability and intent to hold these investments to recovery, and does not intend to sell nor expects to be required to sell any of its securities. Unrealized gains/loss analysis : The following tables disclose gross unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of investments at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for the respective periods of time in a loss position. Torchmark considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired. ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES At December 31, 2015 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 310,676 $ (13,196 ) $ 14,731 $ (882 ) $ 325,407 $ (14,078 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 55,351 (1,611 ) 671 (42 ) 56,022 (1,653 ) Foreign governments 7,302 (163 ) — — 7,302 (163 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 476,469 (18,599 ) — — 476,469 (18,599 ) Utilities 435,692 (28,267 ) — — 435,692 (28,267 ) Energy 745,969 (146,157 ) 81,681 (41,412 ) 827,650 (187,569 ) Metals and mining 225,273 (50,857 ) 25,831 (11,552 ) 251,104 (62,409 ) Other corporate sectors 1,615,515 (113,185 ) 35,684 (6,661 ) 1,651,199 (119,846 ) Total corporates 3,498,918 (357,065 ) 143,196 (59,625 ) 3,642,114 (416,690 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Utilities 7,763 (52 ) — — 7,763 (52 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks 7,763 (52 ) — — 7,763 (52 ) Total investment grade securities 3,880,010 (372,087 ) 158,598 (60,549 ) 4,038,608 (432,636 ) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — 299 (255 ) 299 (255 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial — — 69,506 (36,282 ) 69,506 (36,282 ) Energy 7,979 (1,854 ) 61,175 (29,678 ) 69,154 (31,532 ) Metals and mining 4,551 (5,414 ) 17,679 (22,247 ) 22,230 (27,661 ) Other corporate sectors 81,368 (12,492 ) 63,307 (8,503 ) 144,675 (20,995 ) Total corporates 93,898 (19,760 ) 211,667 (96,710 ) 305,565 (116,470 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 10,562 (9,438 ) 10,562 (9,438 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial — — 22,374 (4,781 ) 22,374 (4,781 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks — — 22,374 (4,781 ) 22,374 (4,781 ) Total below investment grade securities 93,898 (19,760 ) 244,902 (111,184 ) 338,800 (130,944 ) Total fixed maturities $ 3,973,908 $ (391,847 ) $ 403,500 $ (171,733 ) $ 4,377,408 $ (563,580 ) ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES At December 31, 2014 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 4,478 $ (7 ) $ 149,238 $ (3,176 ) $ 153,716 $ (3,183 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 5,632 (206 ) 20,363 (348 ) 25,995 (554 ) Foreign governments — — 800 (1 ) 800 (1 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 7,928 (25 ) 28,202 (372 ) 36,130 (397 ) Utilities 4,678 (41 ) 111,993 (2,904 ) 116,671 (2,945 ) Energy 201,509 (12,423 ) 101,457 (9,218 ) 302,966 (21,641 ) Metals and mining 69,959 (3,592 ) 16,078 (943 ) 86,037 (4,535 ) Other corporate sectors 117,743 (1,006 ) 392,029 (12,255 ) 509,772 (13,261 ) Total corporates 401,817 (17,087 ) 649,759 (25,692 ) 1,051,576 (42,779 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 1,008 (1 ) — — 1,008 (1 ) Utilities — — 1,644 (23 ) 1,644 (23 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks 1,008 (1 ) 1,644 (23 ) 2,652 (24 ) Total investment grade securities 412,935 (17,301 ) 821,804 (29,240 ) 1,234,739 (46,541 ) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — 393 (164 ) 393 (164 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial — — 94,069 (11,739 ) 94,069 (11,739 ) Other corporate sectors 32,940 (404 ) 67,117 (5,958 ) 100,057 (6,362 ) Total corporates 32,940 (404 ) 161,186 (17,697 ) 194,126 (18,101 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 11,190 (8,809 ) 11,190 (8,809 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial — — 57,339 (5,007 ) 57,339 (5,007 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks — — 57,339 (5,007 ) 57,339 (5,007 ) Total below investment grade securities 32,940 (404 ) 230,108 (31,677 ) 263,048 (32,081 ) Total fixed maturities $ 445,875 $ (17,705 ) $ 1,051,912 $ (60,917 ) $ 1,497,787 $ (78,622 ) Gross unrealized losses rose from $79 million at year end 2014 to $564 million at year end 2015 , an increased gross unrealized loss of $485 million . During 2015 , the increase in gross unrealized losses was partially attributable to rising interest rates in the financial markets, but also resulted from deteriorating conditions in the energy and metals and mining sectors. The energy sector accounted for $197 million of the 2015 increase in gross unrealized losses from 2014, while metals and mining contributed $86 million of additional gross unrealized losses. Financial sector investments, our largest sector holdings at 25% of the portfolio at fair value at year end 2015 , were also affected by the poor economic environment, adding another $43 million of gross unrealized losses during 2015 . Additional information about investments in an unrealized loss position is as follows: Less than Twelve Total Number of issues (CUSIP numbers) held: As of December 31, 2015 480 75 555 As of December 31, 2014 80 173 253 Torchmark’s entire fixed-maturity and equity portfolio consisted of 1,568 issues at December 31, 2015 and 1,604 issues at December 31, 2014 . The weighted-average quality rating of all unrealized loss positions was BBB+ for both 2015 and 2014 . The weighted-average quality ratings are based on amortized cost. Other investment information : Other long-term investments consist of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Investment in limited partnerships $ 31,409 $ 3,236 Low-income housing interests 3,767 5,370 Other 1,627 1,843 Total $ 36,803 $ 10,449 Torchmark did not have any invested assets that were non-income producing during the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 . Concentrations of Credit Risk : Torchmark maintains a diversified investment portfolio with limited concentration in any given issuer. At December 31, 2015 , the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following: Investment grade fixed maturities: Corporate securities 79 % Securities of state and municipal governments 10 Government-sponsored enterprises 2 Other 1 Below investment grade fixed maturities: Corporate securities 3 Other 1 Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values 3 Other investments 1 100 % As of December 31, 2015 , securities of state and municipal governments represented 10% of invested assets at fair value. Such investments are made throughout the U.S. At year end 2015 , the state and municipal bond portfolio at fair value was invested in securities issued within the following states: Texas ( 30% ), Ohio ( 7% ), Washington ( 7% ), Illinois ( 6% ), and Alabama ( 5% ). Otherwise, there was no significant concentration within any given state greater than 5% . Corporate debt securities and redeemable preferred stocks represent 82% of Torchmark's investment portfolio. These investments are spread across a wide range of industries. Below are the ten largest industry concentrations held in the corporate portfolio of corporate debt securities and redeemable preferred stocks at December 31, 2015 , based on fair value: Insurance 18 % Electric utilities 15 Oil and natural gas pipelines 6 Banks 6 Transportation 5 Chemicals 4 Oil and natural gas exploration and production 4 Gas utilities 3 Real estate investment trusts 3 Mining 3 At year end 2015 , 4% of invested assets at fair value were represented by fixed maturities rated below investment grade (BB+ or lower as determined by the weighted average of available ratings from rating services). Par value of these investments was $720 million , amortized cost was $640 million , and fair value was $533 million . While these investments could be subject to additional credit risk, such risk should generally be reflected in their fair value.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs An analysis of deferred acquisition costs is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 3,457,397 $ 3,325,433 $ 3,187,710 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 401,166 358,969 330,922 Other expenses 211,015 203,276 189,326 Total deferred 612,181 562,245 520,248 Value of insurance purchased during year — — 8,489 Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) 8,682 — 14,906 Total additions 620,863 562,245 543,643 Deductions: Amortized during period (445,625 ) (415,914 ) (400,869 ) Foreign exchange adjustment (15,500 ) (8,167 ) (5,051 ) Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) — (6,200 ) — Total deductions (461,125 ) (430,281 ) (405,920 ) Balance at end of year $ 3,617,135 $ 3,457,397 $ 3,325,433 (1) Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations At December 31, 2015 , Torchmark met the criteria to account for its Medicare Part D business as a discontinued operation and expects the business to be sold during 2016. Historically, the business was a reportable segment. However, Torchmark no longer emphasizes its Medicare Part D business due to declining margins, increased risks, higher drug costs, and increased administrative and compliance costs. Management believes this sale will allow the Company to better focus on its core protection life and health insurance businesses as well as provide additional capital to invest. The net assets held for sale at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: At December 31, 2015 2014 Assets: Due premiums (1) $ 8,041 $ 5,292 Risk sharing receivable (1) — 31,373 Other receivables (2) 287,765 236,996 Deferred acquisition costs 17,037 14,384 Total assets held for sale 312,843 288,045 Liabilities: Unearned and advance premiums 806 572 Policy claims and other benefits payable (2) 12,309 15,517 Risk sharing payable 23,837 — Current and deferred income taxes payable 13,604 11,195 Other 479 11,592 Total liabilities held for sale 51,035 38,876 Net assets $ 261,808 $ 249,169 (1) Previously included as a component of "Other receivables" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . (2) At December 31, 2015 , receivables included $193 million from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and $95 million from drug manufacturer rebates. At December 31, 2014 , the comparable amounts were $179 million and $58 million , respectively. In 2014, the receivable for drug manufacturer rebates was previously included as a component of "Policy claims and other benefits payable" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . Income from discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue: Health premium $ 260,657 $ 373,280 $ 302,592 Benefits and expenses: Health policyholder benefits 213,114 315,816 250,080 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 3,506 2,858 2,520 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses 20,909 26,613 14,027 Other operating expense 6,502 5,123 3,247 Total benefits and expenses 244,031 350,410 269,874 Income before income taxes for discontinued operations 16,626 22,870 32,718 Income taxes (5,819 ) (8,005 ) (11,451 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 10,807 $ 14,865 $ 21,267 Income taxes paid related to discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2015 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes paid $ 3,409 $ 12,013 $ 10,320

Liability for Unpaid Health Cla

Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	Liability for Unpaid Health Claims Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 128,265 $ 116,559 $ 124,999 Incurred related to: Current year 502,009 453,014 453,538 Prior years (7,845 ) 804 5,279 Total incurred 494,164 453,818 458,817 Paid related to: Current year 379,037 343,648 354,358 Prior years 106,272 98,464 112,899 Total paid 485,309 442,112 467,257 Balance at end of year $ 137,120 $ 128,265 $ 116,559 At the end of each period, the liability for unpaid health claims includes an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported to the Company. Such estimates are updated regularly based upon the Company’s most recent claims data with recognition of emerging experience trends. Because of the nature of the Company’s health business, the payment lags are relatively short and most claims are fully paid within a year from the time incurred. Fluctuations in claims experience can lead to either over or under estimation of the liability for any given year. The difference between the estimate made at the end of the prior period and the actual experience during the period is reflected above under the caption “Incurred related to: Prior years.” The liability for unpaid health claims is included with “Policy claims and other benefits payable” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes As discussed in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests" the Company adopted ASU 2014-01 as of January 1, 2015. As a result of the adoption, amortization of the cost component for certain investments in low-income affordable housing projects were reclassified from net investment income to income taxes. The reclassification adjustment has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The components of income taxes were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 249,894 $ 256,603 $ 248,110 Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) (411,646 ) 424,089 (386,752 ) Tax basis compensation expense (from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards) in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (17,577 ) (18,524 ) (21,314 ) $ (179,329 ) $ 662,168 $ (159,956 ) Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current income tax expense $ 174,284 $ 169,319 $ 190,406 Deferred income tax expense 75,610 87,284 57,704 $ 249,894 $ 256,603 $ 248,110 In each of the years 2013 through 2015 , deferred income tax expense was incurred because of certain differences between net income before income taxes as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and taxable income as reported on Torchmark’s income tax returns. As explained in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , these differences caused the financial statement book values of some assets and liabilities to be different from their respective tax bases. The effective income tax rate differed from the expected 35% rate as shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 % 2014 % 2013 % Expected income taxes $ 268,165 35.0 $ 274,637 35.0 $ 264,360 35.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Tax-exempt investment income (3,178 ) (0.4 ) (3,233 ) (0.4 ) (3,107 ) (0.4 ) Low income housing investments (19,031 ) (2.5 ) (17,541 ) (2.2 ) (16,227 ) (2.1 ) Other 3,938 0.5 2,740 0.4 3,084 0.4 Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 249,894 32.6 $ 256,603 32.8 $ 248,110 32.9 The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 16,098 $ 12,925 Carryover of tax losses 2,266 3,036 Total gross deferred tax assets 18,364 15,961 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 128,683 522,219 Employee and agent compensation 83,229 74,088 Deferred acquisition costs 921,799 874,817 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 340,854 331,408 Other liabilities 17,176 4,732 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,491,741 1,807,264 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,473,377 $ 1,791,303 Torchmark and its subsidiaries, excluding Family Heritage Life Insurance Company (Family Heritage), file a life-nonlife consolidated federal income tax return. Family Heritage files its federal income tax return on a separate company basis. Torchmark’s consolidated federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS completed its examination of Torchmark’s 2008-2011 consolidated income tax returns during 2014 resulting in no impact on the company’s effective tax rate. The statutes of limitations for the assessment of additional tax are closed for all tax years prior to 2012 with respect to Torchmark’s consolidated and Family Heritage’s federal income tax returns. Management believes that adequate provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for any potential assessments that may result from current or future tax examinations and other tax-related matters for all open years. Torchmark has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $6.3 million at December 31, 2015 which will begin to expire in 2032 if not otherwise used to offset future taxable income. A valuation allowance is to be provided when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized by the Company. No valuation allowance has been recorded relating to Torchmark’s deferred tax assets as management believes Torchmark will more likely than not have sufficient taxable income in future periods to fully realize its existing deferred tax assets. Torchmark’s tax liability is adjusted to include a provision for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. However, during the years 2013 through 2015 , Torchmark did not have any uncertain tax positions which resulted in unrecognized tax benefits. Torchmark’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company recognized interest income of $11 thousand , $465 thousand , and $0 thousand , net of federal income tax benefits, in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The Company had no accrued interest or penalties at December 31, 2015 or 2014 .

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Postretirement Benefits	Postretirement Benefits Pension Plans : Torchmark has noncontributory retirement benefit plans and contributory savings plans which cover substantially all employees. There are also two nonqualified, noncontributory supplemental benefit pension plans which cover a limited number of employees. The total cost of these retirement plans charged to operations was as follows: Year Ended December 31, Defined Defined 2015 $ 3,429 $ 29,230 2014 3,078 23,463 2013 3,373 33,122 Torchmark accrues expense for the defined contribution plans based on a percentage of the employees’ contributions. The plans are funded by the employee contributions and a Torchmark contribution equal to the amount of accrued expense. Plan contributions are both mandatory and discretionary, depending on the terms of the plan. Cost for the defined benefit pension plans has been calculated on the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. All plan measurements for the defined benefit plans are as of December 31 of the respective year. The defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of employees are qualified and funded. Contributions are made to funded pension plans subject to minimums required by regulation and maximums allowed for tax purposes. Defined benefit plan contributions were $15.5 million in 2015 , $14.6 million in 2014 , and $10.3 million in 2013 . Torchmark estimates as of December 31, 2015 that it will contribute an amount not to exceed $20 million to these plans in 2016 . The actual amount of contribution may be different from this estimate. Torchmark has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), which provides to a limited number of executives an additional supplemental defined pension benefit. The supplemental benefit is based on the participant’s qualified plan benefit without consideration to the regulatory limits on compensation and benefit payments applicable to qualified plans, except that eligible compensation is capped at $1 million . The SERP is unqualified and unfunded. However, a Rabbi Trust has been established to support the liability for this plan. This trust consists of life insurance policies on the lives of plan participants with an unaffiliated insurance carrier as well as an investment account. The premiums paid for the insurance coverage were $10.1 million in 2015 , $2.2 million in 2014 , and $2.9 million in 2013 . The cash value of these policies at December 31, 2015 was $34 million and was $24 million a year earlier. Investments in the investment account consist of ETFs. Deposits of $6 million in 2013 were added to the investment account in this trust. There were no deposits in 2015 or 2014 . As of December 31, 2015 , the combined value of the insurance policies and the trust investments was $79 million , compared with $74 million a year earlier. Because this plan is unqualified, the investments and the policyholder value of the insurance policies in the Rabbi Trust are not included as defined benefit plan assets but as assets of the Company. They are included with “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The liability for this SERP at December 31, 2015 was $67 million and was $71 million a year earlier. The Company has another small supplemental benefit pension plan which is limited to a very select group of employees and was closed as of December 31, 1994. It provides the full benefits that an employee would have otherwise received from a defined benefit plan in the absence of the limitation on benefits payable under a qualified plan. This plan is unfunded. Liability for this closed plan was $3 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . Pension cost for both supplemental defined benefit plans is determined in the same manner as for the qualified defined benefit plans. Plan assets in the funded plans consist primarily of investments in marketable fixed maturities and equity securities and are valued at fair value. Torchmark measures the fair value of its financial assets, including the assets in its benefit plans, in accordance with accounting guidance which establishes a hierarchy for asset values and provides a methodology for the measurement of value. Please refer to Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under the caption Fair Value Measurements , Investments in Securities for a complete discussion of valuation procedures. The following table presents the assets of Torchmark’s defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2015 Fair Value Determined by: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Amount % to Total Equity securities: Financial $ 49,391 $ $ $ 49,391 16 Consumer, Cyclical 24,264 24,264 8 Technology 19,871 19,871 6 Industrial 15,176 15,176 5 Consumer, Non-Cyclical 12,216 12,216 4 Other 2,502 8 2,510 1 Total equity securities 123,420 8 — 123,428 40 Corporate bonds Financial 36,266 36,266 12 Utilities 43,229 43,229 14 Energy 25,890 25,890 8 Other corporates 40,996 40,996 13 Total corporate bonds — 146,381 — 146,381 47 Other bonds 270 270 — Guaranteed annuity contract (1) 17,082 17,082 6 Short-term investments 15,593 15,593 5 Other 4,842 4,842 2 Grand Total $ 143,855 $ 163,741 $ — $ 307,596 100 (1) This amount represents a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Torchmark's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan. Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2014 Fair Value Determined by: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Amount % to Total Equity securities: Financial $ 45,790 $ $ $ 45,790 14 Consumer, Cyclical 26,542 26,542 8 Technology 16,965 16,965 5 Consumer, Non-Cyclical 11,665 11,665 4 Energy 10,192 10,192 3 Communications 9,322 9,322 3 Industrial 6,377 6,377 2 Other 715 715 — Total equity securities 127,568 — — 127,568 39 Corporate bonds Financial 40,889 40,889 13 Utilities 48,510 48,510 15 Energy 30,936 30,936 10 Other corporates 46,490 46,490 14 Total corporate bonds — 166,825 — 166,825 52 Other bonds 284 284 — Guaranteed annuity contract (1) 15,027 15,027 5 Short-term investments 9,038 9,038 3 Other 4,156 4,156 1 Grand Total $ 140,762 $ 182,136 $ — $ 322,898 100 (1) This amount represents a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Torchmark's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan. Torchmark’s investment objectives for its plan assets include preservation of capital, preservation of purchasing power, and long-term growth. Torchmark seeks to preserve capital through investments made in high quality securities with adequate diversification by issuer and industry sector to minimize risk. The portfolio is monitored continuously for changes in quality and diversification mix. The preservation of purchasing power is intended to be accomplished through asset growth, exclusive of contributions and withdrawals, in excess of the rate of inflation. Torchmark intends to maintain investments that when combined with future plan contributions will produce adequate long-term growth to provide for all plan obligations. It is also Torchmark’s objective that the portfolio’s investment return will meet or exceed the return of a balanced market index. The majority of the securities in the portfolio are highly marketable so that there will be adequate liquidity to meet projected payments. There are no specific policies calling for asset durations to match those of benefit obligations. Allowed investments are limited to equities, fixed maturities, and short-term investments (invested cash). The assets are to be invested in a mix of equity and fixed income investments that best serve the objectives of the pension plan. Factors to be considered in determining the asset mix include funded status, annual pension expense, annual pension contributions, and balance sheet liability. Equities include common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into equities, mutual funds that invest in equities, and other equity-related investments. Equities must be listed on major exchanges and adequate market liquidity is required. Fixed maturities consist of marketable debt securities rated investment grade at purchase by a major rating agency. Short-term investments include fixed maturities with maturities less than one year and invested cash. Short-term investments in commercial paper must be rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s with the issuer rated investment grade. Invested cash is limited to banks rated A or higher. Investments outside of the aforementioned list are not permitted, except by prior approval of the Plan’s Trustees. At December 31, 2015 , there were no restricted investments contained in the portfolio. Plan contributions have been invested primarily in fixed maturity and equity securities during the three years ended December 31, 2015. The investment portfolio is to be well diversified to avoid undue exposure to a single sector, industry, business, or security. The equity and fixed maturity portfolios are not permitted to invest in any single issuer that would exceed 10% of total plan assets at the time of purchase. Torchmark does not employ any other special risk management techniques, such as derivatives, in managing the pension investment portfolio. The following table discloses the assumptions used to determine Torchmark’s pension liabilities and costs for the appropriate periods. The discount and compensation increase rates are used to determine current year projected benefit obligations and subsequent year pension expense. The long-term rate of return is used to determine current year expense. Differences between assumptions and actual experience are included in actuarial gain or loss. Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions For Benefit Obligations at December 31: 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.64 % 4.23 % Rate of Compensation Increase 4.33 4.35 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2015 2014 2013 Discount Rate 4.23 % 5.12 % 4.18 % Expected Long-Term Returns 6.96 6.97 6.96 Rate of Compensation Increase 4.35 4.35 4.40 The discount rate is determined based on the expected duration of plan liabilities. A yield is then derived based on the current market yield of a hypothetical portfolio of higher-quality corporate bonds which match the liability duration. The rate of compensation increase is projected based on Company experience, modified as appropriate for future expectations. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is management’s best estimate of the average rate of earnings expected to be received on the assets invested in the plan over the benefit period. In determining this assumption, consideration is given to the historical rate of return earned on the assets, the projected returns over future periods, and the discount rate used to compute benefit obligations. Net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit plans by expense component was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 15,902 $ 12,925 $ 14,984 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 19,887 19,270 17,043 Expected return on assets (21,204 ) (19,031 ) (17,429 ) Net amortization 14,465 10,283 18,143 Recognition of actuarial loss 180 16 381 Net periodic pension cost $ 29,230 $ 23,463 $ 33,122 An analysis of the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) concerning pensions and other postretirement benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1 $ (152,999 ) $ (97,467 ) $ (168,129 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 377 2,113 2,276 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 14,209 8,172 16,090 Total amortization 14,586 10,285 18,366 Plan amendments (2,104 ) — — Experience gain(loss) (11,632 ) (65,817 ) 52,296 Balance at December 31 $ (152,149 ) $ (152,999 ) $ (97,467 ) (1) Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $120 thousand in 2015 , $2 thousand in 2014 , and $224 thousand in 2013 . The following table presents a reconciliation from the beginning to the end of the year of the projected benefit obligation and plan assets for pensions. This table also presents the amounts previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Pension Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 477,426 $ 383,859 Service cost 15,902 12,925 Interest cost 19,887 19,270 Plan amendments 2,104 — Actuarial loss (gain) (19,226 ) 78,487 Benefits paid (19,512 ) (17,115 ) Obligation at end of year 476,581 477,426 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 322,898 291,753 Return on assets (11,333 ) 33,641 Contributions 15,543 14,619 Benefits paid (19,512 ) (17,115 ) Fair value at end of year 307,596 322,898 Funded status at year end $ (168,985 ) $ (154,528 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net loss (gain) $ 145,623 $ 146,571 Prior service cost 5,088 3,362 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 150,711 $ 149,933 The portion of other comprehensive income that is expected to be reflected in pension expense in 2016 is as follows: Amortization of prior service cost $ 477 Amortization of net actuarial loss 9,695 Total $ 10,172 The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for Torchmark’s funded defined benefit pension plans was $371 million and $374 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In the unfunded plans, the ABO was $63 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Torchmark has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2015 . These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s) 2016 $ 18,352 2017 19,832 2018 21,077 2019 21,660 2020 24,048 2021-2025 143,489 Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions : Torchmark provides a small postretirement life insurance benefit for most retired employees, and also provides additional postretirement life insurance benefits for certain key employees. The majority of the life insurance benefits are accrued over the working lives of active employees. Otherwise, Torchmark does not provide postretirement benefits other than pensions and the life insurance benefits described above. Torchmark’s post-retirement defined benefit plans other than pensions are not funded. Liabilities for these plans are measured as of December 31 for the appropriate year. The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for plans other than pensions are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ — $ — $ 354 Interest cost on benefit obligation 1,075 646 1,030 Expected return on plan assets — — — Net amortization 120 2 224 Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss 367 (256 ) — Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 1,562 $ 392 $ 1,608 The following table presents a reconciliation of the benefit obligation and plan assets from the beginning to the end of the year. As these plans are unfunded, funded status is equivalent to the accrued benefit liability. Benefits Other Than Pensions Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 22,895 $ 20,860 Service cost — — Interest cost 1,075 646 Actuarial loss (gain) (1,133 ) 1,700 Benefits paid (358 ) (311 ) Obligation at end of year 22,479 22,895 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year — — Return on assets — — Contributions 358 311 Benefits paid (358 ) (311 ) Fair value at end of year — — Funded status at year end $ (22,479 ) $ (22,895 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss (1) $ 1,447 $ 3,066 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 1,447 $ 3,066 (1) The net loss for benefit plans other than pensions reduces other comprehensive income. The table below presents the assumptions used to determine the liabilities and costs of Torchmark’s postretirement benefit plans other than pensions. Weighted Average Assumptions for Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions For Benefit Obligations at December 31: 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.66 % 4.23 % For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2015 2014 2013 Discount Rate 4.23 % 5.12 % 4.18 % Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions For the year(s) 2016 $ 921 2017 1,018 2018 1,137 2019 1,252 2020 1,356 2021-2025 8,921

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information The following table summarizes Torchmark’s noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 28,664 $ 32,203 $ 25,642 Commitments for low-income housing interests 68,949 75,706 42,525 Capitalized investment income — — 806 The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 74,792 $ 77,066 $ 81,322 Income taxes paid 110,650 100,922 128,771

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The following table presents information about the terms and outstanding balances of Torchmark’s debt. Selected Information about Debt Issues As of December 31, 2015 2014 Description Annual Interest Rate Issue Date Periodic Interest Payments Due Outstanding Principal (Par Value) Outstanding Principal (Book Value) Outstanding Principal (Fair Value) Outstanding Principal (Book Value) Notes, due 5/15/23 (1,2) 7.875 % 5/93 5/15 & 11/15 $ 165,612 $ 163,920 $ 204,470 $ 163,758 Senior Notes, due 6/15/16 (1,3,7) 6.375 % 6/06 6/15 & 12/15 250,000 249,753 255,354 249,236 Senior Notes, due 6/15/19 (1,3) 9.250 % 6/09 6/15 & 12/15 292,647 291,002 353,978 290,618 Senior Notes, due 9/15/22 (1,3) 3.800 % 9/12 3/15 & 9/15 150,000 147,913 148,843 147,648 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 12/15/52 (4,8) 5.875 % 9/12 quarterly 125,000 120,898 129,000 120,870 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 3/15/36 (4,5) 3.812 % (9) (6) quarterly 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Total funded debt 1,003,259 993,486 1,111,645 992,130 Commercial Paper (7) 240,544 240,376 240,376 238,398 Total debt $ 1,243,803 $ 1,233,862 $ 1,352,021 $ 1,230,528 (1) All securities other than the Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority with one another. (2) Not callable. (3) Callable subject to “make-whole” premium. (4) Quarterly payments on the 15th of March, June, September, and December. (5) Callable anytime. (6) Assumed upon November 1, 2012 acquisition of Family Heritage. (7) Classified as short-term debt. (8) Callable as of December 15, 2017. (9) Interest paid at 3 month LIBOR plus 330 basis points, resets each quarter. Contractual Debt Obligations : The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 490,544 $ — $ — $ 292,647 $ — $ 460,612 Funded debt : As of January 1, 2013, Torchmark had outstanding 7.375% Notes with a principal balance of $94 million . These notes were repaid with interest on August 1, 2013. Torchmark's 6.375% Senior Notes, in the principal amount of $250 million , will mature on June 15, 2016. The Company plans to refinance these notes in 2016. Commercial Paper : As of July 16, 2014, Torchmark entered into a new credit facility with a group of lenders allowing for unsecured borrowings and stand-by letters of credit up to $750 million , replacing a previous facility that had a maximum limitation of $600 million . Up to $250 million in letters of credit can be issued against the new facility. The facility is further designated as a back-up credit line for a commercial paper program under which the Company may either borrow from the credit line or issue commercial paper at any time, with total commercial paper outstanding not to exceed the facility maximum, less any letters of credit issued. Interest is charged at variable rates. The facility has no ratings-based acceleration triggers which would require early repayment prior to the termination date of July 16, 2019 . In accordance with the agreement, Torchmark is subject to certain covenants regarding capitalization, as was the case with the previous credit facility. As of December 31, 2015 , and throughout the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 , Torchmark was in full compliance with the appropriate covenants. Borrowings on the credit facilities are reported as short-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . A table presenting selected information concerning Torchmark’s short-term borrowings is presented below. Short-Term Borrowings At December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 240,544 $ 238,450 Annualized interest rate 0.55 % 0.32 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 177,000 $ 198,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 332,456 313,550 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Average balance outstanding during period $ 350,851 $ 296,246 $ 274,435 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 0.43 % 0.26 % 0.33 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period $ 458,110 $ 343,000 $ 340,140

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity Share Data: A summary of preferred and common share activity is presented in the following chart. Preferred Stock Common Stock Issued Treasury Stock Issued Treasury Stock 2013: Balance at January 1, 2013 — — 158,718,183 (17,364,729 ) Grants of restricted stock 76,415 Forfeitures and surrenders of restricted stock (37,359 ) Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 3,917,757 Issuance of common stock due to settlement of restricted stock units 11,190 Treasury stock acquired (11,069,076 ) Retirement of treasury stock (7,500,000 ) 7,500,000 Balance at December 31, 2013 — — 151,218,183 (16,965,802 ) 2014: Grants of restricted stock 19,041 Forfeitures of restricted stock (2,700 ) Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 2,210,349 Treasury stock acquired (8,548,795 ) Retirement of treasury stock (17,000,000 ) 17,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2014 — — 134,218,183 (6,287,907 ) 2015: Grants of restricted stock 6,648 Forfeitures of restricted stock (13,950 ) Vesting of performance shares 211,287 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 1,576,485 Treasury stock acquired (7,340,794 ) Retirement of treasury stock (4,000,000 ) 4,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2015 — — 130,218,183 (7,848,231 ) Acquisition of Common Shares : Torchmark shares are acquired from time to time through open market purchases under the Torchmark stock repurchase program when it is believed to be the best use of Torchmark’s excess cash flows. Share repurchases under this program were 6.3 million shares at a cost of $359 million in 2015 , 7.2 million shares at a cost of $375 million in 2014 , and 8.3 million shares at a cost of $360 million in 2013 . When stock options are exercised, proceeds from the exercises are generally used to repurchase approximately the number of shares available with those funds in order to reduce dilution. Shares repurchased for dilution purposes were 1.0 million shares at a cost of $60 million in 2015 , 1.4 million shares at a cost of $74 million in 2014 , and 2.8 million shares at a cost of $122 million in 2013 . Retirement of Treasury Stock : Torchmark retired 4.0 million shares of treasury stock in 2015 , 17.0 million in 2014 , and 7.5 million in 2013 . Restrictions : Restrictions exist on the flow of funds to Torchmark from its insurance subsidiaries. Statutory regulations require life insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum amounts of capital and surplus. Dividends from insurance subsidiaries of Torchmark are limited to the greater of prior year statutory net income excluding realized capital gains on an annual noncumulative basis, or 10% of prior year surplus, in the absence of special regulatory approval. Additionally, insurance company distributions are generally not permitted in excess of statutory surplus. Subsidiaries are also subject to certain minimum capital requirements. Subsidiaries of Torchmark paid cash dividends to the Parent Company in the amount of $466 million in 2015 , $479 million in 2014 , and $488 million in 2013 . As of December 31, 2015 , dividends and transfers from insurance subsidiaries to parent available to be paid in 2016 were limited to the amount of $337 million without regulatory approval, such that $916 million was considered restricted net assets of the subsidiaries. While there are no legal restrictions on the payment of dividends to shareholders from Torchmark’s retained earnings, retained earnings as of December 31, 2015 were restricted by lenders’ covenants which require the Company to maintain and not distribute $2.9 billion from its total consolidated retained earnings of $3.6 billion . Earnings Per Share : A reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 125,094,628 130,721,738 137,646,885 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 1,662,607 1,918,506 1,916,900 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 126,757,235 132,640,244 139,563,785 There were no anti-dilutive shares as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . Income available to common shareholders for basic earnings per share is equivalent to income available to common shareholders for diluted earnings per share.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Torchmark’s stock-based compensation consists of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares. Certain employees, directors, and consultants have been granted fixed equity options to buy shares of Torchmark stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant, under the provisions of the Torchmark stock option plans. The options are exercisable during the period commencing from the date they vest until expiring according to the terms of the grant. Options generally expire the earlier of employee termination or option contract term, which ranges from seven to ten years. Options generally vest in accordance with the following schedule: Contract period Vesting period Grants vest in the following periods under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan: Directors 7 years 6 months Employees: 7 years 1/2 in 2 years 1/2 in 3 years 10 years 1/4 in 2 years 1/4 in each of the next 3 years Contract period Vesting period Grants vest in the following periods under previous compensation plans: Directors 7 years 6 months Employees 7 years 1/2 in 2 years 1/2 in 3 years All employee options vest immediately upon retirement on or after the attainment of age 65, upon death, or disability. Torchmark generally issues shares for the exercise of stock options from treasury stock. The Company generally uses the proceeds from option exercises to buy shares of Torchmark common stock in the open market to reduce the dilution from option exercises. During 2014, shareholders approved an amendment to the 2011 Incentive Plan allowing for an additional 6.3 million shares available for grant. An analysis of shares available for grant is as follows: Available for Grant 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1 8,458,593 4,368,753 6,804,452 2011 Plan amendment — 6,300,000 — Options expired and forfeited during year (1) 90,371 3,488 128,109 Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (2) 89,745 31,620 9,625 Options granted during year (1) (1,334,514 ) (1,523,982 ) (1,626,863 ) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (2) (431,913 ) (721,286 ) (946,570 ) Balance at December 31 6,872,282 8,458,593 4,368,753 (1) Plan allows for grant of options such that each grant reduces shares available for grant in a range from 0.85 share to 1 share. (2) Plan allows for grant of restricted stock such that each stock grant reduces shares available for grant in a range from 3.1 shares to 3.88 shares. A summary of stock compensation activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 is presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 28,664 $ 32,203 $ 25,642 Tax benefit recognized 10,033 11,271 8,975 (1) No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period. Additional stock compensation information is as follows at December 31: 2015 2014 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 33,977 $ 38,809 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.85 0.91 (1) Includes restricted stock and performance shares. Options: The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 . Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted- Average Exercise Price $10.44 - $29.59 2,197,238 2.07 $ 26.05 2,130,205 $ 25.94 30.32 - 32.48 1,145,648 3.66 30.58 986,823 30.62 37.40 - 43.06 1,438,565 4.48 37.61 624,655 37.88 50.69 - 51.62 1,481,681 5.64 50.70 14,044 51.04 53.61 - 54.16 1,471,709 6.68 53.62 18,334 54.16 $10.44 - $54.16 7,734,841 4.32 $ 38.84 3,774,061 $ 29.37 No equity awards were cash settled during the three years ended December 31, 2015 . An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding-beginning of year 7,889,321 $ 32.91 8,579,202 $ 27.84 10,998,206 $ 25.43 Granted: 7-year term 1,220,751 53.62 1,226,270 50.70 1,361,700 37.62 10-year term 296,875 53.61 297,712 50.69 265,162 37.40 Exercised (1,576,485 ) 22.81 (2,210,348 ) 25.47 (3,917,757 ) 24.97 Expired and forfeited (95,621 ) 48.85 (3,488 ) 40.05 (128,109 ) 32.33 Adjustment due to 7/1/14 stock split — — (27 ) — — — Outstanding-end of year 7,734,841 $ 38.84 7,889,321 $ 32.91 8,579,202 $ 27.84 Exercisable at end of year 3,774,061 $ 29.37 3,809,415 $ 24.58 4,395,552 $ 22.95 Additional information about Torchmark’s stock option activity as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015 2014 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.32 4.34 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 141,728 $ 167,713 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 2.74 2.72 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 104,885 $ 112,724 Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2015 is presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 11.97 $ 14.77 $ 12.37 Intrinsic value of options exercised 54,854 61,229 72,793 Cash received from options exercised 35,958 56,294 97,815 Actual tax benefit received 24,470 23,232 27,972 Additional information concerning Torchmark’s unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2015 2014 Number of shares outstanding 3,960,780 4,079,906 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 47.86 $ 40.69 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 5.82 5.85 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 36,843 $ 54,989 Torchmark expects that substantially all unvested options will vest. Restricted Stock: Restricted stock grants consist of time-vested grants, restricted stock units, and performance shares. Time-vested restricted stock is available to both senior executives and directors. The employee grants generally vest over five years and the director grants vest over six months. Restricted stock units are available only to directors. They vest over six months and are not converted to shares until the directors’ retirement, death, or disability. Director restricted stock and restricted stock units are generally granted on the first work day of the year. Performance shares are granted to a limited number of senior executives. Performance shares have a three year contract life and are not settled in shares until the termination of the three-year contract period. While the grant specifies a stated target number of shares, the determination of the actual settlement in shares will be based on the achievement of certain performance objectives of Torchmark over the respective three-year contract periods. The actual shares could be distributed in a range from 0 to 359 thousand shares for the 2015 grants, 0 to 359 thousand shares for the 2014 grants, and 0 to 295 thousand shares for the 2013 grants. Certain executive restricted stock and performance share grants contain terms related to age that could accelerate vesting. A summary of restricted stock grants for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 is presented in the table below. 2015 2014 2013 Executives restricted stock: Shares — 12,000 58,695 Price per share $ — $ 50.69 $ 40.09 Aggregate value $ — $ 608 $ 2,353 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 — % — % — % Directors restricted stock: Shares 6,648 7,041 15,045 Price per share $ 54.16 $ 51.62 $ 35.45 Aggregate value $ 360 $ 363 $ 533 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 100 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 7,640 12,322 16,998 Price per share $ 54.44 $ 51.69 $ 35.99 Aggregate value $ 416 $ 637 $ 612 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 179,500 179,250 147,750 Target price per share $ 53.61 $ 51.41 $ 37.40 Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (58,056 ) 22,060 94,800 Aggregate value $ 9,623 $ 9,215 $ 5,526 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 — % — % — % Time-vested restricted stock holders, both employees and directors, are entitled to dividend payments on the unvested stock. Restricted stock unit holders are entitled to dividend equivalents. These equivalents are granted in the form of additional restricted stock units and vest immediately upon grant. Dividend equivalents are applicable only to restricted stock units. Performance shareholders are not entitled to dividend equivalents and are not entitled to dividend payments until the shares are vested and settled. An analysis of unvested restricted stock is as follows: Executive Executive Directors Directors Total 2013: Balance at January 1, 2013 467,550 120,000 587,550 Grants 58,695 147,750 15,045 16,998 238,488 Additional performance shares (1) 94,800 94,800 Restriction lapses (150,750 ) (15,045 ) (16,998 ) (182,793 ) Forfeitures (31,050 ) (31,050 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 344,445 362,550 — — 706,995 2014: Grants 12,000 179,250 7,041 12,322 210,613 Additional performance shares (1) 22,060 22,060 Restriction lapses (90,315 ) (7,041 ) (12,322 ) (109,678 ) Forfeitures (2,700 ) (7,500 ) (10,200 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 263,430 556,360 — — 819,790 2015: Grants — 179,500 6,648 7,640 193,788 Additional performance shares (1) (58,056 ) (58,056 ) Restriction lapses (61,815 ) (211,287 ) (6,648 ) (7,640 ) (287,390 ) Forfeitures (13,950 ) (7,500 ) (21,450 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 187,665 459,017 — — 646,682 (1) Estimated additional share grants expected due to achievement of performance criteria. Restricted stock units outstanding at each of the year ends 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were 105,679 , 98,039 , and 85,717 , respectively. All restricted stock units were fully vested at the end of each year of grant. A final determination for the 2012 performance share grants was made as of December 31, 2014 to be 211 thousand shares, as those shares were settled on January 27, 2015. Likewise, a final settlement was determined for the 2013 grants as of December 31, 2015 to be 159 thousand shares, and the shares were settled on February 24, 2016. An analysis of the weighted-average grant-date fair values of unvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2015 : Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2015 $ 31.85 $ 40.07 Grants — 53.61 $ 54.16 $ 54.16 Estimated additional performance shares 55.49 Restriction lapses (29.26 ) (32.63 ) (54.16 ) (54.16 ) Forfeitures 28.97 44.66 Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2015 32.92 46.77

Business Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Business Segments Torchmark’s reportable segments are based on the insurance product lines it markets and administers: life insurance, health insurance, and annuities. These major product lines are set out as reportable segments because of the common characteristics of products within these categories, comparability of margins, and the similarity in regulatory environment and management techniques. There is also an investment segment which manages the investment portfolio, debt, and cash flow for the insurance segments and the corporate function. Torchmark's chief operating decision makers evaluate the overall performance of the operations of the Company in accordance with these segments. Life insurance products include traditional and interest-sensitive whole life insurance as well as term life insurance. Health insurance products are generally guaranteed-renewable and include Medicare Supplement, critical illness, accident, long-term care, and limited-benefit supplemental hospital and surgical coverages. Annuities include fixed-benefit contracts. Torchmark markets its insurance products through a number of distribution channels, each of which sells the products of one or more of Torchmark’s insurance segments. The tables below present segment premium revenue by each of Torchmark’s marketing groups. Torchmark Corporation Premium Income by Distribution Channel For the Year 2015 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 15,036 1 $ 345,330 37 $ 135 100 $ 360,501 12 Liberty National Exclusive 271,113 13 209,150 23 480,263 16 American Income Exclusive 830,903 40 80,339 9 911,242 30 Family Heritage Exclusive 2,334 — 221,091 24 223,425 8 Globe Life Direct Response 746,693 36 69,610 7 816,303 27 Other 206,986 10 206,986 7 $ 2,073,065 100 $ 925,520 100 $ 135 100 $ 2,998,720 100 For the Year 2014 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 16,582 1 $ 305,368 35 $ 400 100 $ 322,350 11 Liberty National Exclusive 272,265 14 222,017 25 494,282 18 American Income Exclusive 766,458 39 78,722 9 845,180 30 Family Heritage Exclusive 1,595 — 204,667 24 206,262 7 Globe Life Direct Response 702,023 36 58,666 7 760,689 27 Other 207,377 10 207,377 7 $ 1,966,300 100 $ 869,440 100 $ 400 100 $ 2,836,140 100 For the Year 2013 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 19,742 1 $ 298,298 35 $ 532 100 $ 318,572 11 Liberty National Exclusive 275,980 15 241,264 28 517,244 19 American Income Exclusive 715,366 38 79,435 9 794,801 29 Family Heritage Exclusive 1,006 — 190,923 22 191,929 7 Globe Life Direct Response 663,544 35 53,898 6 717,442 26 Other 209,694 11 209,694 8 $ 1,885,332 100 $ 863,818 100 $ 532 100 $ 2,749,682 100 Due to the nature of the life insurance industry, Torchmark has no individual or group which would be considered a major customer. Substantially all of Torchmark’s business is conducted in the United States. The measure of profitability established by the chief operating decision makers for insurance segments is underwriting margin before other income and administrative expenses, in accordance with the manner the segments are managed. It essentially represents gross profit margin on insurance products before insurance administrative expenses and consists of premium, less net policy obligations, acquisition expenses, and commissions. Interest credited to net policy liabilities (reserves less deferred acquisition costs) is reflected as a component of the Investment segment in order to match this cost to the investment earnings from the assets supporting the net policy liabilities. The measure of profitability for the Investment segment is excess investment income, which represents the income earned on the investment portfolio in excess of net policy requirements and financing costs associated with Torchmark’s debt. Other than the above-mentioned interest allocations and an intersegment commission, there are no other intersegment revenues or expenses. Expenses directly attributable to corporate operations are included in the “Corporate” category. Stock-based compensation expense is considered a corporate expense by Torchmark management and is included in this category. All other unallocated revenues and expenses on a pretax basis, including insurance administrative expense, are included in the “Other” segment category. Torchmark holds a sizeable investment portfolio to support its insurance liabilities, the yield from which is used to offset policy benefit, acquisition, administrative and tax expenses. This yield or investment income is taken into account when establishing premium rates and profitability expectations of its insurance products. In holding such a portfolio, investments are sold, called, or written down from time to time, resulting in a realized gain or loss. These gains or losses generally occur as a result of disposition due to issuer calls, compliance with Company investment policies, or other reasons often beyond management’s control. Unlike investment income, realized gains and losses are incidental to insurance operations, and only overall yields are considered when setting premium rates or insurance product profitability expectations. While these gains and losses are not relevant to segment profitability or core operating results, they can have a material positive or negative result on net income. For these reasons, management removes realized investment gains and losses when it views its segment operations. In 2015 , Torchmark recorded $1.4 million in administrative settlements ( $906 thousand after tax) related to a post closing adjustment on the sale of a former subsidiary. These administrative settlements were included in "Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2015 . During 2014 , Torchmark accrued for certain litigation matters in the net amount of $3.7 million ( $2.4 million after tax) that were not directly related to its insurance operations. Additionally, Torchmark received $1.3 million ( $853 thousand after tax) in settlement of litigation regarding investments. Also in 2014 , the Company recorded $8.2 million in administrative settlements ( $5.3 million after tax) related to benefits paid for deaths occurring in prior years where claims had not been filed. These administrative settlements were included in “Policyholder benefits” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2014 . During 2013 , Torchmark incurred four non-operating charges: (1) a state guaranty fund assessment in the amount of $1.2 million ( $751 thousand after tax), resulting from events in years prior to 2013 , (2) a legal settlement related to a non-insurance matter in the amount of $500 thousand ( $325 thousand after tax), (3) the settlement of a litigation matter related to prior years in the amount of $8.6 million ( $5.6 million after tax) and (4) a one-time adjustment related to the finalization of accounting for the acquisition of the insurance assets and liabilities of Family Heritage. The Family Heritage acquisition closed on November 1, 2012. This adjustment increased 2013 after-tax earnings in the amount of $522 thousand . Management removes items that are related to prior periods when evaluating the operating results of current periods. Management also removes non-operating items unrelated to its core insurance activities when evaluating those results. Therefore, these items are excluded in its presentation of segment results, because accounting guidance requires that operating segment results be presented as management views its business. With the exception of the administrative settlements in the paragraph above, all of these items are included in “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the appropriate year. The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Torchmark’s revenues and operations by segment to its major income statement line items. See Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies for additional information concerning reconciling items of segment profits to pretax income. For the year 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,073,065 $ 925,520 $ 135 $ 2,998,720 Net investment income $ 773,951 773,951 Other income $ 2,379 $ (194 ) (2) 2,185 Total revenue 2,073,065 925,520 135 773,951 2,379 (194 ) 3,774,856 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,374,608 602,610 38,994 2,016,212 Required interest on: Policy reserves (552,298 ) (69,057 ) (53,295 ) 674,650 — Deferred acquisition costs 172,947 22,760 1,138 (196,845 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 353,595 83,341 8,689 445,625 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 154,811 81,489 41 1,200 (2,3) 237,541 Insurance administrative expense (1) 186,191 186,191 Parent expense $ 9,003 9,003 Stock-based compensation expense 28,664 28,664 Interest expense 76,642 76,642 Total expenses 1,503,663 721,143 (4,433 ) 554,447 186,191 37,667 1,200 2,999,878 Subtotal 569,402 204,377 4,568 219,504 (183,812 ) (37,667 ) (1,394 ) 774,978 Non-operating items 1,394 (3) 1,394 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 569,402 $ 204,377 $ 4,568 $ 219,504 $ (183,812 ) $ (37,667 ) $ — 776,372 Deduct applicable income taxes (253,459 ) Segment profits after tax 522,913 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 253,459 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) and impairments (8,791 ) Deduct administrative settlements (3) (1,394 ) Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 766,187 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Administrative settlements. For the year 2014 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,966,300 $ 869,440 $ 400 $ 2,836,140 Net investment income (5) $ 758,286 758,286 Other income $ 2,354 $ (233 ) (2) 2,121 Total revenue 1,966,300 869,440 400 758,286 2,354 (233 ) 3,596,547 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,293,384 559,817 42,005 8,178 (4) 1,903,384 Required interest on: Policy reserves (530,192 ) (64,401 ) (55,255 ) 649,848 — Deferred acquisition costs 168,100 22,499 1,453 (192,052 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 335,345 72,731 7,838 415,914 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 143,174 79,475 47 (233 ) (2) 222,463 Insurance administrative expense (1) 174,832 2,422 (3) 177,254 Parent expense $ 8,159 (85 ) (3) 8,074 Stock-based compensation expense 32,203 32,203 Interest expense 76,126 76,126 Total expenses 1,409,811 670,121 (3,912 ) 533,922 174,832 40,362 10,282 2,835,418 Subtotal 556,489 199,319 4,312 224,364 (172,478 ) (40,362 ) (10,515 ) 761,129 Non-operating items 10,515 (3,4) 10,515 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 556,489 $ 199,319 $ 4,312 $ 224,364 $ (172,478 ) $ (40,362 ) $ — 771,644 Deduct applicable income taxes (252,041 ) Segment profits after tax 519,603 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 252,041 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) and impairments 23,548 Deduct legal settlement expenses (3) (2,337 ) Deduct administrative settlements (4) (8,178 ) Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 784,677 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Legal settlement expenses. (4) Administrative settlements. (5) Retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2014-01 as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies . For the Year 2013 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,885,332 $ 863,818 $ 532 $ 2,749,682 Net investment income (6) $ 734,650 734,650 Other income $ 2,208 $ (277 ) (2) 1,931 Total revenue 1,885,332 863,818 532 734,650 2,208 (277 ) 3,486,263 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,227,857 558,982 43,302 8,625 (4) 1,838,766 Required interest on: Policy reserves (508,236 ) (59,858 ) (57,294 ) 625,388 — Deferred acquisition costs 164,981 22,568 1,811 (189,360 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 323,950 69,724 8,714 (1,519 ) (5) 400,869 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 131,721 75,895 60 (277 ) (2) 207,399 Insurance administrative expense (1) 175,651 1,155 (3) 176,806 Parent expense $ 8,495 500 (4) 8,995 Stock-based compensation expense 25,642 25,642 Interest expense 80,461 80,461 Total expenses 1,340,273 667,311 (3,407 ) 516,489 175,651 34,137 8,484 2,738,938 Subtotal 545,059 196,507 3,939 218,161 (173,443 ) (34,137 ) (8,761 ) 747,325 Non-operating items 8,761 (3,4,5) 8,761 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 545,059 $ 196,507 $ 3,939 $ 218,161 $ (173,443 ) $ (34,137 ) $ — 756,086 Deduct applicable income taxes (246,686 ) Segment profits after tax 509,400 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 246,686 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) and impairments 7,990 Deduct Guaranty Fund Assessment (3) (1,155 ) Deduct legal settlement expenses (4) (9,125 ) Add Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments (5) 1,519 Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 755,315 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Guaranty Fund Assessment. (4) Legal settlement expenses. (5) Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments. (6) Retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2014-01 as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies . The following table summarizes the measures of segment profitability as determined in the three preceding tables for comparison with prior periods. The table also reconciles segment profits to net income. Analysis of Profitability by Segment 2015 2014 2013 2015 % 2014 % Life insurance underwriting margin $ 569,402 $ 556,489 $ 545,059 $ 12,913 2 $ 11,430 2 Health insurance underwriting margin 204,377 199,319 196,507 5,058 3 2,812 1 Annuity underwriting margin 4,568 4,312 3,939 256 6 373 9 Excess investment income 219,504 224,364 218,161 (4,860 ) (2 ) 6,203 3 Other insurance: Other income 2,379 2,354 2,208 25 1 146 7 Administrative expense (186,191 ) (174,832 ) (175,651 ) (11,359 ) 6 819 — Corporate and adjustments (37,667 ) (40,362 ) (34,137 ) 2,695 (7 ) (6,225 ) 18 Pre-tax total 776,372 771,644 756,086 4,728 1 15,558 2 Applicable taxes (253,459 ) (252,041 ) (246,686 ) (1,418 ) 1 (5,355 ) 2 After-tax total, before discontinued operations 522,913 519,603 509,400 3,310 1 10,203 2 Discontinued operations (after tax) (1) 10,807 14,865 21,267 (4,058 ) (27 ) (6,402 ) (30 ) Total 533,720 534,468 530,667 (748 ) — 3,801 1 Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax) (5,714 ) 15,306 3,965 (21,020 ) 11,341 Family Heritage acquisition finalization adjustments (after tax) — — 522 — (522 ) Legal settlement expenses (after tax) — (1,519 ) (5,931 ) 1,519 4,412 Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax) — — (751 ) — 751 Administrative settlements (after tax) (906 ) (5,316 ) — 4,410 (5,316 ) Net income $ 527,100 $ 542,939 $ 528,472 $ (15,839 ) (3 ) $ 14,467 3 (1) Income from discontinued operations (after tax) is included for purposes of reconciling to net income. Assets for each segment are reported based on a specific identification basis. The insurance segments’ assets contain deferred acquisition costs (including the value of insurance purchased). The investment segment includes the investment portfolio, cash, and accrued investment income. Goodwill is assigned to the insurance segments at the time of purchase based on the excess of cost over the fair value of assets acquired for the benefit of that segment. All other assets are included in the Other category. The table below reconciles segment assets to total assets as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Assets by Segment At December 31, 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ 14,405,073 $ 14,405,073 Accrued investment income 209,915 209,915 Deferred acquisition costs $ 3,098,656 $ 502,535 $ 15,944 3,617,135 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 441,591 Other assets $ 1,179,499 1,179,499 Total assets $ 3,408,265 $ 634,517 $ 15,944 $ 14,614,988 $ 1,179,499 $ 19,853,213 At December 31, 2014 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ 15,058,996 $ 15,058,996 Accrued investment income 204,879 204,879 Deferred acquisition costs $ 2,946,995 $ 493,880 $ 16,522 3,457,397 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 441,591 Other assets $ 1,109,396 1,109,396 Total assets $ 3,256,604 $ 625,862 $ 16,522 $ 15,263,875 $ 1,109,396 $ 20,272,259 Liabilities for each segment are reported also on a specific identification basis similar to the assets. The insurance segments' liabilities contain future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims and other benefits payable. Other policyholders' funds are included in Other. Debt represents both short and long term. Current and deferred income taxes payable is also included in Other. Other Balances by Segment At December 31, 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 9,327,561 $ 1,600,240 $ 1,318,010 $ 12,245,811 Unearned and advance premiums 17,381 49,640 67,021 Policy claims and other benefits payable 135,778 137,120 272,898 Debt $ 1,233,862 1,233,862 Total $ 9,480,720 $ 1,787,000 $ 1,318,010 $ 1,233,862 $ 13,819,592 At December 31, 2014 Life Health Annuity Investment Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 8,900,344 $ 1,489,963 $ 1,360,188 $ 11,750,495 Unearned and advance premium 17,238 54,465 71,703 Policy claims and other benefits payable 125,884 128,265 254,149 Debt $ 1,230,528 1,230,528 Total $ 9,043,466 $ 1,672,693 $ 1,360,188 $ 1,230,528 $ 13,306,875

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Reinsurance : Insurance affiliates of Torchmark reinsure that portion of insurance risk which is in excess of their retention limits. Retention limits for ordinary life insurance range up to $2.0 million per life. Life insurance ceded represented 0.4% of total life insurance in force at December 31, 2015 . Insurance ceded on life and accident and health products represented 0.3% of premium income for 2015 . Torchmark would be liable for the reinsured risks ceded to other companies to the extent that such reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations. Insurance affiliates also assume insurance risks of other companies. Life reinsurance assumed represented 2.1% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2015 and reinsurance assumed on life and accident and health products represented 0.8% of premium income for 2015 . Leases : Torchmark leases office space, office equipment, and aviation equipment under a variety of operating lease arrangements. Rental expense for operating leases for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Rental expense $ 6,722 $ 4,200 $ 4,100 Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2015 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 8,304 $ 7,888 $ 4,738 $ 4,531 $ 4,372 $ 11,122 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests : As described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , Torchmark had $306 million invested in entities which provide certain tax benefits at December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2015 , Torchmark remained obligated under these commitments as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 Thereafter Low-Income housing commitments $ 36,702 $ 26,592 $ 4,500 $ 1,154 Investments : As of December 31, 2015 , Torchmark had committed to purchase $16 million of private placement fixed maturities managed by a third party. Guarantees : At December 31, 2015 , Torchmark had in place four guarantee agreements, of which were either parent company guarantees of subsidiary obligations to a third party, or parent company guarantees of obligations between wholly-owned subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015 , Torchmark had no liability with respect to these guarantees. Letters of Credit : Torchmark has guaranteed letters of credit in connection with its credit facility with a group of banks as disclosed in Note 11—Debt . The letters of credit were issued by TMK Re, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, to secure TMK Re, Ltd.’s obligation for claims on certain policies reinsured by TMK Re, Ltd. that were sold by other Torchmark insurance companies. These letters of credit facilitate TMK Re, Ltd.’s ability to reinsure the business of Torchmark’s insurance carriers. The agreement expires in 2019. The maximum amount of letters of credit available is $250 million . The Torchmark parent company would be liable to the extent that TMK Re, Ltd. does not pay the reinsured party. At December 31, 2015 , $177 million of letters of credit were outstanding, compared with $198 million a year earlier. Equipment leases : Torchmark has guaranteed performance of certain subsidiaries as lessees under three leasing arrangements which include two for aviation equipment and one for computer software, furniture, and equipment. One aviation lease expires in August 2022 and the second expires in September 2024. The office equipment lease expires in December 2017. At December 31, 2015 , total remaining undiscounted payments under the leases were approximately $19 million . The Torchmark parent company would be responsible for any subsidiary obligation in the event the subsidiary did not make payments or otherwise perform under the terms of the lease. Unclaimed Property Audits : Torchmark subsidiaries are currently the subject of audits regarding the identification, reporting and escheatment of unclaimed property arising from life insurance policies and a limited number of annuity contracts. These audits are being conducted by private entities that have contracted with forty-seven various states through their respective Departments of Revenue, and have not resulted in any financial assessment from any state nor indicated any liability. The audits are wide-ranging and seek large amounts of data regarding claims handling, procedures, and payments of contract benefits arising from unreported death claims. No estimate of range can be made at this time for loss contingencies related to possible administrative penalties or amounts that could be payable to the states for the escheatment of abandoned property. Sanction : During the third quarter of 2015, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) placed United American Life Insurance Company (UA) and First United American Life Insurance Company (FUA) on Enrollment Sanction. During this time, Torchmark is not permitted to enroll new individuals or groups into our Medicare Part D program. Torchmark is permitted to re-enroll existing individual members into our 2016 plans, as well as enroll new members of groups that were policyholders at the time the sanction was initiated. Torchmark has submitted a remediation plan that has been accepted by CMS, and Torchmark is proceeding with this plan in an effort to have the sanction lifted as soon as possible. As discussed in Note 6—Discontinued Operations , the Medicare Part D business is held for sale and reflected in discontinued operations. Litigation : Torchmark and its subsidiaries, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation, including claims involving tax matters, alleged breaches of contract, torts, including bad faith and fraud claims based on alleged wrongful or fraudulent acts of agents of Torchmark’s subsidiaries, employment discrimination, and miscellaneous other causes of action. Based upon information presently available, and in light of legal and other factual defenses available to Torchmark and its subsidiaries, management does not believe that such litigation will have a material adverse effect on Torchmark’s financial condition, future operating results or liquidity; however, assessing the eventual outcome of litigation necessarily involves forward-looking speculation as to judgments to be made by judges, juries and appellate courts in the future. This bespeaks caution, particularly in states with reputations for high punitive damage verdicts. Torchmark’s management recognizes that large punitive damage awards bearing little or no relation to actual damages continue to be awarded by juries in jurisdictions in which Torchmark and its subsidiaries have substantial business, creating the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments in any given punitive damage suit. With respect to its current litigation, at this time management believes that the possibility of a material judgment adverse to Torchmark is remote, and no estimate of range can be made for loss contingencies that are at least reasonably possible but not accrued.

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudi

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) The following is an unaudited summary of quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2015 . The information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods. Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2015: Premium income $ 742,056 $ 752,484 $ 748,109 756,071 Net investment income 191,596 194,823 193,213 194,319 Realized investment gains (losses) 119 2,613 5,140 (16,663 ) Total revenue 934,440 950,611 947,154 933,860 Policyholder benefits 497,775 508,316 501,156 508,965 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 110,660 111,738 111,643 111,584 Pretax income from continuing operations 194,477 196,723 199,009 175,978 Income from continuing operations 130,778 132,527 133,858 119,130 Income from discontinued operations (9,130 ) (5,417 ) 11,528 13,826 Net income 121,648 127,110 145,386 132,956 Basic net income per common share Continuing operations 1.03 1.05 1.08 0.97 Discontinued operations (0.07 ) (0.04 ) 0.09 0.11 Total basic net income per share 0.96 1.01 1.17 1.08 Diluted net income per common share Continuing operations 1.02 1.04 1.06 0.96 Discontinued operations (0.07 ) (0.04 ) 0.09 0.11 Total diluted net income per share 0.95 1.00 1.15 1.07 2014 (1) : Premium income $ 708,592 $ 707,173 $ 702,061 $ 718,314 Net investment income 188,051 189,930 189,588 190,717 Realized investment gains (losses) 16,619 577 (1,483 ) 7,835 Total revenue 913,743 898,343 890,834 917,175 Policyholder benefits 472,585 473,007 473,098 484,694 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 104,028 103,889 103,084 104,913 Pretax income from continuing operations 209,037 191,922 184,709 199,009 Income from continuing operations 140,330 129,695 124,390 133,659 Income from discontinued operations (7,474 ) 1,228 8,022 13,089 Net income 132,856 130,923 132,412 146,748 Basic net income per common share Continuing operations 1.05 0.99 0.96 1.04 Discontinued operations (0.05 ) 0.01 0.06 0.10 Total basic net income per share 1.00 1.00 1.02 1.14 Diluted net income per common share Continuing operations 1.04 0.97 0.94 1.03 Discontinued operations (0.06 ) 0.01 0.06 0.10 Total diluted net income per share 0.98 0.98 1.00 1.13 (1) Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies .

Schedule II - Condensed Financi

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	TORCHMARK CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2015 2014 Assets: Investments: Long-term investments $ 35,498 $ 38,910 Short-term investments — 5,686 Total investments 35,498 44,596 Cash — — Investment in affiliates 5,438,749 6,023,666 Due from affiliates 50,765 50,766 Taxes receivable from affiliates 79,599 76,050 Other assets 93,936 64,092 Total assets $ 5,698,547 $ 6,259,170 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity: Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 490,129 $ 238,398 Long-term debt 893,417 1,141,773 Due to affiliates 57,157 652 Other liabilities 202,292 180,881 Total liabilities 1,642,995 1,561,704 Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock 351 351 Common stock 130,218 134,218 Additional paid-in capital 832,795 808,124 Accumulated other comprehensive income 231,947 997,452 Retained earnings 3,614,369 3,376,846 Treasury stock (754,128 ) (619,525 ) Total shareholders’ equity 4,055,552 4,697,466 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 5,698,547 $ 6,259,170 See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. TORCHMARK CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (continued) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Amounts in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net investment income $ 23,715 $ 22,259 $ 24,268 Realized investment gains (losses) 8 4,767 — Total revenue 23,723 27,026 24,268 General operating expenses 54,100 53,235 53,255 Reimbursements from affiliates (53,436 ) (53,040 ) (46,855 ) Interest expense 79,677 79,366 84,273 Total expenses 80,341 79,561 90,673 Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (56,618 ) (52,535 ) (66,405 ) Income taxes 15,542 13,335 17,390 Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates (41,076 ) (39,200 ) (49,015 ) Equity in earnings of affiliates 568,176 582,139 577,487 Net income 527,100 542,939 528,472 Other comprehensive income (loss): Attributable to Parent Company (3,539 ) (28,680 ) 38,557 Attributable to affiliates (761,966 ) 815,151 (752,851 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (238,405 ) $ 1,329,410 $ (185,822 ) See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. TORCHMARK CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT—(continued) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Amounts in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cash provided from (used for) operations before dividends from subsidiaries $ (20,705 ) $ (21,358 ) $ (54,213 ) Cash dividends from subsidiaries 466,416 478,840 488,376 Cash provided from operations 445,711 457,482 434,163 Cash provided from (used for) investing activities: Disposition of investments — 5,064 514 Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments 17,338 2,729 (6,805 ) Investment in other subsidiaries (2 ) — — Additions to properties (468 ) — — Loaned money to affiliates (282,508 ) (81,000 ) — Repayments from affiliates 282,508 81,000 — Cash provided from (used for) investing activities 16,868 7,793 (6,291 ) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities: Repayment of 7.375% Notes — — (94,050 ) Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper 1,978 9,328 3,983 Issuance of stock 35,958 56,294 97,677 Acquisitions of treasury stock (418,526 ) (449,309 ) (482,264 ) Borrowed money from affiliate 15,000 168,000 — Repayments to affiliates (15,000 ) (168,000 ) — Net borrowings (to)/from affiliates — — 120,000 Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises 8,180 6,688 10,963 Payment of dividends (90,169 ) (88,276 ) (84,181 ) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities (462,579 ) (465,275 ) (427,872 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash — — — Cash balance at beginning of period — — — Cash balance at end of period $ — $ — $ — See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. TORCHMARK CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (continued) NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Amounts in thousands) Note A—Dividends from Subsidiaries Cash dividends paid to Torchmark from the subsidiaries were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Dividends from subsidiaries $ 466,416 $ 478,840 $ 488,376 Note B—Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information The following table summarizes noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 28,664 $ 32,203 $ 25,642 Dividend of subsidiary to Parent — — 1,246,557 Dividend of subsidiary applied to loan balance — — 72,000 Borrowed money from affiliate (1) 56,503 — — Investment in subsidiaries 39,206 — — Purchase of agent debit balances 17,297 — — (1) Balance was repaid on January 8, 2016. The following table summarizes certain amounts paid (received) during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 77,920 $ 77,663 $ 85,443 Income taxes received (22,009 ) (25,581 ) (27,820 ) Note C—Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2015 , Torchmark had 351 thousand shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, issued and outstanding, of which 280 thousand shares were 6.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, and 71 thousand shares were 7.15% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (collectively, the “Series A Preferred Stock”). All issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were held by wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock at the time outstanding would be entitled to receive a liquidating distribution out of the assets legally available to stockholders in the amount of $1 thousand per share or $351 million in the aggregate, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, before any distribution is made to holders of Torchmark common stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights nor have rights to convert such shares into shares of any other class of Torchmark capital stock. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	TORCHMARK CORPORATION SCHEDULE IV. REINSURANCE (CONSOLIDATED) (Amounts in thousands) Gross Ceded (1) Assumed Net Percentage For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Life insurance in force $ 167,677,206 $ 729,739 $ 3,498,826 $ 170,446,293 2.1 Premiums: (2) Life insurance $ 2,034,373 $ 4,484 $ 24,007 $ 2,053,896 1.2 Health insurance 928,659 3,139 — 925,520 — Total premium $ 2,963,032 $ 7,623 $ 24,007 $ 2,979,416 0.8 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Life insurance in force $ 160,455,963 $ 795,192 $ 3,658,511 $ 163,319,282 2.2 Premiums: (2) Life insurance $ 1,924,605 $ 4,614 $ 25,774 $ 1,945,765 1.3 Health insurance (3) 872,391 2,951 — 869,440 — Total premium $ 2,796,996 $ 7,565 $ 25,774 $ 2,815,205 0.9 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Life insurance in force $ 154,488,511 $ 782,125 $ 3,882,237 $ 157,588,623 2.5 Premiums: (2) Life insurance $ 1,841,425 $ 4,645 $ 26,960 $ 1,863,740 1.4 Health insurance (3) 866,942 3,124 — 863,818 — Total premium $ 2,708,367 $ 7,769 $ 26,960 $ 2,727,558 1.0 (1) No amounts have been netted against ceded premium. (2) Excludes policy charges of $19.3 million , $20.9 million , and $22.1 million in each of the years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. (3) Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements . See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Significant Accounting Polici27

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	The consolidated financial statements include the results of Torchmark and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When Torchmark acquires a subsidiary or a block of business, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets is recorded as goodwill. Expenses incurred to effect the acquisition are charged to earnings as of the acquisition date. Upon acquisition, the accounts and results of operations are consolidated as of and subsequent to the acquisition date. Torchmark accounts for its variable interest entities (VIEs) under accounting guidance which clarifies the definition of a variable interest and the instructions for consolidating VIEs. Only primary beneficiaries are required or allowed to consolidate VIEs. Therefore, a company may have voting control of a VIE, but if it is not the primary beneficiary, it is not permitted to consolidate the VIE. As further described under the caption Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests below in this note, Torchmark holds passive interests in limited partnerships which provide investment returns through the provision of tax benefits (principally from the transfer of federal or state tax credits related to federal low-income housing). These interests are considered to be VIEs. They are not consolidated because the Company has no power to control the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of these entities and therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these interests. Torchmark’s involvement is limited to its limited partnership interest in the entities. Torchmark has not provided any other financial support to the entities beyond its commitments to fund its limited partnership interests, and there are no arrangements or agreements with any of the interests to provide other financial support. The maximum loss exposure relative to these interests is limited to their carrying value. When a component of Torchmark’s business is expected to be sold during the ensuing year, Torchmark considers whether the criteria of ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations , have been met, which includes evaluating if the disposal of a component represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company. If the disposal meets the criteria for discontinued operations, the assets and liabilities of components held for sale are segregated and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale for all periods presented. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. The results of operations for the component held for sale are reported in "Income from discontinued operations, net of tax" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for current and prior periods. Discontinued operations are reported commencing in the period in which the business is either disposed of or meets the accounting criteria for discontinued operations, including any gain or loss recognized on the sale or adjustment of the carrying amount to the estimated fair value less cost to sell.
Investments	Torchmark classifies all of its fixed maturity investments, which include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in equity securities, which include common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Investments in real estate, included in “Other long-term investments,” are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method. Investments in limited partnerships, also included in "Other long-term investments," are accounted for using the cost method of accounting as Torchmark's partnership interest is minor since Torchmark lacks the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnership's operating and financial policies. The Company considers its cost method investments for impairment when the carrying value of such investments exceeds the net asset value (“NAV”). Short-term investments include investments in interest-bearing time deposits with original maturities of twelve months or less. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Income attributable to investments is included in Torchmark’s net investment income. Net investment income and realized investment gains and losses are not allocated to insurance policyholders’ liabilities.
Impairment of Investments	Torchmark’s portfolio of fixed maturities fluctuates in value due to changes in interest rates in the financial markets as well as other factors. Fluctuations caused by market interest rate changes have little bearing on whether or not the investment will be ultimately recoverable. Therefore, Torchmark considers these declines in value resulting from changes in market interest rates to be temporary. In certain circumstances, however, Torchmark determines that the decline in the value of a security is other-than-temporary and writes the book value of the security down to its fair value, realizing an investment loss. The evaluation of Torchmark’s securities for other-than-temporary impairments is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of Company investment and accounting professionals. Each security which is impaired because the fair value is less than the cost or amortized cost is identified and evaluated. The determination that an impairment is other-than-temporary is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. Among the factors considered are: • The length of time and extent to which the security has been impaired • The reason(s) for the impairment • The financial condition of the issuer and the near-term prospects for recovery in fair value of the security • The Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery • Expected future cash flows The relative weight given to each of these factors can change over time as facts and circumstances change. In many cases, management believes it is appropriate to give relatively more weight to prospective factors than to retrospective factors. Prospective factors that are given more weight include prospects for recovery, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery, and expected future cash flows. Among the facts and information considered in the process are: • Default on a required payment • Issuer bankruptcy filings • Financial statements of the issuer • Changes in credit ratings of the issuer • The value of underlying collateral • News and information included in press releases issued by the issuer • News and information reported in the media concerning the issuer • News and information published by or otherwise provided by credit analysts • The nature and amount of recent and expected future sources and uses of cash While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimately recoverable amount of a distressed or impaired security. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and is treated as a realized loss in the period the determination is made. The written-down security will be amortized and revenue recognized in accordance with estimated future cash flows. Current accounting guidance is such that if an entity intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is to be considered other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of impairment must be charged to earnings. Otherwise, losses on fixed maturities which are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into two categories, the portion of loss which is considered credit loss and the portion of loss which is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is charged to earnings while the loss due to other factors is charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss portion of an impairment is determined as the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s original effective yield rate. The temporary portion is the difference between this present value of expected future cash flows and fair value (as discounted by a market yield). The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and loan-to-collateral value ratios. Management believes that the present value of future cash flows at the original effective yield is a better measure of valuation because fair value determined by a discounted market yield is often based on limited observable market data, and the market for these securities is generally neither active nor orderly.
Cash	Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions. Overdrafts arising from the overnight investment of funds offset cash balances on hand and on deposit.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Certain costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and recorded as an asset. These costs are essential for the acquisition of new insurance business and are directly related to the successful issuance of an insurance contract including sales commissions, policy issue costs, and underwriting costs. Additionally, deferred acquisition costs include the value of insurance purchased, which are the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies. These costs represent the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed compared against the assets and liabilities for insurance contracts that the Company issues or holds measured in accordance with GAAP. Deferred acquisition costs and the value of insurance purchased are amortized in a systematic manner which matches these costs with the associated revenues. Policies other than universal life-type policies are amortized with interest over the estimated premium-paying period of the policies in a manner which charges each year’s operations in proportion to the receipt of premium income. Universal life-type policies are amortized with interest in proportion to estimated gross profits. The assumptions used to amortize acquisition costs with regard to interest, mortality, morbidity, and persistency are consistent with those used to estimate the liability for future policy benefits. For interest-sensitive and deposit-balance type products, these assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and are revised if actual experience differs significantly from original expectations. For all other products, amortization assumptions are generally not revised once established. Deferred acquisition costs are subject to periodic recoverability and loss recognition testing to determine if there is a premium deficiency. These tests evaluate whether the present value of future contract-related cash flows will support the capitalized deferred acquisition cost asset. These cash flows consist primarily of premium income, less benefits and expenses taking inflation into account. The present value of these cash flows, less the benefit reserve, is then compared with the unamortized deferred acquisition cost balance. In the event the estimated present value of net cash flows is less, the deficiency would be recognized by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits, as described under the caption Future Policy Benefits .
Advertising Costs	Costs related to advertising are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain Globe Life Direct Response advertising costs are capitalized when there is a reliable and demonstrated relationship between total costs and future benefits that is a direct result of incurring these costs. Globe Life Direct Response advertising costs consist primarily of the production and distribution costs of direct mail advertising materials, and when capitalized are included as a component of deferred acquisition costs. They are amortized in the same manner as other deferred acquisition costs.
Goodwill	The excess cost of business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing based on certain procedures outlined by GAAP. These procedures include a qualitative assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, and they also require consideration of a change in relevant events or circumstances that could possibly affect the valuation of a goodwill reporting unit. If it is determined that an impairment is likely, the procedures then involve measuring the carrying value of each reporting unit of Torchmark’s segments, including the goodwill of that unit, against the estimated fair value of the corresponding unit. If the carrying value of a unit including goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, then the goodwill in that unit could potentially be impaired. In that event, further testing is required under the accounting guidance to determine the amount of impairment, if any. If there is an impairment in the goodwill of any reporting unit, it is written down and charged to earnings in the period of test. Torchmark tested its goodwill annually in each of the years 2013 through 2015 . These tests, performed in the second quarter each year, involved assigning carrying value by allocating the Company’s net assets to each of the reporting units of Torchmark’s segments, including the portion of goodwill assigned to the unit. In 2015 , the qualitative assessment was employed as permitted by accounting guidance. Based on the analyses as outlined in the guidance, it was determined that an impairment of goodwill was not likely. In both 2014 and 2013, the fair values of the various reporting units were developed. The fair value of each reporting unit was determined using discounted expected cash flows associated with that unit. Judgment and assumptions are used in developing the projected cash flows for the reporting units, and such estimates are subject to change. The Company also exercises judgment in the determination of the discount rate, which management believes to be appropriate for the risk associated with the cash flow expectations. The fair value of each reporting unit is then measured against that reporting unit’s corresponding carrying value. Because the estimated fair value substantially exceeded the carrying value, including goodwill, of each reporting unit in each period, Torchmark’s goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests	Torchmark invests in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits and other related federal income tax and state premium tax benefits to Torchmark. The carrying value of Torchmark’s investment in these entities was $306 million and $318 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , $302 million associated with the federal interests was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the remaining $4 million state-related interests included in "Other long-term investments". At December 31, 2014 , the comparable amounts were $313 million , and $5 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , Torchmark was obligated under future commitments of $69 million , which is included in the above carrying value. Torchmark accounts for the amortization of these tax benefits in accordance with the new guidance discussed below. On January 1, 2015, Torchmark adopted new guidance concerning Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (ASU 2014-01). The guidance replaces the effective-yield method of amortization with respect to investments in qualified affordable housing acquired after the date of adoption and, if certain conditions are present, provides for a proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the investor amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits received during the current period to the total expected tax credits to be received over the life of the investment. The guidance further provides that a company which previously used the effective-yield method of amortization may continue to use such method with respect to investments acquired before the date of adoption. Amortization, previously required to be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of "Net investment income", is now included in "Income tax expense." Torchmark continues to use the effective-yield method of amortization with respect to its guaranteed investments acquired prior to January 1, 2015, and has retrospectively adopted the new guidance and applied the proportional method of amortization with respect to its non-guaranteed investments. The proportional method of amortization is consistent with Torchmark’s historical method of amortization. As a result, the only impact of the adoption is the reclassification of amortization expense from “Net investment income” to “Income tax expense” with no impact on Torchmark's historical net income, cash flows, or statutory earnings of its insurance subsidiaries.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment, included in “Other assets,” is reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is recorded primarily on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from three to ten years for equipment and five to forty years for buildings and improvements. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Impairments, if any, are recorded when certain events and circumstances become evident that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount.
Future Policy Benefits	The liability for future policy benefits for universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 85% of total future policy benefits, is determined on the net level premium method. This method provides for the present value of expected future benefit payments less the present value of expected future net premiums, based on estimated investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and other assumptions which were considered appropriate at the time the policies were issued. For limited-payment contracts, a deferred profit liability is also recorded which causes profits to emerge over the life of the contract in proportion to policies in force. Assumptions used for traditional life and health insurance products are based primarily on Company experience. Assumptions for interest rates range from 2.5% to 7.0% for Torchmark’s insurance companies with an overall weighted average assumed rate of 5.7% . Mortality tables used for individual life insurance include various statutory tables and modifications of a variety of generally accepted actuarial tables. Morbidity assumptions for individual health are based on Company experience and industry data. Withdrawal and termination assumptions are based on Torchmark’s experience. Once established, assumptions for these products are generally not changed. An additional provision is made on most products to allow for possible adverse deviation from the assumptions. These estimates are reviewed annually and compared with actual experience. If it is determined that existing contract liabilities, together with the present value of future gross premiums, will not be sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits and to recover unamortized deferred acquisition costs, then a premium deficiency exists. Such a deficiency would be recognized immediately by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized deferred acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future policy benefits. From that point forward, the liability for future policy benefits would be based on revised assumptions.
Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable	Torchmark establishes a liability for known policy benefits payable and an estimate of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to the Company. Torchmark makes an estimate of unreported claims after careful evaluation of all information available to the Company. This estimate is based on prior experience and is reviewed quarterly. However, there is no certainty the stated liability for claims and other benefits, including the estimate of unsubmitted claims, will be Torchmark’s ultimate obligation.
Postretirement Benefits	Torchmark accounts for its postretirement defined benefit plans by recognizing the funded status of those plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with accounting guidance. Periodic gains and losses attributable to changes in plan assets and liabilities that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs are recognized as components of other comprehensive income, net of tax. More information concerning the accounting and disclosures for postretirement benefits is found in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits .
Income Taxes	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. More information concerning income taxes is provided in Note 8—Income Taxes .
Treasury Stock	Torchmark accounts for purchases of treasury stock on the cost method. Issuance of treasury stock is accounted for using the weighted-average cost method.
Recognition of Premium Revenue and Related Expenses	Premium income for traditional long-duration life and health insurance products is recognized when due from the policyholder. Premiums for short-duration health contracts are recognized as revenue over the contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Profits for limited-payment life insurance contracts are recognized over the contract period. Premiums for universal life-type and annuity contracts are added to the policy account value, and revenues for such products are recognized as charges to the policy account value for mortality, administration, and surrenders (retrospective deposit method). Life premium includes policy charges of $19 million , $21 million , and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Other premium consists of annuity policy charges in each year. Profits are also earned to the extent that investment income exceeds policy liability interest requirements. The related benefits and expenses are matched with revenues by means of the provision of future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred acquisition costs in a manner which recognizes profits as they are earned over the same period.
Stock-Based Compensation	Torchmark accounts for stock-based compensation by recognizing an expense in the financial statements based on the “fair value method.” The fair value method requires that a fair value be assigned to a stock option or other stock grant on its grant date and that this value be amortized over the grantees’ service period. The fair value method requires the use of an option valuation model to value employee stock options. Torchmark has elected to use the Black-Scholes valuation model for option expensing. A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2013 through 2015 is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Volatility factor 23.6 % 30.9 % 38.5 % Dividend yield 0.9 % 0.9 % 1.1 % Expected term (in years) 5.66 5.65 5.62 Risk-free rate 1.6 % 1.9 % 1.1 % The expected term is generally derived from Company experience. However, expected terms are determined based on the simplified method as permitted under the ASC 718 Stock Compensation topic when company experience is insufficient. The Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan replaced all previous plans and allows for option grants for employees with a ten -year contractual term which vest over five years in addition to seven -year grants which vest over three years as permitted by the previous plans. Director grants vest over six months. The Company has sufficient experience with seven-year grants that vest in three years, but insufficient historical experience with five-year vesting. Therefore, Torchmark has used the simplified method to determine the expected term for the ten-year grants with five-year vesting and will do so until adequate experience is developed. Volatility and risk-free interest rates are assumed over a period of time consistent with the expected term of the option. Volatility is measured on a historical basis. Monthly data points are utilized to derive volatility for periods greater than three years. Expected dividend yield is based on current dividend yield held constant over the expected term. Once the fair value of an option has been determined, it is amortized on a straight-line basis over the employee’s service period for that grant (from the grant date to the date the grant is fully vested). Expenses for restricted stock and restricted stock units are based on the grant-date fair value allocated on a straight-line basis over the service period. Performance share expense is recognized based on management’s estimate of the probability of meeting the metrics identified in the performance share award agreement, assigned to each service period as these estimates develop. Torchmark management views all stock-based compensation expense as a corporate or Parent Company expense and, therefore, presents it as such in its segment analysis (See Note 14—Business Segments ). It is included in “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations .
Earnings Per Share	Torchmark presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations for income from continuing operations and income from discontinued operations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adding to shares outstanding the additional net effect of potentially dilutive securities or contracts, such as stock options, which could be exercised or converted into common shares. For more information on earnings per share, see Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity .
Unadopted Accounting Policies	Consolidation: The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02 Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02), to amend the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 , Consolidation . ASU 2015-02 will be effective for Torchmark beginning in calendar year 2016. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Short-Duration Contracts : The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-09 Financial Services-Insurance: Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (ASU 2015-09) , requiring companies to disclose additional information with regards to its short-duration insurance contracts. These new disclosures are intended to provide additional insight into an insurance entity’s ability to underwrite claims. Torchmark's disclosures under ASU 2015-09 will be effective for the 2016 annual consolidated financial statements. This guidance consists only of new disclosures and will not impact the accounting for short-duration contracts. Defined Benefit Pension Plans : The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-12 Plan Accounting: Defined Pension Plans, Defined Contribution Pension Plans, Health and Welfare Benefit Plans: (Part I) Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts, (Part II) Plan Investment Disclosures, (Part III) Measurement Date Practical Expedient (Consensuses of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (ASU 2015-12) which is a three part standard that is expected to 1) change the measurement of fully benefit-responsive investment contracts from fair value to contract value, 2) simplify disclosures related to plan investments, and 3) provide a measurement date practical expedient. ASU 2015-12 will be effective for Torchmark beginning in calendar year 2016. This new guidance will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments: The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01). The guidance addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. In particular, this guidance requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income rather than other comprehensive income, and changes the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for Torchmark on January 1, 2018. As Torchmark's equity securities portfolio is insignificant in comparison to its investment portfolio, the Company does not anticipate the guidance to have a material impact on its operating results. Leases: The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 Leases (ASU 2016-02). This new guidance states that leases classified as operating leases under current accounting guidance will be recognized on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities when the company is the lessee. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for Torchmark on January 1, 2019 and is required to be presented using a modified retrospective approach. Torchmark is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements	Torchmark measures the fair value of its fixed maturities and equity securities based on a hierarchy consisting of three levels which indicate the quality of the fair value measurements as described below: • Level 1 – fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. • Level 2 – fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that can otherwise be corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3 – fair values are based on inputs that are considered unobservable where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability as of the measurement date. In this circumstance, the Company has to rely on values derived by independent brokers or internally-developed assumptions. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available to the Company which may include the Company’s own data or bid and ask prices in the dealer market. The great majority of Torchmark's fixed maturities are not actively traded and direct quotes are not generally available. Management therefore determines the fair values of these securities after consideration of data provided by third-party pricing services, independent broker/dealers, and other resources. At December 31, 2015 , Torchmark's investments in fixed maturities were primarily composed of the following significant security types: Corporate securities, state and municipal securities, redeemable preferred stocks, and U.S. government securities. The remaining security types represented less than 1% of the total in the aggregate. Over 95% of the fair value reported at December 31, 2015 was determined using data provided by third-party pricing services. Prices provided by these services are not binding offers but are estimated exit values. Third-party pricing services use proprietary pricing models to determine security values by discounting cash flows using a market-adjusted spread to a benchmark yield. For all asset classes within Torchmark’s significant security types, third-party pricing services use a common valuation technique to model the price of the investments using observable market data. The foundation for these models consists of developing yield spreads based on multiple observable market inputs, including but not limited to: benchmark yield curves, actual trading activity, new issue yields, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector-specific data, economic data, and other inputs that are corroborated in the market. Pricing vendors monitor and review their pricing data continuously with current market and economic data feeds, augmented by ongoing communication within the dealer community. Using the observable market inputs described above, spreads to an appropriate benchmark yield are further developed by the vendors for each security based on security-specific and/or sector-specific risk factors, such as a security’s terms and conditions (coupon, maturity, and call features), credit rating, sector, liquidity, collateral or other cash flow options, and other factors that could impact the risk of the security. Embedded repayment options, such as call and redemption features, are also taken into account in the pricing models. When the spread is determined, it is added to the security’s benchmark yield. The security's expected cash flows are discounted using this spread-adjusted yield, and the resulting present value of the discounted cash flows is the evaluated price. When third-party vendor prices are not available, the Company attempts to obtain valuations from other sources, including but not limited to broker/dealers, broker quotes, and prices on comparable securities. When valuations have been obtained for all securities in the portfolio, management reviews and analyzes the prices to ensure their reasonableness, taking into account available observable information. When two or more valuations are available for a security and the variance between the prices is 10% or less, the close correlation suggests similar observable inputs were used in deriving the price, and the mean of the prices is used. Securities valued in this manner are classified as Level 2. When the variance between two or more valuations for a security exceeds 10%, additional analysis is performed to determine the most appropriate value for that security, using resources such as broker quotes, prices on comparable securities, recent trades, and any other observable market data. Further review is performed on the available valuations to determine if they can be corroborated within reasonable tolerance to any other observable evidence. If one of the valuations or the mean of the available valuations for a security can be corroborated with other observable evidence, then the corroborated value is used and reported as Level 2. The Company uses information and analytical techniques deemed appropriate for determining the point within the range of reasonable fair value estimates that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions. Valuations that cannot be corroborated within a reasonable tolerance are classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , fair value measurements classified as Level 3 represented 4.4% and 4.0% , respectively, of total fixed maturities and equity securities. Torchmark invests in a portfolio of private placement bonds which are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by third parties and was $542 million at amortized cost and $546 million at fair value on December 31, 2015 , compared with $497 million at amortized cost and $513 million at fair value a year earlier. The portfolio managers provide valuations for the bonds based on a pricing matrix utilizing observable inputs, such as the benchmark treasury rate and published sector indices, and unobservable inputs such as an internally-developed credit rating. If the unobservable inputs can be closely corroborated with publicly available information, the fair values are classified as Level 2. If they cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2015 , fair values of $15 million were classified as Level 2, while the remaining balance of $531 million was classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2014 , all private placements were classified as Level 3. The fair values for each class of security and by valuation hierarchy level are indicated in Note 4—Investments under the caption Fair value measurements.
Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments [Member]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair values for cash, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables and payables approximate carrying value. Policy loans are an integral part of Torchmark’s subsidiaries’ life insurance policies in force and their fair values cannot be valued separately and apart from the insurance contracts. The fair values of Torchmark’s long-term debt issues are based on the same methodology as investments in fixed maturities. Because observable inputs were available for these debt securities at December 31, 2015 , they were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2015 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt . As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits , Torchmark maintains an unqualified supplemental retirement plan. Therefore the assets which support the liability for this plan are considered general assets of the Company. These assets consist of the cash value of corporate-owned life insurance policies and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The fair value of the insurance cash values approximates carrying value. Fair values for the ETFs are derived from direct quotes and are considered Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy.

Significant Accounting Polici28

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	The following table reflects a summary of the impact of the retrospectively adjusted balances on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 . Twelve months ended December 31, 2014 Income Statement As previously reported (1) Adjustments As adjusted Net investment income $ 729,207 $ 29,079 $ 758,286 Total revenue 3,591,016 29,079 3,620,095 Income before income taxes 755,598 29,079 784,677 Income taxes (227,524 ) (29,079 ) (256,603 ) Net income 542,939 — 542,939 Twelve months ended December 31, 2013 Income Statement As previously reported (1) Adjustments As adjusted Net investment income $ 709,743 $ 24,907 $ 734,650 Total revenue 3,469,346 24,907 3,494,253 Income before income taxes 730,408 24,907 755,315 Income taxes (223,203 ) (24,907 ) (248,110 ) Net income 528,472 — 528,472 (1) Total revenue, income before income taxes, and income taxes were adjusted for discontinued operations as discussed earlier in this note.
Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted	A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2013 through 2015 is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Volatility factor 23.6 % 30.9 % 38.5 % Dividend yield 0.9 % 0.9 % 1.1 % Expected term (in years) 5.66 5.65 5.62 Risk-free rate 1.6 % 1.9 % 1.1 %

Statutory Accounting (Tables)

Statutory Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Consolidated Net Income and Shareholders' Equity for Insurance Companies	Consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity (capital and surplus) on a statutory basis for the insurance subsidiaries were as follows: Net Income Shareholders’ Equity Year Ended December 31, At December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 393,466 $ 446,439 $ 572,509 $ 1,253,007 $ 1,262,624

Supplemental Information Abou30

Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Change in Balance by Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	An analysis in the change in balance by component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income is as follows for each of the years 2013 through 2015 . Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income For the 12 months ended December 31, 2013: Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 1,024,367 $ (16,417 ) $ 26,608 $ (109,283 ) $ 925,275 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (758,857 ) 9,689 (1,742 ) 33,992 (716,918 ) Reclassifications, net of tax (9,314 ) — — 11,938 2,624 Other comprehensive income (loss) (768,171 ) 9,689 (1,742 ) 45,930 (714,294 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 256,196 (6,728 ) 24,866 (63,353 ) 210,981 For the 12 months ended December 31, 2014: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 855,132 (4,030 ) (7,480 ) (42,781 ) 800,841 Reclassifications, net of tax (21,055 ) — — 6,685 (14,370 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 834,077 (4,030 ) (7,480 ) (36,096 ) 786,471 Balance at December 31, 2014 1,090,273 (10,758 ) 17,386 (99,449 ) 997,452 For the 12 months ended December 31, 2015: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (759,976 ) 5,643 (13,759 ) (8,930 ) (777,022 ) Reclassifications, net of tax 2,036 — — 9,481 11,517 Other comprehensive income (loss) (757,940 ) 5,643 (13,759 ) 551 (765,505 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 332,333 $ (5,115 ) $ 3,627 $ (98,898 ) $ 231,947
Summary of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for each of the years 2013 through 2015 . Reclassification Adjustments Year Ended December 31, Component Line Item 2015 2014 2013 Affected line items in the Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ 9,478 $ (23,771 ) $ (9,606 ) Realized investment gains (losses) Amortization of (discount) premium (6,346 ) (8,621 ) (6,569 ) Net investment income Total before tax 3,132 (32,392 ) (16,175 ) Tax (1,096 ) 11,337 6,861 Income taxes Total after tax 2,036 (21,055 ) (9,314 ) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 377 2,113 2,276 Other operating expenses Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 14,209 8,172 16,090 Other operating expenses Total before tax 14,586 10,285 18,366 Tax (5,105 ) (3,600 ) (6,428 ) Income taxes Total after tax 9,481 6,685 11,938 Total reclassifications (after tax) $ 11,517 $ (14,370 ) $ 2,624

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Available for Sale by Component	A summary of fixed maturities available for sale and equity securities by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015: Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 368,718 $ 404 $ (14,078 ) $ 355,044 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,296,396 131,516 (1,908 ) 1,426,004 10 Foreign governments 21,594 1,369 (163 ) 22,800 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 2,760,552 301,624 (54,881 ) 3,007,295 22 Utilities 1,981,241 223,535 (28,267 ) 2,176,509 16 Energy 1,568,392 53,776 (219,101 ) 1,403,067 10 Other corporate sectors 4,761,192 294,026 (230,911 ) 4,824,307 35 Total corporates 11,071,377 872,961 (533,160 ) 11,411,178 83 Collateralized debt obligations 63,662 16,158 (9,438 ) 70,382 1 Other asset-backed securities 18,963 668 — 19,631 — Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 382,517 45,926 (4,781 ) 423,662 3 Utilities 28,644 731 (52 ) 29,323 — Total redeemable preferred stocks 411,161 46,657 (4,833 ) 452,985 3 Total fixed maturities 13,251,871 1,069,733 (563,580 ) 13,758,024 100 Equity securities available for sale 776 859 — 1,635 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 13,252,647 $ 1,070,592 $ (563,580 ) $ 13,759,659 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value 2014: Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 367,463 $ 5,561 $ (3,183 ) $ 369,841 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,278,429 177,052 (718 ) 1,454,763 10 Foreign governments 25,824 1,350 (1 ) 27,173 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 2,659,266 419,303 (12,136 ) 3,066,433 21 Utilities 2,154,433 377,962 (2,945 ) 2,529,450 17 Energy 1,511,839 173,485 (21,641 ) 1,663,683 12 Other corporate sectors 4,240,082 530,462 (24,158 ) 4,746,386 33 Total corporates 10,565,620 1,501,212 (60,880 ) 12,005,952 83 Collateralized debt obligations 67,876 4,165 (8,809 ) 63,232 — Other asset-backed securities 21,424 1,104 — 22,528 — Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 468,290 56,845 (5,008 ) 520,127 4 Utilities 28,686 781 (23 ) 29,444 — Total redeemable preferred stocks 496,976 57,626 (5,031 ) 549,571 4 Total fixed maturities 12,823,612 1,748,070 (78,622 ) 14,493,060 100 Equity securities available for sale 776 701 — 1,477 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 12,824,388 $ 1,748,771 $ (78,622 ) $ 14,494,537 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value
Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity	A schedule of fixed maturities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2015 is shown below on an amortized cost basis and on a fair value basis. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions. Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 66,545 $ 67,585 Due from one to five years 535,903 583,237 Due from five to ten years 1,051,912 1,129,107 Due from ten to twenty years 3,877,844 4,201,334 Due after twenty years 7,635,180 7,684,715 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 84,487 92,046 $ 13,251,871 $ 13,758,024
Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations	As discussed in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , net investment income was retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2014-01 for all periods presented. Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net investment income is summarized as follows: Fixed maturities $ 747,663 $ 732,925 $ 709,756 Equity securities 13 8 323 Policy loans 36,763 35,015 33,471 Other long-term investments 2,008 1,508 1,281 Short-term investments 95 75 138 786,542 769,531 744,969 Less investment expense (12,591 ) (11,245 ) (10,319 ) Net investment income $ 773,951 $ 758,286 $ 734,650
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	An analysis of realized gains (losses) from investments is as follows: Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities $ (9,479 ) $ 23,170 $ 13,138 Equity securities — 601 — Loss on redemption of debt — (258 ) — Other 688 35 (5,148 ) (8,791 ) 23,548 7,990 Applicable tax 3,077 (8,242 ) (4,025 ) Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax $ (5,714 ) $ 15,306 $ 3,965
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows: Fixed maturities $ (1,163,295 ) $ 1,279,190 $ (1,187,529 ) Equity securities 158 (308 ) 317 Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities (1,163,137 ) 1,278,882 (1,187,212 ) Other investments (2,895 ) 4,180 3,560 Net change in unrealized gains (losses) $ (1,166,032 ) $ 1,283,062 $ (1,183,652 )
Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities	Additional information about securities sold is a
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	llows: At December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturities: Proceeds from sales $ 226,792 $ 109,024 $ 133,463 Gross realized gains 259 17,583 5,948 Gross realized losses (16,894 ) (1,879 ) (1,310 ) Fair value measurements : The following tables represent the fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 an
Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	2014 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using: Description Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 355,044 $ — $ 355,044 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,426,004 — 1,426,004 Foreign governments — 22,800 — 22,800 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 2,945,048 62,247 3,007,295 Utilities 22,189 2,020,268 134,052 2,176,509 Energy — 1,377,861 25,206 1,403,067 Other corporate sectors — 4,515,006 309,301 4,824,307 Total corporates 22,189 10,858,183 530,806 11,411,178 Collateralized debt obligations — — 70,382 70,382 Other asset-backed securities — 19,631 — 19,631 Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 10,124 413,538 — 423,662 Utilities — 29,323 — 29,323 Total redeemable preferred stocks 10,124 442,861 — 452,985 Total fixed maturities 32,313 13,124,523 601,188 13,758,024 Equity securities available for sale 765 — 870 1,635 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 33,078 $ 13,124,523 $ 602,058 $ 13,759,659 Percentage of total 0.2 % 95.4 % 4.4 % 100 % Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using: Description Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 369,841 $ — $ 369,841 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,504 1,453,259 — 1,454,763 Foreign governments — 27,173 — 27,173 Corporates, by sector: Financial 56,517 2,940,267 69,649 3,066,433 Utilities 30,054 2,366,408 132,988 2,529,450 Energy — 1,636,653 27,030 1,663,683 Other corporate sectors — 4,463,339 283,047 4,746,386 Total corporates 86,571 11,406,667 512,714 12,005,952 Collateralized debt obligations — — 63,232 63,232 Other asset-backed securities 661 21,867 — 22,528 Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 17,811 502,316 — 520,127 Utilities 5,134 24,310 — 29,444 Total redeemable preferred stocks 22,945 526,626 — 549,571 Total fixed maturities 111,681 13,805,433 575,946 14,493,060 Equity securities available for sale 644 — 833 1,477 Total fixed maturities and equity securities $ 112,325 $ 13,805,433 $ 576,779 $ 14,494,537 Percentage of total 0.8 % 95.2 % 4.0 % 100.0 % The following table represents changes in assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Analysis of Changes in Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Asset- backed securities Collateralized debt Obligations Corporates Equities Total Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 7,981 $ 46,571 $ 231,072 $ 739 $ 286,363 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — — — — — Included in other comprehensive income 426 10,083 (17,243 ) 37 (6,697 ) Acquisitions — — 129,755 — 129,755 Sales — — — — — Amortization (57 ) 2,838 5 — 2,786 Other (1) — (1,287 ) (834 ) — (2,121 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 (8,350 ) — (42,455 ) — (50,805 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 — 58,205 300,300 776 359,281 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — 15,924 1 — 15,925 Included in other comprehensive income — 3,323 27,864 57 31,244 Acquisitions — — 186,366 — 186,366 Sales — (16,049 ) (1 ) — (16,050 ) Amortization — 5,519 13 — 5,532 Other (1) — (3,690 ) (1,829 ) — (5,519 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2014 — 63,232 512,714 833 576,779 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — — 1,182 — 1,182 Included in other comprehensive income — 11,365 (11,925 ) 37 (523 ) Acquisitions — — 38,600 — 38,600 Amortization — 5,536 17 — 5,553 Other (1) — (9,751 ) (9,782 ) — (19,533 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2015 $ — $ 70,382 $ 530,806 $ 870 $ 602,058 (1) Includes capitalized interest, foreign exchange adjustments, and principal
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	acements. Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement
Transfers in and Out of Each of the Valuation Levels of Fair Values	curities . The following table presents transfers in and out of each of the valuation levels of fa
Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment	s analysis : The following tables disclose gross unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of investments at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for the respective periods of time in a loss position. Torchmark considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired. ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES At December 31, 2015 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 310,676 $ (13,196 ) $ 14,731 $ (882 ) $ 325,407 $ (14,078 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 55,351 (1,611 ) 671 (42 ) 56,022 (1,653 ) Foreign governments 7,302 (163 ) — — 7,302 (163 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 476,469 (18,599 ) — — 476,469 (18,599 ) Utilities 435,692 (28,267 ) — — 435,692 (28,267 ) Energy 745,969 (146,157 ) 81,681 (41,412 ) 827,650 (187,569 ) Metals and mining 225,273 (50,857 ) 25,831 (11,552 ) 251,104 (62,409 ) Other corporate sectors 1,615,515 (113,185 ) 35,684 (6,661 ) 1,651,199 (119,846 ) Total corporates 3,498,918 (357,065 ) 143,196 (59,625 ) 3,642,114 (416,690 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Utilities 7,763 (52 ) — — 7,763 (52 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks 7,763 (52 ) — — 7,763 (52 ) Total investment grade securities 3,880,010 (372,087 ) 158,598 (60,549 ) 4,038,608 (432,636 ) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — 299 (255 ) 299 (255 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial — — 69,506 (36,282 ) 69,506 (36,282 ) Energy 7,979 (1,854 ) 61,175 (29,678 ) 69,154 (31,532 ) Metals and mining 4,551 (5,414 ) 17,679 (22,247 ) 22,230 (27,661 ) Other corporate sectors 81,368 (12,492 ) 63,307 (8,503 ) 144,675 (20,995 ) Total corporates 93,898 (19,760 ) 211,667 (96,710 ) 305,565 (116,470 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 10,562 (9,438 ) 10,562 (9,438 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial — — 22,374 (4,781 ) 22,374 (4,781 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks — — 22,374 (4,781 ) 22,374 (4,781 ) Total below investment grade securities 93,898 (19,760 ) 244,902 (111,184 ) 338,800 (130,944 ) Total fixed maturities $ 3,973,908 $ (391,847 ) $ 403,500 $ (171,733 ) $ 4,377,408 $ (563,580 ) ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LO
Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position	ing 2015 . Additional information about investments in an unrealized loss position is a
Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments	ormation : Other long-term investments consist of the
Schedule Of Percentages Of Investments By Major Components At Fair Value	ven issuer. At December 31, 2015 , the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the
Schedule Of Industry Concentrations Held In Corporate Portfolio	industries. Below are the ten largest industry concentrations held in the corporate portfolio of corporate debt securities and redeemable preferred stocks at December 31, 2015 , based on f

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Analysis of Deferred Acquisition Costs	An analysis of deferred acquisition costs is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 3,457,397 $ 3,325,433 $ 3,187,710 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 401,166 358,969 330,922 Other expenses 211,015 203,276 189,326 Total deferred 612,181 562,245 520,248 Value of insurance purchased during year — — 8,489 Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) 8,682 — 14,906 Total additions 620,863 562,245 543,643 Deductions: Amortized during period (445,625 ) (415,914 ) (400,869 ) Foreign exchange adjustment (15,500 ) (8,167 ) (5,051 ) Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) — (6,200 ) — Total deductions (461,125 ) (430,281 ) (405,920 ) Balance at end of year $ 3,617,135 $ 3,457,397 $ 3,325,433 (1) Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	The net assets held for sale at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: At December 31, 2015 2014 Assets: Due premiums (1) $ 8,041 $ 5,292 Risk sharing receivable (1) — 31,373 Other receivables (2) 287,765 236,996 Deferred acquisition costs 17,037 14,384 Total assets held for sale 312,843 288,045 Liabilities: Unearned and advance premiums 806 572 Policy claims and other benefits payable (2) 12,309 15,517 Risk sharing payable 23,837 — Current and deferred income taxes payable 13,604 11,195 Other 479 11,592 Total liabilities held for sale 51,035 38,876 Net assets $ 261,808 $ 249,169 (1) Previously included as a component of "Other receivables" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . (2) At December 31, 2015 , receivables included $193 million from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and $95 million from drug manufacturer rebates. At December 31, 2014 , the comparable amounts were $179 million and $58 million , respectively. In 2014, the receivable for drug manufacturer rebates was previously included as a component of "Policy claims and other benefits payable" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . Income from discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue: Health premium $ 260,657 $ 373,280 $ 302,592 Benefits and expenses: Health policyholder benefits 213,114 315,816 250,080 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 3,506 2,858 2,520 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses 20,909 26,613 14,027 Other operating expense 6,502 5,123 3,247 Total benefits and expenses 244,031 350,410 269,874 Income before income taxes for discontinued operations 16,626 22,870 32,718 Income taxes (5,819 ) (8,005 ) (11,451 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 10,807 $ 14,865 $ 21,267 Income taxes paid related to discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2015 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes paid $ 3,409 $ 12,013 $ 10,320

Liability for Unpaid Health C34

Liability for Unpaid Health Claims (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 128,265 $ 116,559 $ 124,999 Incurred related to: Current year 502,009 453,014 453,538 Prior years (7,845 ) 804 5,279 Total incurred 494,164 453,818 458,817 Paid related to: Current year 379,037 343,648 354,358 Prior years 106,272 98,464 112,899 Total paid 485,309 442,112 467,257 Balance at end of year $ 137,120 $ 128,265 $ 116,559

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Taxes	The components of income taxes were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 249,894 $ 256,603 $ 248,110 Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) (411,646 ) 424,089 (386,752 ) Tax basis compensation expense (from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards) in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (17,577 ) (18,524 ) (21,314 ) $ (179,329 ) $ 662,168 $ (159,956 )
Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations	Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current income tax expense $ 174,284 $ 169,319 $ 190,406 Deferred income tax expense 75,610 87,284 57,704 $ 249,894 $ 256,603 $ 248,110
Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate	The effective income tax rate differed from the expected 35% rate as shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 % 2014 % 2013 % Expected income taxes $ 268,165 35.0 $ 274,637 35.0 $ 264,360 35.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Tax-exempt investment income (3,178 ) (0.4 ) (3,233 ) (0.4 ) (3,107 ) (0.4 ) Low income housing investments (19,031 ) (2.5 ) (17,541 ) (2.2 ) (16,227 ) (2.1 ) Other 3,938 0.5 2,740 0.4 3,084 0.4 Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 249,894 32.6 $ 256,603 32.8 $ 248,110 32.9
Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 16,098 $ 12,925 Carryover of tax losses 2,266 3,036 Total gross deferred tax assets 18,364 15,961 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 128,683 522,219 Employee and agent compensation 83,229 74,088 Deferred acquisition costs 921,799 874,817 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 340,854 331,408 Other liabilities 17,176 4,732 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,491,741 1,807,264 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,473,377 $ 1,791,303

Postretirement Benefits (Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations	The total cost of these retirement plans charged to operations was as follows: Year Ended December 31, Defined Defined 2015 $ 3,429 $ 29,230 2014 3,078 23,463 2013 3,373 33,122
Pension Assets by Component at Fair Value	The following table presents the assets of Torchmark’s defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2015 Fair Value Determined by: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Amount % to Total Equity securities: Financial $ 49,391 $ $ $ 49,391 16 Consumer, Cyclical 24,264 24,264 8 Technology 19,871 19,871 6 Industrial 15,176 15,176 5 Consumer, Non-Cyclical 12,216 12,216 4 Other 2,502 8 2,510 1 Total equity securities 123,420 8 — 123,428 40 Corporate bonds Financial 36,266 36,266 12 Utilities 43,229 43,229 14 Energy 25,890 25,890 8 Other corporates 40,996 40,996 13 Total corporate bonds — 146,381 — 146,381 47 Other bonds 270 270 — Guaranteed annuity contract (1) 17,082 17,082 6 Short-term investments 15,593 15,593 5 Other 4,842 4,842 2 Grand Total $ 143,855 $ 163,741 $ — $ 307,596 100 (1) This amount represents a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Torchmark's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan. Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2014 Fair Value Determined by: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Amount % to Total Equity securities: Financial $ 45,790 $ $ $ 45,790 14 Consumer, Cyclical 26,542 26,542 8 Technology 16,965 16,965 5 Consumer, Non-Cyclical 11,665 11,665 4 Energy 10,192 10,192 3 Communications 9,322 9,322 3 Industrial 6,377 6,377 2 Other 715 715 — Total equity securities 127,568 — — 127,568 39 Corporate bonds Financial 40,889 40,889 13 Utilities 48,510 48,510 15 Energy 30,936 30,936 10 Other corporates 46,490 46,490 14 Total corporate bonds — 166,825 — 166,825 52 Other bonds 284 284 — Guaranteed annuity contract (1) 15,027 15,027 5 Short-term investments 9,038 9,038 3 Other 4,156 4,156 1 Grand Total $ 140,762 $ 182,136 $ — $ 322,898 100 (1) This amount represents a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Torchmark's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan.
Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	An analysis of the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) concerning pensions and other postretirement benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1 $ (152,999 ) $ (97,467 ) $ (168,129 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 377 2,113 2,276 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 14,209 8,172 16,090 Total amortization 14,586 10,285 18,366 Plan amendments (2,104 ) — — Experience gain(loss) (11,632 ) (65,817 ) 52,296 Balance at December 31 $ (152,149 ) $ (152,999 ) $ (97,467 ) (1) Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $120 thousand in 2015 , $2 thousand in 2014 , and $224 thousand in 2013 .
Portion of Other Comprehensive Income Expected to Be Reflected in Pension Expense in Next Year	The portion of other comprehensive income that is expected to be reflected in pension expense in 2016 is as follows: Amortization of prior service cost $ 477 Amortization of net actuarial loss 9,695 Total $ 10,172
Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions	Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions For Benefit Obligations at December 31: 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.64 % 4.23 % Rate of Compensation Increase 4.33 4.35 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2015 2014 2013 Discount Rate 4.23 % 5.12 % 4.18 % Expected Long-Term Returns 6.96 6.97 6.96 Rate of Compensation Increase 4.35 4.35 4.40
Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs	Net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit plans by expense component was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 15,902 $ 12,925 $ 14,984 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 19,887 19,270 17,043 Expected return on assets (21,204 ) (19,031 ) (17,429 ) Net amortization 14,465 10,283 18,143 Recognition of actuarial loss 180 16 381 Net periodic pension cost $ 29,230 $ 23,463 $ 33,122
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets	The following table presents a reconciliation from the beginning to the end of the year of the projected benefit obligation and plan assets for pensions. This table also presents the amounts previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Pension Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 477,426 $ 383,859 Service cost 15,902 12,925 Interest cost 19,887 19,270 Plan amendments 2,104 — Actuarial loss (gain) (19,226 ) 78,487 Benefits paid (19,512 ) (17,115 ) Obligation at end of year 476,581 477,426 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 322,898 291,753 Return on assets (11,333 ) 33,641 Contributions 15,543 14,619 Benefits paid (19,512 ) (17,115 ) Fair value at end of year 307,596 322,898 Funded status at year end $ (168,985 ) $ (154,528 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net loss (gain) $ 145,623 $ 146,571 Prior service cost 5,088 3,362 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 150,711 $ 149,933
Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	Torchmark has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2015 . These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s) 2016 $ 18,352 2017 19,832 2018 21,077 2019 21,660 2020 24,048 2021-2025 143,489
Other Benefits [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions	The table below presents the assumptions used to determine the liabilities and costs of Torchmark’s postretirement benefit plans other than pensions. Weighted Average Assumptions for Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions For Benefit Obligations at December 31: 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.66 % 4.23 % For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2015 2014 2013 Discount Rate 4.23 % 5.12 % 4.18 %
Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs	The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for plans other than pensions are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ — $ — $ 354 Interest cost on benefit obligation 1,075 646 1,030 Expected return on plan assets — — — Net amortization 120 2 224 Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss 367 (256 ) — Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 1,562 $ 392 $ 1,608
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets	The following table presents a reconciliation of the benefit obligation and plan assets from the beginning to the end of the year. As these plans are unfunded, funded status is equivalent to the accrued benefit liability. Benefits Other Than Pensions Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 22,895 $ 20,860 Service cost — — Interest cost 1,075 646 Actuarial loss (gain) (1,133 ) 1,700 Benefits paid (358 ) (311 ) Obligation at end of year 22,479 22,895 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year — — Return on assets — — Contributions 358 311 Benefits paid (358 ) (311 ) Fair value at end of year — — Funded status at year end $ (22,479 ) $ (22,895 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss (1) $ 1,447 $ 3,066 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 1,447 $ 3,066 (1) The net loss for benefit plans other than pensions reduces other comprehensive income.
Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions For the year(s) 2016 $ 921 2017 1,018 2018 1,137 2019 1,252 2020 1,356 2021-2025 8,921

Supplemental Disclosures of C37

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Summary of Noncash Transactions	The following table summarizes Torchmark’s noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 28,664 $ 32,203 $ 25,642 Commitments for low-income housing interests 68,949 75,706 42,525 Capitalized investment income — — 806
Summary of Amounts Paid	The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 74,792 $ 77,066 $ 81,322 Income taxes paid 110,650 100,922 128,771

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Information about Debt Issues	The following table presents information about the terms and outstanding balances of Torchmark’s debt. Selected Information about Debt Issues As of December 31, 2015 2014 Description Annual Interest Rate Issue Date Periodic Interest Payments Due Outstanding Principal (Par Value) Outstanding Principal (Book Value) Outstanding Principal (Fair Value) Outstanding Principal (Book Value) Notes, due 5/15/23 (1,2) 7.875 % 5/93 5/15 & 11/15 $ 165,612 $ 163,920 $ 204,470 $ 163,758 Senior Notes, due 6/15/16 (1,3,7) 6.375 % 6/06 6/15 & 12/15 250,000 249,753 255,354 249,236 Senior Notes, due 6/15/19 (1,3) 9.250 % 6/09 6/15 & 12/15 292,647 291,002 353,978 290,618 Senior Notes, due 9/15/22 (1,3) 3.800 % 9/12 3/15 & 9/15 150,000 147,913 148,843 147,648 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 12/15/52 (4,8) 5.875 % 9/12 quarterly 125,000 120,898 129,000 120,870 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 3/15/36 (4,5) 3.812 % (9) (6) quarterly 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Total funded debt 1,003,259 993,486 1,111,645 992,130 Commercial Paper (7) 240,544 240,376 240,376 238,398 Total debt $ 1,243,803 $ 1,233,862 $ 1,352,021 $ 1,230,528 (1) All securities other than the Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority with one another. (2) Not callable. (3) Callable subject to “make-whole” premium. (4) Quarterly payments on the 15th of March, June, September, and December. (5) Callable anytime. (6) Assumed upon November 1, 2012 acquisition of Family Heritage. (7) Classified as short-term debt. (8) Callable as of December 15, 2017. (9) Interest paid at 3 month LIBOR plus 330 basis points, resets each quarter.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 490,544 $ — $ — $ 292,647 $ — $ 460,612
Short-Term Borrowings	Short-Term Borrowings At December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 240,544 $ 238,450 Annualized interest rate 0.55 % 0.32 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 177,000 $ 198,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 332,456 313,550 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Average balance outstanding during period $ 350,851 $ 296,246 $ 274,435 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 0.43 % 0.26 % 0.33 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period $ 458,110 $ 343,000 $ 340,140

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Preferred and Common Share Activity	A summary of preferred and common share activity is presented in the following chart. Preferred Stock Common Stock Issued Treasury Stock Issued Treasury Stock 2013: Balance at January 1, 2013 — — 158,718,183 (17,364,729 ) Grants of restricted stock 76,415 Forfeitures and surrenders of restricted stock (37,359 ) Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 3,917,757 Issuance of common stock due to settlement of restricted stock units 11,190 Treasury stock acquired (11,069,076 ) Retirement of treasury stock (7,500,000 ) 7,500,000 Balance at December 31, 2013 — — 151,218,183 (16,965,802 ) 2014: Grants of restricted stock 19,041 Forfeitures of restricted stock (2,700 ) Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 2,210,349 Treasury stock acquired (8,548,795 ) Retirement of treasury stock (17,000,000 ) 17,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2014 — — 134,218,183 (6,287,907 ) 2015: Grants of restricted stock 6,648 Forfeitures of restricted stock (13,950 ) Vesting of performance shares 211,287 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 1,576,485 Treasury stock acquired (7,340,794 ) Retirement of treasury stock (4,000,000 ) 4,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2015 — — 130,218,183 (7,848,231 )
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	A reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 125,094,628 130,721,738 137,646,885 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 1,662,607 1,918,506 1,916,900 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 126,757,235 132,640,244 139,563,785

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Grant Contract Periods and Vesting Periods	Options generally vest in accordance with the following schedule: Contract period Vesting period Grants vest in the following periods under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan: Directors 7 years 6 months Employees: 7 years 1/2 in 2 years 1/2 in 3 years 10 years 1/4 in 2 years 1/4 in each of the next 3 years Contract period Vesting period Grants vest in the following periods under previous compensation plans: Directors 7 years 6 months Employees 7 years 1/2 in 2 years 1/2 in 3 years
Analysis of Shares Available for Grant	An analysis of shares available for grant is as follows: Available for Grant 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1 8,458,593 4,368,753 6,804,452 2011 Plan amendment — 6,300,000 — Options expired and forfeited during year (1) 90,371 3,488 128,109 Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (2) 89,745 31,620 9,625 Options granted during year (1) (1,334,514 ) (1,523,982 ) (1,626,863 ) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (2) (431,913 ) (721,286 ) (946,570 ) Balance at December 31 6,872,282 8,458,593 4,368,753 (1) Plan allows for grant of options such that each grant reduces shares available for grant in a range from 0.85 share to 1 share. (2) Plan allows for grant of restricted stock such that each stock grant reduces shares available for grant in a range from 3.1 shares to 3.88 shares.
Summary of Stock Compensation Activity	A summary of stock compensation activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 is presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 28,664 $ 32,203 $ 25,642 Tax benefit recognized 10,033 11,271 8,975 (1) No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period. Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2015 is presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 11.97 $ 14.77 $ 12.37 Intrinsic value of options exercised 54,854 61,229 72,793 Cash received from options exercised 35,958 56,294 97,815 Actual tax benefit received 24,470 23,232 27,972
Schedule of Additional Information of Stock-Based Compensation	Additional stock compensation information is as follows at December 31: 2015 2014 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 33,977 $ 38,809 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.85 0.91 (1) Includes restricted stock and performance shares. Additional information about Torchmark’s stock option activity as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015 2014 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.32 4.34 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 141,728 $ 167,713 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 2.74 2.72 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 104,885 $ 112,724
Summary of Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 . Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted- Average Exercise Price $10.44 - $29.59 2,197,238 2.07 $ 26.05 2,130,205 $ 25.94 30.32 - 32.48 1,145,648 3.66 30.58 986,823 30.62 37.40 - 43.06 1,438,565 4.48 37.61 624,655 37.88 50.69 - 51.62 1,481,681 5.64 50.70 14,044 51.04 53.61 - 54.16 1,471,709 6.68 53.62 18,334 54.16 $10.44 - $54.16 7,734,841 4.32 $ 38.84 3,774,061 $ 29.37
Analysis of Option Activity	An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding-beginning of year 7,889,321 $ 32.91 8,579,202 $ 27.84 10,998,206 $ 25.43 Granted: 7-year term 1,220,751 53.62 1,226,270 50.70 1,361,700 37.62 10-year term 296,875 53.61 297,712 50.69 265,162 37.40 Exercised (1,576,485 ) 22.81 (2,210,348 ) 25.47 (3,917,757 ) 24.97 Expired and forfeited (95,621 ) 48.85 (3,488 ) 40.05 (128,109 ) 32.33 Adjustment due to 7/1/14 stock split — — (27 ) — — — Outstanding-end of year 7,734,841 $ 38.84 7,889,321 $ 32.91 8,579,202 $ 27.84 Exercisable at end of year 3,774,061 $ 29.37 3,809,415 $ 24.58 4,395,552 $ 22.95
Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options	Additional information concerning Torchmark’s unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2015 2014 Number of shares outstanding 3,960,780 4,079,906 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 47.86 $ 40.69 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 5.82 5.85 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 36,843 $ 54,989
Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Granted	A summary of restricted stock grants for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 is presented in the table below. 2015 2014 2013 Executives restricted stock: Shares — 12,000 58,695 Price per share $ — $ 50.69 $ 40.09 Aggregate value $ — $ 608 $ 2,353 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 — % — % — % Directors restricted stock: Shares 6,648 7,041 15,045 Price per share $ 54.16 $ 51.62 $ 35.45 Aggregate value $ 360 $ 363 $ 533 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 100 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 7,640 12,322 16,998 Price per share $ 54.44 $ 51.69 $ 35.99 Aggregate value $ 416 $ 637 $ 612 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 179,500 179,250 147,750 Target price per share $ 53.61 $ 51.41 $ 37.40 Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (58,056 ) 22,060 94,800 Aggregate value $ 9,623 $ 9,215 $ 5,526 Percent vested as of 12/31/15 — % — % — %
Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock	An analysis of unvested restricted stock is as follows: Executive Executive Directors Directors Total 2013: Balance at January 1, 2013 467,550 120,000 587,550 Grants 58,695 147,750 15,045 16,998 238,488 Additional performance shares (1) 94,800 94,800 Restriction lapses (150,750 ) (15,045 ) (16,998 ) (182,793 ) Forfeitures (31,050 ) (31,050 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 344,445 362,550 — — 706,995 2014: Grants 12,000 179,250 7,041 12,322 210,613 Additional performance shares (1) 22,060 22,060 Restriction lapses (90,315 ) (7,041 ) (12,322 ) (109,678 ) Forfeitures (2,700 ) (7,500 ) (10,200 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 263,430 556,360 — — 819,790 2015: Grants — 179,500 6,648 7,640 193,788 Additional performance shares (1) (58,056 ) (58,056 ) Restriction lapses (61,815 ) (211,287 ) (6,648 ) (7,640 ) (287,390 ) Forfeitures (13,950 ) (7,500 ) (21,450 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 187,665 459,017 — — 646,682 (1) Estimated additional share grants expected due to achievement of performance criteria.
Schedule of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Values of Unvested Restricted Stock	An analysis of the weighted-average grant-date fair values of unvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2015 : Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2015 $ 31.85 $ 40.07 Grants — 53.61 $ 54.16 $ 54.16 Estimated additional performance shares 55.49 Restriction lapses (29.26 ) (32.63 ) (54.16 ) (54.16 ) Forfeitures 28.97 44.66 Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2015 32.92 46.77

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Premium Revenue by Each Marketing Group	The tables below present segment premium revenue by each of Torchmark’s marketing groups. Torchmark Corporation Premium Income by Distribution Channel For the Year 2015 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 15,036 1 $ 345,330 37 $ 135 100 $ 360,501 12 Liberty National Exclusive 271,113 13 209,150 23 480,263 16 American Income Exclusive 830,903 40 80,339 9 911,242 30 Family Heritage Exclusive 2,334 — 221,091 24 223,425 8 Globe Life Direct Response 746,693 36 69,610 7 816,303 27 Other 206,986 10 206,986 7 $ 2,073,065 100 $ 925,520 100 $ 135 100 $ 2,998,720 100 For the Year 2014 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 16,582 1 $ 305,368 35 $ 400 100 $ 322,350 11 Liberty National Exclusive 272,265 14 222,017 25 494,282 18 American Income Exclusive 766,458 39 78,722 9 845,180 30 Family Heritage Exclusive 1,595 — 204,667 24 206,262 7 Globe Life Direct Response 702,023 36 58,666 7 760,689 27 Other 207,377 10 207,377 7 $ 1,966,300 100 $ 869,440 100 $ 400 100 $ 2,836,140 100 For the Year 2013 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 19,742 1 $ 298,298 35 $ 532 100 $ 318,572 11 Liberty National Exclusive 275,980 15 241,264 28 517,244 19 American Income Exclusive 715,366 38 79,435 9 794,801 29 Family Heritage Exclusive 1,006 — 190,923 22 191,929 7 Globe Life Direct Response 663,544 35 53,898 6 717,442 26 Other 209,694 11 209,694 8 $ 1,885,332 100 $ 863,818 100 $ 532 100 $ 2,749,682 100
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Information to Consolidated Statement of Operations	The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Torchmark’s revenues and operations by segment to its major income statement line items. See Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies for additional information concerning reconciling items of segment profits to pretax income. For the year 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,073,065 $ 925,520 $ 135 $ 2,998,720 Net investment income $ 773,951 773,951 Other income $ 2,379 $ (194 ) (2) 2,185 Total revenue 2,073,065 925,520 135 773,951 2,379 (194 ) 3,774,856 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,374,608 602,610 38,994 2,016,212 Required interest on: Policy reserves (552,298 ) (69,057 ) (53,295 ) 674,650 — Deferred acquisition costs 172,947 22,760 1,138 (196,845 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 353,595 83,341 8,689 445,625 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 154,811 81,489 41 1,200 (2,3) 237,541 Insurance administrative expense (1) 186,191 186,191 Parent expense $ 9,003 9,003 Stock-based compensation expense 28,664 28,664 Interest expense 76,642 76,642 Total expenses 1,503,663 721,143 (4,433 ) 554,447 186,191 37,667 1,200 2,999,878 Subtotal 569,402 204,377 4,568 219,504 (183,812 ) (37,667 ) (1,394 ) 774,978 Non-operating items 1,394 (3) 1,394 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 569,402 $ 204,377 $ 4,568 $ 219,504 $ (183,812 ) $ (37,667 ) $ — 776,372 Deduct applicable income taxes (253,459 ) Segment profits after tax 522,913 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 253,459 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) and impairments (8,791 ) Deduct administrative settlements (3) (1,394 ) Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 766,187 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Administrative settlements. For the year 2014 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,966,300 $ 869,440 $ 400 $ 2,836,140 Net investment income (5) $ 758,286 758,286 Other income $ 2,354 $ (233 ) (2) 2,121 Total revenue 1,966,300 869,440 400 758,286 2,354 (233 ) 3,596,547 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,293,384 559,817 42,005 8,178 (4) 1,903,384 Required interest on: Policy reserves (530,192 ) (64,401 ) (55,255 ) 649,848 — Deferred acquisition costs 168,100 22,499 1,453 (192,052 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 335,345 72,731 7,838 415,914 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 143,174 79,475 47 (233 ) (2) 222,463 Insurance administrative expense (1) 174,832 2,422 (3) 177,254 Parent expense $ 8,159 (85 ) (3) 8,074 Stock-based compensation expense 32,203 32,203 Interest expense 76,126 76,126 Total expenses 1,409,811 670,121 (3,912 ) 533,922 174,832 40,362 10,282 2,835,418 Subtotal 556,489 199,319 4,312 224,364 (172,478 ) (40,362 ) (10,515 ) 761,129 Non-operating items 10,515 (3,4) 10,515 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 556,489 $ 199,319 $ 4,312 $ 224,364 $ (172,478 ) $ (40,362 ) $ — 771,644 Deduct applicable income taxes (252,041 ) Segment profits after tax 519,603 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 252,041 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) and impairments 23,548 Deduct legal settlement expenses (3) (2,337 ) Deduct administrative settlements (4) (8,178 ) Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 784,677 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Legal settlement expenses. (4) Administrative settlements. (5) Retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2014-01 as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies . For the Year 2013 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,885,332 $ 863,818 $ 532 $ 2,749,682 Net investment income (6) $ 734,650 734,650 Other income $ 2,208 $ (277 ) (2) 1,931 Total revenue 1,885,332 863,818 532 734,650 2,208 (277 ) 3,486,263 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,227,857 558,982 43,302 8,625 (4) 1,838,766 Required interest on: Policy reserves (508,236 ) (59,858 ) (57,294 ) 625,388 — Deferred acquisition costs 164,981 22,568 1,811 (189,360 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 323,950 69,724 8,714 (1,519 ) (5) 400,869 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 131,721 75,895 60 (277 ) (2) 207,399 Insurance administrative expense (1) 175,651 1,155 (3) 176,806 Parent expense $ 8,495 500 (4) 8,995 Stock-based compensation expense 25,642 25,642 Interest expense 80,461 80,461 Total expenses 1,340,273 667,311 (3,407 ) 516,489 175,651 34,137 8,484 2,738,938 Subtotal 545,059 196,507 3,939 218,161 (173,443 ) (34,137 ) (8,761 ) 747,325 Non-operating items 8,761 (3,4,5) 8,761 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 545,059 $ 196,507 $ 3,939 $ 218,161 $ (173,443 ) $ (34,137 ) $ — 756,086 Deduct applicable income taxes (246,686 ) Segment profits after tax 509,400 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 246,686 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) and impairments 7,990 Deduct Guaranty Fund Assessment (3) (1,155 ) Deduct legal settlement expenses (4) (9,125 ) Add Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments (5) 1,519 Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 755,315 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Guaranty Fund Assessment. (4) Legal settlement expenses. (5) Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments. (6) Retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2014-01 as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies .
Analysis of Profitability by Segment	The following table summarizes the measures of segment profitability as determined in the three preceding tables for comparison with prior periods. The table also reconciles segment profits to net income. Analysis of Profitability by Segment 2015 2014 2013 2015 % 2014 % Life insurance underwriting margin $ 569,402 $ 556,489 $ 545,059 $ 12,913 2 $ 11,430 2 Health insurance underwriting margin 204,377 199,319 196,507 5,058 3 2,812 1 Annuity underwriting margin 4,568 4,312 3,939 256 6 373 9 Excess investment income 219,504 224,364 218,161 (4,860 ) (2 ) 6,203 3 Other insurance: Other income 2,379 2,354 2,208 25 1 146 7 Administrative expense (186,191 ) (174,832 ) (175,651 ) (11,359 ) 6 819 — Corporate and adjustments (37,667 ) (40,362 ) (34,137 ) 2,695 (7 ) (6,225 ) 18 Pre-tax total 776,372 771,644 756,086 4,728 1 15,558 2 Applicable taxes (253,459 ) (252,041 ) (246,686 ) (1,418 ) 1 (5,355 ) 2 After-tax total, before discontinued operations 522,913 519,603 509,400 3,310 1 10,203 2 Discontinued operations (after tax) (1) 10,807 14,865 21,267 (4,058 ) (27 ) (6,402 ) (30 ) Total 533,720 534,468 530,667 (748 ) — 3,801 1 Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax) (5,714 ) 15,306 3,965 (21,020 ) 11,341 Family Heritage acquisition finalization adjustments (after tax) — — 522 — (522 ) Legal settlement expenses (after tax) — (1,519 ) (5,931 ) 1,519 4,412 Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax) — — (751 ) — 751 Administrative settlements (after tax) (906 ) (5,316 ) — 4,410 (5,316 ) Net income $ 527,100 $ 542,939 $ 528,472 $ (15,839 ) (3 ) $ 14,467 3 (1) Income from discontinued operations (after tax) is included for purposes of reconciling to net income.
Assets by Segment	The table below reconciles segment assets to total assets as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Assets by Segment At December 31, 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ 14,405,073 $ 14,405,073 Accrued investment income 209,915 209,915 Deferred acquisition costs $ 3,098,656 $ 502,535 $ 15,944 3,617,135 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 441,591 Other assets $ 1,179,499 1,179,499 Total assets $ 3,408,265 $ 634,517 $ 15,944 $ 14,614,988 $ 1,179,499 $ 19,853,213 At December 31, 2014 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ 15,058,996 $ 15,058,996 Accrued investment income 204,879 204,879 Deferred acquisition costs $ 2,946,995 $ 493,880 $ 16,522 3,457,397 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 441,591 Other assets $ 1,109,396 1,109,396 Total assets $ 3,256,604 $ 625,862 $ 16,522 $ 15,263,875 $ 1,109,396 $ 20,272,259
Other Balances by Segment	Other Balances by Segment At December 31, 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 9,327,561 $ 1,600,240 $ 1,318,010 $ 12,245,811 Unearned and advance premiums 17,381 49,640 67,021 Policy claims and other benefits payable 135,778 137,120 272,898 Debt $ 1,233,862 1,233,862 Total $ 9,480,720 $ 1,787,000 $ 1,318,010 $ 1,233,862 $ 13,819,592 At December 31, 2014 Life Health Annuity Investment Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 8,900,344 $ 1,489,963 $ 1,360,188 $ 11,750,495 Unearned and advance premium 17,238 54,465 71,703 Policy claims and other benefits payable 125,884 128,265 254,149 Debt $ 1,230,528 1,230,528 Total $ 9,043,466 $ 1,672,693 $ 1,360,188 $ 1,230,528 $ 13,306,875

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure	Rental expense for operating leases for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Rental expense $ 6,722 $ 4,200 $ 4,100 Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2015 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 8,304 $ 7,888 $ 4,738 $ 4,531 $ 4,372 $ 11,122
Long-term Purchase Commitment	As of December 31, 2015 , Torchmark remained obligated under these commitments as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 Thereafter Low-Income housing commitments $ 36,702 $ 26,592 $ 4,500 $ 1,154

Selected Quarterly Data (Unau43

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Data	The following is an unaudited summary of quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2015 . The information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods. Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2015: Premium income $ 742,056 $ 752,484 $ 748,109 756,071 Net investment income 191,596 194,823 193,213 194,319 Realized investment gains (losses) 119 2,613 5,140 (16,663 ) Total revenue 934,440 950,611 947,154 933,860 Policyholder benefits 497,775 508,316 501,156 508,965 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 110,660 111,738 111,643 111,584 Pretax income from continuing operations 194,477 196,723 199,009 175,978 Income from continuing operations 130,778 132,527 133,858 119,130 Income from discontinued operations (9,130 ) (5,417 ) 11,528 13,826 Net income 121,648 127,110 145,386 132,956 Basic net income per common share Continuing operations 1.03 1.05 1.08 0.97 Discontinued operations (0.07 ) (0.04 ) 0.09 0.11 Total basic net income per share 0.96 1.01 1.17 1.08 Diluted net income per common share Continuing operations 1.02 1.04 1.06 0.96 Discontinued operations (0.07 ) (0.04 ) 0.09 0.11 Total diluted net income per share 0.95 1.00 1.15 1.07 2014 (1) : Premium income $ 708,592 $ 707,173 $ 702,061 $ 718,314 Net investment income 188,051 189,930 189,588 190,717 Realized investment gains (losses) 16,619 577 (1,483 ) 7,835 Total revenue 913,743 898,343 890,834 917,175 Policyholder benefits 472,585 473,007 473,098 484,694 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 104,028 103,889 103,084 104,913 Pretax income from continuing operations 209,037 191,922 184,709 199,009 Income from continuing operations 140,330 129,695 124,390 133,659 Income from discontinued operations (7,474 ) 1,228 8,022 13,089 Net income 132,856 130,923 132,412 146,748 Basic net income per common share Continuing operations 1.05 0.99 0.96 1.04 Discontinued operations (0.05 ) 0.01 0.06 0.10 Total basic net income per share 1.00 1.00 1.02 1.14 Diluted net income per common share Continuing operations 1.04 0.97 0.94 1.03 Discontinued operations (0.06 ) 0.01 0.06 0.10 Total diluted net income per share 0.98 0.98 1.00 1.13

Significant Accounting Polici44

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair value determined by third party	95.00%
Percentage of investment securities not classified as corporate securities, state and municipal securities, redeemable preferred stocks and U.S. government securities (less than)	1.00%
Level 3 Proportion to fixed maturities and equity securities	4.40%	4.00%
Private placement corporate bonds managed by a third party	$ 542,000	$ 497,000
Fair Value	13,758,024	14,493,060	[1]
Advanced agent commissions receivable	334,000	313,000
Advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating expense	10,000	8,000		$ 6,000
Capitalized advertising costs	1,210,000	1,150,000
Original cost of property and equipment	175,000	139,000
Accumulated depreciation	92,000	85,000
Depreciation expense	8,000	7,400		6,400
Loss on sale of real estate				265
Write-down of real estate				2,700
Insurance policy charges	$ 19,300	20,900		$ 22,100
Traditional life and health, interest rate, low end	2.50%
Traditional life and health, interest rate, high end	7.00%
Traditional life and health, weighted average interest rate	5.70%
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	$ 306,000	318,000
Obligations under future commitments for low-income housing interests	$ 69,000
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	40 years
Life Insurance [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proportion of future policy reserves which are not universal life type	85.00%
Equity Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term	7 years
Equity Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term	10 years
Employee [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Five Year Vesting Period [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term	10 years
Vesting period	5 years
Employee [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Three Year Vesting Period [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term	7 years
Vesting period	3 years
Director [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term	7 years
Vesting period	6 months
Other Assets [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	$ 302,000	313,000
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	4,000	5,000
Private Placement Bonds [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value	546,000	$ 513,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Private Placement Bonds [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value	15,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value	602,058
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Private Placement Bonds [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 531,000
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Significant Accounting Polici45

Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Impact of the Retrospectively Adjusted Balances on the Consolidated Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net investment income	$ 194,319	$ 193,213	$ 194,823	$ 191,596	$ 190,717	$ 189,588	$ 189,930	$ 188,051	$ 773,951	$ 758,286	[1]	$ 734,650	[1]
Total revenue	933,860	947,154	950,611	934,440	917,175	890,834	898,343	913,743	3,766,065	3,620,095	[1]	3,494,253	[1]
Income before income taxes	175,978	199,009	196,723	194,477	199,009	184,709	191,922	209,037	766,187	784,677	[1]	755,315	[1]
Income taxes									(249,894)	(256,603)	[1]	(248,110)	[1]
Net income	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	$ 146,748	$ 132,412	$ 130,923	$ 132,856	$ 527,100	542,939	[1],[2]	528,472	[1],[2]
As previously reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net investment income										729,207		709,743
Total revenue										3,591,016		3,469,346
Income before income taxes										755,598		730,408
Income taxes										(227,524)		(223,203)
Net income										542,939		528,472
Adjustments [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net investment income										29,079		24,907
Total revenue										29,079		24,907
Income before income taxes										29,079		24,907
Income taxes										(29,079)		(24,907)
Net income										$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Significant Accounting Polici46

Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Volatility factor	23.60%	30.90%	38.50%
Dividend yield	0.90%	0.90%	1.10%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 7 months 28 days	5 years 7 months 24 days	5 years 7 months 13 days
Risk-free rate	1.60%	1.90%	1.10%

Statutory Accounting - Consolid

Statutory Accounting - Consolidated Net Income and Shareholders' Equity for Insurance Companies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]
Life insurance subsidiaries, Net income	$ 393,466	$ 446,439	$ 572,509
Life insurance subsidiaries, Shareholders' equity	$ 1,253,007	$ 1,262,624

Statutory Accounting - Addition

Statutory Accounting - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Insurance [Abstract]
Surplus adequate to satisfy regulatory compliance	$ 452

Supplemental Information abou49

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Change in Balance by Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	$ 997,452	[1]	$ 210,981		$ 925,275
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(777,022)		800,841		(716,918)
Reclassifications, net of tax	11,517		(14,370)		2,624
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(765,505)		786,471		(714,294)
Ending balance	231,947		997,452	[1]	210,981
Available for Sale Assets [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	1,090,273		256,196		1,024,367
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(759,976)		855,132		(758,857)
Reclassifications, net of tax	2,036		(21,055)		(9,314)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(757,940)		834,077		(768,171)
Ending balance	332,333		1,090,273		256,196
Deferred Acquisition Costs [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(10,758)		(6,728)		(16,417)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	5,643		(4,030)		9,689
Reclassifications, net of tax	0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,643		(4,030)		9,689
Ending balance	(5,115)		(10,758)		(6,728)
Foreign Exchange [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	17,386		24,866		26,608
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(13,759)		(7,480)		(1,742)
Reclassifications, net of tax	0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,759)		(7,480)		(1,742)
Ending balance	3,627		17,386		24,866
Pension Adjustments [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(99,449)		(63,353)		(109,283)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(8,930)		(42,781)		33,992
Reclassifications, net of tax	9,481		6,685		11,938
Other comprehensive income (loss)	551		(36,096)		45,930
Ending balance	$ (98,898)		$ (99,449)		$ (63,353)
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Supplemental Information abou50

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Summary of Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Realized (gains) losses									$ 8,791	$ (23,548)	[1]	$ (10,668)	[1]
Amortization of (discount) premium	$ (194,319)	$ (193,213)	$ (194,823)	$ (191,596)	$ (190,717)	$ (189,588)	$ (189,930)	$ (188,051)	(773,951)	(758,286)	[1]	(734,650)	[1]
Income tax expense from continuing operations									249,894	256,603	[1]	248,110	[1]
Total after tax	$ (132,956)	$ (145,386)	$ (127,110)	$ (121,648)	$ (146,748)	$ (132,412)	$ (130,923)	$ (132,856)	(527,100)	(542,939)	[1],[2]	(528,472)	[1],[2]
Pension adjustments:
Total after tax									11,517	(14,370)		2,624
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Pension adjustments:
Total after tax									2,036	(21,055)		(9,314)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member]
Pension adjustments:
Pension adjustments reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income									377	2,113		2,276
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Pension adjustments:
Pension adjustments reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income									14,209	8,172		16,090
Pension Adjustments [Member]
Pension adjustments:
Pension adjustments reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income									14,586	10,285		18,366
Tax									(5,105)	(3,600)		(6,428)
Total after tax									9,481	6,685		11,938
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets [Member]
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Realized (gains) losses									9,478	(23,771)		(9,606)
Amortization of (discount) premium									(6,346)	(8,621)		(6,569)
Total before tax									3,132	(32,392)		(16,175)
Income tax expense from continuing operations									(1,096)	11,337		6,861
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Total after tax									$ 2,036	$ (21,055)		$ (9,314)
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Investments - Summary of Fixed

Investments - Summary of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Available for Sale by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 13,251,871	$ 12,823,612
Fair Value	13,758,024	14,493,060	[1]
Equity Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	776	776
Equity securities available for sale	1,635	1,477	[1]
Total Available for Sale Securities Cost	13,252,647	12,824,388
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,070,592	1,748,771
Gross Unrealized Losses	(563,580)	(78,622)
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	13,759,659	14,494,537
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	776	776
Gross Unrealized Gains	859	701
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Equity securities available for sale	1,635	1,477
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	13,251,871	12,823,612
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,069,733	1,748,070
Gross Unrealized Losses	(563,580)	(78,622)
Fair Value	$ 13,758,024	$ 14,493,060
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 368,718	$ 367,463
Gross Unrealized Gains	404	5,561
Gross Unrealized Losses	(14,078)	(3,183)
Fair Value	$ 355,044	$ 369,841
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	3.00%	3.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,296,396	$ 1,278,429
Gross Unrealized Gains	131,516	177,052
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,908)	(718)
Fair Value	$ 1,426,004	$ 1,454,763
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	10.00%	10.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 21,594	$ 25,824
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,369	1,350
Gross Unrealized Losses	(163)	(1)
Fair Value	$ 22,800	$ 27,173
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 11,071,377	$ 10,565,620
Gross Unrealized Gains	872,961	1,501,212
Gross Unrealized Losses	(533,160)	(60,880)
Fair Value	$ 11,411,178	$ 12,005,952
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	83.00%	83.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 2,760,552	$ 2,659,266
Gross Unrealized Gains	301,624	419,303
Gross Unrealized Losses	(54,881)	(12,136)
Fair Value	$ 3,007,295	$ 3,066,433
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	22.00%	21.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,981,241	$ 2,154,433
Gross Unrealized Gains	223,535	377,962
Gross Unrealized Losses	(28,267)	(2,945)
Fair Value	$ 2,176,509	$ 2,529,450
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	16.00%	17.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Energy [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,568,392	$ 1,511,839
Gross Unrealized Gains	53,776	173,485
Gross Unrealized Losses	(219,101)	(21,641)
Fair Value	$ 1,403,067	$ 1,663,683
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	10.00%	12.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Other Corporate Sectors [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 4,761,192	$ 4,240,082
Gross Unrealized Gains	294,026	530,462
Gross Unrealized Losses	(230,911)	(24,158)
Fair Value	$ 4,824,307	$ 4,746,386
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	35.00%	33.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 63,662	$ 67,876
Gross Unrealized Gains	16,158	4,165
Gross Unrealized Losses	(9,438)	(8,809)
Fair Value	$ 70,382	$ 63,232
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	1.00%	0.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 18,963	$ 21,424
Gross Unrealized Gains	668	1,104
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$ 19,631	$ 22,528
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 411,161	$ 496,976
Gross Unrealized Gains	46,657	57,626
Gross Unrealized Losses	(4,833)	(5,031)
Fair Value	$ 452,985	$ 549,571
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	3.00%	4.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 382,517	$ 468,290
Gross Unrealized Gains	45,926	56,845
Gross Unrealized Losses	(4,781)	(5,008)
Fair Value	$ 423,662	$ 520,127
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	3.00%	4.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 28,644	$ 28,686
Gross Unrealized Gains	731	781
Gross Unrealized Losses	(52)	(23)
Fair Value	$ 29,323	$ 29,444
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Investments - Schedule of Fixed

Investments - Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 66,545
Due from one to five years	535,903
Due from five to ten years	1,051,912
Due from ten to twenty years	3,877,844
Due after twenty years	7,635,180
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	84,487
Cost or Amortized Cost	13,251,871	$ 12,823,612
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	67,585
Due from one to five years	583,237
Due from five to ten years	1,129,107
Due from ten to twenty years	4,201,334
Due after twenty years	7,684,715
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	92,046
Total fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value	$ 13,758,024	$ 14,493,060	[1]
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Investments - Schedule of Analy

Investments - Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									$ 786,542	$ 769,531		$ 744,969
Less investment expense									(12,591)	(11,245)		(10,319)
Net investment income	$ 194,319	$ 193,213	$ 194,823	$ 191,596	$ 190,717	$ 189,588	$ 189,930	$ 188,051	773,951	758,286	[1]	734,650	[1]
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									747,663	732,925		709,756
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									13	8		323
Policy Loans [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									36,763	35,015		33,471
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									2,008	1,508		1,281
Short-term Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									$ 95	$ 75		$ 138
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."

Investments - Realized Gain (Lo

Investments - Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	$ (16,663)	$ 5,140	$ 2,613	$ 119	$ 7,835	$ (1,483)	$ 577	$ 16,619	$ (8,791)	$ 23,548	$ 7,990
Applicable tax									3,077	(8,242)	(4,025)
Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax									(5,714)	15,306	3,965
Loss on Redemption of Debt [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)									0	(258)	0
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)									(9,479)	23,170	13,138
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)									0	601	0
Other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)									$ 688	$ 35	$ (5,148)

Investments - Unrealized Gain (

Investments - Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	$ (1,166,032)	$ 1,283,062	$ (1,183,652)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	(1,163,295)	1,279,190	(1,187,529)
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	158	(308)	317
Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	(1,163,137)	1,278,882	(1,187,212)
Other Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	$ (2,895)	$ 4,180	$ 3,560

Investments - Schedule of Selec

Investments - Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	$ 226,792	$ 109,024	[1]	$ 133,463	[1]
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	226,792	109,024		133,463
Gross realized gains	259	17,583		5,948
Gross realized losses	$ (16,894)	$ (1,879)		$ (1,310)
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Investments - Assets Measured a

Investments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 13,758,024	$ 14,493,060	[1]
Equity securities available for sale	1,635	1,477	[1]
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$ 13,759,659	$ 14,494,537
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$ 33,078	$ 112,325
Percentage of total	0.20%	0.80%
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$ 13,124,523	$ 13,805,433
Percentage of total	95.40%	95.20%
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 602,058
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$ 602,058	$ 576,779
Percentage of total	4.40%	4.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 13,758,024	$ 14,493,060
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	355,044	369,841
Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,426,004	1,454,763
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	22,800	27,173
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	11,411,178	12,005,952
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	70,382	63,232
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	19,631	22,528
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	452,985	549,571
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Financial [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,007,295	3,066,433
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Financial [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	423,662	520,127
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,176,509	2,529,450
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	29,323	29,444
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Energy [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,403,067	1,663,683
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Corporate Sectors [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	4,824,307	4,746,386
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	32,313	111,681
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	1,504
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	22,189	86,571
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	661
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	10,124	22,945
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Financial [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	56,517
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Financial [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	10,124	17,811
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	22,189	30,054
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	5,134
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Energy [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Corporate Sectors [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	13,124,523	13,805,433
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	355,044	369,841
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,426,004	1,453,259
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	22,800	27,173
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	10,858,183	11,406,667
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	19,631	21,867
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	442,861	526,626
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Financial [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,945,048	2,940,267
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Financial [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	413,538	502,316
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,020,268	2,366,408
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	29,323	24,310
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Energy [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,377,861	1,636,653
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Corporate Sectors [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	4,515,006	4,463,339
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	601,188	575,946
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	530,806	512,714
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	70,382	63,232
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Financial [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	62,247	69,649
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Financial [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	134,052	132,988
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Utilities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Energy [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	25,206	27,030
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Corporate Sectors [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	309,301	283,047
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities available for sale	1,635	1,477
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities available for sale	765	644
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities available for sale	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities available for sale	$ 870	$ 833
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Investments - Schedule of Chang

Investments - Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 576,779	$ 359,281	$ 286,363
Included in realized gains/losses	1,182	15,925	0
Included in other comprehensive income	(523)	31,244	(6,697)
Acquisitions	38,600	186,366	129,755
Sales		(16,050)	0
Amortization	5,553	5,532	2,786
Other	(19,533)	(5,519)	(2,121)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	(50,805)
Ending Balance	602,058	576,779	359,281
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	0	0	7,981
Included in realized gains/losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	426
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Sales		0	0
Amortization	0	0	(57)
Other	0	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	(8,350)
Ending Balance	0	0	0
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	63,232	58,205	46,571
Included in realized gains/losses	0	15,924	0
Included in other comprehensive income	11,365	3,323	10,083
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Sales		(16,049)	0
Amortization	5,536	5,519	2,838
Other	(9,751)	(3,690)	(1,287)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	70,382	63,232	58,205
Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	512,714	300,300	231,072
Included in realized gains/losses	1,182	1	0
Included in other comprehensive income	(11,925)	27,864	(17,243)
Acquisitions	38,600	186,366	129,755
Sales		(1)	0
Amortization	17	13	5
Other	(9,782)	(1,829)	(834)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	(42,455)
Ending Balance	530,806	512,714	300,300
Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	833	776	739
Included in realized gains/losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	37	57	37
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Sales		0	0
Amortization	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 870	$ 833	$ 776

Investments - Quantitative Info

Investments - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 13,758,024	$ 14,493,060	[1]
Private Placement Bonds [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	546,000	$ 513,000
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	602,058
Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	70,382
Level 3 [Member] | Private Placement Bonds [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	531,000
Level 3 [Member] | Private Placement Bonds [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	530,806
Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Third-party Pricing Without Adjustment [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 870
Minimum [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	8.85%
Minimum [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Private Placement Bonds [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.13%
Maximum [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	9.50%
Maximum [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Private Placement Bonds [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.47%
Credit rating	A+ to BB
Weighted Average [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	9.40%
Weighted Average [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Private Placement Bonds [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.31%
Credit rating	BBB
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Investments - Transfers in and

Investments - Transfers in and Out of Each of the Valuation Levels of Fair Values (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Level 1 [Member]
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]
In	$ 17,252	$ 36,468	$ 19,416
Out	(49,744)	0	0
Net	(32,492)	36,468	19,416
Level 2 [Member]
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]
In	49,744	0	50,805
Out	(17,252)	(36,468)	(19,416)
Net	32,492	(36,468)	31,389
Level 3 [Member]
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]
In	0	0	0
Out	0	0	(50,805)
Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ (50,805)

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Issue	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Issue
Investment [Line Items]
Written down securities carried at fair value	$ 60,000
Written down securities carried at fair value, percentage	1.00%
Total issues of fixed-maturities and equities | Issue	1,568	1,604
Securities of state and municipal governments	10.00%
Proportion of state and municipal government securities at fair value invested in selected states	5.00%
Percentage of invested assets rated below investment grade	4.00%
Par value of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	$ 720,000
Amortized cost of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	640,000
Fair value of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	$ 533,000
TEXAS
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	30.00%
OHIO
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	7.00%
WASHINGTON
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	7.00%
ILLINOIS
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	6.00%
ALABAMA
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	5.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	$ (563,580)	$ (78,622)
Increase in unrealized loss position	485,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Financial [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Increase in unrealized loss position	$ 43,000
Percentage of investment portfolio	25.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Energy [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Increase in unrealized loss position	$ 197,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Metals and Mining [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Increase in unrealized loss position	86,000
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	(432,636)	(46,541)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	(416,690)	(42,779)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Financial [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	(18,599)	(397)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Energy [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	(187,569)	(21,641)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Metals and Mining [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	$ (62,409)	$ (4,535)
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities and Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	82.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	79.00%

Investments - Schedule of Unrea

Investments - Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment (Detail) - Fixed Maturities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	$ 3,973,908	$ 445,875
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	403,500	1,051,912
Fair Value, Total	4,377,408	1,497,787
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(391,847)	(17,705)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(171,733)	(60,917)
Unrealized Loss Total	(563,580)	(78,622)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	3,880,010	412,935
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	158,598	821,804
Fair Value, Total	4,038,608	1,234,739
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(372,087)	(17,301)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(60,549)	(29,240)
Unrealized Loss Total	(432,636)	(46,541)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	310,676	4,478
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	14,731	149,238
Fair Value, Total	325,407	153,716
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(13,196)	(7)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(882)	(3,176)
Unrealized Loss Total	(14,078)	(3,183)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	55,351	5,632
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	671	20,363
Fair Value, Total	56,022	25,995
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(1,611)	(206)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(42)	(348)
Unrealized Loss Total	(1,653)	(554)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	7,302	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	800
Fair Value, Total	7,302	800
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(163)	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	(1)
Unrealized Loss Total	(163)	(1)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	3,498,918	401,817
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	143,196	649,759
Fair Value, Total	3,642,114	1,051,576
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(357,065)	(17,087)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(59,625)	(25,692)
Unrealized Loss Total	(416,690)	(42,779)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	476,469	7,928
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	28,202
Fair Value, Total	476,469	36,130
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(18,599)	(25)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	(372)
Unrealized Loss Total	(18,599)	(397)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	435,692	4,678
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	111,993
Fair Value, Total	435,692	116,671
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(28,267)	(41)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	(2,904)
Unrealized Loss Total	(28,267)	(2,945)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Energy [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	745,969	201,509
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	81,681	101,457
Fair Value, Total	827,650	302,966
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(146,157)	(12,423)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(41,412)	(9,218)
Unrealized Loss Total	(187,569)	(21,641)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Metals and Mining [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	225,273	69,959
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	25,831	16,078
Fair Value, Total	251,104	86,037
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(50,857)	(3,592)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(11,552)	(943)
Unrealized Loss Total	(62,409)	(4,535)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Other Corporate Sectors [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	1,615,515	117,743
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	35,684	392,029
Fair Value, Total	1,651,199	509,772
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(113,185)	(1,006)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(6,661)	(12,255)
Unrealized Loss Total	(119,846)	(13,261)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	7,763	1,008
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	1,644
Fair Value, Total	7,763	2,652
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(52)	(1)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	(23)
Unrealized Loss Total	(52)	(24)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months		1,008
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer		0
Fair Value, Total		1,008
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months		(1)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer		0
Unrealized Loss Total		(1)
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	7,763	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	1,644
Fair Value, Total	7,763	1,644
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(52)	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	(23)
Unrealized Loss Total	(52)	(23)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	93,898	32,940
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	244,902	230,108
Fair Value, Total	338,800	263,048
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(19,760)	(404)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(111,184)	(31,677)
Unrealized Loss Total	(130,944)	(32,081)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	299	393
Fair Value, Total	299	393
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(255)	(164)
Unrealized Loss Total	(255)	(164)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	93,898	32,940
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	211,667	161,186
Fair Value, Total	305,565	194,126
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(19,760)	(404)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(96,710)	(17,697)
Unrealized Loss Total	(116,470)	(18,101)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	69,506	94,069
Fair Value, Total	69,506	94,069
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(36,282)	(11,739)
Unrealized Loss Total	(36,282)	(11,739)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Energy [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	7,979
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	61,175
Fair Value, Total	69,154
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(1,854)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(29,678)
Unrealized Loss Total	(31,532)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Metals and Mining [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	4,551
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	17,679
Fair Value, Total	22,230
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(5,414)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(22,247)
Unrealized Loss Total	(27,661)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Other Corporate Sectors [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	81,368	32,940
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	63,307	67,117
Fair Value, Total	144,675	100,057
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(12,492)	(404)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(8,503)	(5,958)
Unrealized Loss Total	(20,995)	(6,362)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	10,562	11,190
Fair Value, Total	10,562	11,190
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(9,438)	(8,809)
Unrealized Loss Total	(9,438)	(8,809)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	22,374	57,339
Fair Value, Total	22,374	57,339
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(4,781)	(5,007)
Unrealized Loss Total	(4,781)	(5,007)
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	22,374	57,339
Fair Value, Total	22,374	57,339
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(4,781)	(5,007)
Unrealized Loss Total	$ (4,781)	$ (5,007)

Investments - Schedule of Addit

Investments - Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) - Issue	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Less than Twelve Months	480	80
Twelve Months or Longer	75	173
Total	555	253

Investments - Schedule of Other

Investments - Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 36,803	$ 10,449	[1]
Investment in Limited Partnership [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	31,409	3,236
Low-Income Housing Interests [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	3,767	5,370
Other [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 1,627	$ 1,843
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Investments - Summary of Invest

Investments - Summary of Investment Portfolio (Detail) - Credit Concentration Risk [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	1.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	79.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	3.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Securities of state and municipal governments [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Government-sponsored enterprises [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	2.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	1.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	1.00%
Policy Loans [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	3.00%

Investments - Concentration of

Investments - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Insurance	18.00%
Electric utilities	15.00%
Oil and natural gas pipelines	6.00%
Banks	6.00%
Transportation	5.00%
Chemicals	4.00%
Oil and natural gas exploration and production	4.00%
Gas utilities	3.00%
Real estate investment trusts	3.00%
Mining	3.00%

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Det

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of year				$ 3,457,397	[1]					$ 3,325,433	$ 3,457,397	[1]	$ 3,325,433		$ 3,187,710
Commissions											401,166		358,969		330,922
Other expenses											211,015		203,276		189,326
Total deferred											612,181		562,245		520,248
Value of insurance purchased during year											0		0		8,489
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses											8,682		0		14,906
Total additions											620,863		562,245		543,643
Amortized during period	$ (111,584)	$ (111,643)	$ (111,738)	$ (110,660)		$ (104,913)		$ (103,084)	$ (103,889)	$ (104,028)	(445,625)		(415,914)	[2],[3]	(400,869)	[2],[3]
Foreign exchange adjustment											(15,500)		(8,167)		(5,051)
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains											0		(6,200)		0
Total deductions											(461,125)		(430,281)		(405,920)
Balance at end of year	$ 3,617,135					$ 3,457,397	[1]				$ 3,617,135		$ 3,457,397	[1]	$ 3,325,433
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[3]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Discontinued Operations - Net A

Discontinued Operations - Net Assets Held For Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Total assets held for sale	$ 312,843	$ 288,045	[1]
Liabilities:
Total liabilities held for sale	51,035	38,876	[1]
Medicare Part D [Member]
Assets:
Due premiums	8,041	5,292
Risk sharing receivable	0	31,373
Other receivables	287,765	236,996
Deferred acquisition costs	17,037	14,384
Total assets held for sale	312,843	288,045
Liabilities:
Unearned and advance premiums	806	572
Policy claims and other benefits payable(2)	12,309	15,517
Risk sharing payable	23,837	0
Current and deferred income taxes payable	13,604	11,195
Other	479	11,592
Total liabilities held for sale	51,035	38,876
Net assets	261,808	249,169
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [Member] | Medicare Part D [Member]
Assets:
Other receivables	193,000	179,000
Drug Manufacturers [Member] | Medicare Part D [Member]
Assets:
Other receivables	$ 95,000	$ 58,000
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Discontinued Operations - Incom

Discontinued Operations - Income from Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Benefits and expenses:
Income from discontinued operations	$ 13,826	$ 11,528	$ (5,417)	$ (9,130)	$ 13,089	$ 8,022	$ 1,228	$ (7,474)	$ 10,807	$ 14,865	[1],[2]	$ 21,267	[1],[2]
Income taxes paid									110,650	100,922		128,771
Medicare Part D [Member]
Revenue:
Health premium									260,657	373,280		302,592
Benefits and expenses:
Health policyholder benefits									213,114	315,816		250,080
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs									3,506	2,858		2,520
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses									20,909	26,613		14,027
Other operating expense									6,502	5,123		3,247
Total benefits and expenses									244,031	350,410		269,874
Income before income taxes for discontinued operations									16,626	22,870		32,718
Income taxes									(5,819)	(8,005)		(11,451)
Income from discontinued operations									10,807	14,865		21,267
Income taxes paid									$ 3,409
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Medicare Part D [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Income taxes paid										$ 12,013		$ 10,320
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Liability for Unpaid Health C70

Liability for Unpaid Health Claims - Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Activity in the Liability for Unpaid Health Claims
Balance at beginning of year	$ 128,265	$ 116,559	$ 124,999
Incurred related to:
Current year	502,009	453,014	453,538
Prior years	(7,845)	804	5,279
Total incurred	494,164	453,818	458,817
Paid related to:
Current year	379,037	343,648	354,358
Prior years	106,272	98,464	112,899
Total paid	485,309	442,112	467,257
Balance at end of year	$ 137,120	$ 128,265	$ 116,559

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense from continuing operations	$ 249,894	$ 256,603	[1]	$ 248,110	[1]
Shareholders’ equity:
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(411,646)	424,089		(386,752)
Tax basis compensation expense (from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards) in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	(17,577)	(18,524)		(21,314)
Income tax expense	$ (179,329)	$ 662,168		$ (159,956)
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Exp

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current income tax expense	$ 174,284	$ 169,319		$ 190,406
Deferred income tax expense	75,610	87,284		57,704
Income tax expense from continuing operations	$ 249,894	$ 256,603	[1]	$ 248,110	[1]
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."

Income Taxes - Summary of Effec

Income Taxes - Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected income taxes	$ 268,165	$ 274,637		$ 264,360
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from, amount:
Tax-exempt investment income	(3,178)	(3,233)		(3,107)
Low income housing investments	(19,031)	(17,541)		(16,227)
Other	3,938	2,740		3,084
Income tax expense from continuing operations	$ 249,894	$ 256,603	[1]	$ 248,110	[1]
Expected income taxes	35.00%	35.00%		35.00%
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from, percent:
Tax-exempt investment income	(0.40%)	(0.40%)		(0.40%)
Low income housing investments	(2.50%)	(2.20%)		(2.10%)
Other	0.50%	0.40%		0.40%
Income tax expense from continuing operations	32.60%	32.80%		32.90%
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."

Income Taxes - Significant Port

Income Taxes - Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Fixed maturity investments	$ 16,098	$ 12,925
Carryover of tax losses	2,266	3,036
Total gross deferred tax assets	18,364	15,961
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gains	128,683	522,219
Employee and agent compensation	83,229	74,088
Deferred acquisition costs	921,799	874,817
Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims	340,854	331,408
Other liabilities	17,176	4,732
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	1,491,741	1,807,264
Net deferred tax liability	$ 1,473,377	$ 1,791,303

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 6,300,000
Uncertain tax positions	0	$ 0	$ 0
Recognized interest income, net of Federal income tax expense	11,000	465,000	$ 0
Amount of accrued interest or penalties	$ 0	$ 0

Postretirement Benefits - Total

Postretirement Benefits - Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plans	$ 3,429	$ 3,078	$ 3,373
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$ 29,230	$ 23,463	$ 33,122

Postretirement Benefits - Addit

Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)plan	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of nonqualified, noncontributory supplemental benefit pension plans | plan	2
Defined benefit plan contributions	$ 15,500,000	$ 14,600,000	$ 10,300,000
Insurance premium paid for supplemental pension plan	10,100,000	2,200,000	2,900,000
Insurance cash value of supplemental pension plan	34,000,000	24,000,000
Cash deposited into Rabbi Trust	0	0	$ 6,000,000
Insurance cash value and Rabbi Trust investments supporting supplemental pension plan liability	79,000,000	74,000,000
Unqualified supplemental retirement pension plan liability	67,000,000	71,000,000
Liability for closed supplemental retirement pension plans	$ 3,000,000	3,000,000
Maximum allowed investment percentage in any single issuer in pension plan assets at time of purchase	10.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plans, future	$ 20,000,000
Capped eligible compensation	1,000,000
Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	371,000,000	374,000,000
Unfunded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 63,000,000	$ 63,000,000

Postretirement Benefits - Pensi

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Assets by Components at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 307,596	$ 322,898
Total percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 143,855	$ 140,762
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	163,741	182,136
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 123,428	$ 127,568
Total percentage	40.00%	39.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 123,420	$ 127,568
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 146,381	$ 166,825
Total percentage	47.00%	52.00%
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 146,381	$ 166,825
Other Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 270	$ 284
Total percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Other Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 270	$ 284
Guaranteed Annuity Contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 17,082	$ 15,027
Total percentage	6.00%	5.00%
Guaranteed Annuity Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 17,082	$ 15,027
Short-term Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,593	$ 9,038
Total percentage	5.00%	3.00%
Short-term Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,593	$ 9,038
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 4,842	$ 4,156
Total percentage	2.00%	1.00%
Other [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 4,842	$ 4,156
Financial [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 49,391	$ 45,790
Total percentage	16.00%	14.00%
Financial [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 49,391	$ 45,790
Financial [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 36,266	$ 40,889
Total percentage	12.00%	13.00%
Financial [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 36,266	$ 40,889
Consumer, Cyclical [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 24,264	$ 26,542
Total percentage	8.00%	8.00%
Consumer, Cyclical [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 24,264	$ 26,542
Technology [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 19,871	$ 16,965
Total percentage	6.00%	5.00%
Technology [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 19,871	$ 16,965
Industrial [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,176	$ 6,377
Total percentage	5.00%	2.00%
Industrial [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,176	$ 6,377
Consumer, Non-Cyclical [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,216	$ 11,665
Total percentage	4.00%	4.00%
Consumer, Non-Cyclical [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,216	$ 11,665
Energy [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 10,192
Total percentage		3.00%
Energy [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 10,192
Energy [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 25,890	$ 30,936
Total percentage	8.00%	10.00%
Energy [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 25,890	$ 30,936
Communications [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 9,322
Total percentage		3.00%
Communications [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 9,322
Other Sectors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,510	$ 715
Total percentage	1.00%	0.00%
Other Sectors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,502	$ 715
Other Sectors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8
Utilities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 43,229	$ 48,510
Total percentage	14.00%	15.00%
Utilities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 43,229	$ 48,510
Other corporates [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 40,996	$ 46,490
Total percentage	13.00%	14.00%
Other corporates [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 40,996	$ 46,490

Postretirement Benefits - Weigh

Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions and Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions (Detail) - Pension Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount Rate	4.64%	4.23%
Rate of Compensation Increase	4.33%	4.35%
Discount Rate	4.23%	5.12%	4.18%
Expected Long-Term Returns	6.96%	6.97%	6.96%
Rate of Compensation Increase	4.35%	4.35%	4.40%

Postretirement Benefits - Compo

Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net amortization	$ 14,586	$ 10,285	$ 18,366
Net periodic pension cost	29,230	23,463	33,122
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	15,902	12,925	14,984
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	19,887	19,270	17,043
Expected return on assets	(21,204)	(19,031)	(17,429)
Net amortization	14,465	10,283	18,143
Recognition of actuarial loss	180	16	381
Net periodic pension cost	29,230	23,463	33,122
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	0	0	354
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,075	646	1,030
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Net amortization	120	2	224
Recognition of actuarial loss	367	(256)	0
Net periodic pension cost	$ 1,562	$ 392	$ 1,608

Postretirement Benefits - Analy

Postretirement Benefits - Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at January 1	$ (152,999)	$ (97,467)	$ (168,129)
Amortization of prior service cost	377	2,113	2,276
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	14,209	8,172	16,090
Total amortization	14,586	10,285	18,366
Plan amendments	(2,104)	0	0
Experience gain(loss)	(11,632)	(65,817)	52,296
Balance at December 31	(152,149)	(152,999)	(97,467)
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at January 1	3,066
Total amortization	120	2	$ 224
Balance at December 31	$ 1,447	$ 3,066

Postretirement Benefits - Recon

Postretirement Benefits - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Pension Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	$ 322,898
Contributions	15,500	$ 14,600	$ 10,300
Fair value at end of year	307,596	322,898
Other Benefits [Member]
Changes in benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	22,895	20,860
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	0	0	354
Interest cost	1,075	646	1,030
Actuarial loss (gain)	(1,133)	1,700
Benefits paid	(358)	(311)
Obligation at end of year	22,479	22,895	20,860
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0
Return on assets	0	0
Contributions	358	311
Benefits paid	(358)	(311)
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at year end	(22,479)	(22,895)
Pension Plan [Member]
Changes in benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	477,426	383,859
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	15,902	12,925	14,984
Interest cost	19,887	19,270	17,043
Plan amendments	2,104	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	(19,226)	78,487
Benefits paid	(19,512)	(17,115)
Obligation at end of year	476,581	477,426	383,859
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	322,898	291,753
Return on assets	(11,333)	33,641
Contributions	15,543	14,619
Benefits paid	(19,512)	(17,115)
Fair value at end of year	307,596	322,898	$ 291,753
Funded status at year end	$ (168,985)	$ (154,528)

Postretirement Benefits - Sched

Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ (152,149)	$ (152,999)	$ (97,467)	$ (168,129)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net loss (gain)	145,623	146,571
Prior service cost	5,088	3,362
Net amounts recognized at year end	150,711	149,933
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net loss (gain)	1,447	3,066
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ 1,447	$ 3,066

Postretirement Benefits - Porti

Postretirement Benefits - Portion of Other Comprehensive Income Expected to Be Reflected in Pension Expense in Next Year (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service cost	$ 477
Amortization of net actuarial loss	9,695
Total	$ 10,172

Postretirement Benefits - Estim

Postretirement Benefits - Estimated Future Payments for Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	$ 18,352
2,017	19,832
2,018	21,077
2,019	21,660
2,020	24,048
2021-2025	143,489
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	921
2,017	1,018
2,018	1,137
2,019	1,252
2,020	1,356
2021-2025	$ 8,921

Postretirement Benefits - Wei86

Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions (Details) - Other Benefits [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount Rate	4.66%	4.23%
Discount Rate	4.23%	5.12%	4.18%

Supplemental Disclosures of C87

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Noncash Transactions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$ 28,664	$ 32,203	$ 25,642
Commitments for low-income housing interests	68,949	75,706	42,525
Capitalized investment income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 806

Supplemental Disclosures of C88

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Amount Paid (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Interest paid	$ 74,792	$ 77,066	$ 81,322
Income taxes paid	110,650	100,922	128,771
Medicare Part D [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income taxes paid	$ 3,409
Medicare Part D [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income taxes paid		$ 12,013	$ 10,320

Debt - Selected Information abo

Debt - Selected Information about Debt Issues (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 1,243,803,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	1,352,021,000
Long-term Debt	743,733,000	$ 992,130,000	[1]
Total short-term debt, book value	490,129,000	238,398,000	[1]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 1,233,862,000	1,230,528,000
Notes, Due 5/15/23 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Interest Rate	7.875%
Maturity Date	May 15, 2023
Issue Date	1993-05
Periodic Interest Payments Due	5/15 & 11/15
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 165,612,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	204,470,000
Long-term Debt	$ 163,920,000	163,758,000
Senior Notes, Due 6/15/16 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Interest Rate	6.375%
Maturity Date	Jun. 15, 2016
Issue Date	2006-06
Periodic Interest Payments Due	6/15 & 12/15
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 250,000,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	255,354,000
Long-term Debt	$ 249,753,000	249,236,000
Senior Notes, Due 6/15/19 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Interest Rate	9.25%
Maturity Date	Jun. 15, 2019
Issue Date	2009-06
Periodic Interest Payments Due	6/15 & 12/15
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 292,647,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	353,978,000
Long-term Debt	$ 291,002,000	290,618,000
Senior Notes, Due 9/15/22 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Interest Rate	3.80%
Maturity Date	Sep. 15, 2022
Issue Date	2012-09
Periodic Interest Payments Due	3/15 & 9/15
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 150,000,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	148,843,000
Long-term Debt	$ 147,913,000	147,648,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 12/15/52 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Interest Rate	5.875%
Maturity Date	Dec. 15, 2052
Issue Date	2012-09
Periodic Interest Payments Due	quarterly
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 125,000,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	129,000,000
Long-term Debt	$ 120,898,000	120,870,000
Basis spread	3.30%
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 3/15/36 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Interest Rate	3.812%
Maturity Date	Mar. 15, 2036
Periodic Interest Payments Due	quarterly
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 20,000,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	20,000,000
Long-term Debt	20,000,000	20,000,000
Total Funded Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	1,003,259,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	1,111,645,000
Long-term Debt	993,486,000	992,130,000
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	240,544,000
Total short-term debt, fair value	240,376,000
Total short-term debt, book value	$ 240,376,000	$ 238,398,000
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Ne

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Next Five Years (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 490,544,000
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	292,647,000
2,020	0
Thereafter	$ 460,612,000

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 16, 2014	Jan. 01, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued, par value		$ 1,243,803,000
Maximum daily amount letters of credit facility			$ 250,000,000
Line of credit facility expiration date		Jul. 16, 2019
Senior Notes, Due 9/15/22 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		3.80%
Debt issued, par value		$ 150,000,000
7.375% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				7.375%
Principal balance	$ 94,000,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 12/15/52 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.875%
Debt issued, par value		$ 125,000,000
Senior Notes, Due 6/15/16 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		6.375%
Debt issued, par value		$ 250,000,000
$750 Million Dollar Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility limit			750,000,000
$600 Million Dollar Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility limit			$ 600,000,000

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (D

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$ 1,243,803,000
Annualized interest rate	0.55%	0.32%
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 177,000,000	$ 198,000,000
Remaining amount available under credit line	332,456,000	313,550,000
Average balance outstanding during period	$ 350,851,000	$ 296,246,000	$ 274,435,000
Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized)	0.43%	0.26%	0.33%
Maximum daily amount outstanding during period	$ 458,110,000	$ 343,000,000	$ 340,140,000
Short-term Debt [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$ 240,544,000	$ 238,450,000

Shareholders' Equity - Summary

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Preferred and Common Share Activity (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Stock
Issued, beginning balance	134,218,183
Retirement of treasury stock	(4,000,000)	(17,000,000)	(7,500,000)
Issued, ending balance	130,218,183	134,218,183
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, beginning balance	(6,287,907)
Grants of restricted stock	193,788	210,613	238,488
Vesting of performance shares	287,390	109,678	182,793
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options	1,576,485	2,210,348	3,917,757
Treasury Stock, ending balance	(7,848,231)	(6,287,907)
Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock
Issued, beginning balance	0	0	0
Issued, ending balance	0	0	0
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, beginning balance	0	0	0
Treasury Stock, ending balance	0	0	0
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Issued, beginning balance	134,218,183	151,218,183	158,718,183
Retirement of treasury stock	(4,000,000)	(17,000,000)	(7,500,000)
Issued, ending balance	130,218,183	134,218,183	151,218,183
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, beginning balance	(6,287,907)	(16,965,802)	(17,364,729)
Grants of restricted stock	6,648	19,041	76,415
Forfeitures and surrenders of restricted stock	$ (13,950)	$ (2,700)	$ (37,359)
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options	1,576,485	2,210,349	3,917,757
Issuance of common stock due to settlement of restricted stock units			11,190
Treasury stock acquired	(7,340,794)	(8,548,795)	(11,069,076)
Retirement of treasury stock	4,000,000	17,000,000	7,500,000
Treasury Stock, ending balance	(7,848,231)	(6,287,907)	(16,965,802)
Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock acquired	(6,300,000)	(7,200,000)	(8,300,000)
Performance Shares [Member]
Treasury Stock
Grants of restricted stock	179,500	179,250	147,750
Performance Shares [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Treasury Stock
Vesting of performance shares	211,287

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock	4,000,000	17,000,000		7,500,000
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to parent company	$ 466,000	$ 479,000		$ 488,376
Maximum amount of dividends expected to be available from subsidiaries without regulatory approval during next year	337,000
Restricted net assets	916,000
Retained earnings restricted by lenders' covenants	2,900,000
Retained earnings	$ 3,614,369	$ 3,376,846	[1]
Anti-dilutive shares	0	0		0
Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Share repurchases under stock repurchase program, amount	$ 359,000	$ 375,000		$ 360,000
Shares repurchased	6,300,000	7,200,000		8,300,000
Stock Repurchase Plan for Anti-Dilutive Effect [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Share repurchases under stock repurchase program, amount	$ 60,000	$ 74,000		$ 122,000
Shares repurchased	1,000,000	1,400,000		2,800,000
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Shareholders' Equity - Reconcil

Shareholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	125,094,628	130,721,738	137,646,885
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding	1,662,607	1,918,506	1,916,900
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	126,757,235	132,640,244	139,563,785

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Grant Contract and Vesting Periods (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	7 years
Equity Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	10 years
Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	7 years
Vesting period	6 months
Three Year Vesting Period [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	7 years
Vesting period	3 years
Three Year Vesting Period [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	7 years
Five Year Vesting Period [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	10 years
Vesting period	5 years
One-Half [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
One-Half [Member] | Seven Year Grants [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
One-Half [Member] | Ten Year Grants [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
One-Half [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
One-Half [Member] | Seven Year Grants [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
One-Half [Member] | Ten Year Grants [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Six Month Vesting Period [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	6 months
Six Month Vesting Period [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	7 years
Six Month Vesting Period [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Equity Option [Member] | Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	6 months

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive plan, shares available for grant	6,872,282	8,458,593	4,368,753	6,804,452
Restricted stock units outstanding	105,679,000	98,039,000	85,717,000
2011 Plan Amendment [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive plan, shares available for grant		6,300,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual period	3 years
Executive Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Settlement of performance shares		211,000	159,000
Minimum [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	7 years
Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares target distribution	0	0	0
Maximum [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares target distribution	359,000	359,000	295,000
Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Director [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	6 months

Stock-Based Compensation - Anal

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Shares Available for Grant (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2014shares	Dec. 31, 2013shares
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Balance at January 1	8,458,593	4,368,753	6,804,452
Options expired and forfeited during year	90,371	3,488	128,109
Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (counted as 3.1 options)	89,745	31,620	9,625
Balance at December 31	6,872,282	8,458,593	4,368,753
Stock Options [Member]
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Options granted during year	(1,334,514)	(1,523,982)	(1,626,863)
2011 Plan Amendment [Member]
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Balance at January 1	6,300,000
2011 Plan amendment	0	6,300,000	0
Balance at December 31		6,300,000
Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares [Member]
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (counted as 3.1 options per grant)	(431,913)	(721,286)	(946,570)
Minimum [Member]
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.1
Ratio by which each grant of stock options reduces shares available for grant	0.85
Maximum [Member]
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.88
Ratio by which each grant of stock options reduces shares available for grant	1

Stock-Based Compensation - Sche

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Compensation Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 28,664	$ 32,203	$ 25,642
Tax benefit recognized	$ 10,033	$ 11,271	$ 8,975

Stock-Based Compensation - A100

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Stock Compensation Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation	$ 33,977	$ 38,809
Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years)	10 months 6 days	10 months 28 days

Stock-Based Compensation - S101

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Options Outstanding (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number Outstanding	7,734,841	7,889,321	8,579,202	10,998,206
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 3 months 26 days	4 years 4 months 2 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 38.84	$ 32.91	$ 27.84	$ 25.43
Number Exercisable	3,774,061	3,809,415	4,395,552
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 29.37	$ 24.58	$ 22.95
$10.44 - $29.59 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	10.44
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$ 29.59
Number Outstanding	2,197,238
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 26 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 26.05
Number Exercisable	2,130,205
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 25.94
$30.32 - 32.48 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	30.32
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$ 32.48
Number Outstanding	1,145,648
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	3 years 7 months 28 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 30.58
Number Exercisable	986,823
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 30.62
$37.40 - 43.06 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	37.40
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$ 43.06
Number Outstanding	1,438,565
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 5 months 23 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 37.61
Number Exercisable	624,655
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 37.88
$50.69 - 51.62 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	50.69
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$ 51.62
Number Outstanding	1,481,681
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	5 years 7 months 21 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 50.70
Number Exercisable	14,044
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 51.04
$53.61 - 54.16 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	53.61
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$ 54.16
Number Outstanding	1,471,709
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	6 years 8 months 5 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 53.62
Number Exercisable	18,334
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 54.16
$10.44 - $54.16 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	10.44
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$ 54.16
Number Outstanding	7,734,841
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 3 months 26 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 38.84
Number Exercisable	3,774,061
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 29.37

Stock-Based Compensation - A102

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Option Activity (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Options
Options Outstanding-beginning of year	7,889,321	8,579,202	10,998,206
Options Exercised	(1,576,485)	(2,210,348)	(3,917,757)
Options Expired and forfeited	(95,621)	(3,488)	(128,109)
Adjustment to options for stock split		(27)
Options Outstanding-end of year	7,734,841	7,889,321	8,579,202
Options Exercisable at end of year	3,774,061	3,809,415	4,395,552
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding-beginning of year, weighted average exercise price	$ 32.91	$ 27.84	$ 25.43
Options exercised in the period - weighted average exercise price	22.81	25.47	24.97
Options expired and forfeited in the period - weighted average exercise price	48.85	40.05	32.33
Outstanding-end of year, weighted average exercise price	38.84	32.91	27.84
Exercisable at end of year, weighted average exercise price	$ 29.37	$ 24.58	$ 22.95
7-year term [Member]
Options
Options Granted	1,220,751	1,226,270	1,361,700
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price	$ 53.62	$ 50.70	$ 37.62
10-year term [Member]
Options
Options Granted	296,875	297,712	265,162
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price	$ 53.61	$ 50.69	$ 37.40

Stock-Based Compensation - S103

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Additional Information of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 3 months 26 days	4 years 4 months 2 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 141,728	$ 167,713
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	2 years 8 months 27 days	2 years 8 months 19 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 104,885	$ 112,724

Stock-Based Compensation - Sele

Stock-Based Compensation - Selected Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (per share)	$ 11.97	$ 14.77	$ 12.37
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 54,854	$ 61,229	$ 72,793
Cash received from options exercised	35,958	56,294	97,815
Actual tax benefit received	$ 24,470	$ 23,232	$ 27,972

Stock-Based Compensation - S105

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 3 months 26 days	4 years 4 months 2 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 141,728	$ 167,713
Unvested Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding	3,960,780	4,079,906
Weighted-average exercise price (per share)	$ 47.86	$ 40.69
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	5 years 9 months 26 days	5 years 10 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 36,843	$ 54,989

Stock-Based Compensation - S106

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Granted (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares	193,788	210,613	238,488
Executive Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares	0	12,000	58,695
Price per share	$ 0	$ 50.69	$ 40.09
Aggregate value	$ 0	$ 608,000	$ 2,353,000
Percent vested as of 12/31/15	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Directors Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares	6,648	7,041	15,045
Price per share	$ 54.16	$ 51.62	$ 35.45
Aggregate value	$ 360,000	$ 363,000	$ 533,000
Percent vested as of 12/31/15	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Directors Restricted Stock Units Including Dividend Equivalents [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares	7,640	12,322	16,998
Price per share	$ 54.44	$ 51.69	$ 35.99
Aggregate value	$ 416,000	$ 637,000	$ 612,000
Percent vested as of 12/31/15	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares	179,500	179,250	147,750
Price per share	$ 53.61	$ 51.41	$ 37.40
Assumed adjustment for performance objectives	$ (58,056)	$ 22,060	$ 94,800
Aggregate value	$ 9,623,000	$ 9,215,000	$ 5,526,000
Percent vested as of 12/31/15	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stock-Based Compensation - A107

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance	819,790	706,995	587,550
Grants	193,788	210,613	238,488
Additional performance shares	(58,056)	22,060	94,800
Restriction lapses	(287,390)	(109,678)	(182,793)
Forfeitures	(21,450)	(10,200)	(31,050)
Ending Balance	646,682	819,790	706,995
Executive Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance	263,430	344,445	467,550
Grants	0	12,000	58,695
Restriction lapses	(61,815)	(90,315)	(150,750)
Forfeitures	(13,950)	(2,700)	(31,050)
Ending Balance	187,665	263,430	344,445
Executive Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance	556,360	362,550	120,000
Grants	179,500	179,250	147,750
Additional performance shares	(58,056)	22,060	94,800
Restriction lapses	(211,287)
Forfeitures	(7,500)	(7,500)
Ending Balance	459,017	556,360	362,550
Directors Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance	0	0
Grants	6,648	7,041	15,045
Restriction lapses	(6,648)	(7,041)	(15,045)
Ending Balance	0	0	0
Directors Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance	0	0
Grants	7,640	12,322	16,998
Restriction lapses	(7,640)	(12,322)	(16,998)
Ending Balance	0	0	0

Stock-Based Compensation - S108

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value of Unvested Restricted Stock (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Executive Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2015	$ 31.85
Grants	0	$ 50.69	$ 40.09
Restriction lapses	(29.26)
Forfeitures	28.97
Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2015	32.92	31.85
Executive Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2015	40.07
Grants	53.61
Estimated additional performance shares	55.49
Restriction lapses	(32.63)
Forfeitures	44.66
Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2015	46.77	40.07
Directors Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grants	54.16	$ 51.62	$ 35.45
Restriction lapses	(54.16)
Directors Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grants	54.16
Restriction lapses	$ (54.16)

Business Segments - Schedule of

Business Segments - Schedule of Segment Premium Revenue by Each Marketing Groups (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 2,998,720	$ 2,836,140	$ 2,749,682
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United American Independent [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 360,501	$ 322,350	$ 318,572
% of Total	12.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Liberty National Exclusive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 480,263	$ 494,282	$ 517,244
% of Total	16.00%	18.00%	19.00%
American Income Exclusive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 911,242	$ 845,180	$ 794,801
% of Total	30.00%	30.00%	29.00%
Family Heritage [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 223,425	$ 206,262	$ 191,929
% of Total	8.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Globe Life Direct Response [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 816,303	$ 760,689	$ 717,442
% of Total	27.00%	27.00%	26.00%
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 206,986	$ 207,377	$ 209,694
% of Total	7.00%	7.00%	8.00%
Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 2,073,065	$ 1,966,300	$ 1,885,332
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | United American Independent [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 15,036	$ 16,582	$ 19,742
% of Total	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Liberty National Exclusive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 271,113	$ 272,265	$ 275,980
% of Total	13.00%	14.00%	15.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | American Income Exclusive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 830,903	$ 766,458	$ 715,366
% of Total	40.00%	39.00%	38.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Family Heritage [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 2,334	$ 1,595	$ 1,006
% of Total	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Globe Life Direct Response [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 746,693	$ 702,023	$ 663,544
% of Total	36.00%	36.00%	35.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 206,986	$ 207,377	$ 209,694
% of Total	10.00%	10.00%	11.00%
Health Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 925,520	$ 869,440	$ 863,818
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | United American Independent [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 345,330	$ 305,368	$ 298,298
% of Total	37.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | Liberty National Exclusive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 209,150	$ 222,017	$ 241,264
% of Total	23.00%	25.00%	28.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | American Income Exclusive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 80,339	$ 78,722	$ 79,435
% of Total	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | Family Heritage [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 221,091	$ 204,667	$ 190,923
% of Total	24.00%	24.00%	22.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | Globe Life Direct Response [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 69,610	$ 58,666	$ 53,898
% of Total	7.00%	7.00%	6.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
% of Total
Annuity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 135	$ 400	$ 532
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Annuity [Member] | United American Independent [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 135	$ 400	$ 532
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Business Segments - Additional

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount		$ 2,337	$ 9,125
Administrative settlements	$ 1,394	8,178
Administrative settlement, after tax	$ 906	5,316	0
Guaranty fund assessment			1,155
Guaranty fund assessment, after tax			751
Family Heritage [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition adjustment, after tax			522
Settled Litigation Regarding Non-Insurance Matter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount		3,700	500
Litigation settlement expense, after tax		2,400	325
Settled Litigation Regarding Investments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount		1,300
Litigation settlement amount, after tax		$ 853
Prior Years Litigation Matter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount			8,600
Litigation settlement expense, after tax			$ 5,600

Business Segments - Reconciliat

Business Segments - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Information to Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue:
Premium	$ 756,071	$ 748,109	$ 752,484	$ 742,056	$ 718,314	$ 702,061	$ 707,173	$ 708,592	$ 2,998,720	$ 2,836,140	[1]	$ 2,749,682	[1]
Net investment income	194,319	193,213	194,823	191,596	190,717	189,588	189,930	188,051	773,951	758,286	[1]	734,650	[1]
Other income									2,185	2,121	[1]	1,931	[1]
Total revenue									3,774,856	3,596,547		3,486,263
Expenses:
Policy benefits	508,965	501,156	508,316	497,775	484,694	473,098	473,007	472,585	2,016,212	1,903,384	[1]	1,838,766	[1]
Policy reserves									0	0		0
Deferred acquisition costs									0	0		0
Amortization of acquisition costs	111,584	111,643	111,738	110,660	104,913	103,084	103,889	104,028	445,625	415,914	[1],[2]	400,869	[1],[2]
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									237,541	222,463	[1]	207,399	[1]
Insurance administrative expense									186,191	177,254		176,806
Parent expense									9,003	8,074		8,995
Stock-based compensation expense									28,664	32,203		25,642
Interest expense									76,642	76,126	[1]	80,461	[1]
Total benefits and expenses									2,999,878	2,835,418	[1]	2,738,938	[1]
Subtotal									774,978	761,129		747,325
Non-operating items									1,394	10,515		8,761
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									776,372	771,644		756,086
Deduct applicable income taxes									(253,459)	(252,041)		(246,686)
Segment profits after tax									522,913	519,603		509,400
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) and impairments	(16,663)	5,140	2,613	119	7,835	(1,483)	577	16,619	(8,791)	23,548		7,990
Deduct Guaranty Fund Assessment												(1,155)
Deduct legal settlement expenses										(2,337)		(9,125)
Deduct administrative settlements									(1,394)	(8,178)
Add Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments												1,519
Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations	$ 175,978	$ 199,009	$ 196,723	$ 194,477	$ 199,009	$ 184,709	$ 191,922	$ 209,037	766,187	784,677	[1]	755,315	[1]
Operating Segments [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Revenue:
Premium									2,073,065	1,966,300		1,885,332
Total revenue									2,073,065	1,966,300		1,885,332
Expenses:
Policy benefits									1,374,608	1,293,384		1,227,857
Policy reserves									(552,298)	(530,192)		(508,236)
Deferred acquisition costs									172,947	168,100		164,981
Amortization of acquisition costs									353,595	335,345		323,950
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									154,811	143,174		131,721
Total benefits and expenses									1,503,663	1,409,811		1,340,273
Subtotal									569,402	556,489		545,059
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									569,402	556,489		545,059
Operating Segments [Member] | Health Insurance [Member]
Revenue:
Premium									925,520	869,440		863,818
Total revenue									925,520	869,440		863,818
Expenses:
Policy benefits									602,610	559,817		558,982
Policy reserves									(69,057)	(64,401)		(59,858)
Deferred acquisition costs									22,760	22,499		22,568
Amortization of acquisition costs									83,341	72,731		69,724
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									81,489	79,475		75,895
Total benefits and expenses									721,143	670,121		667,311
Subtotal									204,377	199,319		196,507
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									204,377	199,319		196,507
Operating Segments [Member] | Annuity [Member]
Revenue:
Premium									135	400		532
Total revenue									135	400		532
Expenses:
Policy benefits									38,994	42,005		43,302
Policy reserves									(53,295)	(55,255)		(57,294)
Deferred acquisition costs									1,138	1,453		1,811
Amortization of acquisition costs									8,689	7,838		8,714
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									41	47		60
Total benefits and expenses									(4,433)	(3,912)		(3,407)
Subtotal									4,568	4,312		3,939
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									4,568	4,312		3,939
Operating Segments [Member] | Investment [Member]
Revenue:
Net investment income									773,951	758,286		734,650
Total revenue									773,951	758,286		734,650
Expenses:
Policy reserves									674,650	649,848		625,388
Deferred acquisition costs									(196,845)	(192,052)		(189,360)
Interest expense									76,642	76,126		80,461
Total benefits and expenses									554,447	533,922		516,489
Subtotal									219,504	224,364		218,161
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									219,504	224,364		218,161
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Revenue:
Other income									2,379	2,354		2,208
Total revenue									2,379	2,354		2,208
Expenses:
Insurance administrative expense									186,191	174,832		175,651
Total benefits and expenses									186,191	174,832		175,651
Subtotal									(183,812)	(172,478)		(173,443)
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									(183,812)	(172,478)		(173,443)
Corporate [Member]
Expenses:
Parent expense									9,003	8,159		8,495
Stock-based compensation expense									28,664	32,203		25,642
Total benefits and expenses									37,667	40,362		34,137
Subtotal									(37,667)	(40,362)		(34,137)
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									(37,667)	(40,362)		(34,137)
Adjustments [Member]
Revenue:
Other income									(194)	(233)		(277)
Total revenue									(194)	(233)		(277)
Expenses:
Policy benefits										8,178		8,625
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									1,200	(233)		(1,519)
Insurance administrative expense										2,422		(277)
Parent expense										(85)		1,155
Stock-based compensation expense												500
Total benefits and expenses									1,200	10,282		8,484
Subtotal									(1,394)	(10,515)		(8,761)
Non-operating items									1,394	10,515		8,761
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Business Segments - Analysis of

Business Segments - Analysis of Profitability by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 776,372	$ 771,644		$ 756,086
Applicable taxes									(253,459)	(252,041)		(246,686)
Segment profits after tax									522,913	519,603		509,400
Discontinued operations (after tax)(1)									10,807	14,865		21,267
Total									533,720	534,468		530,667
Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax)									(5,714)	15,306		3,965
Family Heritage acquisition finalization adjustments (after tax)									0	0		522
Legal settlement expenses (after tax)									0	(1,519)		(5,931)
Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax)									0	0		(751)
Administrative settlements (after tax)									(906)	(5,316)		0
Net income	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	$ 146,748	$ 132,412	$ 130,923	$ 132,856	527,100	542,939	[1],[2]	528,472	[1],[2]
Pretax operating income, Change									4,728	15,558
Applicable taxes, Change									(1,418)	(5,355)
Net operating income, Change									3,310	10,203
Discontinued operation (after tax), Change									(4,058)	(6,402)
Total, Change									(748)	3,801
Realized gains (losses)-investments (after tax), Change									(21,020)	11,341
Family Heritage acquisition finalization adjustments (after tax), Change									0	(522)
Legal settlement expenses (after tax), Change									1,519	4,412
Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax), Change									0	751
Administrative settlements (after tax), Change									4,410	(5,316)
Net income, Change									$ (15,839)	$ 14,467
Pretax operating income, Change %									1.00%	2.00%
Applicable taxes, Change %									1.00%	2.00%
Net operating income, Change %									1.00%	2.00%
Discontinued operation (after tax), Change %									(27.00%)	(30.00%)
Total, Change %									0.00%	1.00%
Net income, Change %									(3.00%)	3.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Life insurance underwriting margin [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 569,402	$ 556,489		545,059
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 12,913	$ 11,430
Pretax operating income, Change %									2.00%	2.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Health insurance underwriting margin [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 204,377	$ 199,319		196,507
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 5,058	$ 2,812
Pretax operating income, Change %									3.00%	1.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Annuity underwriting margin [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 4,568	$ 4,312		3,939
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 256	$ 373
Pretax operating income, Change %									6.00%	9.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Excess investment income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 219,504	$ 224,364		218,161
Pretax operating income, Change									$ (4,860)	$ 6,203
Pretax operating income, Change %									(2.00%)	3.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Other insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ (183,812)	$ (172,478)		(173,443)
Operating Segments [Member] | Other insurance [Member] | Other income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									2,379	2,354		2,208
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 25	$ 146
Pretax operating income, Change %									1.00%	7.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Other insurance [Member] | Administrative expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ (186,191)	$ (174,832)		(175,651)
Pretax operating income, Change									$ (11,359)	$ 819
Pretax operating income, Change %									6.00%	0.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Other insurance [Member] | Corporate and adjustments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ (37,667)	$ (40,362)		$ (34,137)
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 2,695	$ (6,225)
Pretax operating income, Change %									(7.00%)	18.00%
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Business Segments - Assets by S

Business Segments - Assets by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	$ 14,405,073	$ 15,058,996
Accrued investment income	209,915	204,879	[1]
Deferred acquisition costs	3,617,135	3,457,397	[1]	$ 3,325,433	$ 3,187,710
Goodwill	441,591	441,591	[1]
Other assets	1,179,499	1,109,396
Total assets	19,853,213	20,272,259	[1]
Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Deferred acquisition costs	3,098,656	2,946,995
Goodwill	309,609	309,609
Total assets	3,408,265	3,256,604
Health Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Deferred acquisition costs	502,535	493,880
Goodwill	131,982	131,982
Total assets	634,517	625,862
Annuity [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Deferred acquisition costs	15,944	16,522
Total assets	15,944	16,522
Investment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	14,405,073	15,058,996
Accrued investment income	209,915	204,879
Total assets	14,614,988	15,263,875
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Other assets	1,179,499	1,109,396
Total assets	$ 1,179,499	$ 1,109,396
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Business Segments - Other Balan

Business Segments - Other Balances by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 12,245,811	$ 11,750,495	[1]
Unearned and advance premiums	67,021	71,703	[1]
Policy claims and other benefits payable	272,898	254,149	[1]
Debt	1,233,862	1,230,528
Total	13,819,592	13,306,875
Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	9,327,561	8,900,344
Unearned and advance premiums	17,381	17,238
Policy claims and other benefits payable	135,778	125,884
Total	9,480,720	9,043,466
Health Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,600,240	1,489,963
Unearned and advance premiums	49,640	54,465
Policy claims and other benefits payable	137,120	128,265
Total	1,787,000	1,672,693
Annuity [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,318,010	1,360,188
Total	1,318,010	1,360,188
Investment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Debt	1,233,862	1,230,528
Total	$ 1,233,862	$ 1,230,528
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 16, 2014
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Retention limits per life	$ 2,000,000
Percentage of insurance ceded on total life insurance in force (less than)	0.40%
Ratio of reinsurance ceded to premium income	0.30%
Life reinsurance assumed ratio to life insurance in force	2.10%
Reinsurance assumed ratio on premium income	0.80%	0.90%	1.00%
Rental expense	$ 6,722,000	$ 4,200,000	$ 4,100,000
Investment in low-income housing interests	306,000,000	318,000,000
Guarantee liability	0
Letter of credit maximum available amount				$ 250,000,000
Letters of credit facility outstanding	177,000,000	$ 198,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Letter of credit maximum available amount	250,000,000
Equipment Lease Guarantees [Member]
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Maximum exposure under guarantees	19,000,000
Private Placement Bonds [Member]
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Purchase commitment of private placement fixed maturities	$ 16,000,000

Commitments and Contingencie116

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 8,304
2,017	7,888
2,018	4,738
2,019	4,531
2,020	4,372
Thereafter	$ 11,122

Commitments and Contingencie117

Commitments and Contingencies - Low-Income Housing Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 36,702
2,017	26,592
2,018	4,500
Thereafter	$ 1,154

Selected Quarterly Data (Una118

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Premium income	$ 756,071	$ 748,109	$ 752,484	$ 742,056	$ 718,314	$ 702,061	$ 707,173	$ 708,592	$ 2,998,720	$ 2,836,140	[1]	$ 2,749,682	[1]
Net investment income	194,319	193,213	194,823	191,596	190,717	189,588	189,930	188,051	773,951	758,286	[1]	734,650	[1]
Realized investment gains (losses)	(16,663)	5,140	2,613	119	7,835	(1,483)	577	16,619	(8,791)	23,548		7,990
Total revenue	933,860	947,154	950,611	934,440	917,175	890,834	898,343	913,743	3,766,065	3,620,095	[1]	3,494,253	[1]
Policyholder benefits	508,965	501,156	508,316	497,775	484,694	473,098	473,007	472,585	2,016,212	1,903,384	[1]	1,838,766	[1]
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	111,584	111,643	111,738	110,660	104,913	103,084	103,889	104,028	445,625	415,914	[1],[2]	400,869	[1],[2]
Pretax income from continuing operations	175,978	199,009	196,723	194,477	199,009	184,709	191,922	209,037	766,187	784,677	[1]	755,315	[1]
Income from continuing operations	119,130	133,858	132,527	130,778	133,659	124,390	129,695	140,330	516,293	528,074	[1]	507,205	[1]
Income from discontinued operations	13,826	11,528	(5,417)	(9,130)	13,089	8,022	1,228	(7,474)	10,807	14,865	[1],[2]	21,267	[1],[2]
Net income	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	$ 146,748	$ 132,412	$ 130,923	$ 132,856	$ 527,100	$ 542,939	[1],[2]	$ 528,472	[1],[2]
Basic net income per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.97	$ 1.08	$ 1.05	$ 1.03	$ 1.04	$ 0.96	$ 0.99	$ 1.05	$ 4.13	$ 4.04	[1]	$ 3.68	[1]
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.11	0.09	(0.04)	(0.07)	0.10	0.06	0.01	(0.05)	0.08	0.11	[1]	0.16	[1]
Total basic net income per common share	1.08	1.17	1.01	0.96	1.14	1.02	1	1	4.21	4.15	[1]	3.84	[1]
Diluted net income per common share:
Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	0.96	1.06	1.04	1.02	1.03	0.94	0.97	1.04	4.07	3.98	[1]	3.63	[1]
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.11	0.09	(0.04)	(0.07)	0.10	0.06	0.01	(0.06)	0.09	0.11	[1]	0.16	[1]
Total diluted net income per common share	$ 1.07	$ 1.15	$ 1	$ 0.95	$ 1.13	$ 1	$ 0.98	$ 0.98	$ 4.16	$ 4.09	[1]	$ 3.79	[1]
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Schedule II - Condensed Fina119

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income	$ 194,319	$ 193,213	$ 194,823	$ 191,596	$ 190,717	$ 189,588	$ 189,930	$ 188,051	$ 773,951	$ 758,286	[1]	$ 734,650	[1]
Realized investment gains (losses)	(16,663)	5,140	2,613	119	7,835	(1,483)	577	16,619	(8,791)	23,548		7,990
Total revenue	933,860	947,154	950,611	934,440	917,175	890,834	898,343	913,743	3,766,065	3,620,095	[1]	3,494,253	[1]
General operating expenses									223,858	217,531	[1]	211,443	[1]
Interest expense									76,642	76,126	[1]	80,461	[1]
Total benefits and expenses									2,999,878	2,835,418	[1]	2,738,938	[1]
Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	175,978	199,009	196,723	194,477	199,009	184,709	191,922	209,037	766,187	784,677	[1]	755,315	[1]
Income taxes									(249,894)	(256,603)	[1]	(248,110)	[1]
Net income	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	$ 146,748	$ 132,412	$ 130,923	$ 132,856	527,100	542,939	[1],[2]	528,472	[1],[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive income (loss)									(238,405)	1,329,410		(185,822)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income									23,715	22,259		24,268
Realized investment gains (losses)									8	4,767		0
Total revenue									23,723	27,026		24,268
General operating expenses									54,100	53,235		53,255
Reimbursements from affiliates									(53,436)	(53,040)		(46,855)
Interest expense									79,677	79,366		84,273
Total benefits and expenses									80,341	79,561		90,673
Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									(56,618)	(52,535)		(66,405)
Income taxes									15,542	13,335		17,390
Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates									(41,076)	(39,200)		(49,015)
Equity in earnings of affiliates									568,176	582,139		577,487
Net income									527,100	542,939		528,472
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Attributable to Parent Company									(3,539)	(28,680)		38,557
Attributable to affiliates									(761,966)	815,151		(752,851)
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ (238,405)	$ 1,329,410		$ (185,822)
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Schedule II - Condensed Fina120

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:
Short-term investments	$ 54,766	$ 15,882	[1]
Total investments	14,343,690	14,992,977	[1]
Cash	61,383	66,019	[1],[2]	$ 36,943	[2]	$ 61,710	[2]
Other assets	522,104	493,495	[1]
Total assets	19,853,213	20,272,259	[1]
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	490,129	238,398	[1]
Other liabilities	380,158	347,526	[1]
Total liabilities	15,797,661	15,574,793	[1]
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0	[1]
Common stock	130,218	134,218	[1]
Additional paid-in capital	482,284	457,613	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	231,947	997,452	[1]	210,981		925,275
Retained earnings	3,614,369	3,376,846	[1]
Treasury stock	(403,266)	(268,663)	[1]
Total shareholders’ equity	4,055,552	4,697,466	[1]	$ 3,776,342		$ 4,361,786
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	19,853,213	20,272,259	[1]
Parent Company [Member]
Assets:
Long-term investments	35,498	38,910
Short-term investments	0	5,686
Total investments	35,498	44,596
Cash	0	0
Investment in affiliates	5,438,749	6,023,666
Due from affiliates	50,765	50,766
Taxes receivable from affiliates	79,599	76,050
Other assets	93,936	64,092
Total assets	5,698,547	6,259,170
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	490,129	238,398
Long-term debt	893,417	1,141,773
Due to affiliates	57,157	652
Other liabilities	202,292	180,881
Total liabilities	1,642,995	1,561,704
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	351	351
Common stock	130,218	134,218
Additional paid-in capital	832,795	808,124
Accumulated other comprehensive income	231,947	997,452
Retained earnings	3,614,369	3,376,846
Treasury stock	(754,128)	(619,525)
Total shareholders’ equity	4,055,552	4,697,466
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 5,698,547	$ 6,259,170
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.
[2]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Schedule II - Condensed Fina121

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash provided from operations	$ 1,120,050	$ 864,708	[1]	$ 1,119,280	[1]
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Disposition of investments	606,690	383,742	[1]	642,681	[1]
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments	(38,884)	61,008	[1]	17,970	[1]
Additions to properties	(36,957)	(19,367)	[1]	(11,168)	[1]
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper	1,978	9,328	[1]	3,983	[1]
Issuance of stock	35,958	56,294	[1]	97,816	[1]
Acquisitions of treasury stock	(418,526)	(449,308)	[1]	(482,264)	[1]
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	17,577	18,524	[1]	21,315	[1]
Payment of dividends	(66,899)	(65,006)	[1]	(60,911)	[1]
Increase (decrease) in cash	(4,636)	29,076	[1]	(24,767)	[1]
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash provided from (used for) operations before dividends from subsidiaries	(20,705)	(21,358)		(54,213)
Cash dividends from subsidiaries	466,416	478,840		488,376
Cash provided from operations	445,711	457,482		434,163
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Disposition of investments	0	5,064		514
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments	17,338	2,729		(6,805)
Investment in other subsidiaries	(2)	0		0
Additions to properties	(468)	0		0
Loaned money to affiliates	(282,508)	(81,000)		0
Repayments from affiliates	282,508	81,000		0
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	16,868	7,793		(6,291)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper	1,978	9,328		3,983
Issuance of stock	35,958	56,294		97,677
Acquisitions of treasury stock	(418,526)	(449,309)		(482,264)
Borrowed money from affiliate	15,000	168,000		0
Repayments to affiliates	(15,000)	(168,000)		0
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	8,180	6,688		10,963
Payment of dividends	(90,169)	(88,276)		(84,181)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(462,579)	(465,275)		(427,872)
Increase (decrease) in cash	0	0		0
Cash balance at beginning of period	0	0		0
Cash balance at end of period	0	0		0
Parent Company [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Net borrowings (to)/from affiliates	0	0		120,000
7.375% Notes [Member]
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of 7.375% Notes	0	0	[1]	(94,050)	[1]
7.375% Notes [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of 7.375% Notes	$ 0	$ 0		$ (94,050)
[1]	Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

Schedule II - Condensed Fina122

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Notes To Condensed Financial Statements) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries	$ 466,000	$ 479,000	$ 488,376
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	28,664	32,203	25,642
Interest paid	74,792	77,066	81,322
Income taxes received	$ 110,650	$ 100,922	128,771
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries	$ 466,416	$ 478,840	488,376
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	28,664	32,203	25,642
Dividend of subsidiary to Parent	0	0	1,246,557
Dividend of subsidiary applied to loan balance	0	0	72,000
Borrowed money from affiliate	56,503	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	39,206	0	0
Interest paid	77,920	77,663	85,443
Purchase of agent debit balances	17,297	0	0
Income taxes received	$ (22,009)	$ (25,581)	$ (27,820)
Preferred stock, liquidation distribution available to stockholders, per share in thousands	$ 1,000
Preferred stock, liquidating distribution legally available, aggregate value	$ 351,000
Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued	351,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	351,000
6.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued	280,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	280,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	6.50%
7.15% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued	71,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	71,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	7.15%

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Deta

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Life insurance in force, gross amount	$ 167,677,206	$ 160,455,963	$ 154,488,511
Life insurance in force, ceded to other companies	729,739	795,192	782,125
Life insurance in force, assumed from other companies	3,498,826	3,658,511	3,882,237
Life insurance in force, net amount	$ 170,446,293	$ 163,319,282	$ 157,588,623
Life insurance in force, percentage of amount assumed to net	2.10%	2.20%	2.50%
Premium, gross amount	$ 2,963,032	$ 2,796,996	$ 2,708,367
Premium, ceded to other companies	7,623	7,565	7,769
Premium, assumed from other companies	24,007	25,774	26,960
Premium income	$ 2,979,416	$ 2,815,205	$ 2,727,558
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.80%	0.90%	1.00%
Policy charges	$ 19,300	$ 20,900	$ 22,100
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	2,034,373	1,924,605	1,841,425
Premium, ceded to other companies	4,484	4,614	4,645
Premium, assumed from other companies	24,007	25,774	26,960
Premium income	$ 2,053,896	$ 1,945,765	$ 1,863,740
Percentage of amount assumed to net	1.20%	1.30%	1.40%
Health Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	$ 928,659	$ 872,391	$ 866,942
Premium, ceded to other companies	3,139	2,951	3,124
Premium, assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Premium income	$ 925,520	$ 869,440	$ 863,818
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%