Globe Life (GL) 10-K 27 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 17, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
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		117,761,153
Entity Public Float			$ 7,409,307,020

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Fixed maturities-available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016—$14,188,050; 2015—$13,251,871)	$ 15,245,861	$ 13,758,024
Policy loans	507,975	492,462
Other long-term investments	53,852	38,438
Short-term investments	72,040	54,766
Total investments	15,879,728	14,343,690
Cash	76,163	61,383
Accrued investment income	223,148	209,915
Other receivables	384,454	344,552
Deferred acquisition costs	3,783,158	3,617,135
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	520,313	522,104
Assets related to discontinued operations	127,532	312,843
Total assets	21,436,087	19,853,213
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	12,825,837	12,245,811
Unearned and advance premiums	64,017	67,021
Policy claims and other benefits payable	299,565	272,898
Other policyholders' funds	96,993	95,988
Total policy liabilities	13,286,412	12,681,718
Current and deferred income taxes payable	1,743,990	1,450,888
Other liabilities	413,760	380,158
Short-term debt	264,475	490,129
Long-term debt (estimated fair value: 2016—$1,233,019; 2015—$856,291)	1,133,165	743,733
Liabilities related to discontinued operations	27,424	51,035
Total liabilities	16,869,226	15,797,661
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share—Authorized 5,000,000 shares; outstanding: 0 in 2016 and 2015	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share—Authorized 320,000,000 shares; outstanding: (2016—127,218,183 issued, less 9,187,075 held in treasury and 2015—130,218,183 issued, less 7,848,231 held in treasury)	127,218	130,218
Additional paid-in capital	490,421	482,284
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	577,574	231,947
Retained earnings	3,890,798	3,614,369
Treasury stock	(519,150)	(403,266)
Total shareholders’ equity	4,566,861	4,055,552
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 21,436,087	$ 19,853,213

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 14,188,050	$ 13,251,871
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 1,233,019	$ 856,291
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	127,218,183	130,218,183
Common stock, shares held in treasury	9,187,075	7,848,231

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue:
Life premium		$ 2,189,333	$ 2,073,065	$ 1,966,300
Health premium		947,663	925,520	869,440
Other premium		38	135	400
Total premium		3,137,034	2,998,720	2,836,140
Net investment income		806,903	773,951	758,286
Realized investment gains (losses)		(10,683)	(8,791)	23,548
Other income		1,375	2,185	2,121
Total revenue		3,934,629	3,766,065	3,620,095
Benefits and expenses:
Life policyholder benefits		1,479,272	1,374,608	1,301,562
Health policyholder benefits		612,725	602,610	559,817
Other policyholder benefits		36,751	38,994	42,005
Total policyholder benefits		2,128,748	2,016,212	1,903,384
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		469,063	445,625	415,914
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses		249,174	237,541	222,463
Other operating expense		232,064	223,858	217,531
Interest expense		83,345	76,642	76,126
Total benefits and expenses		3,162,394	2,999,878	2,835,418
Income before income taxes		772,235	766,187	784,677
Income taxes	[1]	(232,645)	(249,894)	(256,603)
Income from continuing operations		539,590	516,293	528,074
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		10,189	10,807	14,865
Net income		$ 549,779	$ 527,100	$ 542,939
Basic net income per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)		$ 4.50	$ 4.13	$ 4.04
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		0.08	0.08	0.11
Total basic net income per common share (in dollar per share)		4.58	4.21	4.15
Diluted net income per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	[1]	4.41	4.07	3.98
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	[1]	0.08	0.09	0.11
Total diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 4.49	$ 4.16	$ 4.09
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income	$ 549,779	$ 527,100	$ 542,939
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	553,801	(1,166,032)	1,283,062
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	(193,820)	408,092	(448,985)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	359,981	(757,940)	834,077
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs	(2,412)	8,682	(6,200)
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	845	(3,039)	2,170
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	(1,567)	5,643	(4,030)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities	2,178	(20,651)	(10,770)
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	(838)	6,892	3,290
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities, net of tax	1,340	(13,759)	(7,480)
Pension adjustments:
Amortization of pension costs	10,168	14,586	10,285
Plan amendments	0	(2,104)	0
Experience gain (loss)	(31,902)	(11,632)	(65,817)
Pension adjustments	(21,734)	850	(55,532)
Less applicable (taxes) benefits	7,607	(299)	19,436
Pension adjustments, net of tax	(14,127)	551	(36,096)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	345,627	(765,505)	786,471
Comprehensive income (loss)	895,406	(238,405)	1,329,410
Securities
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	544,886	(1,163,417)	1,312,548
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on securities included in net income	10,645	9,478	(23,170)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of (discount) premium	(4,185)	(6,346)	(8,621)
Foreign exchange adjustment on securities recorded at fair value	312	(3,010)	(1,567)
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	551,658	(1,163,295)	1,279,190
Other Investments
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	2,503	(1,635)	4,473
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on securities included in net income	(360)	(1,102)	(601)
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 2,143	$ (2,737)	$ 3,872

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock
Beginning 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
Comprehensive income (loss)		1,329,410				786,471	542,939
Common dividends declared ($.51 in 2014, $.54 in 2015 and $.56 in 2016 a share)		(65,998)					(65,998)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(449,308)						(449,308)
Stock-based compensation		32,203			31,315		362	526
Exercise of stock options		74,817			18,524		(22,641)	78,934
Retirement of treasury stock		0		(17,000)	(54,284)		(573,349)	644,633
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014		4,697,466	0	134,218	457,613	997,452	3,376,846	(268,663)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		(238,405)				(765,505)	527,100
Common dividends declared ($.51 in 2014, $.54 in 2015 and $.56 in 2016 a share)		(67,182)					(67,182)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(418,526)						(418,526)
Stock-based compensation		28,664			21,813		(2,132)	8,983
Exercise of stock options		53,535			17,577		(36,322)	72,280
Retirement of treasury stock		0		(4,000)	(14,719)		(183,941)	202,660
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015		4,055,552	0	130,218	482,284	231,947	3,614,369	(403,266)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		895,406				345,627	549,779
Common dividends declared ($.51 in 2014, $.54 in 2015 and $.56 in 2016 a share)		(66,968)					(66,968)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(404,784)						(404,784)
Stock-based compensation		26,326			19,659		(2,224)	8,891
Exercise of stock options	[1]	61,329					(53,845)	115,174
Retirement of treasury stock		0		(3,000)	(11,522)		(150,313)	164,835
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 4,566,861	$ 0	$ 127,218	$ 490,421	$ 577,574	$ 3,890,798	$ (519,150)
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Consolidated Statements Of Sha7

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholder's Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.56	$ 0.54	$ 0.51

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities:
Net income		$ 549,779	$ 527,100	$ 542,939
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided from continuing operations:
(Income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(10,189)	(10,807)	(14,865)
Increase in future policy benefits		645,844	631,202	585,632
Increase (decrease) in other policy benefits		24,668	14,609	12,521
Deferral of policy acquisition costs		(635,318)	(612,181)	(562,245)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		469,063	445,625	415,914
Change in current and deferred income taxes	[1]	152,210	103,558	102,720
Realized (gains) losses on sale of investments and properties		10,683	8,791	(23,548)
Other, net		20,079	13,985	(38,354)
Net cash provided from (used for) continuing operations		1,226,819	1,121,882	1,020,714
Net cash provided from (used for) discontinued operations		171,889	(1,832)	(156,006)
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities		1,398,708	1,120,050	864,708
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Fixed maturities available for sale—sold		340,434	226,792	109,024
Fixed maturities available for sale—matured, called, and repaid		236,353	376,158	273,223
Other long-term investments		1,217	3,740	1,495
Total investments sold or matured		578,004	606,690	383,742
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale		(1,530,053)	(1,070,908)	(704,993)
Other long-term investments		(20,444)	(31,707)	0
Total investments acquired		(1,550,497)	(1,102,615)	(704,993)
Net increase in policy loans		(15,513)	(20,353)	(23,222)
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments		(17,274)	(38,884)	61,008
Additions to properties		(25,162)	(36,957)	(19,367)
Sales of properties		90	0	8,752
Investments in low-income housing interests		(32,084)	(41,231)	(56,083)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities		(1,062,436)	(633,350)	(350,163)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Issuance of common stock		61,329	35,958	56,294
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(66,931)	(66,899)	(65,006)
Repayment of debt		(250,000)	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt		400,000	0	0
Payment for debt issuance costs		(9,638)	0	0
Net borrowing (repayment) of commercial paper		22,224	1,978	9,328
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	[1]	0	17,577	18,524
Acquisition of treasury stock		(404,784)	(418,526)	(449,308)
Net receipts (payments) from deposit-type product		(71,991)	(95,793)	(69,792)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities		(319,791)	(525,705)	(499,960)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash		(1,701)	34,369	14,491
Increase (decrease) in cash		14,780	(4,636)	29,076
Cash at beginning of year		61,383	66,019	36,943
Cash at end of year		$ 76,163	$ 61,383	$ 66,019
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Business : Torchmark Corporation (Torchmark or alternatively, the Company) through its wholly-owned subsidiaries provides a variety of life and health insurance products and annuities to a broad base of customers. Torchmark is organized into four reportable segments: life insurance, health insurance, annuity, and investment. 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 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. Discontinued Operations : When a component of Torchmark’s business is sold or 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 are segregated and recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Assets and Liabilities related to discontinued operations" 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 discontinued component 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 sold one of its operating segments, Medicare Part D during 2016. The financial results of this business are excluded from Torchmark's continuing operations including 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. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Other long-term investments include equity securities, real estate, and limited partnerships. 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. Investments in real estate are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method. Investments in limited partnerships 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. Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities : Torchmark measures the fair value of its fixed maturities 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, 2016 , 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, 2016 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. Torchmark invests in a portfolio of private placement bonds which are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by third parties and was $565 million at amortized cost and $574 million at fair value on December 31, 2016 , compared with $542 million at amortized cost and $546 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 they cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2016 , fair values of $15 million were classified as Level 2, while the remaining balance of $559 million was 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. 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 and Note 9—Postretirement Benefits under the caption Pension Plans . 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, 2016 , they were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2016 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt . As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits , Torchmark maintains a nonqualified 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: • 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 • Default on a required payment • Issuer bankruptcy filings While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimate 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. Accrued investment income : Accrued investment income consists of interest income or dividends earned on the investment portfolio, but are yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. 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 associated with the advanced commissions are collected by the Company and the agents' commissions on such premiums are retained. The balance was $353 million and $334 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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 $9 million , $10 million , and $8 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Capitalized advertising costs included within deferred acquisition costs were $1.25 billion at December 31, 2016 and $1.21 billion at December 31, 2015 . Goodwill : The excess cost of a business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing in accordance with GAAP on an annual basis, or whenever potential impairment triggers occur. The Company may perform a qualitative analysis under certain circumstances, or perform a two-step quantitative analysis. In the qualitative analysis, the Company determines if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount by assessing current events and circumstances. If there are factors present indicating potential impairment, the company should proceed to the two-step quantitative analysis as described as follows. In the two-step quantitative analysis, the Company utilizes two approaches, income and market, to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. In the income approach, 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 as management believes this to be appropriate for the risk associated with the cash flow expectations. In the market approach, the Company utilizes the share price and a control premium based on businesses with similar assets to determine a fair value. In both cases, the fair value of each reporting unit is then measured against that reporting unit’s corresponding carrying value. In the event the fair value is less than the carrying value, 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 the test. Torchmark tested its goodwill annually as of June 30th in each of the years 2014 through 2016 . 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 $280 million and $306 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At December 31, 2016 , $280 million associated with the federal interests was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2015 , $302 million associated with the federal interests was included in "Other assets" with the remaining $4 million state-related interests included in "Other long-term investments". As of December 31, 2016 , Torchmark was obligated under future commitments of $57 million , which is included in the above carrying value. For guaranteed investments acquired prior to January 1, 2015, the Company utilizes the effective-yield method of amortization while the proportional method of amortization is utilized for all non-guaranteed as well as guaranteed investments acquired on or after January 1, 2015. All amortization expense is recorded in “Income tax expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations . 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 $196 million at December 31, 2016 and $175 million at December 31, 2015 . Accumulated depreciation was $99 million at year end 2016 and $92 million at the end of 2015 . Depreciation expense was $9.8 million in 2016 , $8.0 million in 2015 , and $7.4 million in 2014 . Future Policy Benefits : The liability for future policy benefits for annuity and universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 86% 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. 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 . 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 . 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. More information is found in Note 12—Shareholders' Equity . 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. 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 $18 million , $19 million , and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Other premium consists of annuity policy charges in each year. For most insurance products, 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 revenue recognition period. For limited-payment life insurance products, the profits are recognized over the contract period. Stock

Statutory Accounting

Statutory Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 429,563 $ 393,466 $ 446,439 $ 1,335,070 $ 1,253,007 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 $477 million at December 31, 2016 . 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. While all states have adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) statutory accounting practices (NAIC SAP) as the basis for statutory accounting, certain states have retained prescribed practices of their respective insurance code or administrative code which can differ from NAIC SAP. For Torchmark’s life insurance companies, there are no significant differences between NAIC SAP and the accounting practices prescribed by the states of domicile.

Supplemental Information about

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2014 through 2016 . Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income For the 12 months ended December 31, 2014: Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 256,196 $ (6,728 ) $ 24,866 $ (63,353 ) $ 210,981 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 For the 12 months ended December 31, 2016: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 356,016 (1,567 ) 1,340 (20,736 ) 335,053 Reclassifications, net of tax 3,965 — — 6,609 10,574 Other comprehensive income (loss) 359,981 (1,567 ) 1,340 (14,127 ) 345,627 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 692,314 $ (6,682 ) $ 4,967 $ (113,025 ) $ 577,574 Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for each of the years 2014 through 2016 . Reclassification Adjustments Year Ended December 31, Component Line Item 2016 2015 2014 Affected line items in the Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ 10,285 $ 9,478 $ (23,771 ) Realized investment gains (losses) Amortization of (discount) premium (4,185 ) (6,346 ) (8,621 ) Net investment income Total before tax 6,100 3,132 (32,392 ) Tax (2,135 ) (1,096 ) 11,337 Income taxes Total after tax 3,965 2,036 (21,055 ) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 477 377 2,113 Other operating expenses Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 9,691 14,209 8,172 Other operating expenses Total before tax 10,168 14,586 10,285 Tax (3,559 ) (5,105 ) (3,600 ) Income taxes Total after tax 6,609 9,481 6,685 Total reclassifications (after tax) $ 10,574 $ 11,517 $ (14,370 )

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Portfolio Composition : A summary of fixed maturities available for sale by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 2016: Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 381,054 $ 895 $ (9,151 ) $ 372,798 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,284,605 126,850 (1,327 ) 1,410,128 9 Foreign governments 21,701 1,438 (62 ) 23,077 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 2,963,584 285,037 (45,885 ) 3,202,736 21 Utilities 1,875,946 249,701 (12,604 ) 2,113,043 14 Energy 1,542,426 127,989 (44,324 ) 1,626,091 11 Other corporate sectors 5,601,136 424,021 (84,547 ) 5,940,610 39 Total corporates 11,983,092 1,086,748 (187,360 ) 12,882,480 85 Collateralized debt obligations 60,726 13,062 (10,285 ) 63,503 — Other asset-backed securities 56,410 621 (337 ) 56,694 — Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 371,862 43,383 (7,218 ) 408,027 3 Utilities 28,600 798 (244 ) 29,154 — Total redeemable preferred stocks 400,462 44,181 (7,462 ) 437,181 3 Total fixed maturities $ 14,188,050 $ 1,273,795 $ (215,984 ) $ 15,245,861 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. 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 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. Securities held on deposits with various state and federal regulatory authorities had a carrying value of $600 million and $555 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. A schedule of fixed maturities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2016 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 $ 23,969 $ 24,573 Due from one to five years 640,903 688,509 Due from five to ten years 1,228,081 1,337,752 Due from ten to twenty years 4,278,896 4,746,466 Due after twenty years 7,897,726 8,326,907 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 118,475 121,654 $ 14,188,050 $ 15,245,861 Analysis of investment operations : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Net investment income is summarized as follows: Fixed maturities $ 778,912 $ 747,663 $ 732,925 Policy loans 38,436 36,763 35,015 Other long-term investments 2,786 2,021 1,516 Short-term investments 447 95 75 820,581 786,542 769,531 Less investment expense (13,678 ) (12,591 ) (11,245 ) Net investment income $ 806,903 $ 773,951 $ 758,286 An analysis of realized gains (losses) from investments is as follows: Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities $ (10,645 ) $ (9,479 ) $ 23,170 Other investments (38 ) 688 636 Loss on redemption on debt — — (258 ) (10,683 ) (8,791 ) 23,548 Applicable tax 3,739 3,077 (8,242 ) Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax $ (6,944 ) $ (5,714 ) $ 15,306 An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows: Fixed maturities $ 551,658 $ (1,163,295 ) $ 1,279,190 Other investments 2,143 (2,737 ) 3,872 Net change in unrealized gains (losses) $ 553,801 $ (1,166,032 ) $ 1,283,062 Additional information about securities sold is as follows: At December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Fixed maturities: Proceeds from sales (1) $ 358,285 $ 226,792 $ 109,024 Gross realized gains 6,133 259 17,583 Gross realized losses (32,608 ) (16,894 ) (1,879 ) (1) Includes unsettled sales of $18 million at December 31, 2016 . Fair value measurements : The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 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 $ — $ 372,798 $ — $ 372,798 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 45,302 1,364,826 — 1,410,128 Foreign governments — 23,077 — 23,077 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 3,141,611 61,125 3,202,736 Utilities — 1,959,143 153,900 2,113,043 Energy — 1,598,976 27,115 1,626,091 Other corporate sectors — 5,623,150 317,460 5,940,610 Total corporates — 12,322,880 559,600 12,882,480 Collateralized debt obligations — — 63,503 63,503 Other asset-backed securities — 56,694 — 56,694 Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial — 408,027 — 408,027 Utilities — 29,154 — 29,154 Total redeemable preferred stocks — 437,181 — 437,181 Total fixed maturities $ 45,302 $ 14,577,456 $ 623,103 $ 15,245,861 Percentage of total 0.3 % 95.6 % 4.1 % 100.0 % 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 Percentage of total 0.2 % 95.4 % 4.4 % 100.0 % The following table represents changes in fixed maturities 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) Collateralized debt Obligations Corporates Total Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 58,205 $ 300,300 $ 358,505 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses 15,924 1 15,925 Included in other comprehensive income 3,323 27,864 31,187 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 63,232 512,714 575,946 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — 1,182 1,182 Included in other comprehensive income 11,365 (11,925 ) (560 ) Acquisitions — 38,600 38,600 Sales — — — 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 70,382 530,806 601,188 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — 788 788 Included in other comprehensive income (3,943 ) 6,403 2,460 Acquisitions — 33,662 33,662 Sales — — — Amortization 5,186 17 5,203 Other (1) (8,122 ) (12,076 ) (20,198 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 63,503 $ 559,600 $ 623,103 (1) Includes foreign exchange adjustments and principal repayments. Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in each of the years 2014 through 2016 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, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Unobservable Range Weighted Collateralized debt obligations $ 63,503 Discounted cash flows Discount 9.3 - 10.45% 10.3% Private placement fixed maturities 559,600 Determination of credit spread Credit A+ to B BBB Discounted cash flows Discount 2.82 - 6.55% 4.17% $ 623,103 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. 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. 2016 2015 2014 In Out Net In Out Net In Out Net Level 1 $ 45,344 $ — $ 45,344 $ 17,252 $ (49,744 ) $ (32,492 ) $ 36,468 $ — $ 36,468 Level 2 — (45,344 ) (45,344 ) 49,744 (17,252 ) 32,492 — (36,468 ) (36,468 ) Level 3 — — — — — — — — — 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, 2016 . As of year end 2016 , previously written down securities remaining in the portfolio were carried at a fair value of $54 million , or less than 0.4% of the fair value of the fixed maturity portfolio. Torchmark is continuously monitoring the market conditions impacting its portfolio. While adverse market conditions for an extended duration could lead to some ratings downgrades in certain sectors, Torchmark has the ability and intent to hold these investments to recovery, and does not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell any of its securities in such a position. Unrealized gains/loss analysis : The following tables disclose gross unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of investments at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 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, 2016 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 $ 321,133 $ (8,553 ) $ 1,404 $ (598 ) $ 322,537 $ (9,151 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 32,178 (1,114 ) 683 (19 ) 32,861 (1,133 ) Foreign governments 4,416 (62 ) — — 4,416 (62 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 479,669 (18,666 ) 64,335 (4,627 ) 544,004 (23,293 ) Utilities 290,732 (11,000 ) 16,977 (1,604 ) 307,709 (12,604 ) Energy 83,064 (1,076 ) 154,908 (18,127 ) 237,972 (19,203 ) Metals and mining 5,936 (231 ) 5,789 (187 ) 11,725 (418 ) Other corporate sectors 1,564,273 (65,131 ) 68,968 (6,495 ) 1,633,241 (71,626 ) Total corporates 2,423,674 (96,104 ) 310,977 (31,040 ) 2,734,651 (127,144 ) Other asset-backed securities 41,498 (337 ) — — 41,498 (337 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Utilities 5,857 (244 ) — — 5,857 (244 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks 5,857 (244 ) — — 5,857 (244 ) Total investment grade securities 2,828,756 (106,414 ) 313,064 (31,657 ) 3,141,820 (138,071 ) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — 357 (194 ) 357 (194 ) Corporates, by sector: — — Financial — — 83,174 (22,592 ) 83,174 (22,592 ) Energy 15,567 (385 ) 91,165 (24,736 ) 106,732 (25,121 ) Metals and mining 32,478 (172 ) 34,463 (2,023 ) 66,941 (2,195 ) Other corporate sectors 51,640 (291 ) 95,679 (10,017 ) 147,319 (10,308 ) Total corporates 99,685 (848 ) 304,481 (59,368 ) 404,166 (60,216 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 9,714 (10,285 ) 9,714 (10,285 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial — — 19,912 (7,218 ) 19,912 (7,218 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks — — 19,912 (7,218 ) 19,912 (7,218 ) Total below investment grade securities 99,685 (848 ) 334,464 (77,065 ) 434,149 (77,913 ) Total fixed maturities $ 2,928,441 $ (107,262 ) $ 647,528 $ (108,722 ) $ 3,575,969 $ (215,984 ) 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 ) Gross unrealized losses decreased from $564 million at year end 2015 to $216 million at year end 2016 , a decrease of $348 million . The decrease in the gross unrealized losses from prior year was primarily attributable to the improved conditions during 2016 in the energy and metals and mining sectors. 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, 2016 407 94 501 As of December 31, 2015 480 75 555 Torchmark’s entire fixed maturity portfolio consisted of 1,565 issues at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . The weighted-average quality rating of all unrealized loss positions at amortized cost was BBB+ for both 2016 and 2015 . Other investment information : Other long-term investments consist of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Investment in limited partnerships $ 51,509 $ 31,409 Low-income housing interests — 3,767 Other 2,343 3,262 Total $ 53,852 $ 38,438 Torchmark did not have any invested assets that were non-income producing during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 . Concentrations of Credit Risk : Torchmark maintains a diversified investment portfolio with limited concentration in any given issuer. At December 31, 2016 , the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following: Investment grade fixed maturities: Corporate securities 80 % Securities of state and municipal governments 9 Government-sponsored enterprises 2 Other 1 Below investment grade fixed maturities: Corporate securities 4 Other — Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values 3 Other investments 1 100 % As of December 31, 2016 , securities of state and municipal governments represented 9% of invested assets at fair value. Such investments are made throughout the U.S. At year end 2016 , 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 concentration within any given state greater than 5% . Corporate debt securities and redeemable preferred stocks represent 84% 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, 2016 , based on fair value: Insurance 17 % Electric utilities 12 Oil and natural gas pipelines 6 Banks 6 Oil and natural gas exploration and production 4 Transportation 4 Chemicals 4 Metals and mining 3 Food 3 Real estate investment trusts 3 At year end 2016 , 4% of invested assets at fair value were represented by fixed maturities rated below investment grade. Par value of these investments was $834 million , amortized cost was $751 million , and fair value was $695 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, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs An analysis of deferred acquisition costs is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 3,617,135 $ 3,457,397 $ 3,325,433 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 436,252 401,166 358,969 Other expenses 199,066 211,015 203,276 Total deferred 635,318 612,181 562,245 Foreign exchange adjustment 2,180 — — Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) — 8,682 — Total additions 637,498 620,863 562,245 Deductions: Amortized during period (469,063 ) (445,625 ) (415,914 ) Foreign exchange adjustment — (15,500 ) (8,167 ) Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) (2,412 ) — (6,200 ) Total deductions (471,475 ) (461,125 ) (430,281 ) Balance at end of year $ 3,783,158 $ 3,617,135 $ 3,457,397 (1) Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 Prescription Drug Plan business as a discontinued operation. Historically, the business was a reportable segment. Effective July 1, 2016, Torchmark sold its Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan business to an unaffiliated third party. Management believes this sale allows the Company to better focus on its core protection life and health insurance businesses, as well as provides additional capital to invest. The initial sale price was based on the number of enrollees as of the end of the second quarter 2016 and will be adjusted based on the number of enrollees as of January 1, 2017 as determined by the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) in March 2017. Estimated ultimate net proceeds from the sale resulted in a gain of $1.8 million ( $1.2 million , net of tax). The deferred acquisition costs write-off of $16.4 million and the contingent sale price reserve of $3.6 million are included in the net gain calculation. The gain is recognized in income from discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016 . Torchmark retained certain assets and liabilities related to the Medicare Part D business including all corresponding profits or losses for the 2016 plan year. The buyer assumed the rights and obligations related to the business for all subsequent plan years. To facilitate a seamless transition, Torchmark administered the plans for the duration of 2016. The remaining assets and liabilities reflected on the Torchmark balance sheet related to discontinued operations are receivables and payables primarily associated with 2016 plan year that are expected to be settled in the ordinary course of business during 2017 and 2018. The net assets related to discontinued operations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: At December 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Due premiums $ 8,840 $ 8,041 Other receivables (1) 118,692 287,765 Deferred acquisition costs — 17,037 Total assets related to discontinued operations 127,532 312,843 Liabilities: Unearned and advance premiums 67 806 Policy claims and other benefits payable 10,868 12,309 Risk sharing payable 8,374 23,837 Current and deferred income taxes payable 3,820 13,604 Other (2) 4,295 479 Total liabilities related to discontinued operations 27,424 51,035 Net assets $ 100,108 $ 261,808 (1) At December 31, 2016 , other receivables included $50 million from CMS and $69 million from drug manufacturer rebates. At December 31, 2015 , the comparable amounts were $193 million and $95 million , respectively. (2) Balance includes $3.6 million contingent sale price reserve for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Income from discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2016 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenue: Health premium $ 222,840 $ 260,657 $ 373,280 Benefits and expenses: Health policyholder benefits 183,423 213,114 315,816 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 3,747 3,506 2,858 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses 16,396 20,909 26,613 Other operating expense 5,377 6,502 5,123 Total benefits and expenses 208,943 244,031 350,410 Income before income taxes for discontinued operations 13,897 16,626 22,870 Gain from sale of discontinued operations 1,779 — — Income taxes (5,487 ) (5,819 ) (8,005 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 10,189 $ 10,807 $ 14,865 Income taxes paid related to discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2016 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income taxes paid $ 15,271 $ 3,409 $ 12,013

Liability for Unpaid Claims

Liability for Unpaid Claims	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims	Liability for Unpaid Claims Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 137,120 $ 128,265 $ 116,559 Incurred related to: Current year 510,075 502,009 453,014 Prior years (1,127 ) (7,845 ) 804 Total incurred 508,948 494,164 453,818 Paid related to: Current year 386,278 379,037 343,648 Prior years 116,662 106,272 98,464 Total paid 502,940 485,309 442,112 Balance at end of year $ 143,128 $ 137,120 $ 128,265 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” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . Short-Duration Contracts Although Torchmark primarily sells long-duration contracts for both life and health, the Company also has a limited amount of group health products that qualify as short-duration contracts in accordance with the applicable guidance. The below table illustrates the total incurred claims for short-duration products over the last five years. Claim frequency is determined by duration and incurred date. For the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2016 Cumulative incurred claims (1) Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims Cumulative number of reported claims (1) Accident Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 $ 84,975 $ 83,965 $ 83,928 $ 83,906 $ 83,906 $ — 1,357 2013 84,111 82,644 83,151 83,119 — 1,337 2014 101,407 99,876 99,810 19 1,600 2015 141,667 141,460 478 2,222 2016 140,944 26,224 1,863 Total $ 549,239 $ 26,721 (1) The incurred claims and cumulative number of reported claims for all years prior to 2016 are unaudited. This table illustrates the total cumulative paid claims and allocated claims for short-duration products over the last five years: Cumulative paid claims (1) For the years ended December 31, Accident Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 $ 68,742 $ 83,766 $ 83,919 $ 83,906 $ 83,906 2013 68,159 82,408 83,131 83,119 2014 81,054 99,545 99,791 2015 115,922 140,982 2016 114,720 Total 522,518 Short-duration claim liability as of December 31, 2016 26,721 Total incurred claims & IBNR $ 549,239 (1) The cumulative paid claims for all years prior to 2016 are unaudited. Below is the reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for "Policy claims and other benefits payable" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . December 31, 2016 Policy claims and other benefits payable: Short-duration products $ 26,721 Insurance lines other than short duration—health 116,407 Insurance lines other than short duration—life 156,437 Total policy claims and other benefits payable $ 299,565

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The components of income taxes were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income tax expense from continuing operations (1) $ 232,645 $ 249,894 $ 256,603 Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) 186,206 (411,646 ) 424,089 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 (1) — (17,577 ) (18,524 ) $ 418,851 $ (179,329 ) $ 662,168 (1) Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the excess tax benefits related to share-based awards are now recorded through income tax expense rather than additional paid in capital as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Stock Compensation." Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense $ 132,806 $ 174,284 $ 169,319 Deferred income tax expense 99,839 75,610 87,284 $ 232,645 $ 249,894 $ 256,603 In each of the years 2014 through 2016 , 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, 2016 % 2015 % 2014 % Expected income taxes $ 270,282 35.0 $ 268,165 35.0 $ 274,637 35.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Low income housing investments (18,202 ) (2.4 ) (19,031 ) (2.5 ) (17,541 ) (2.2 ) Share-based awards (18,653 ) (2.4 ) — — — — Other (782 ) (0.1 ) 760 0.1 (493 ) — Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 232,645 30.1 $ 249,894 32.6 $ 256,603 32.8 The effective income tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2016 differed from the effective income tax rates for 2015 and 2014 primarily as a result of the Company adopting ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2016. As a result of the adoption, the excess tax benefits related to share-based awards are now recorded through income tax expense rather than additional paid-in capital. See Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies for further discussion. 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, 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 15,004 $ 16,098 Carryover of tax losses 3,906 2,266 Total gross deferred tax assets 18,910 18,364 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 315,509 128,683 Employee and agent compensation 92,131 83,229 Deferred acquisition costs 975,873 921,799 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 391,451 340,854 Other liabilities 3,987 17,176 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,778,951 1,491,741 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,760,041 $ 1,473,377 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 2013 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 $11.2 million at December 31, 2016 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 2014 through 2016 , 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 $9 thousand , $11 thousand , and $465 thousand , net of federal income tax expense, in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The Company had no accrued interest or penalties at December 31, 2016 or 2015 .

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Postretirement Benefits	Postretirement Benefits Torchmark has qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and contributory savings plans which cover substantially all employees. There are also two nonqualified noncontributory supplemental benefit pension plans (SERPs) 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 (1) Defined (2) 2016 $ 3,614 $ 24,202 2015 3,429 29,230 2014 3,078 23,463 (1) 401K plans (2) Qualified pension plans and SERPs 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. Pension Plans : 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 $15.8 million in 2016 , $15.5 million in 2015 , and $14.6 million in 2014 . Torchmark estimates as of December 31, 2016 that it will contribute an amount not to exceed $20 million to these plans in 2017 . The actual amount of contribution may be different from this estimate. Torchmark has two SERPs, one of which is active and 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 . This SERP is nonqualified 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 following table includes activity for the active SERP for the three years ended December 31, 2016 . Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Premiums paid for insurance coverage $ 2,050 $ 10,068 $ 2,150 December 31, 2016 2015 Total investments of this SERP: Company owned life insurance $ 37,267 $ 34,178 Exchange Traded Funds (1) 48,999 45,014 $ 86,266 $ 79,192 Liability for this SERP $ 74,687 $ 67,243 (1) There were no deposits in 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . Because this plan is nonqualified, the investments and the policyholder value of the insurance policies in the Rabbi Trust are not included as defined benefit plan assets, but rather assets of the Company. They are included in “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The second supplemental benefit pension plan 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 also nonqualified and unfunded. Liability for this closed plan was $3 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . 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, 2016 and 2015 . Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2016 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 Corporate bonds: Financial $ $ 41,578 $ $ 41,578 13 Utilities 43,890 43,890 13 Energy 25,427 25,427 8 Other corporates 49,141 49,141 15 Total corporate bonds — 160,036 — 160,036 49 Exchange traded fund (1) 134,771 134,771 41 Other bonds 258 258 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) 18,997 18,997 6 Short-term investments 7,391 7,391 2 Other 7,418 7,418 2 Grand Total $ 149,580 $ 179,291 $ — $ 328,871 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing 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, 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 Consumer, Non-Cyclical 12,216 12,216 4 Industrial 15,176 15,176 5 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) Representing 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 can include common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into equities, mutual funds and exchange traded funds that invest in equities, and other equity-related investments. Equities are 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. 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. As of December 31, 2016 , Torchmark sold all equity securities in various sectors and replaced them with an exchange traded fund that mirrors the S&P 500 index to better align with a passive approach rather than an actively managed portfolio. At December 31, 2016 , 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, 2016 . 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: 2016 2015 Discount Rate 4.27 % 4.64 % Rate of Compensation Increase 4.31 4.33 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2016 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.64 % 4.23 % 5.12 % Expected Long-Term Returns 7.19 6.96 6.97 Rate of Compensation Increase 4.33 4.35 4.35 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, 2016 2015 2014 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 15,502 $ 15,902 $ 12,925 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 21,631 19,887 19,270 Expected return on assets (23,127 ) (21,204 ) (19,031 ) Net amortization 10,135 14,465 10,283 Recognition of actuarial loss 61 180 16 Net periodic pension cost $ 24,202 $ 29,230 $ 23,463 An analysis of the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) concerning pensions and other postretirement benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1 $ (152,149 ) $ (152,999 ) $ (97,467 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 477 377 2,113 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 9,691 14,209 8,172 Total amortization 10,168 14,586 10,285 Plan amendments — (2,104 ) — Experience gain (loss) (31,902 ) (11,632 ) (65,817 ) Balance at December 31 $ (173,883 ) $ (152,149 ) $ (152,999 ) (1) Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $33 thousand in 2016 , $120 thousand in 2015 , and $2 thousand in 2014 . 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, 2016 2015 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 476,581 $ 477,426 Service cost 15,502 15,902 Interest cost 21,631 19,887 Plan amendments — 2,104 Actuarial loss (gain) 34,667 (19,226 ) Benefits paid (20,859 ) (19,512 ) Obligation at end of year 527,522 476,581 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 307,596 322,898 Return on assets 26,377 (11,333 ) Contributions 15,757 15,543 Benefits paid (20,859 ) (19,512 ) Fair value at end of year 328,871 307,596 Funded status at year end $ (198,651 ) $ (168,985 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net loss (gain) $ 167,313 $ 145,623 Prior service cost 4,611 5,088 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 171,924 $ 150,711 The portion of other comprehensive income that is expected to be reflected in pension expense in 2017 is as follows: Amortization of prior service cost $ 476 Amortization of net actuarial loss 11,806 Total $ 12,282 The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for Torchmark’s funded defined benefit pension plans was $411 million and $371 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In the nonqualified plans, the ABO was $69 million at December 31, 2016 and $63 million at 2015 . Torchmark has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2016 . These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 , taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s) 2017 $ 19,839 2018 21,198 2019 22,516 2020 24,109 2021 25,678 2022-2025 152,071 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 postretirement 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, 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ — $ — $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 1,139 1,075 646 Expected return on plan assets — — — Net amortization 33 120 2 Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss (132 ) 367 (256 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 1,040 $ 1,562 $ 392 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, 2016 2015 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 22,479 $ 22,895 Service cost — — Interest cost 1,139 1,075 Actuarial loss (gain) 412 (1,133 ) Benefits paid (309 ) (358 ) Obligation at end of year 23,721 22,479 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year — — Return on assets — — Contributions 309 358 Benefits paid (309 ) (358 ) Fair value at end of year — — Funded status at year end $ (23,721 ) $ (22,479 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss (1) $ 1,959 $ 1,447 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 1,959 $ 1,447 (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: 2016 2015 Discount Rate 4.29 % 4.66 % For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2016 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.66 % 4.23 % 5.12 % Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions For the year(s) 2017 $ 1,014 2018 1,133 2019 1,247 2020 1,351 2021 1,462 2022-2025 9,811

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 26,326 $ 28,664 $ 32,203 Commitments for low-income housing interests 56,818 68,949 75,706 Exchanges of fixed maturity investments 224,901 — 17,333 Net unsettled security trades 15,020 — — The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest paid $ 81,338 $ 74,792 $ 77,066 Income taxes paid 79,790 110,650 100,922

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 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) Long-term debt: Notes, due 5/15/23 (3,5) 7.875 % 5/93 5/15 & 11/15 $ 165,612 $ 164,095 $ 196,496 $ 163,920 Senior Notes, due 6/15/19 (3,7) 9.250 % 6/09 6/15 & 12/15 292,647 291,424 338,363 291,002 Senior Notes, due 9/15/22 (3,7) 3.800 % 9/12 3/15 & 9/15 150,000 148,189 152,777 147,913 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 12/15/52 (4,8,11) 5.875 % 9/12 quarterly 125,000 120,929 124,378 120,898 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 3/15/36 (4,6,11) 4.263 % (12) (10) quarterly 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 6/15/56 (4,9) 6.125 % 4/16 quarterly 300,000 290,403 302,880 — Term loan due 5/17/21 (1,6) 1.856 % (13) 6/16 monthly 100,000 100,000 100,000 — 1,153,259 1,135,040 1,234,894 743,733 Less current maturity of term loan 1,875 1,875 1,875 — Total long-term debt 1,151,384 1,133,165 1,233,019 743,733 Short-term debt: Senior Notes, due 6/15/16 6.375 % 6/06 6/15 & 12/15 — — — 249,753 Current maturity of term loan 1,875 1,875 1,875 — Commercial paper (2) 262,850 262,600 262,600 240,376 Total short-term debt 264,725 264,475 264,475 490,129 Total debt $ 1,416,109 $ 1,397,640 $ 1,497,494 $ 1,233,862 (1) The term loan has higher priority than all other debt issues. (2) Commercial paper has priority over all other debt except the term loan. (3) All securities, other than the term loan, commercial paper and Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority with one another. (4) All Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority, but are subordinate to all other issues. (5) Not callable. (6) Callable anytime. (7) Callable subject to “make-whole” premium. (8) Callable as of December 15, 2017. (9) Callable subject to “make-whole” premium until June 15, 2021 and at par on and any time after June 15, 2021. (10) Assumed upon November 1, 2012 acquisition of Family Heritage. (11) Quarterly payments on the 15th of March, June, September, and December. (12) Interest paid at 3 Month LIBOR plus 330 basis points, resets each quarter. (13) Interest paid at 1 Month LIBOR plus 125 basis points, resets each month. Contractual Debt Obligations : The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 264,725 $ 4,375 $ 299,522 $ 9,375 $ 77,500 $ 760,612 Funded debt : O n April 5, 2016, Torchmark completed the issuance and sale of $300 million in aggregate principal of Torchmark’s 6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2056. The debentures were sold pursuant to Torchmark’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3, filed September 25, 2015. The net proceeds from the sale of the debentures were $290 million , after giving effect to the underwriting discount and expenses of the offering of the debentures. Torchmark used the net proceeds from the offering of the debentures to repay the $250 million outstanding principal, plus accrued interest of $8 million , on the 6.375% Senior Notes that were due June 15, 2016. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. Credit Facility : On May 17, 2016, Torchmark amended its credit facility to include, as a part of the facility, the issuance of a $100 million term loan and to extend the maturity date of the entire credit facility to May 2021. 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 of $750 million , less any letters of credit issued. Interest is charged at variable rates. The term loan will be repaid on a redemption schedule which provides for quarterly installments beginning June 30, 2017 that escalate each annual period with a balloon payment of $75 million due in May 2021. Interest on the term loan is computed and paid monthly at 125 basis points plus 1 Month LIBOR. In accordance with the agreement, Torchmark is subject to certain covenants regarding capitalization. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company was in full compliance with these covenants. Commercial paper outstanding and any amortization payments of the term loan due within one year are reported as short-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . A table presenting selected information concerning Torchmark’s commercial paper borrowings is presented below. Credit Facility - Commercial Paper At December 31, 2016 2015 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 262,850 $ 240,544 Annualized interest rate 0.96 % 0.55 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 177,000 $ 177,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 310,150 332,456 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Average balance outstanding during period $ 301,550 $ 350,851 $ 296,246 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 0.83 % 0.43 % 0.26 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period $ 412,676 $ 458,110 $ 343,000

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2014: Balance at January 1, 2014 — — 151,218,183 (16,965,802 ) 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 ) 2016: Grants of restricted stock 12,549 Vesting of performance shares 159,020 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 2,184,169 Treasury stock acquired (6,694,582 ) Retirement of treasury stock (3,000,000 ) 3,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2016 — — 127,218,183 (9,187,075 ) 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 5.2 million shares at a cost of $311 million in 2016 , 6.3 million shares at a cost of $359 million in 2015 , and 7.2 million shares at a cost of $375 million in 2014 . 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 1.5 million shares at a cost of $93 million in 2016 , 1.0 million shares at a cost of $60 million in 2015 , and 1.4 million shares at a cost of $74 million in 2014 . Retirement of Treasury Stock : Torchmark retired 3.0 million shares of treasury stock in 2016 , 4.0 million in 2015 , and 17.0 million in 2014 . 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 restricted based on regulations by their state of domicile . 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 $438 million in 2016 , $466 million in 2015 , and $479 million in 2014 . As of December 31, 2016 , dividends and transfers from insurance subsidiaries to parent available to be paid in 2017 are limited to the amount of $262 million without regulatory approval, such that $1.1 billion was considered restricted net assets of the subsidiaries. Dividends exceeding these limitations may be available during the year pending regulatory approval. While there are no legal restrictions on the payment of dividends to shareholders from Torchmark’s retained earnings, retained earnings as of December 31, 2016 were restricted by lenders’ covenants which require the Company to maintain and not distribute $2.6 billion from its total consolidated retained earnings of $3.9 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, 2016 2015 2014 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 120,001,191 125,094,628 130,721,738 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 2,366,594 1,662,607 1,918,506 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 122,367,785 126,757,235 132,640,244 There were no anti-dilutive shares as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . Income available to common shareholders for basic earnings per share is equivalent to income available to common shareholders for diluted earnings per share. As discussed earlier in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , the Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2016.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 and directors 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: Shares vested by period Contract Period 6 Months Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Directors 7 years 100% Employees 7 years —% —% 50% 50% Employees (1) 10 years —% —% 25% 25% 25% 25% (1) Grant offered through the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan only. 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 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1, 6,872,282 8,458,593 4,368,753 2011 Plan amendment — — 6,300,000 Options expired and forfeited during year (1) 8,518 90,371 3,488 Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (2) — 89,745 31,620 Options granted during year (1) (1,306,306 ) (1,334,514 ) (1,523,982 ) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (2) (486,033 ) (431,913 ) (721,286 ) Balance at December 31, 5,088,461 6,872,282 8,458,593 (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, 2016 is presented below: 2016 2015 2014 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 26,326 $ 28,664 $ 32,203 Tax benefit recognized (2) 27,867 10,033 11,271 (1) No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period. (2) Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year" , certain current year balances related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation were adjusted prospectively. Additional stock compensation information is as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 27,334 $ 33,977 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.89 0.85 (1) Includes restricted stock and performance shares. No equity awards were cash settled during the three years ended December 31, 2016 . Options: The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2016 . Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted- Average Exercise Price $20.58 - $32.48 1,549,010 2.23 $ 30.01 1,470,267 $ 29.99 37.40 - 43.06 1,111,634 3.53 37.67 998,713 37.70 50.64 1,412,225 7.41 50.64 — — 50.69 1,406,282 4.63 50.69 604,802 50.69 51.62 - 56.32 1,494,440 5.65 53.64 42,065 54.79 $20.58 - $56.32 6,973,591 4.70 $ 44.64 3,115,847 $ 36.81 An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016 is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding-beginning of year 7,734,841 $ 38.84 7,889,321 $ 32.91 8,579,202 $ 27.84 Granted: 7-year term 834,212 50.78 1,220,751 53.62 1,226,270 50.70 10-year term 597,225 50.64 296,875 53.61 297,712 50.69 Exercised (2,184,169 ) 28.08 (1,576,485 ) 22.81 (2,210,348 ) 25.47 Expired and forfeited (8,518 ) 39.35 (95,621 ) 48.85 (3,488 ) 40.05 Adjustment due to 7/1/14 stock split — — — — (27 ) — Outstanding-end of year 6,973,591 $ 44.64 7,734,841 $ 38.84 7,889,321 $ 32.91 Exercisable at end of year 3,115,847 $ 36.81 3,774,061 $ 29.37 3,809,415 $ 24.58 Additional information about Torchmark’s stock option activity as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 2016 2015 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.70 4.32 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 87,286 $ 141,728 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 2.96 2.74 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 63,395 $ 104,885 Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2016 is presented below: 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 9.04 $ 11.97 $ 14.77 Intrinsic value of options exercised 73,995 54,854 61,229 Cash received from options exercised 61,329 35,958 56,294 Actual tax benefit received 25,898 24,470 23,232 Additional information concerning Torchmark’s unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 Number of shares outstanding 3,857,744 3,960,780 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 50.97 $ 47.86 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 6.11 5.82 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 23,891 $ 36,843 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. Certain executive restricted stock and performance share grants contain terms related to age that could accelerate vesting. Restricted stock units outstanding at each of the year ends 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 were 112,591 , 105,679 , and 98,039 , respectively. All restricted stock units were fully vested at the end of each year of grant. Below is the final determination of the performance share grants in 2012 to 2014: Year of grants Final settlement of shares Final settlement date 2012 211,287 January 27, 2015 2013 159,020 February 24, 2016 2014 119,896 February 21, 2017 For the 2015 and 2016 performance share grants, actual shares that could be distributed range from 0 to 353 thousand for the 2015 grants and 0 to 335 thousand shares for the 2016 grants. A summary of restricted stock grants for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 is presented in the table below. 2016 2015 2014 Executives restricted stock: Shares — — 12,000 Price per share $ — $ — $ 50.69 Aggregate value $ — $ — $ 608 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 — % — % — % Directors restricted stock: Shares 12,549 6,648 7,041 Price per share $ 57.39 $ 54.16 $ 51.62 Aggregate value $ 720 $ 360 $ 363 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 85 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 6,912 7,640 12,322 Price per share $ 56.74 $ 54.44 $ 51.69 Aggregate value $ 392 $ 416 $ 637 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 167,500 179,500 179,250 Target price per share $ 50.64 $ 53.61 $ 51.41 Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (in shares) (35,073 ) (58,056 ) 22,060 Aggregate value $ 8,482 $ 9,623 $ 9,215 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 — % — % — % 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 2014: Balance at January 1, 2014 344,445 362,550 — — 706,995 Grants 12,000 179,250 7,041 12,322 210,613 Additional performance shares (1) 22,060 22,060 Restriction lapses and settlements (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 2016: Grants — 167,500 12,549 6,912 186,961 Additional performance shares (1) (35,073 ) (35,073 ) Restriction lapses (130,215 ) (159,020 ) (10,655 ) (6,912 ) (306,802 ) Forfeitures — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 57,450 432,424 1,894 — 491,768 (1) Estimated additional (reduced) share grants expected due to achievement of performance criteria. An analysis of the weighted-average grant-date fair values per share of unvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2016 : Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2016 $ 32.92 $ 46.77 Grants — 50.64 $ 57.39 $ 56.32 Estimated additional performance shares (70.47 ) Restriction lapses (30.47 ) (37.40 ) (56.32 ) (56.32 ) Forfeitures — — Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2016 38.46 49.79 63.39

Business Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 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 2016 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 13,733 1 $ 355,015 38 $ 38 100 $ 368,786 12 Liberty National Exclusive 270,476 12 201,798 21 472,274 15 American Income Exclusive 913,355 42 84,382 9 997,737 32 Family Heritage Exclusive 2,866 — 236,075 25 238,941 8 Direct Response 782,765 36 70,393 7 853,158 27 Other 206,138 9 206,138 6 $ 2,189,333 100 $ 947,663 100 $ 38 100 $ 3,137,034 100 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 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 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 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 2016, Torchmark recorded $3.8 million in administrative settlements ( $2.5 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 2016. 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. 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 noted in the paragraphs 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 2016 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,189,333 $ 947,663 $ 38 $ 3,137,034 Net investment income $ 806,903 806,903 Other income $ 1,534 $ (159 ) (2) 1,375 Total revenue 2,189,333 947,663 38 806,903 1,534 (159 ) 3,945,312 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,475,477 612,725 36,751 3,795 (3) 2,128,748 Required interest on: Policy reserves (577,827 ) (73,382 ) (51,131 ) 702,340 — Deferred acquisition costs 178,946 23,060 807 (202,813 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 374,499 90,385 4,179 469,063 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 164,476 84,819 38 (159 ) (2) 249,174 Insurance administrative expense (1) 196,598 553 (4) 197,151 Parent expense $ 8,587 8,587 Stock-based compensation expense 26,326 26,326 Interest expense 83,345 83,345 Total expenses 1,615,571 737,607 (9,356 ) 582,872 196,598 34,913 4,189 3,162,394 Subtotal 573,762 210,056 9,394 224,031 (195,064 ) (34,913 ) (4,348 ) 782,918 Non-operating items 4,348 (3,4) 4,348 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 573,762 $ 210,056 $ 9,394 $ 224,031 $ (195,064 ) $ (34,913 ) $ — 787,266 Deduct applicable income taxes (237,906 ) Net operating income from continuing operations 549,360 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 237,906 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) (10,683 ) Deduct administrative settlements (3) (3,795 ) Deduct non-operating fees (4) (553 ) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 772,235 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Administrative settlements. (4) Non-operating fees. 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 ) Net operating income from continuing operations 522,913 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 253,459 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) (8,791 ) Deduct administrative settlements (3) (1,394 ) Income before income taxes 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 $ 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 ) Net operating income from continuing operations 519,603 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 252,041 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) 23,548 Deduct legal settlement expenses (3) (2,337 ) Deduct administrative settlements (4) (8,178 ) Income before income taxes 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. 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 2016 2015 2014 2016 % 2015 % Life insurance underwriting margin $ 573,762 $ 569,402 $ 556,489 $ 4,360 1 $ 12,913 2 Health insurance underwriting margin 210,056 204,377 199,319 5,679 3 5,058 3 Annuity underwriting margin 9,394 4,568 4,312 4,826 106 256 6 Excess investment income 224,031 219,504 224,364 4,527 2 (4,860 ) (2 ) Other insurance: Other income 1,534 2,379 2,354 (845 ) (36 ) 25 1 Administrative expense (196,598 ) (186,191 ) (174,832 ) (10,407 ) 6 (11,359 ) 6 Corporate and adjustments (34,913 ) (37,667 ) (40,362 ) 2,754 (7 ) 2,695 (7 ) Pre-tax total 787,266 776,372 771,644 10,894 1 4,728 1 Applicable taxes (1) (237,906 ) (253,459 ) (252,041 ) 15,553 (6 ) (1,418 ) 1 Net operating income from continuing operations 549,360 522,913 519,603 26,447 5 3,310 1 Discontinued operations (after tax) (2) 10,189 10,807 14,865 (618 ) (6 ) (4,058 ) (27 ) Total 559,549 533,720 534,468 25,829 5 (748 ) — Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax) (6,944 ) (5,714 ) 15,306 (1,230 ) (21,020 ) Legal settlement expenses (after tax) — — (1,519 ) — 1,519 Administrative settlements (after tax) (2,467 ) (906 ) (5,316 ) (1,561 ) 4,410 Non-operating fees (after tax) (359 ) — — (359 ) — Net income $ 549,779 $ 527,100 $ 542,939 $ 22,679 4 $ (15,839 ) (3 ) (1) Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year." (2) 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, 2016 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ 15,955,891 $ 15,955,891 Accrued investment income 223,148 223,148 Deferred acquisition costs $ 3,261,220 $ 512,701 $ 9,237 3,783,158 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 441,591 Other assets $ 1,032,299 1,032,299 Total assets $ 3,570,829 $ 644,683 $ 9,237 $ 16,179,039 $ 1,032,299 $ 21,436,087 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 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 as well as current and deferred income taxes payable. Debt represents both short and long term. Liabilities by Segment At December 31, 2016 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 9,825,776 $ 1,706,870 $ 1,293,191 $ 12,825,837 Unearned and advance premiums 16,828 47,189 64,017 Policy claims and other benefits payable 156,437 143,128 299,565 Debt $ 1,397,640 1,397,640 Other $ 2,282,167 2,282,167 Total liabilities $ 9,999,041 $ 1,897,187 $ 1,293,191 $ 1,397,640 $ 2,282,167 $ 16,869,226 At December 31, 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Other 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 Other $ 1,978,069 1,978,069 Total liabilities $ 9,480,720 $ 1,787,000 $ 1,318,010 $ 1,233,862 $ 1,978,069 $ 15,797,661

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 million per life. Life insurance ceded represented 0.4% of total life insurance in force at December 31, 2016 . Insurance ceded on life and accident and health products represented 0.3% of premium income for 2016 . 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 1.9% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2016 and reinsurance assumed on life and accident and health products represented 0.7% of premium income for 2016 . 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, 2016 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Rental expense $ 6,520 $ 6,722 $ 4,200 Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2016 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 8,182 $ 5,254 $ 5,047 $ 4,898 $ 4,625 $ 7,801 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests : As described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , Torchmark had $280 million invested in entities which provide certain tax benefits at December 31, 2016 . As of December 31, 2016 , Torchmark remained obligated under these commitments as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Low-Income housing commitments $ 34,162 $ 18,350 $ 2,964 $ 838 $ 302 $ 202 Investments : As of December 31, 2016 , Torchmark had committed to purchase $8.4 million of private placement fixed maturities managed by a third party in early 2017. Guarantees : At December 31, 2016 , 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, 2016 , 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 2021. 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. Letters of credit outstanding were $177 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . 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, 2016 , total remaining undiscounted payments under the leases were approximately $15 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 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. 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. As previously reported, litigation was filed on February 10, 2015 against Torchmark subsidiary, Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma District Court (Proctor v. Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company, Case No. CJ-2015-838) asserting claims for breach of the implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing and for false representation, deceit and conversion in connection with Globe’s denial of plaintiff’s claim on a life insurance policy for non-payment of premium. Plaintiff, who had alleged that Globe had improperly retained 12 monthly premium payments on a policy that was treated as lapsed or not returned to in-force status, seeks actual and punitive damages, prejudgment interest, attorney fees, costs and other relief. Plaintiff subsequently amended his complaint to add allegations of conversion and civil theft on behalf of a purported class of Globe’s U.S. policyholders who had paid premiums retained by Globe when their policies were lapsed and not reinstated at the time of the premium payments. Globe removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma (Case No. 15-CV-0070-M) on July 10, 2015 and filed a Motion to Dismiss on July 17, 2015. The Court denied plaintiff’s Motion to Remand back to state court on October 26, 2015, but allowed the plaintiff to amend the complaint to assert a putative class action in federal court. Plaintiff filed a Motion for Class Certification on September 23, 2016. Globe filed a Response in Opposition on November 4, 2016. The Court has not yet ruled on Plaintiff’s Motion. 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, 2016
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, 2016 . 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, 2016: Premium income $ 779,860 $ 785,855 $ 783,411 $ 787,908 Net investment income 197,053 201,642 202,720 205,488 Realized investment gains (losses) 293 4,005 3,482 (18,463 ) Total revenue 977,627 991,884 989,773 975,345 Policyholder benefits 524,973 531,485 532,152 540,138 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 118,806 117,245 116,821 116,191 Pretax income from continuing operations 195,448 199,344 201,461 175,982 Income from continuing operations 133,574 139,294 141,910 124,812 Income from discontinued operations (9,541 ) (865 ) 9,959 10,636 Net income (1) 124,033 138,429 151,869 135,448 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.10 1.16 1.19 1.05 Discontinued operations (0.08 ) (0.01 ) 0.08 0.09 Total basic net income per share 1.02 1.15 1.27 1.14 Diluted net income per common share: (1) Continuing operations 1.08 1.13 1.16 1.03 Discontinued operations (0.07 ) — 0.09 0.09 Total diluted net income per share 1.01 1.13 1.25 1.12 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 (1) Due to the adoption in 2016 of ASU 2016-09, certain current year balances related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation were adjusted prospectively as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Stock Compensation."

Schedule II. Condensed Financia

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 Assets: Long-term investments $ 33,586 $ 35,498 Cash — — Investment in affiliates 6,004,429 5,438,749 Due from affiliates 96,005 50,765 Taxes receivable from affiliates 88,406 79,599 Other assets 119,801 93,936 Total assets $ 6,342,227 $ 5,698,547 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity: Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 264,475 $ 490,129 Long-term debt 1,282,891 893,417 Due to affiliates — 57,157 Other liabilities 228,000 202,292 Total liabilities 1,775,366 1,642,995 Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock 351 351 Common stock 127,218 130,218 Additional paid-in capital 840,932 832,795 Accumulated other comprehensive income 577,574 231,947 Retained earnings 3,890,798 3,614,369 Treasury stock (870,012 ) (754,128 ) Total shareholders’ equity 4,566,861 4,055,552 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,342,227 $ 5,698,547 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, 2016 2015 2014 Net investment income $ 25,352 $ 23,715 $ 22,259 Realized investment gains (losses) — 8 4,767 Total revenue 25,352 23,723 27,026 General operating expenses 52,613 54,100 53,235 Reimbursements from affiliates (54,288 ) (53,436 ) (53,040 ) Interest expense 86,853 79,677 79,366 Total expenses 85,178 80,341 79,561 Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (59,826 ) (56,618 ) (52,535 ) Income taxes 23,479 15,542 13,335 Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates (36,347 ) (41,076 ) (39,200 ) Equity in earnings of affiliates 586,126 568,176 582,139 Net income 549,779 527,100 542,939 Other comprehensive income (loss): Attributable to Parent Company (11,314 ) (3,539 ) (28,680 ) Attributable to affiliates 356,941 (761,966 ) 815,151 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 895,406 $ (238,405 ) $ 1,329,410 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, 2016 2015 2014 Net income $ 549,779 $ 527,100 $ 542,939 Equity in earnings of affiliates (586,126 ) (568,176 ) (582,139 ) Cash dividends from subsidiaries 437,566 466,416 478,840 Other, net (6,718 ) 20,371 17,842 Cash provided from operations 394,501 445,711 457,482 Cash provided from (used for) investing activities: Disposition of investments — — 5,064 Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments (3,466 ) 17,338 2,729 Investment in subsidiaries (35,000 ) (2 ) — Additions to properties (21,965 ) (468 ) — Loaned money to affiliates (363,056 ) (282,508 ) (81,000 ) Repayments from affiliates 318,056 282,508 81,000 Cash provided from (used for) investing activities (105,431 ) 16,868 7,793 Cash provided from (used for) financing activities: Repayment of debt (250,000 ) — — Proceeds from issuance of debt 400,000 — — Payment for debt issuance costs (9,638 ) — — Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper 22,224 1,978 9,328 Issuance of stock 61,329 35,958 56,294 Acquisitions of treasury stock (404,784 ) (418,526 ) (449,309 ) Borrowed money from affiliate 60,000 15,000 168,000 Repayments to affiliates (78,000 ) (15,000 ) (168,000 ) Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises (1) — 8,180 6,688 Payment of dividends (90,201 ) (90,169 ) (88,276 ) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities (289,070 ) (462,579 ) (465,275 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash — — — Cash balance at beginning of period — — — Cash balance at end of period $ — $ — $ — (1) Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year." 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, 2016 2015 2014 Dividends from subsidiaries $ 437,566 $ 466,416 $ 478,840 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, 2016 2015 2014 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 26,326 $ 28,664 $ 32,203 Borrowed money from affiliate — 56,503 — Investment in subsidiaries — 39,206 — Purchase of agent debit balances — 17,297 — The following table summarizes certain amounts paid (received) during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest paid $ 84,952 $ 77,920 $ 77,663 Income taxes received (20,838 ) (22,009 ) (25,581 ) Note C—Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2016 , 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, 2016
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, 2016 Life insurance in force $ 174,314,897 $ 725,867 $ 3,352,113 $ 176,941,143 1.9 Premiums: (2) Life insurance $ 2,152,698 $ 4,507 $ 22,915 $ 2,171,106 1.1 Health insurance 951,137 3,474 — 947,663 — Total premium $ 3,103,835 $ 7,981 $ 22,915 $ 3,118,769 0.7 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 872,391 2,951 — 869,440 — Total premium $ 2,796,996 $ 7,565 $ 25,774 $ 2,815,205 0.9 (1) No amounts have been netted against ceded premium. (2) Excludes policy charges of $18.3 million , $19.3 million , and $20.9 million in each of the years 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Significant Accounting Polici27

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
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 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.
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. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Other long-term investments include equity securities, real estate, and limited partnerships. 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. Investments in real estate are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method. Investments in limited partnerships 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.
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: • 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 • Default on a required payment • Issuer bankruptcy filings While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimate 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.
Accrued Investment Income and Other Receivables	Accrued investment income consists of interest income or dividends earned on the investment portfolio, but are yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. 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 associated with the advanced commissions are collected by the Company and the agents' commissions on such premiums are retained.
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 a business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing in accordance with GAAP on an annual basis, or whenever potential impairment triggers occur. The Company may perform a qualitative analysis under certain circumstances, or perform a two-step quantitative analysis. In the qualitative analysis, the Company determines if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount by assessing current events and circumstances. If there are factors present indicating potential impairment, the company should proceed to the two-step quantitative analysis as described as follows. In the two-step quantitative analysis, the Company utilizes two approaches, income and market, to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. In the income approach, 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 as management believes this to be appropriate for the risk associated with the cash flow expectations. In the market approach, the Company utilizes the share price and a control premium based on businesses with similar assets to determine a fair value. In both cases, the fair value of each reporting unit is then measured against that reporting unit’s corresponding carrying value. In the event the fair value is less than the carrying value, 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 the test.
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 $280 million and $306 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At December 31, 2016 , $280 million associated with the federal interests was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2015 , $302 million associated with the federal interests was included in "Other assets" with the remaining $4 million state-related interests included in "Other long-term investments". As of December 31, 2016 , Torchmark was obligated under future commitments of $57 million , which is included in the above carrying value. For guaranteed investments acquired prior to January 1, 2015, the Company utilizes the effective-yield method of amortization while the proportional method of amortization is utilized for all non-guaranteed as well as guaranteed investments acquired on or after January 1, 2015. All amortization expense is recorded in “Income tax expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations .
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 annuity and universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 86% 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 $18 million , $19 million , and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Other premium consists of annuity policy charges in each year. For most insurance products, 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 revenue recognition period. For limited-payment life insurance products, the profits are recognized over the contract 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 2014 through 2016 is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Volatility factor 19.2 % 23.6 % 30.9 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 0.9 % 0.9 % Expected term (in years) 5.78 5.66 5.65 Risk-free rate 1.3 % 1.6 % 1.9 % 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.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in Current Year and Not Yet Adopted	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year : Going Concern : In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) . This accounting standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of the entity's ability to continue its business operations within one year of the date of issuance of its financial statements. The Company must then provide certain disclosure if there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. As of January 1, 2016, the Company adopted this standard with no impact to the 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 provide additional insight into an insurance entity’s ability to underwrite claims. Torchmark's disclosures under ASU 2015-09 are effective for the 2016 annual consolidated financial statements. The guidance consists only of new disclosures and did not impact the accounting for short-duration contracts. See Note 7—Liability for Unpaid Claims . Excess Tax Benefits : In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting to simplify certain aspects of accounting for share-based payment award transactions including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification in the statement of cash flows; and (c) accounting for forfeitures. Torchmark elected to early adopt this standard as of January 1, 2016, as permitted. This new accounting standard primarily causes excess tax benefits to be recognized through earnings affecting Torchmark's computations of net income, diluted shares outstanding, and earnings per share. While the intent of the adoption of this guidance is simplification, inherent changes in future share prices and volume of stock option exercises are expected to result in increased volatility in net income and earnings per share in future periods. As provided by the new standard, the adoption is prospective and thus will impact only 2016 and future periods. Below is a listing of the effects of the prospective adoption of this guidance due to the change in accounting of excess tax benefits: • Consolidated statement of operations: For the year ended 2016, the Company recorded $20 million in excess tax benefits as a component of income taxes, which resulted in an increase in net income as compared with 2015 and 2014 when the excess tax benefits of $18 million and $19 million , respectively, were recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet. • Weighted average diluted shares: The weighted average diluted shares outstanding were adjusted to exclude excess tax benefits from the assumed proceeds in the diluted shares calculation. This change resulted in diluted weighted average shares outstanding of 122.4 million for 2016, as compared with 121.5 million previous guidance. • Earnings per share: The adoption resulted in a $0.13 increase in earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016. • Consolidated statement of cash flows: The excess tax benefits related to share-based payments of $20 million were presented as a component of operating activities in the same manner as other cash flows related to income taxes. In 2015 and 2014, the excess tax benefits of $18 million and $19 million , respectively, were presented within financing activities. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted : Leases : In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires all lessees to report a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for most leases. For lessors, the standard modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. The standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019 and will require recognizing and measuring leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on the financial statements. Refer to Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies for consideration of five year operating lease commitments. Investment Impairment : In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments as well as to change the loss impairment methodology for available-for-sale debt securities. This standard will become effective on January 1, 2020. The applicable section of the standard related to debt securities requires a prospective transition. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on the financial statements. Cash Flows: In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This guidance was issued to provide uniformity in the classification of cash receipts and payments recorded in the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlements of zero-coupon bonds, and proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims. This standard will become effective on January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the standard to determine its impact. Income Taxes: In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfer of Assets Other Than Inventory. This guidance was issued to improve the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory by allowing the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects. Current guidance prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This new guidance should be applied on a modified retrospective approach and will become effective on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on the financial statements. Goodwill: In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This guidance was issued to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill through the elimination of Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. It will become effective on January 1, 2020 and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on the financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements	Torchmark measures the fair value of its fixed maturities 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, 2016 , 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, 2016 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. Torchmark invests in a portfolio of private placement bonds which are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by third parties and was $565 million at amortized cost and $574 million at fair value on December 31, 2016 , compared with $542 million at amortized cost and $546 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 they cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3.
Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
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, 2016 , they were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2016 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt . As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits , Torchmark maintains a nonqualified 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, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted	A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2014 through 2016 is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Volatility factor 19.2 % 23.6 % 30.9 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 0.9 % 0.9 % Expected term (in years) 5.78 5.66 5.65 Risk-free rate 1.3 % 1.6 % 1.9 %

Statutory Accounting (Tables)

Statutory Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 429,563 $ 393,466 $ 446,439 $ 1,335,070 $ 1,253,007

Supplemental Information Abou30

Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2014 through 2016 . Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income For the 12 months ended December 31, 2014: Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 256,196 $ (6,728 ) $ 24,866 $ (63,353 ) $ 210,981 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 For the 12 months ended December 31, 2016: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 356,016 (1,567 ) 1,340 (20,736 ) 335,053 Reclassifications, net of tax 3,965 — — 6,609 10,574 Other comprehensive income (loss) 359,981 (1,567 ) 1,340 (14,127 ) 345,627 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 692,314 $ (6,682 ) $ 4,967 $ (113,025 ) $ 577,574
Summary of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for each of the years 2014 through 2016 . Reclassification Adjustments Year Ended December 31, Component Line Item 2016 2015 2014 Affected line items in the Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ 10,285 $ 9,478 $ (23,771 ) Realized investment gains (losses) Amortization of (discount) premium (4,185 ) (6,346 ) (8,621 ) Net investment income Total before tax 6,100 3,132 (32,392 ) Tax (2,135 ) (1,096 ) 11,337 Income taxes Total after tax 3,965 2,036 (21,055 ) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 477 377 2,113 Other operating expenses Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 9,691 14,209 8,172 Other operating expenses Total before tax 10,168 14,586 10,285 Tax (3,559 ) (5,105 ) (3,600 ) Income taxes Total after tax 6,609 9,481 6,685 Total reclassifications (after tax) $ 10,574 $ 11,517 $ (14,370 )

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 2016: Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 381,054 $ 895 $ (9,151 ) $ 372,798 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,284,605 126,850 (1,327 ) 1,410,128 9 Foreign governments 21,701 1,438 (62 ) 23,077 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 2,963,584 285,037 (45,885 ) 3,202,736 21 Utilities 1,875,946 249,701 (12,604 ) 2,113,043 14 Energy 1,542,426 127,989 (44,324 ) 1,626,091 11 Other corporate sectors 5,601,136 424,021 (84,547 ) 5,940,610 39 Total corporates 11,983,092 1,086,748 (187,360 ) 12,882,480 85 Collateralized debt obligations 60,726 13,062 (10,285 ) 63,503 — Other asset-backed securities 56,410 621 (337 ) 56,694 — Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial 371,862 43,383 (7,218 ) 408,027 3 Utilities 28,600 798 (244 ) 29,154 — Total redeemable preferred stocks 400,462 44,181 (7,462 ) 437,181 3 Total fixed maturities $ 14,188,050 $ 1,273,795 $ (215,984 ) $ 15,245,861 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. 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 (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, 2016 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 $ 23,969 $ 24,573 Due from one to five years 640,903 688,509 Due from five to ten years 1,228,081 1,337,752 Due from ten to twenty years 4,278,896 4,746,466 Due after twenty years 7,897,726 8,326,907 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 118,475 121,654 $ 14,188,050 $ 15,245,861
Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations	Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Net investment income is summarized as follows: Fixed maturities $ 778,912 $ 747,663 $ 732,925 Policy loans 38,436 36,763 35,015 Other long-term investments 2,786 2,021 1,516 Short-term investments 447 95 75 820,581 786,542 769,531 Less investment expense (13,678 ) (12,591 ) (11,245 ) Net investment income $ 806,903 $ 773,951 $ 758,286
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	An analysis of realized gains (losses) from investments is as follows: Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities $ (10,645 ) $ (9,479 ) $ 23,170 Other investments (38 ) 688 636 Loss on redemption on debt — — (258 ) (10,683 ) (8,791 ) 23,548 Applicable tax 3,739 3,077 (8,242 ) Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax $ (6,944 ) $ (5,714 ) $ 15,306
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows: Fixed maturities $ 551,658 $ (1,163,295 ) $ 1,279,190 Other investments 2,143 (2,737 ) 3,872 Net change in unrealized gains (losses) $ 553,801 $ (1,166,032 ) $ 1,283,062
Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities	Additional information about securities sold is as follows: At December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Fixed maturities: Proceeds from sales (1) $ 358,285 $ 226,792 $ 109,024 Gross realized gains 6,133 259 17,583 Gross realized losses (32,608 ) (16,894 ) (1,879 ) (1) Includes unsettled sales of $18 million at December 31, 2016 .
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 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 $ — $ 372,798 $ — $ 372,798 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 45,302 1,364,826 — 1,410,128 Foreign governments — 23,077 — 23,077 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 3,141,611 61,125 3,202,736 Utilities — 1,959,143 153,900 2,113,043 Energy — 1,598,976 27,115 1,626,091 Other corporate sectors — 5,623,150 317,460 5,940,610 Total corporates — 12,322,880 559,600 12,882,480 Collateralized debt obligations — — 63,503 63,503 Other asset-backed securities — 56,694 — 56,694 Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial — 408,027 — 408,027 Utilities — 29,154 — 29,154 Total redeemable preferred stocks — 437,181 — 437,181 Total fixed maturities $ 45,302 $ 14,577,456 $ 623,103 $ 15,245,861 Percentage of total 0.3 % 95.6 % 4.1 % 100.0 % 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 Percentage of total 0.2 % 95.4 % 4.4 % 100.0 %
Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following table represents changes in fixed maturities 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) Collateralized debt Obligations Corporates Total Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 58,205 $ 300,300 $ 358,505 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses 15,924 1 15,925 Included in other comprehensive income 3,323 27,864 31,187 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 63,232 512,714 575,946 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — 1,182 1,182 Included in other comprehensive income 11,365 (11,925 ) (560 ) Acquisitions — 38,600 38,600 Sales — — — 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 70,382 530,806 601,188 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains/losses — 788 788 Included in other comprehensive income (3,943 ) 6,403 2,460 Acquisitions — 33,662 33,662 Sales — — — Amortization 5,186 17 5,203 Other (1) (8,122 ) (12,076 ) (20,198 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 63,503 $ 559,600 $ 623,103 (1) Includes foreign exchange adjustments and principal repayments.
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements As of December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Unobservable Range Weighted Collateralized debt obligations $ 63,503 Discounted cash flows Discount 9.3 - 10.45% 10.3% Private placement fixed maturities 559,600 Determination of credit spread Credit A+ to B BBB Discounted cash flows Discount 2.82 - 6.55% 4.17% $ 623,103
Transfers in and Out of Each of the Valuation Levels of Fair Values	The following table presents transfers in and out of each of the valuation levels of fair values. 2016 2015 2014 In Out Net In Out Net In Out Net Level 1 $ 45,344 $ — $ 45,344 $ 17,252 $ (49,744 ) $ (32,492 ) $ 36,468 $ — $ 36,468 Level 2 — (45,344 ) (45,344 ) 49,744 (17,252 ) 32,492 — (36,468 ) (36,468 ) Level 3 — — — — — — — — —
Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment	ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES At December 31, 2016 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 $ 321,133 $ (8,553 ) $ 1,404 $ (598 ) $ 322,537 $ (9,151 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 32,178 (1,114 ) 683 (19 ) 32,861 (1,133 ) Foreign governments 4,416 (62 ) — — 4,416 (62 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 479,669 (18,666 ) 64,335 (4,627 ) 544,004 (23,293 ) Utilities 290,732 (11,000 ) 16,977 (1,604 ) 307,709 (12,604 ) Energy 83,064 (1,076 ) 154,908 (18,127 ) 237,972 (19,203 ) Metals and mining 5,936 (231 ) 5,789 (187 ) 11,725 (418 ) Other corporate sectors 1,564,273 (65,131 ) 68,968 (6,495 ) 1,633,241 (71,626 ) Total corporates 2,423,674 (96,104 ) 310,977 (31,040 ) 2,734,651 (127,144 ) Other asset-backed securities 41,498 (337 ) — — 41,498 (337 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Utilities 5,857 (244 ) — — 5,857 (244 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks 5,857 (244 ) — — 5,857 (244 ) Total investment grade securities 2,828,756 (106,414 ) 313,064 (31,657 ) 3,141,820 (138,071 ) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — 357 (194 ) 357 (194 ) Corporates, by sector: — — Financial — — 83,174 (22,592 ) 83,174 (22,592 ) Energy 15,567 (385 ) 91,165 (24,736 ) 106,732 (25,121 ) Metals and mining 32,478 (172 ) 34,463 (2,023 ) 66,941 (2,195 ) Other corporate sectors 51,640 (291 ) 95,679 (10,017 ) 147,319 (10,308 ) Total corporates 99,685 (848 ) 304,481 (59,368 ) 404,166 (60,216 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 9,714 (10,285 ) 9,714 (10,285 ) Redeemable preferred stocks, by sector: Financial — — 19,912 (7,218 ) 19,912 (7,218 ) Total redeemable preferred stocks — — 19,912 (7,218 ) 19,912 (7,218 ) Total below investment grade securities 99,685 (848 ) 334,464 (77,065 ) 434,149 (77,913 ) Total fixed maturities $ 2,928,441 $ (107,262 ) $ 647,528 $ (108,722 ) $ 3,575,969 $ (215,984 ) 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 )
Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position	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, 2016 407 94 501 As of December 31, 2015 480 75 555
Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments	Other long-term investments consist of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Investment in limited partnerships $ 51,509 $ 31,409 Low-income housing interests — 3,767 Other 2,343 3,262 Total $ 53,852 $ 38,438
Schedule Of Percentages Of Investments By Major Components At Fair Value	At December 31, 2016 , the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following: Investment grade fixed maturities: Corporate securities 80 % Securities of state and municipal governments 9 Government-sponsored enterprises 2 Other 1 Below investment grade fixed maturities: Corporate securities 4 Other — Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values 3 Other investments 1 100 %
Schedule Of Industry Concentrations Held In Corporate Portfolio	Below are the ten largest industry concentrations held in the corporate portfolio of corporate debt securities and redeemable preferred stocks at December 31, 2016 , based on fair value: Insurance 17 % Electric utilities 12 Oil and natural gas pipelines 6 Banks 6 Oil and natural gas exploration and production 4 Transportation 4 Chemicals 4 Metals and mining 3 Food 3 Real estate investment trusts 3

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Analysis of Deferred Acquisition Costs	An analysis of deferred acquisition costs is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 3,617,135 $ 3,457,397 $ 3,325,433 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 436,252 401,166 358,969 Other expenses 199,066 211,015 203,276 Total deferred 635,318 612,181 562,245 Foreign exchange adjustment 2,180 — — Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) — 8,682 — Total additions 637,498 620,863 562,245 Deductions: Amortized during period (469,063 ) (445,625 ) (415,914 ) Foreign exchange adjustment — (15,500 ) (8,167 ) Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) (2,412 ) — (6,200 ) Total deductions (471,475 ) (461,125 ) (430,281 ) Balance at end of year $ 3,783,158 $ 3,617,135 $ 3,457,397 (1) Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	The net assets related to discontinued operations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: At December 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Due premiums $ 8,840 $ 8,041 Other receivables (1) 118,692 287,765 Deferred acquisition costs — 17,037 Total assets related to discontinued operations 127,532 312,843 Liabilities: Unearned and advance premiums 67 806 Policy claims and other benefits payable 10,868 12,309 Risk sharing payable 8,374 23,837 Current and deferred income taxes payable 3,820 13,604 Other (2) 4,295 479 Total liabilities related to discontinued operations 27,424 51,035 Net assets $ 100,108 $ 261,808 (1) At December 31, 2016 , other receivables included $50 million from CMS and $69 million from drug manufacturer rebates. At December 31, 2015 , the comparable amounts were $193 million and $95 million , respectively. (2) Balance includes $3.6 million contingent sale price reserve for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Income from discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2016 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenue: Health premium $ 222,840 $ 260,657 $ 373,280 Benefits and expenses: Health policyholder benefits 183,423 213,114 315,816 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 3,747 3,506 2,858 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses 16,396 20,909 26,613 Other operating expense 5,377 6,502 5,123 Total benefits and expenses 208,943 244,031 350,410 Income before income taxes for discontinued operations 13,897 16,626 22,870 Gain from sale of discontinued operations 1,779 — — Income taxes (5,487 ) (5,819 ) (8,005 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 10,189 $ 10,807 $ 14,865 Income taxes paid related to discontinued operations for the three years ended December 31, 2016 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income taxes paid $ 15,271 $ 3,409 $ 12,013

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Ta

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 137,120 $ 128,265 $ 116,559 Incurred related to: Current year 510,075 502,009 453,014 Prior years (1,127 ) (7,845 ) 804 Total incurred 508,948 494,164 453,818 Paid related to: Current year 386,278 379,037 343,648 Prior years 116,662 106,272 98,464 Total paid 502,940 485,309 442,112 Balance at end of year $ 143,128 $ 137,120 $ 128,265
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Claims Development	The below table illustrates the total incurred claims for short-duration products over the last five years. Claim frequency is determined by duration and incurred date. For the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2016 Cumulative incurred claims (1) Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims Cumulative number of reported claims (1) Accident Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 $ 84,975 $ 83,965 $ 83,928 $ 83,906 $ 83,906 $ — 1,357 2013 84,111 82,644 83,151 83,119 — 1,337 2014 101,407 99,876 99,810 19 1,600 2015 141,667 141,460 478 2,222 2016 140,944 26,224 1,863 Total $ 549,239 $ 26,721 (1) The incurred claims and cumulative number of reported claims for all years prior to 2016 are unaudited. This table illustrates the total cumulative paid claims and allocated claims for short-duration products over the last five years: Cumulative paid claims (1) For the years ended December 31, Accident Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 $ 68,742 $ 83,766 $ 83,919 $ 83,906 $ 83,906 2013 68,159 82,408 83,131 83,119 2014 81,054 99,545 99,791 2015 115,922 140,982 2016 114,720 Total 522,518 Short-duration claim liability as of December 31, 2016 26,721 Total incurred claims & IBNR $ 549,239 (1) The cumulative paid claims for all years prior to 2016 are unaudited.
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability	Below is the reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for "Policy claims and other benefits payable" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . December 31, 2016 Policy claims and other benefits payable: Short-duration products $ 26,721 Insurance lines other than short duration—health 116,407 Insurance lines other than short duration—life 156,437 Total policy claims and other benefits payable $ 299,565

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Taxes	The components of income taxes were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income tax expense from continuing operations (1) $ 232,645 $ 249,894 $ 256,603 Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) 186,206 (411,646 ) 424,089 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 (1) — (17,577 ) (18,524 ) $ 418,851 $ (179,329 ) $ 662,168 (1) Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the excess tax benefits related to share-based awards are now recorded through income tax expense rather than additional paid in capital as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Stock Compensation."
Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations	Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense $ 132,806 $ 174,284 $ 169,319 Deferred income tax expense 99,839 75,610 87,284 $ 232,645 $ 249,894 $ 256,603
Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate	The effective income tax rate differed from the expected 35% rate as shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 % 2015 % 2014 % Expected income taxes $ 270,282 35.0 $ 268,165 35.0 $ 274,637 35.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Low income housing investments (18,202 ) (2.4 ) (19,031 ) (2.5 ) (17,541 ) (2.2 ) Share-based awards (18,653 ) (2.4 ) — — — — Other (782 ) (0.1 ) 760 0.1 (493 ) — Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 232,645 30.1 $ 249,894 32.6 $ 256,603 32.8
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, 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 15,004 $ 16,098 Carryover of tax losses 3,906 2,266 Total gross deferred tax assets 18,910 18,364 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 315,509 128,683 Employee and agent compensation 92,131 83,229 Deferred acquisition costs 975,873 921,799 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 391,451 340,854 Other liabilities 3,987 17,176 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,778,951 1,491,741 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,760,041 $ 1,473,377

Postretirement Benefits (Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
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 (1) Defined (2) 2016 $ 3,614 $ 24,202 2015 3,429 29,230 2014 3,078 23,463 (1) 401K plans (2) Qualified pension plans and SERPs
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	The following table includes activity for the active SERP for the three years ended December 31, 2016 . Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Premiums paid for insurance coverage $ 2,050 $ 10,068 $ 2,150 December 31, 2016 2015 Total investments of this SERP: Company owned life insurance $ 37,267 $ 34,178 Exchange Traded Funds (1) 48,999 45,014 $ 86,266 $ 79,192 Liability for this SERP $ 74,687 $ 67,243 (1) There were no deposits in 2016 , 2015 or 2014 .
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, 2016 and 2015 . Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2016 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 Corporate bonds: Financial $ $ 41,578 $ $ 41,578 13 Utilities 43,890 43,890 13 Energy 25,427 25,427 8 Other corporates 49,141 49,141 15 Total corporate bonds — 160,036 — 160,036 49 Exchange traded fund (1) 134,771 134,771 41 Other bonds 258 258 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) 18,997 18,997 6 Short-term investments 7,391 7,391 2 Other 7,418 7,418 2 Grand Total $ 149,580 $ 179,291 $ — $ 328,871 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing 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, 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 Consumer, Non-Cyclical 12,216 12,216 4 Industrial 15,176 15,176 5 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) Representing 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, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1 $ (152,149 ) $ (152,999 ) $ (97,467 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 477 377 2,113 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 9,691 14,209 8,172 Total amortization 10,168 14,586 10,285 Plan amendments — (2,104 ) — Experience gain (loss) (31,902 ) (11,632 ) (65,817 ) Balance at December 31 $ (173,883 ) $ (152,149 ) $ (152,999 ) (1) Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $33 thousand in 2016 , $120 thousand in 2015 , and $2 thousand in 2014 .
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 2017 is as follows: Amortization of prior service cost $ 476 Amortization of net actuarial loss 11,806 Total $ 12,282
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Weighted Average Assumptions	Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions For Benefit Obligations at December 31: 2016 2015 Discount Rate 4.27 % 4.64 % Rate of Compensation Increase 4.31 4.33 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2016 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.64 % 4.23 % 5.12 % Expected Long-Term Returns 7.19 6.96 6.97 Rate of Compensation Increase 4.33 4.35 4.35
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, 2016 2015 2014 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 15,502 $ 15,902 $ 12,925 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 21,631 19,887 19,270 Expected return on assets (23,127 ) (21,204 ) (19,031 ) Net amortization 10,135 14,465 10,283 Recognition of actuarial loss 61 180 16 Net periodic pension cost $ 24,202 $ 29,230 $ 23,463
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, 2016 2015 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 476,581 $ 477,426 Service cost 15,502 15,902 Interest cost 21,631 19,887 Plan amendments — 2,104 Actuarial loss (gain) 34,667 (19,226 ) Benefits paid (20,859 ) (19,512 ) Obligation at end of year 527,522 476,581 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 307,596 322,898 Return on assets 26,377 (11,333 ) Contributions 15,757 15,543 Benefits paid (20,859 ) (19,512 ) Fair value at end of year 328,871 307,596 Funded status at year end $ (198,651 ) $ (168,985 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net loss (gain) $ 167,313 $ 145,623 Prior service cost 4,611 5,088 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 171,924 $ 150,711
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, 2016 . These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 , taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s) 2017 $ 19,839 2018 21,198 2019 22,516 2020 24,109 2021 25,678 2022-2025 152,071
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
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: 2016 2015 Discount Rate 4.29 % 4.66 % For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2016 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.66 % 4.23 % 5.12 %
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, 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ — $ — $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 1,139 1,075 646 Expected return on plan assets — — — Net amortization 33 120 2 Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss (132 ) 367 (256 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 1,040 $ 1,562 $ 392
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, 2016 2015 Changes in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 22,479 $ 22,895 Service cost — — Interest cost 1,139 1,075 Actuarial loss (gain) 412 (1,133 ) Benefits paid (309 ) (358 ) Obligation at end of year 23,721 22,479 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year — — Return on assets — — Contributions 309 358 Benefits paid (309 ) (358 ) Fair value at end of year — — Funded status at year end $ (23,721 ) $ (22,479 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss (1) $ 1,959 $ 1,447 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 1,959 $ 1,447 (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) 2017 $ 1,014 2018 1,133 2019 1,247 2020 1,351 2021 1,462 2022-2025 9,811

Supplemental Disclosures of C37

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 26,326 $ 28,664 $ 32,203 Commitments for low-income housing interests 56,818 68,949 75,706 Exchanges of fixed maturity investments 224,901 — 17,333 Net unsettled security trades 15,020 — —
Summary of Amounts Paid	The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest paid $ 81,338 $ 74,792 $ 77,066 Income taxes paid 79,790 110,650 100,922

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 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) Long-term debt: Notes, due 5/15/23 (3,5) 7.875 % 5/93 5/15 & 11/15 $ 165,612 $ 164,095 $ 196,496 $ 163,920 Senior Notes, due 6/15/19 (3,7) 9.250 % 6/09 6/15 & 12/15 292,647 291,424 338,363 291,002 Senior Notes, due 9/15/22 (3,7) 3.800 % 9/12 3/15 & 9/15 150,000 148,189 152,777 147,913 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 12/15/52 (4,8,11) 5.875 % 9/12 quarterly 125,000 120,929 124,378 120,898 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 3/15/36 (4,6,11) 4.263 % (12) (10) quarterly 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 6/15/56 (4,9) 6.125 % 4/16 quarterly 300,000 290,403 302,880 — Term loan due 5/17/21 (1,6) 1.856 % (13) 6/16 monthly 100,000 100,000 100,000 — 1,153,259 1,135,040 1,234,894 743,733 Less current maturity of term loan 1,875 1,875 1,875 — Total long-term debt 1,151,384 1,133,165 1,233,019 743,733 Short-term debt: Senior Notes, due 6/15/16 6.375 % 6/06 6/15 & 12/15 — — — 249,753 Current maturity of term loan 1,875 1,875 1,875 — Commercial paper (2) 262,850 262,600 262,600 240,376 Total short-term debt 264,725 264,475 264,475 490,129 Total debt $ 1,416,109 $ 1,397,640 $ 1,497,494 $ 1,233,862 (1) The term loan has higher priority than all other debt issues. (2) Commercial paper has priority over all other debt except the term loan. (3) All securities, other than the term loan, commercial paper and Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority with one another. (4) All Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority, but are subordinate to all other issues. (5) Not callable. (6) Callable anytime. (7) Callable subject to “make-whole” premium. (8) Callable as of December 15, 2017. (9) Callable subject to “make-whole” premium until June 15, 2021 and at par on and any time after June 15, 2021. (10) Assumed upon November 1, 2012 acquisition of Family Heritage. (11) Quarterly payments on the 15th of March, June, September, and December. (12) Interest paid at 3 Month LIBOR plus 330 basis points, resets each quarter. (13) Interest paid at 1 Month LIBOR plus 125 basis points, resets each month.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 264,725 $ 4,375 $ 299,522 $ 9,375 $ 77,500 $ 760,612 Funded
Short-Term Borrowings	Credit Facility - Commercial Paper At December 31, 2016 2015 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 262,850 $ 240,544 Annualized interest rate 0.96 % 0.55 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 177,000 $ 177,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 310,150 332,456 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Average balance outstanding during period $ 301,550 $ 350,851 $ 296,246 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 0.83 % 0.43 % 0.26 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period $ 412,676 $ 458,110 $ 343,000

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2014: Balance at January 1, 2014 — — 151,218,183 (16,965,802 ) 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 ) 2016: Grants of restricted stock 12,549 Vesting of performance shares 159,020 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options 2,184,169 Treasury stock acquired (6,694,582 ) Retirement of treasury stock (3,000,000 ) 3,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2016 — — 127,218,183 (9,187,075 )
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, 2016 2015 2014 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 120,001,191 125,094,628 130,721,738 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 2,366,594 1,662,607 1,918,506 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 122,367,785 126,757,235 132,640,244

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Grant Contract Periods and Vesting Periods	Shares vested by period Contract Period 6 Months Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Directors 7 years 100% Employees 7 years —% —% 50% 50% Employees (1) 10 years —% —% 25% 25% 25% 25% (1) Grant offered through the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan only.
Analysis of Shares Available for Grant	An analysis of shares available for grant is as follows: Available for Grant 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1, 6,872,282 8,458,593 4,368,753 2011 Plan amendment — — 6,300,000 Options expired and forfeited during year (1) 8,518 90,371 3,488 Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (2) — 89,745 31,620 Options granted during year (1) (1,306,306 ) (1,334,514 ) (1,523,982 ) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (2) (486,033 ) (431,913 ) (721,286 ) Balance at December 31, 5,088,461 6,872,282 8,458,593 (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	Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2016 is presented below: 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 9.04 $ 11.97 $ 14.77 Intrinsic value of options exercised 73,995 54,854 61,229 Cash received from options exercised 61,329 35,958 56,294 Actual tax benefit received 25,898 24,470 23,232 A summary of stock compensation activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016 is presented below: 2016 2015 2014 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 26,326 $ 28,664 $ 32,203 Tax benefit recognized (2) 27,867 10,033 11,271 (1) No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period. (2) Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year" , certain current year balances related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation were adjusted prospectively.
Schedule of Additional Information of Stock-Based Compensation	Additional information about Torchmark’s stock option activity as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 2016 2015 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.70 4.32 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 87,286 $ 141,728 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 2.96 2.74 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 63,395 $ 104,885 Additional stock compensation information is as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 27,334 $ 33,977 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.89 0.85 (1) Includes restricted stock and performance shares.
Summary of Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2016 . Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted- Average Exercise Price $20.58 - $32.48 1,549,010 2.23 $ 30.01 1,470,267 $ 29.99 37.40 - 43.06 1,111,634 3.53 37.67 998,713 37.70 50.64 1,412,225 7.41 50.64 — — 50.69 1,406,282 4.63 50.69 604,802 50.69 51.62 - 56.32 1,494,440 5.65 53.64 42,065 54.79 $20.58 - $56.32 6,973,591 4.70 $ 44.64 3,115,847 $ 36.81
Analysis of Option Activity	An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016 is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding-beginning of year 7,734,841 $ 38.84 7,889,321 $ 32.91 8,579,202 $ 27.84 Granted: 7-year term 834,212 50.78 1,220,751 53.62 1,226,270 50.70 10-year term 597,225 50.64 296,875 53.61 297,712 50.69 Exercised (2,184,169 ) 28.08 (1,576,485 ) 22.81 (2,210,348 ) 25.47 Expired and forfeited (8,518 ) 39.35 (95,621 ) 48.85 (3,488 ) 40.05 Adjustment due to 7/1/14 stock split — — — — (27 ) — Outstanding-end of year 6,973,591 $ 44.64 7,734,841 $ 38.84 7,889,321 $ 32.91 Exercisable at end of year 3,115,847 $ 36.81 3,774,061 $ 29.37 3,809,415 $ 24.58
Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options	Additional information concerning Torchmark’s unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 Number of shares outstanding 3,857,744 3,960,780 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 50.97 $ 47.86 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 6.11 5.82 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 23,891 $ 36,843
Schedule of Performance Shares Settled	Below is the final determination of the performance share grants in 2012 to 2014: Year of grants Final settlement of shares Final settlement date 2012 211,287 January 27, 2015 2013 159,020 February 24, 2016 2014 119,896 February 21, 2017
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, 2016 is presented in the table below. 2016 2015 2014 Executives restricted stock: Shares — — 12,000 Price per share $ — $ — $ 50.69 Aggregate value $ — $ — $ 608 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 — % — % — % Directors restricted stock: Shares 12,549 6,648 7,041 Price per share $ 57.39 $ 54.16 $ 51.62 Aggregate value $ 720 $ 360 $ 363 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 85 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 6,912 7,640 12,322 Price per share $ 56.74 $ 54.44 $ 51.69 Aggregate value $ 392 $ 416 $ 637 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 167,500 179,500 179,250 Target price per share $ 50.64 $ 53.61 $ 51.41 Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (in shares) (35,073 ) (58,056 ) 22,060 Aggregate value $ 8,482 $ 9,623 $ 9,215 Percent vested as of 12/31/16 — % — % — %
Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock	An analysis of unvested restricted stock is as follows: Executive Executive Directors Directors Total 2014: Balance at January 1, 2014 344,445 362,550 — — 706,995 Grants 12,000 179,250 7,041 12,322 210,613 Additional performance shares (1) 22,060 22,060 Restriction lapses and settlements (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 2016: Grants — 167,500 12,549 6,912 186,961 Additional performance shares (1) (35,073 ) (35,073 ) Restriction lapses (130,215 ) (159,020 ) (10,655 ) (6,912 ) (306,802 ) Forfeitures — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 57,450 432,424 1,894 — 491,768 (1) Estimated additional (reduced) 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 per share of unvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2016 : Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2016 $ 32.92 $ 46.77 Grants — 50.64 $ 57.39 $ 56.32 Estimated additional performance shares (70.47 ) Restriction lapses (30.47 ) (37.40 ) (56.32 ) (56.32 ) Forfeitures — — Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2016 38.46 49.79 63.39

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2016 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total United American Independent $ 13,733 1 $ 355,015 38 $ 38 100 $ 368,786 12 Liberty National Exclusive 270,476 12 201,798 21 472,274 15 American Income Exclusive 913,355 42 84,382 9 997,737 32 Family Heritage Exclusive 2,866 — 236,075 25 238,941 8 Direct Response 782,765 36 70,393 7 853,158 27 Other 206,138 9 206,138 6 $ 2,189,333 100 $ 947,663 100 $ 38 100 $ 3,137,034 100 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 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 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
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 2016 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Corporate Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,189,333 $ 947,663 $ 38 $ 3,137,034 Net investment income $ 806,903 806,903 Other income $ 1,534 $ (159 ) (2) 1,375 Total revenue 2,189,333 947,663 38 806,903 1,534 (159 ) 3,945,312 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,475,477 612,725 36,751 3,795 (3) 2,128,748 Required interest on: Policy reserves (577,827 ) (73,382 ) (51,131 ) 702,340 — Deferred acquisition costs 178,946 23,060 807 (202,813 ) — Amortization of acquisition costs 374,499 90,385 4,179 469,063 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 164,476 84,819 38 (159 ) (2) 249,174 Insurance administrative expense (1) 196,598 553 (4) 197,151 Parent expense $ 8,587 8,587 Stock-based compensation expense 26,326 26,326 Interest expense 83,345 83,345 Total expenses 1,615,571 737,607 (9,356 ) 582,872 196,598 34,913 4,189 3,162,394 Subtotal 573,762 210,056 9,394 224,031 (195,064 ) (34,913 ) (4,348 ) 782,918 Non-operating items 4,348 (3,4) 4,348 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 573,762 $ 210,056 $ 9,394 $ 224,031 $ (195,064 ) $ (34,913 ) $ — 787,266 Deduct applicable income taxes (237,906 ) Net operating income from continuing operations 549,360 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 237,906 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) (10,683 ) Deduct administrative settlements (3) (3,795 ) Deduct non-operating fees (4) (553 ) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 772,235 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) Administrative settlements. (4) Non-operating fees. 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 ) Net operating income from continuing operations 522,913 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 253,459 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) (8,791 ) Deduct administrative settlements (3) (1,394 ) Income before income taxes 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 $ 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 ) Net operating income from continuing operations 519,603 Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability 252,041 Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses) 23,548 Deduct legal settlement expenses (3) (2,337 ) Deduct administrative settlements (4) (8,178 ) Income before income taxes 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.
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 2016 2015 2014 2016 % 2015 % Life insurance underwriting margin $ 573,762 $ 569,402 $ 556,489 $ 4,360 1 $ 12,913 2 Health insurance underwriting margin 210,056 204,377 199,319 5,679 3 5,058 3 Annuity underwriting margin 9,394 4,568 4,312 4,826 106 256 6 Excess investment income 224,031 219,504 224,364 4,527 2 (4,860 ) (2 ) Other insurance: Other income 1,534 2,379 2,354 (845 ) (36 ) 25 1 Administrative expense (196,598 ) (186,191 ) (174,832 ) (10,407 ) 6 (11,359 ) 6 Corporate and adjustments (34,913 ) (37,667 ) (40,362 ) 2,754 (7 ) 2,695 (7 ) Pre-tax total 787,266 776,372 771,644 10,894 1 4,728 1 Applicable taxes (1) (237,906 ) (253,459 ) (252,041 ) 15,553 (6 ) (1,418 ) 1 Net operating income from continuing operations 549,360 522,913 519,603 26,447 5 3,310 1 Discontinued operations (after tax) (2) 10,189 10,807 14,865 (618 ) (6 ) (4,058 ) (27 ) Total 559,549 533,720 534,468 25,829 5 (748 ) — Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax) (6,944 ) (5,714 ) 15,306 (1,230 ) (21,020 ) Legal settlement expenses (after tax) — — (1,519 ) — 1,519 Administrative settlements (after tax) (2,467 ) (906 ) (5,316 ) (1,561 ) 4,410 Non-operating fees (after tax) (359 ) — — (359 ) — Net income $ 549,779 $ 527,100 $ 542,939 $ 22,679 4 $ (15,839 ) (3 ) (1) Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year." (2) 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, 2016 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ 15,955,891 $ 15,955,891 Accrued investment income 223,148 223,148 Deferred acquisition costs $ 3,261,220 $ 512,701 $ 9,237 3,783,158 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 441,591 Other assets $ 1,032,299 1,032,299 Total assets $ 3,570,829 $ 644,683 $ 9,237 $ 16,179,039 $ 1,032,299 $ 21,436,087 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
Other Balances by Segment	Liabilities by Segment At December 31, 2016 Life Health Annuity Investment Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 9,825,776 $ 1,706,870 $ 1,293,191 $ 12,825,837 Unearned and advance premiums 16,828 47,189 64,017 Policy claims and other benefits payable 156,437 143,128 299,565 Debt $ 1,397,640 1,397,640 Other $ 2,282,167 2,282,167 Total liabilities $ 9,999,041 $ 1,897,187 $ 1,293,191 $ 1,397,640 $ 2,282,167 $ 16,869,226 At December 31, 2015 Life Health Annuity Investment Other 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 Other $ 1,978,069 1,978,069 Total liabilities $ 9,480,720 $ 1,787,000 $ 1,318,010 $ 1,233,862 $ 1,978,069 $ 15,797,661

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure	Rental expense for operating leases for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Rental expense $ 6,520 $ 6,722 $ 4,200 Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2016 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 8,182 $ 5,254 $ 5,047 $ 4,898 $ 4,625 $ 7,801
Long-term Purchase Commitment	As of December 31, 2016 , Torchmark remained obligated under these commitments as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Low-Income housing commitments $ 34,162 $ 18,350 $ 2,964 $ 838 $ 302 $ 202

Selected Quarterly Data (Unau43

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 . 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, 2016: Premium income $ 779,860 $ 785,855 $ 783,411 $ 787,908 Net investment income 197,053 201,642 202,720 205,488 Realized investment gains (losses) 293 4,005 3,482 (18,463 ) Total revenue 977,627 991,884 989,773 975,345 Policyholder benefits 524,973 531,485 532,152 540,138 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 118,806 117,245 116,821 116,191 Pretax income from continuing operations 195,448 199,344 201,461 175,982 Income from continuing operations 133,574 139,294 141,910 124,812 Income from discontinued operations (9,541 ) (865 ) 9,959 10,636 Net income (1) 124,033 138,429 151,869 135,448 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.10 1.16 1.19 1.05 Discontinued operations (0.08 ) (0.01 ) 0.08 0.09 Total basic net income per share 1.02 1.15 1.27 1.14 Diluted net income per common share: (1) Continuing operations 1.08 1.13 1.16 1.03 Discontinued operations (0.07 ) — 0.09 0.09 Total diluted net income per share 1.01 1.13 1.25 1.12 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 (1) Due to the adoption in 2016 of ASU 2016-09, certain current year balances related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation were adjusted prospectively as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Stock Compensation."

Significant Accounting Polici44

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)segment$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment		4
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%
Fair value determined by third party		95.00%
Amortized cost		$ 14,188,050	$ 13,251,871
Fair Value		15,245,861	13,758,024
Advanced agent commissions receivable		353,000	334,000
Advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating expense		9,000	10,000	$ 8,000
Capitalized advertising costs		1,250,000	1,210,000
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests		280,000	306,000
Obligations under future commitments for low-income housing interests		57,000
Original cost of property and equipment		196,000	175,000
Accumulated depreciation		99,000	92,000
Depreciation expense		$ 9,800	8,000	7,400
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%
Insurance policy charges		$ 18,300	$ 19,300	$ 20,900
Excess tax benefits		$ 27,867
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | shares		122,367,785	126,757,235	132,640,244
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises, financing activities	[1]	$ 0	$ 17,577	$ 18,524
Minimum | Equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		3 years
Minimum | Building and Improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		5 years
Maximum | Equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		10 years
Maximum | Building and Improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		40 years
Life insurance
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proportion of future policy reserves which are not universal life type		86.00%
Equity Option | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term		7 years
Equity Option | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term		10 years
Employee | Equity Option | 5 Year Vesting Period | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term		10 years
Vesting period		5 years
Employee | Equity Option | 3 Year Vesting Period | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term		7 years
Vesting period		3 years
Director | Equity Option | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period		6 months
Other assets
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests		$ 280,000	302,000
Other long-term investments
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests			4,000
Private placement fixed maturities
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortized cost		565,000	542,000
Fair Value		574,000	546,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value		14,577,456	13,124,523
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Private placement fixed maturities
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value		15,000	15,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value		623,103	601,188
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Private placement fixed maturities
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value		559,000	531,000
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits		$ 20,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | shares		122,400,000
Increase in earnings per share as a result of the adoption (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.13
Previous Accounting Guidance
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits			$ 18,000	19,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | shares			121,500,000
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises, financing activities			$ 18,000	$ 19,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises, operating activities		$ 20,000
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Significant Accounting Polici45

Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Volatility factor	19.20%	23.60%	30.90%
Dividend yield	1.10%	0.90%	0.90%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 9 months 11 days	5 years 7 months 28 days	5 years 7 months 24 days
Risk-free rate	1.30%	1.60%	1.90%

Statutory Accounting - Consolid

Statutory Accounting - Consolidated Net Income and Shareholders' Equity for Insurance Companies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Life insurance subsidiaries, Net income	$ 429,563	$ 393,466	$ 446,439
Life insurance subsidiaries, Shareholders' equity	$ 1,335,070	$ 1,253,007

Statutory Accounting - Addition

Statutory Accounting - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Insurance [Abstract]
Surplus adequate to satisfy regulatory compliance	$ 477

Supplemental Information abou48

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	$ 4,055,552	$ 4,697,466	$ 3,776,342
Reclassifications, net of tax	10,574	11,517	(14,370)
Ending balance	4,566,861	4,055,552	4,697,466
Total [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	231,947	997,452	210,981
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	335,053	(777,022)	800,841
Reclassifications, net of tax	10,574	11,517	(14,370)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	345,627	(765,505)	786,471
Ending balance	577,574	231,947	997,452
Available for Sale Assets
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	332,333	1,090,273	256,196
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	356,016	(759,976)	855,132
Reclassifications, net of tax	3,965	2,036	(21,055)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	359,981	(757,940)	834,077
Ending balance	692,314	332,333	1,090,273
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(5,115)	(10,758)	(6,728)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(1,567)	5,643	(4,030)
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,567)	5,643	(4,030)
Ending balance	(6,682)	(5,115)	(10,758)
Foreign Exchange
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	3,627	17,386	24,866
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,340	(13,759)	(7,480)
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,340	(13,759)	(7,480)
Ending balance	4,967	3,627	17,386
Pension Adjustments
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(98,898)	(99,449)	(63,353)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(20,736)	(8,930)	(42,781)
Reclassifications, net of tax	6,609	9,481	6,685
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,127)	551	(36,096)
Ending balance	$ (113,025)	$ (98,898)	$ (99,449)

Supplemental Information abou49

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Realized (gains) losses										$ 10,683	$ 8,791	$ (23,548)
Amortization of (discount) premium		$ (205,488)	$ (202,720)	$ (201,642)	$ (197,053)	$ (194,319)	$ (193,213)	$ (194,823)	$ (191,596)	(806,903)	(773,951)	(758,286)
Income before income taxes		(175,982)	(201,461)	(199,344)	(195,448)	(175,978)	(199,009)	(196,723)	(194,477)	(772,235)	(766,187)	(784,677)
Income tax expense from continuing operations	[1]									232,645	249,894	256,603
Net income		$ (135,448)	$ (151,869)	$ (138,429)	$ (124,033)	$ (132,956)	$ (145,386)	$ (127,110)	$ (121,648)	(549,779)	(527,100)	(542,939)
Pension adjustments:
Other operating expenses										(232,064)	(223,858)	(217,531)
Total reclassifications (after tax)										10,574	11,517	(14,370)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Assets
Pension adjustments:
Total reclassifications (after tax)										3,965	2,036	(21,055)
Pension Adjustments, Amortization of Prior Service Cost
Pension adjustments:
Other operating expenses										477	377	2,113
Pension Adjustments, Amortization of Actuarial (Gain) Loss
Pension adjustments:
Other operating expenses										9,691	14,209	8,172
Pension Adjustments
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Income before income taxes										10,168	14,586	10,285
Income tax expense from continuing operations										(3,559)	(5,105)	(3,600)
Net income										6,609	9,481	6,685
Pension adjustments:
Total reclassifications (after tax)										6,609	9,481	6,685
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Assets
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Realized (gains) losses										10,285	9,478	(23,771)
Amortization of (discount) premium										(4,185)	(6,346)	(8,621)
Income before income taxes										6,100	3,132	(32,392)
Income tax expense from continuing operations										(2,135)	(1,096)	11,337
Net income										$ 3,965	$ 2,036	$ (21,055)
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Investments - Summary of Fixed

Investments - Summary of Fixed Maturities Available for Sale by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 14,188,050	$ 13,251,871
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,273,795	1,069,733
Gross Unrealized Losses	(215,984)	(563,580)
Fair Value	$ 15,245,861	$ 13,758,024
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 381,054	$ 368,718
Gross Unrealized Gains	895	404
Gross Unrealized Losses	(9,151)	(14,078)
Fair Value	$ 372,798	$ 355,044
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	3.00%	3.00%
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,284,605	$ 1,296,396
Gross Unrealized Gains	126,850	131,516
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,327)	(1,908)
Fair Value	$ 1,410,128	$ 1,426,004
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	9.00%	10.00%
Foreign governments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 21,701	$ 21,594
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,438	1,369
Gross Unrealized Losses	(62)	(163)
Fair Value	$ 23,077	$ 22,800
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	0.00%	0.00%
Corporates
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 11,983,092	$ 11,071,377
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,086,748	872,961
Gross Unrealized Losses	(187,360)	(533,160)
Fair Value	$ 12,882,480	$ 11,411,178
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	85.00%	83.00%
Corporates | Financial
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 2,963,584	$ 2,760,552
Gross Unrealized Gains	285,037	301,624
Gross Unrealized Losses	(45,885)	(54,881)
Fair Value	$ 3,202,736	$ 3,007,295
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	21.00%	22.00%
Corporates | Utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,875,946	$ 1,981,241
Gross Unrealized Gains	249,701	223,535
Gross Unrealized Losses	(12,604)	(28,267)
Fair Value	$ 2,113,043	$ 2,176,509
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	14.00%	16.00%
Corporates | Energy
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,542,426	$ 1,568,392
Gross Unrealized Gains	127,989	53,776
Gross Unrealized Losses	(44,324)	(219,101)
Fair Value	$ 1,626,091	$ 1,403,067
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	11.00%	10.00%
Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 5,601,136	$ 4,761,192
Gross Unrealized Gains	424,021	294,026
Gross Unrealized Losses	(84,547)	(230,911)
Fair Value	$ 5,940,610	$ 4,824,307
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	39.00%	35.00%
Collateralized debt obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 60,726	$ 63,662
Gross Unrealized Gains	13,062	16,158
Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,285)	(9,438)
Fair Value	$ 63,503	$ 70,382
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	0.00%	1.00%
Other asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 56,410	$ 18,963
Gross Unrealized Gains	621	668
Gross Unrealized Losses	(337)	0
Fair Value	$ 56,694	$ 19,631
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	0.00%	0.00%
Redeemable preferred stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 400,462	$ 411,161
Gross Unrealized Gains	44,181	46,657
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,462)	(4,833)
Fair Value	$ 437,181	$ 452,985
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	3.00%	3.00%
Redeemable preferred stocks | Financial
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 371,862	$ 382,517
Gross Unrealized Gains	43,383	45,926
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,218)	(4,781)
Fair Value	$ 408,027	$ 423,662
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	3.00%	3.00%
Redeemable preferred stocks | Utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 28,600	$ 28,644
Gross Unrealized Gains	798	731
Gross Unrealized Losses	(244)	(52)
Fair Value	$ 29,154	$ 29,323
Percentage of Total Fixed Maturities	0.00%	0.00%

Investments - Schedule of Fixed

Investments - Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 23,969
Due from one to five years	640,903
Due from five to ten years	1,228,081
Due from ten to twenty years	4,278,896
Due after twenty years	7,897,726
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	118,475
Cost or Amortized Cost	14,188,050	$ 13,251,871
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	24,573
Due from one to five years	688,509
Due from five to ten years	1,337,752
Due from ten to twenty years	4,746,466
Due after twenty years	8,326,907
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	121,654
Total fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value	$ 15,245,861	$ 13,758,024

Investments - Schedule of Analy

Investments - Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									$ 820,581	$ 786,542	$ 769,531
Less investment expense									(13,678)	(12,591)	(11,245)
Net investment income	$ 205,488	$ 202,720	$ 201,642	$ 197,053	$ 194,319	$ 193,213	$ 194,823	$ 191,596	806,903	773,951	758,286
Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									778,912	747,663	732,925
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									38,436	36,763	35,015
Other long-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									2,786	2,021	1,516
Short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									$ 447	$ 95	$ 75

Investments - Realized Gain (Lo

Investments - Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	$ (18,463)	$ 3,482	$ 4,005	$ 293	$ (16,663)	$ 5,140	$ 2,613	$ 119	$ (10,683)	$ (8,791)	$ 23,548
Applicable tax									3,739	3,077	(8,242)
Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax									(6,944)	(5,714)	15,306
Loss on redemption on debt
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)									0	0	(258)
Fixed maturities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)									(10,645)	(9,479)	23,170
Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)									$ (38)	$ 688	$ 636

Investments - Unrealized Gain (

Investments - Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	$ 553,801	$ (1,166,032)	$ 1,283,062
Fixed maturities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	551,658	(1,163,295)	1,279,190
Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	$ 2,143	$ (2,737)	$ 3,872

Investments - Schedule of Selec

Investments - Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	$ 340,434	$ 226,792	$ 109,024
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	358,285	226,792	109,024
Gross realized gains	6,133	259	17,583
Gross realized losses	(32,608)	$ (16,894)	$ (1,879)
Unsettled sales	$ 18,000

Investments - Assets Measured a

Investments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 15,245,861	$ 13,758,024
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 372,798	$ 355,044
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,410,128	1,426,004
Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	23,077	22,800
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	12,882,480	11,411,178
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	63,503	70,382
Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	56,694	19,631
Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	437,181	452,985
Financial | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,202,736	3,007,295
Financial | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	408,027	423,662
Utilities | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,113,043	2,176,509
Utilities | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	29,154	29,323
Energy | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,626,091	1,403,067
Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	5,940,610	4,824,307
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 45,302	$ 32,313
Percentage of total	0.30%	0.20%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 0	$ 0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	45,302	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	22,189
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	10,124
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Financial | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Financial | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	10,124
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Utilities | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	22,189
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Utilities | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Energy | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 14,577,456	$ 13,124,523
Percentage of total	95.60%	95.40%
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 372,798	$ 355,044
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,364,826	1,426,004
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	23,077	22,800
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	12,322,880	10,858,183
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	56,694	19,631
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	437,181	442,861
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Financial | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,141,611	2,945,048
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Financial | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	408,027	413,538
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Utilities | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,959,143	2,020,268
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Utilities | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	29,154	29,323
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Energy | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,598,976	1,377,861
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	5,623,150	4,515,006
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 623,103	$ 601,188
Percentage of total	4.10%	4.40%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 0	$ 0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	559,600	530,806
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	63,503	70,382
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Financial | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	61,125	62,247
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Financial | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Utilities | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	153,900	134,052
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Utilities | Redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Energy | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	27,115	25,206
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 317,460	$ 309,301

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 601,188	$ 575,946	$ 358,505
Included in realized gains/losses	788	1,182	15,925
Included in other comprehensive income	2,460	(560)	31,187
Acquisitions	33,662	38,600	186,366
Sales	0	0	(16,050)
Amortization	5,203	5,553	5,532
Other	(20,198)	(19,533)	(5,519)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	623,103	601,188	575,946
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	70,382	63,232	58,205
Included in realized gains/losses	0	0	15,924
Included in other comprehensive income	(3,943)	11,365	3,323
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	(16,049)
Amortization	5,186	5,536	5,519
Other	(8,122)	(9,751)	(3,690)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	63,503	70,382	63,232
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	530,806	512,714	300,300
Included in realized gains/losses	788	1,182	1
Included in other comprehensive income	6,403	(11,925)	27,864
Acquisitions	33,662	38,600	186,366
Sales	0	0	(1)
Amortization	17	17	13
Other	(12,076)	(9,782)	(1,829)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 559,600	$ 530,806	$ 512,714

Investments - Quantitative Info

Investments - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 15,245,861	$ 13,758,024
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	63,503	70,382
Private placement fixed maturities
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	574,000	546,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	623,103	601,188
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	63,503	70,382
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	63,503
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	559,000	$ 531,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 559,600
Minimum | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	9.30%
Minimum | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.82%
Maximum | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	10.45%
Maximum | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	6.55%
Weighted Average | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	10.30%
Weighted Average | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities | Determination of credit spread
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.17%

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]
In	$ 45,344	$ 17,252	$ 36,468
Out	0	(49,744)	0
Net	45,344	(32,492)	36,468
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]
In	0	49,744	0
Out	(45,344)	(17,252)	(36,468)
Net	(45,344)	32,492	(36,468)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]
In	0	0	0
Out	0	0	0
Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Issue	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Investment [Line Items]
Securities held on deposit	$ 600,000	$ 555,000
Written down securities carried at fair value	$ 54,000
Written down securities carried at fair value, percentage	0.40%
Gross unrealized loss	$ 215,984	563,580
Decrease in unrealized loss position	$ 348,000
Total issues of fixed-maturities | Issue	1,565
Securities of state and municipal governments	9.00%
Percentage of invested assets rated below investment grade	4.00%
Par value of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	$ 834,000
Amortized cost of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	751,000
Fair value of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	$ 695,000
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%
OTHER STATES
Investment [Line Items]
Proportion of state and municipal government securities at fair value invested in selected states	5.00%
Investment Grade
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	$ 138,071	432,636
Investment Grade | Corporates
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	127,144	416,690
Investment Grade | Financial | Corporates
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	23,293	18,599
Investment Grade | Energy | Corporates
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	19,203	187,569
Investment Grade | Metals and mining | Corporates
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized loss	$ 418	$ 62,409
Credit Concentration Risk
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Corporate Debt Securities and Redeemable Preferred Stock
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	84.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Investment Grade | Fixed maturities | Corporates
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	80.00%

Investments - Schedule of Unrea

Investments - Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	$ 2,928,441	$ 3,973,908
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	647,528	403,500
Fair Value, Total	3,575,969	4,377,408
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(107,262)	(391,847)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(108,722)	(171,733)
Unrealized Loss Total	(215,984)	(563,580)
Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	2,828,756	3,880,010
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	313,064	158,598
Fair Value, Total	3,141,820	4,038,608
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(106,414)	(372,087)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(31,657)	(60,549)
Unrealized Loss Total	(138,071)	(432,636)
Investment Grade | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	321,133	310,676
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	1,404	14,731
Fair Value, Total	322,537	325,407
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(8,553)	(13,196)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(598)	(882)
Unrealized Loss Total	(9,151)	(14,078)
Investment Grade | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	32,178	55,351
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	683	671
Fair Value, Total	32,861	56,022
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(1,114)	(1,611)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(19)	(42)
Unrealized Loss Total	(1,133)	(1,653)
Investment Grade | Foreign governments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	4,416	7,302
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value, Total	4,416	7,302
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(62)	(163)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss Total	(62)	(163)
Investment Grade | Corporates
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	2,423,674	3,498,918
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	310,977	143,196
Fair Value, Total	2,734,651	3,642,114
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(96,104)	(357,065)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(31,040)	(59,625)
Unrealized Loss Total	(127,144)	(416,690)
Investment Grade | Corporates | Financial
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	479,669	476,469
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	64,335	0
Fair Value, Total	544,004	476,469
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(18,666)	(18,599)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(4,627)	0
Unrealized Loss Total	(23,293)	(18,599)
Investment Grade | Corporates | Utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	290,732	435,692
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	16,977	0
Fair Value, Total	307,709	435,692
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(11,000)	(28,267)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(1,604)	0
Unrealized Loss Total	(12,604)	(28,267)
Investment Grade | Corporates | Energy
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	83,064	745,969
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	154,908	81,681
Fair Value, Total	237,972	827,650
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(1,076)	(146,157)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(18,127)	(41,412)
Unrealized Loss Total	(19,203)	(187,569)
Investment Grade | Corporates | Metals and mining
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	5,936	225,273
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	5,789	25,831
Fair Value, Total	11,725	251,104
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(231)	(50,857)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(187)	(11,552)
Unrealized Loss Total	(418)	(62,409)
Investment Grade | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	1,564,273	1,615,515
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	68,968	35,684
Fair Value, Total	1,633,241	1,651,199
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(65,131)	(113,185)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(6,495)	(6,661)
Unrealized Loss Total	(71,626)	(119,846)
Investment Grade | Other asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	41,498
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0
Fair Value, Total	41,498
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(337)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0
Unrealized Loss Total	(337)
Investment Grade | Redeemable preferred stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	5,857	7,763
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value, Total	5,857	7,763
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(244)	(52)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss Total	(244)	(52)
Investment Grade | Redeemable preferred stocks | Utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	5,857	7,763
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value, Total	5,857	7,763
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(244)	(52)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss Total	(244)	(52)
Below Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	99,685	93,898
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	334,464	244,902
Fair Value, Total	434,149	338,800
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(848)	(19,760)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(77,065)	(111,184)
Unrealized Loss Total	(77,913)	(130,944)
Below Investment Grade | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	357	299
Fair Value, Total	357	299
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(194)	(255)
Unrealized Loss Total	(194)	(255)
Below Investment Grade | Corporates
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	99,685	93,898
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	304,481	211,667
Fair Value, Total	404,166	305,565
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(848)	(19,760)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(59,368)	(96,710)
Unrealized Loss Total	(60,216)	(116,470)
Below Investment Grade | Corporates | Financial
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	83,174	69,506
Fair Value, Total	83,174	69,506
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(22,592)	(36,282)
Unrealized Loss Total	(22,592)	(36,282)
Below Investment Grade | Corporates | Energy
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	15,567	7,979
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	91,165	61,175
Fair Value, Total	106,732	69,154
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(385)	(1,854)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(24,736)	(29,678)
Unrealized Loss Total	(25,121)	(31,532)
Below Investment Grade | Corporates | Metals and mining
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	32,478	4,551
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	34,463	17,679
Fair Value, Total	66,941	22,230
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(172)	(5,414)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(2,023)	(22,247)
Unrealized Loss Total	(2,195)	(27,661)
Below Investment Grade | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	51,640	81,368
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	95,679	63,307
Fair Value, Total	147,319	144,675
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	(291)	(12,492)
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(10,017)	(8,503)
Unrealized Loss Total	(10,308)	(20,995)
Below Investment Grade | Collateralized debt obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	9,714	10,562
Fair Value, Total	9,714	10,562
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(10,285)	(9,438)
Unrealized Loss Total	(10,285)	(9,438)
Below Investment Grade | Redeemable preferred stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	19,912	22,374
Fair Value, Total	19,912	22,374
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(7,218)	(4,781)
Unrealized Loss Total	(7,218)	(4,781)
Below Investment Grade | Redeemable preferred stocks | Financial
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	19,912	22,374
Fair Value, Total	19,912	22,374
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	(7,218)	(4,781)
Unrealized Loss Total	$ (7,218)	$ (4,781)

Investments - Schedule of Addit

Investments - Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) - Issue	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Less than Twelve Months	407	480
Twelve Months or Longer	94	75
Total	501	555

Investments - Schedule of Other

Investments - Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 53,852	$ 38,438
Investment in limited partnerships
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	51,509	31,409
Low-income housing interests
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	0	3,767
Other
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 2,343	$ 3,262

Investments - Summary of Invest

Investments - Summary of Investment Portfolio (Detail) - Credit Concentration Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	1.00%
Fixed maturities | Corporates | Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	80.00%
Fixed maturities | Corporates | Below Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	4.00%
Fixed maturities | Securities of state and municipal governments [Member] | Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	9.00%
Fixed maturities | Government-sponsored enterprises [Member] | Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	2.00%
Fixed maturities | Other | Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	1.00%
Fixed maturities | Other | Below Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	0.00%
Policy loans
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	3.00%

Investments - Concentration of

Investments - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Insurance	17.00%
Electric utilities	12.00%
Oil and natural gas pipelines	6.00%
Banks	6.00%
Oil and natural gas exploration and production	4.00%
Transportation	4.00%
Chemicals	4.00%
Metals and mining	3.00%
Food	3.00%
Real estate investment trusts	3.00%

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Det

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of year				$ 3,617,135				$ 3,457,397	$ 3,617,135	$ 3,457,397	$ 3,325,433
Commissions									436,252	401,166	358,969
Other expenses									199,066	211,015	203,276
Total deferred									635,318	612,181	562,245
Foreign exchange adjustment									2,180	0	0
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses									0	8,682	0
Total additions									637,498	620,863	562,245
Amortized during period	$ (116,191)	$ (116,821)	$ (117,245)	$ (118,806)	$ (111,584)	$ (111,643)	$ (111,738)	$ (110,660)	(469,063)	(445,625)	(415,914)
Foreign exchange adjustment									0	(15,500)	(8,167)
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains									(2,412)	0	(6,200)
Total deductions									(471,475)	(461,125)	(430,281)
Balance at end of year	$ 3,783,158				$ 3,617,135				$ 3,783,158	$ 3,617,135	$ 3,457,397

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) - Medicare Part D - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain from sale of discontinued operations	$ 1,779	$ 0	$ 0
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	1,200
Write-off of deferred acquisition costs	16,400
Contingent sale price consideration	$ 3,600

Discontinued Operations - Net A

Discontinued Operations - Net Assets Held For Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Total assets related to discontinued operations	$ 127,532	$ 312,843
Liabilities:
Total liabilities related to discontinued operations	27,424	51,035
Medicare Part D
Assets:
Due premiums	8,840	8,041
Other receivables	118,692	287,765
Deferred acquisition costs	0	17,037
Total assets related to discontinued operations	127,532	312,843
Liabilities:
Unearned and advance premiums	67	806
Policy claims and other benefits payable	10,868	12,309
Risk sharing payable	8,374	23,837
Current and deferred income taxes payable	3,820	13,604
Other	4,295	479
Total liabilities related to discontinued operations	27,424	51,035
Net assets	100,108	261,808
Amounts of contingent liabilities remaining	3,600
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services | Medicare Part D
Assets:
Other receivables	50,000	193,000
Drug Manufacturers | Medicare Part D
Assets:
Other receivables	$ 69,000	$ 95,000

Discontinued Operations - Incom

Discontinued Operations - Income from Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Benefits and expenses:
Income from discontinued operations	$ 10,636	$ 9,959	$ (865)	$ (9,541)	$ 13,826	$ 11,528	$ (5,417)	$ (9,130)	$ 10,189	$ 10,807	$ 14,865
Income taxes paid									79,790	110,650	100,922
Medicare Part D
Revenue:
Health premium									222,840	260,657	373,280
Benefits and expenses:
Health policyholder benefits									183,423	213,114	315,816
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs									3,747	3,506	2,858
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses									16,396	20,909	26,613
Other operating expense									5,377	6,502	5,123
Total benefits and expenses									208,943	244,031	350,410
Income before income taxes for discontinued operations									13,897	16,626	22,870
Gain from sale of discontinued operations									1,779	0	0
Income taxes									(5,487)	(5,819)	(8,005)
Income from discontinued operations									10,189	10,807	14,865
Discontinued Operations | Medicare Part D
Benefits and expenses:
Income taxes paid									$ 15,271	$ 3,409	$ 12,013

Liability for Unpaid Claims - S

Liability for Unpaid Claims - Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Activity in the Liability for Unpaid Health Claims
Balance at beginning of year	$ 137,120	$ 128,265	$ 116,559
Incurred related to:
Current year	510,075	502,009	453,014
Prior years	(1,127)	(7,845)	804
Total incurred	508,948	494,164	453,818
Paid related to:
Current year	386,278	379,037	343,648
Prior years	116,662	106,272	98,464
Total paid	502,940	485,309	442,112
Balance at end of year	$ 143,128	$ 137,120	$ 128,265

Liability for Unpaid Claims -71

Liability for Unpaid Claims - Short-duration Contracts, Claims Development (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)claim	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred claims	$ 549,239
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	26,721
Incurred claims	26,721
2,012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred claims	83,906	$ 83,906	$ 83,928	$ 83,965	$ 84,975
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	1,357,000
2,013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred claims	$ 83,119	83,151	82,644	84,111
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	1,337,000
2,014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred claims	$ 99,810	99,876	101,407
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 19
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	1,600,000
2,015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred claims	$ 141,460	141,667
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 478
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	2,222,000
2,016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred claims	$ 140,944
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 26,224
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	1,863,000
Health Insurance Product Line
Claims Development [Line Items]
Cumulative paid claims	$ 522,518
Short-duration claim liability as of December 31, 2016	26,721
Incurred claims	549,239
Health Insurance Product Line | 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Cumulative paid claims	83,906	83,906	83,919	83,766	$ 68,742
Health Insurance Product Line | 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Cumulative paid claims	83,119	83,131	82,408	$ 68,159
Health Insurance Product Line | 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Cumulative paid claims	99,791	99,545	$ 81,054
Health Insurance Product Line | 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Cumulative paid claims	140,982	$ 115,922
Health Insurance Product Line | 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Cumulative paid claims	$ 114,720

Liability for Unpaid Claims - R

Liability for Unpaid Claims - Reconciliation of Net Incurred and Paid Claims Development to Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Short-duration products	$ 26,721
Insurance lines other than short duration—health	116,407
Insurance lines other than short duration—life	156,437
Total policy claims and other benefits payable	$ 299,565	$ 272,898

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense from continuing operations	[1]	$ 232,645	$ 249,894	$ 256,603
Shareholders’ equity:
Other comprehensive income (loss)		186,206	(411,646)	424,089
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		0	(17,577)	(18,524)
Income tax expense (benefit)		$ 418,851	$ (179,329)	$ 662,168
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Exp

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current income tax expense		$ 132,806	$ 174,284	$ 169,319
Deferred income tax expense		99,839	75,610	87,284
Income tax expense from continuing operations	[1]	$ 232,645	$ 249,894	$ 256,603
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Income Taxes - Summary of Effec

Income Taxes - Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected income taxes		$ 270,282	$ 268,165	$ 274,637
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from, amount:
Low income housing investments		(18,202)	(19,031)	(17,541)
Share-based awards		(18,653)	0	0
Other		(782)	760	(493)
Income tax expense from continuing operations	[1]	$ 232,645	$ 249,894	$ 256,603
Expected income taxes		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from, percent:
Low income housing investments		(2.40%)	(2.50%)	(2.20%)
Share-based awards		(2.40%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
Other		(0.10%)	0.10%	0.00%
Income tax expense from continuing operations		30.10%	32.60%	32.80%
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Income Taxes - Significant Port

Income Taxes - Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Fixed maturity investments	$ 15,004	$ 16,098
Carryover of tax losses	3,906	2,266
Total gross deferred tax assets	18,910	18,364
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gains	315,509	128,683
Employee and agent compensation	92,131	83,229
Deferred acquisition costs	975,873	921,799
Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims	391,451	340,854
Other liabilities	3,987	17,176
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	1,778,951	1,491,741
Net deferred tax liability	$ 1,760,041	$ 1,473,377

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 11,200,000
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	0
Uncertain tax positions	0	$ 0	$ 0
Recognized interest income, net of Federal income tax expense	9,000	11,000	$ 465,000
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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plans	$ 3,614	$ 3,429	$ 3,078
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$ 24,202	$ 29,230	$ 23,463

Postretirement Benefits - Addit

Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)plan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of nonqualified, noncontributory supplemental benefit pension plans | plan	2
Defined benefit plan contributions	$ 15,800,000	$ 15,500,000	$ 14,600,000
Liability for SERP	$ 74,687,000	67,243,000
Maximum allowed investment percentage in any single issuer in pension plan assets at time of purchase	10.00%
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plans, future	$ 20,000,000
Capped eligible compensation	1,000,000
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability for closed supplemental retirement pension plans	3,000,000	3,000,000
Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	411,000,000	371,000,000
Unfunded Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 69,000,000	$ 63,000,000

Postretirement Benefits - Activ

Postretirement Benefits - Activity for the Active SERP (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Premiums paid for insurance coverage	$ 2,050,000	$ 10,068,000	$ 2,150,000
Company owned life insurance	37,267,000	34,178,000
Exchange Traded Funds	48,999,000	45,014,000
Total investments of SERP	86,266,000	79,192,000
Liability for SERP	74,687,000	67,243,000
Cash deposited into investment fund	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Postretirement Benefits - Pensi

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Assets by Components at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 328,871	$ 307,596
Total percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 149,580	$ 143,855
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	179,291	163,741
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 123,428
Total percentage		40.00%
Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 123,420
Equity Securities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		8
Corporate Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 160,036	$ 146,381
Total percentage	49.00%	47.00%
Corporate Bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 160,036	$ 146,381
Exchange Traded Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 134,771
Total percentage	41.00%
Exchange Traded Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 134,771
Other Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 258	$ 270
Total percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Other Bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 258	$ 270
Guaranteed Annuity Contract
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 18,997	$ 17,082
Total percentage	6.00%	6.00%
Guaranteed Annuity Contract | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 18,997	$ 17,082
Short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7,391	$ 15,593
Total percentage	2.00%	5.00%
Short-term investments | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7,391	$ 15,593
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7,418	$ 4,842
Total percentage	2.00%	2.00%
Other | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7,418	$ 4,842
Financial | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 49,391
Total percentage		16.00%
Financial | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 49,391
Financial | Corporate Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 41,578	$ 36,266
Total percentage	13.00%	12.00%
Financial | Corporate Bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 41,578	$ 36,266
Consumer, Cyclical | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 24,264
Total percentage		8.00%
Consumer, Cyclical | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 24,264
Technology | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 19,871
Total percentage		6.00%
Technology | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 19,871
Industrial | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 15,176
Total percentage		5.00%
Industrial | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 15,176
Consumer, Non-Cyclical | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 12,216
Total percentage		4.00%
Consumer, Non-Cyclical | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 12,216
Other Sectors | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 2,510
Total percentage		1.00%
Other Sectors | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 2,502
Other Sectors | Equity Securities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		8
Utilities | Corporate Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 43,890	$ 43,229
Total percentage	13.00%	14.00%
Utilities | Corporate Bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 43,890	$ 43,229
Energy | Corporate Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 25,427	$ 25,890
Total percentage	8.00%	8.00%
Energy | Corporate Bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 25,427	$ 25,890
Other corporate sectors | Corporate Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 49,141	$ 40,996
Total percentage	15.00%	13.00%
Other corporate sectors | Corporate Bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 49,141	$ 40,996

Postretirement Benefits - Weigh

Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions and Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions (Detail) - Pension Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount Rate	4.27%	4.64%
Rate of Compensation Increase	4.31%	4.33%
Discount Rate	4.64%	4.23%	5.12%
Expected Long-Term Returns	7.19%	6.96%	6.97%
Rate of Compensation Increase	4.33%	4.35%	4.35%

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net amortization	$ 10,168	$ 14,586	$ 10,285
Net periodic pension cost	24,202	29,230	23,463
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	15,502	15,902	12,925
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	21,631	19,887	19,270
Expected return on assets	(23,127)	(21,204)	(19,031)
Net amortization	10,135	14,465	10,283
Recognition of actuarial loss	61	180	16
Net periodic pension cost	24,202	29,230	23,463
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	0	0	0
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,139	1,075	646
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Net amortization	33	120	2
Recognition of actuarial loss	(132)	367	(256)
Net periodic pension cost	$ 1,040	$ 1,562	$ 392

Postretirement Benefits - Analy

Postretirement Benefits - Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at January 1	$ (152,149)	$ (152,999)	$ (97,467)
Amortization of prior service cost	477	377	2,113
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	9,691	14,209	8,172
Total amortization	10,168	14,586	10,285
Plan amendments	0	(2,104)	0
Experience gain (loss)	(31,902)	(11,632)	(65,817)
Balance at December 31	(173,883)	(152,149)	(152,999)
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at January 1	1,447
Total amortization	33	120	$ 2
Balance at December 31	$ 1,959	$ 1,447

Postretirement Benefits - Recon

Postretirement Benefits - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Pension Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	$ 307,596
Contributions	15,800	$ 15,500	$ 14,600
Fair value at end of year	328,871	307,596
Other Benefits
Changes in benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	22,479	22,895
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	0	0	0
Interest cost	1,139	1,075	646
Actuarial loss (gain)	412	(1,133)
Benefits paid	(309)	(358)
Obligation at end of year	23,721	22,479	22,895
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0
Return on assets	0	0
Contributions	309	358
Benefits paid	(309)	(358)
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at year end	(23,721)	(22,479)
Pension Benefits
Changes in benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	476,581	477,426
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	15,502	15,902	12,925
Interest cost	21,631	19,887	19,270
Plan amendments	0	2,104
Actuarial loss (gain)	34,667	(19,226)
Benefits paid	(20,859)	(19,512)
Obligation at end of year	527,522	476,581	477,426
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	307,596	322,898
Return on assets	26,377	(11,333)
Contributions	15,757	15,543
Benefits paid	(20,859)	(19,512)
Fair value at end of year	328,871	307,596	$ 322,898
Funded status at year end	$ (198,651)	$ (168,985)

Postretirement Benefits - Sched

Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ (173,883)	$ (152,149)	$ (152,999)	$ (97,467)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net loss (gain)	167,313	145,623
Prior service cost	4,611	5,088
Net amounts recognized at year end	171,924	150,711
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net loss (gain)	1,959	1,447
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ 1,959	$ 1,447

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, 2016USD ($)
Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service cost	$ 476
Amortization of net actuarial loss	11,806
Total	$ 12,282

Postretirement Benefits - Estim

Postretirement Benefits - Estimated Future Payments for Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	$ 19,839
2,018	21,198
2,019	22,516
2,020	24,109
2,021	25,678
2022-2025	152,071
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	1,014
2,018	1,133
2,019	1,247
2,020	1,351
2,021	1,462
2022-2025	$ 9,811

Postretirement Benefits - Wei89

Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions (Details) - Other Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount Rate	4.29%	4.66%
Discount Rate	4.66%	4.23%	5.12%

Supplemental Disclosures of C90

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Noncash Transactions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$ 26,326	$ 28,664	$ 32,203
Commitments for low-income housing interests	56,818	68,949	75,706
Exchanges of fixed maturity investments	224,901	0	17,333
Net unsettled security trades	$ 15,020	$ 0	$ 0

Supplemental Disclosures of C91

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Amount Paid (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 81,338	$ 74,792	$ 77,066
Income taxes paid	$ 79,790	$ 110,650	$ 100,922

Debt - Selected Information abo

Debt - Selected Information about Debt Issues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 1,153,259
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	1,135,040	$ 743,733
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	1,234,894
Less current maturity of term loan, par value	1,875
Less current maturity of term loan, book value	1,875	0
Less current maturity of term loan, fair value	1,875
Total long-term debt, par value	1,151,384
Long-term debt	1,133,165	743,733
Total long-term debt, fair value	1,233,019	856,291
Total short-term debt, book value	264,475	490,129
Total short-term debt, fair value	264,475
Total short-term debt, par value	264,725
Total debt, par value	1,416,109
Total debt, book value	1,397,640	1,233,862
Total debt, fair value	$ 1,497,494
Senior Notes, Due 6/15/16
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 15, 2016
Annual Interest Rate	6.375%
Issue Date	2006-06
Total short-term debt, book value	$ 0	249,753
Total short-term debt, fair value	0
Total short-term debt, par value	0
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt, book value	262,600	240,376
Total short-term debt, fair value	262,600
Total short-term debt, par value	$ 262,850
Notes, Due 5/15/23
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 15, 2023
Annual Interest Rate	7.875%
Issue Date	1993-05
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 165,612
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	164,095	163,920
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	$ 196,496
Senior Notes, Due 6/15/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 15, 2019
Annual Interest Rate	9.25%
Issue Date	2009-06
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 292,647
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	291,424	291,002
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	$ 338,363
Senior Notes, Due 9/15/22
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Sep. 15, 2022
Annual Interest Rate	3.80%
Issue Date	2012-09
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 150,000
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	148,189	147,913
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	$ 152,777
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 12/15/52
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Dec. 15, 2052
Annual Interest Rate	5.875%
Issue Date	2012-09
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 125,000
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	120,929	120,898
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	$ 124,378
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 3/15/36
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 15, 2036
Annual Interest Rate	4.26344%
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 20,000
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	20,000	20,000
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	$ 20,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 3/15/36 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	3.30%
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 6/15/56
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 15, 2056
Annual Interest Rate	6.125%
Issue Date	2016-04
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 300,000
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	290,403	0
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	$ 302,880
Term Loan Due 5/17/21
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 17, 2021
Annual Interest Rate	1.85561%
Issue Date	2016-06
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	$ 100,000
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	100,000	$ 0
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	$ 100,000
Term Loan Due 5/17/21 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	1.25%

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Ne

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Next Five Years (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 264,725
2,018	4,375
2,019	299,522
2,020	9,375
2,021	77,500
Thereafter	$ 760,612

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 05, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	May 17, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount		$ 1,416,109,000
Term Loan Due 5/17/21
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		1.85561%
Term Loan Due 5/17/21 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread		1.25%
Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2056 | Junior Subordinated Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount	$ 300,000,000
Interest rate	6.125%
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated long-term debt	$ 290,000,000
Senior Notes Due June 15, 2016 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate	6.375%
Accrued interest	$ 8,000,000
Term Loan Due 5/17/21 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount			$ 100,000,000
Balloon payment			75,000,000
Line of Credit | $750 Million Credit Facility | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 750,000,000

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (D

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$ 1,416,109
Annualized interest rate	0.96%	0.55%
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 177,000	$ 177,000
Remaining amount available under credit line	310,150	332,456
Average balance outstanding during period	$ 301,550	$ 350,851	$ 296,246
Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized)	0.83%	0.43%	0.26%
Maximum daily amount outstanding during period	$ 412,676	$ 458,110	$ 343,000
Short-term Debt
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$ 262,850	$ 240,544

Shareholders' Equity - Summary

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Preferred and Common Share Activity (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issued, beginning balance	130,218,183
Treasury Stock, beginning balance	(7,848,231)
Grants of restricted stock	186,961	193,788	210,613
Vesting of performance shares	306,802	287,390	109,678
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options	2,184,169	1,576,485	2,210,348
Retirement of treasury stock	3,000,000	4,000,000	17,000,000
Retirement of treasury stock	(3,000,000)	(4,000,000)	(17,000,000)
Issued, ending balance	127,218,183	130,218,183
Treasury Stock, ending balance	(9,187,075)	(7,848,231)
Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issued, beginning balance	0	0	0
Treasury Stock, beginning balance	0	0	0
Issued, ending balance	0	0	0
Treasury Stock, ending balance	0	0	0
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issued, beginning balance	130,218,183	134,218,183	151,218,183
Treasury Stock, beginning balance	(7,848,231)	(6,287,907)	(16,965,802)
Grants of restricted stock	12,549	6,648	19,041
Forfeitures of restricted stock		$ (13,950)	$ (2,700)
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options	2,184,169	1,576,485	2,210,349
Treasury stock acquired	(6,694,582)	(7,340,794)	(8,548,795)
Retirement of treasury stock	3,000,000	4,000,000	17,000,000
Retirement of treasury stock	(3,000,000)	(4,000,000)	(17,000,000)
Issued, ending balance	127,218,183	130,218,183	134,218,183
Treasury Stock, ending balance	(9,187,075)	(7,848,231)	(6,287,907)
Performance Shares
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants of restricted stock	167,500	179,500	179,250
Performance Shares | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Vesting of performance shares	159,020	211,287

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock	3,000,000	4,000,000	17,000,000
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to parent company	$ 438,000	$ 466,000	$ 479,000
Maximum amount of dividends expected to be available from subsidiaries without regulatory approval during next year	262,000
Restricted net assets	1,100,000
Retained earnings restricted by lenders' covenants	2,600,000
Retained earnings	$ 3,890,798	$ 3,614,369
Anti-dilutive shares	0	0	0
Stock Repurchase Plan
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	5,200,000	6,300,000	7,200,000
Share repurchases under stock repurchase program, amount	$ 311,000	$ 359,000	$ 375,000
Stock Repurchase Plan for Anti-Dilutive Effect
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	1,500,000	1,000,000	1,400,000
Share repurchases under stock repurchase program, amount	$ 93,000	$ 60,000	$ 74,000

Shareholders' Equity - Reconcil

Shareholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	120,001,191	125,094,628	130,721,738
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding	2,366,594	1,662,607	1,918,506
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	122,367,785	126,757,235	132,640,244

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Grant Contract and Vesting Periods (Details) - Equity Option	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Directors | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	7 years
Directors | Director | 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	100.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	7 years
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	50.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	50.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	10 years
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	Feb. 24, 2016	Jan. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive plan, shares available for grant			5,088,461	5,088,461	6,872,282	8,458,593	4,368,753
Number of equity awards settled for cash				0
Restricted stock units outstanding			112,591,000	112,591,000	105,679,000	98,039,000
2011 Plan Amendment
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive plan, shares available for grant						6,300,000
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years
Settlement of performance shares	159,020	211,287
Minimum | Equity Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period			7 years
Minimum | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares target distribution			0	0	0
Maximum | Equity Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract period			10 years
Maximum | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares target distribution			335,000	335,000	353,000
Employee | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			5 years
Director | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			6 months
Director | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
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, 2016shares	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2014shares
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Balance at January 1 (in shares)	6,872,282	8,458,593	4,368,753
Options expired and forfeited during year (in shares)	8,518	90,371	3,488
Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (in shares)	0	89,745	31,620
Balance at December 31 (in shares)	5,088,461	6,872,282	8,458,593
Stock Options
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Options granted during year (in shares)	(1,306,306)	(1,334,514)	(1,523,982)
2011 Plan Amendment
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Balance at January 1 (in shares)		6,300,000
2011 Plan amendment (in shares)	0	0	6,300,000
Balance at December 31 (in shares)			6,300,000
Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (in shares)	(486,033)	(431,913)	(721,286)
Minimum
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Ratio by which each grant of stock options reduces shares available for grant	0.85
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.1
Maximum
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Ratio by which each grant of stock options reduces shares available for grant	1
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.88

Stock-Based Compensation - Sche

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Compensation Activity (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 26,326,000	$ 28,664,000	$ 32,203,000
Tax benefit recognized	27,867,000
Tax benefit recognized		10,033,000	11,271,000
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Stock-Based Compensation - A103

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Stock Compensation Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation	$ 27,334	$ 33,977
Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years)	10 months 21 days	10 months 6 days

Stock-Based Compensation - S104

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Options Outstanding (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	$ 20.58
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 56.32
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	6,973,591	7,734,841	7,889,321	8,579,202
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 3 months 26 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 44.64	$ 38.84	$ 32.91	$ 27.84
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	3,115,847	3,774,061	3,809,415
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 36.81	$ 29.37	$ 24.58
$20.58 - $32.48
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	20.58
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 32.48
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,549,010
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 2 months 23 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 30.01
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	1,470,267
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 29.99
37.40 - 43.06
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	37.40
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 43.06
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,111,634
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	3 years 6 months 11 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 37.67
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	998,713
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 37.70
50.64
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	50.64
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 50.64
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,412,225
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	7 years 4 months 28 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.64
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	0
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 0
50.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	50.69
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 50.69
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,406,282
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 7 months 17 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.69
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	604,802
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.69
51.62 - 56.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	51.62
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 56.32
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,494,440
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	5 years 7 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 53.64
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	42,065
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 54.79

Stock-Based Compensation - A105

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Option Activity (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Options
Options Outstanding-beginning of year (in shares)	7,734,841	7,889,321	8,579,202
Options Exercised (in shares)	(2,184,169)	(1,576,485)	(2,210,348)
Options Expired and forfeited (in shares)	(8,518)	(95,621)	(3,488)
Adjustment to options for stock split (in shares)			(27)
Options Outstanding-end of year (in shares)	6,973,591	7,734,841	7,889,321
Options Exercisable at end of year (in shares)	3,115,847	3,774,061	3,809,415
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 (in dollars per share)	$ 38.84	$ 32.91	$ 27.84
Options exercised in the period - weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	28.08	22.81	25.47
Options expired and forfeited in the period - weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	39.35	48.85	40.05
Outstanding-end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	44.64	38.84	32.91
Exercisable at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 36.81	$ 29.37	$ 24.58
7-year term
Options
Options Granted (in shares)	834,212	1,220,751	1,226,270
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 (in dollars per share)	$ 50.78	$ 53.62	$ 50.70
10-year term
Options
Options Granted (in shares)	597,225	296,875	297,712
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 (in dollars per share)	$ 50.64	$ 53.61	$ 50.69

Stock-Based Compensation - S106

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Additional Information of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 3 months 26 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 87,286	$ 141,728
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	2 years 11 months 16 days	2 years 8 months 27 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 63,395	$ 104,885

Stock-Based Compensation - Sele

Stock-Based Compensation - Selected Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 9.04	$ 11.97	$ 14.77
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 73,995	$ 54,854	$ 61,229
Cash received from options exercised	61,329	35,958	56,294
Actual tax benefit received	$ 25,898	$ 24,470	$ 23,232

Stock-Based Compensation - S108

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 3 months 26 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 87,286	$ 141,728
Unvested Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	3,857,744	3,960,780
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.97	$ 47.86
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	6 years 1 month 10 days	5 years 9 months 26 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 23,891	$ 36,843

Stock-Based Compensation - S109

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Granted (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 21, 2017	Feb. 24, 2016	Jan. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares (in shares)				186,961	193,788	210,613
Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (in shares)				(35,073)	(58,056)	22,060
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Settlement of performance shares		159,020	211,287
Shares (in shares)				167,500	179,500	179,250
Price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 50.64	$ 53.61	$ 51.41
Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (in shares)				(35,073)	(58,056)	22,060
Aggregate value				$ 8,482	$ 9,623	$ 9,215
Percent vested				0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Executive Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares (in shares)				0	0	12,000
Price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 0	$ 0	$ 50.69
Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (in shares)
Aggregate value				$ 0	$ 0	$ 608
Percent vested				0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares (in shares)				12,549	6,648	7,041
Price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 57.39	$ 54.16	$ 51.62
Assumed adjustment for performance objectives (in shares)
Aggregate value				$ 720	$ 360	$ 363
Percent vested				85.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Directors Restricted Stock Units Including Dividend Equivalents
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares (in shares)				6,912	7,640	12,322
Price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 56.74	$ 54.44	$ 51.69
Aggregate value				$ 392	$ 416	$ 637
Percent vested				100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Subsequent Event | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Settlement of performance shares	119,896

Stock-Based Compensation - A110

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	646,682	819,790	706,995
Grants (in shares)	186,961	193,788	210,613
Additional performance shares	(35,073)	(58,056)	22,060
Restriction lapses and settlements (in shares)	(306,802)	(287,390)	(109,678)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	(21,450)	(10,200)
Ending Balance (in shares)	491,768	646,682	819,790
Executive Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	187,665	263,430	344,445
Grants (in shares)	0	0	12,000
Additional performance shares
Restriction lapses and settlements (in shares)	(130,215)	(61,815)	(90,315)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	(13,950)	(2,700)
Ending Balance (in shares)	57,450	187,665	263,430
Executive Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	459,017	556,360	362,550
Grants (in shares)	167,500	179,500	179,250
Additional performance shares	(35,073)	(58,056)	22,060
Restriction lapses and settlements (in shares)	(159,020)	(211,287)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	(7,500)	(7,500)
Ending Balance (in shares)	432,424	459,017	556,360
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	0	0	0
Grants (in shares)	12,549	6,648	7,041
Additional performance shares
Restriction lapses and settlements (in shares)	(10,655)	(6,648)	(7,041)
Forfeitures (in shares)
Ending Balance (in shares)	1,894	0	0
Directors Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	0	0	0
Grants (in shares)	6,912	7,640	12,322
Additional performance shares
Restriction lapses and settlements (in shares)	(6,912)	(7,640)	(12,322)
Forfeitures (in shares)
Ending Balance (in shares)	0	0	0

Stock-Based Compensation - S111

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value of Unvested Restricted Stock (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Executive Restricted Stock
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, 2016 (in dollars per share)	$ 32.92
Grants (in dollars per share)	0	$ 0	$ 50.69
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(30.47)
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	0
Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2016 (in dollars per share)	38.46	32.92
Executive Performance Shares
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, 2016 (in dollars per share)	46.77
Grants (in dollars per share)	50.64
Estimated additional performance shares (in dollars per share)	(70.47)
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(37.40)
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	0
Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2016 (in dollars per share)	49.79	46.77
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grants (in dollars per share)	57.39	$ 54.16	$ 51.62
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(56.32)
Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2016 (in dollars per share)	63.39
Directors Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grants (in dollars per share)	56.32
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	$ (56.32)

Business Segments - Schedule of

Business Segments - Schedule of Segment Premium Revenue by Each Marketing Groups (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 3,137,034	$ 2,998,720	$ 2,836,140
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United American Independent
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 368,786	$ 360,501	$ 322,350
% of Total	12.00%	12.00%	11.00%
Liberty National Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 472,274	$ 480,263	$ 494,282
% of Total	15.00%	16.00%	18.00%
American Income Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 997,737	$ 911,242	$ 845,180
% of Total	32.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Family Heritage Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 238,941	$ 223,425	$ 206,262
% of Total	8.00%	8.00%	7.00%
Direct Response
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 853,158	$ 816,303	$ 760,689
% of Total	27.00%	27.00%	27.00%
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 206,138	$ 206,986	$ 207,377
% of Total	6.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 2,189,333	$ 2,073,065	$ 1,966,300
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Life | United American Independent
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 13,733	$ 15,036	$ 16,582
% of Total	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Life | Liberty National Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 270,476	$ 271,113	$ 272,265
% of Total	12.00%	13.00%	14.00%
Life | American Income Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 913,355	$ 830,903	$ 766,458
% of Total	42.00%	40.00%	39.00%
Life | Family Heritage Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 2,866	$ 2,334	$ 1,595
% of Total	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Life | Direct Response
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 782,765	$ 746,693	$ 702,023
% of Total	36.00%	36.00%	36.00%
Life | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 206,138	$ 206,986	$ 207,377
% of Total	9.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 947,663	$ 925,520	$ 869,440
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Health | United American Independent
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 355,015	$ 345,330	$ 305,368
% of Total	38.00%	37.00%	35.00%
Health | Liberty National Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 201,798	$ 209,150	$ 222,017
% of Total	21.00%	23.00%	25.00%
Health | American Income Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 84,382	$ 80,339	$ 78,722
% of Total	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Health | Family Heritage Exclusive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 236,075	$ 221,091	$ 204,667
% of Total	25.00%	24.00%	24.00%
Health | Direct Response
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 70,393	$ 69,610	$ 58,666
% of Total	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 38	$ 135	$ 400
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Annuity | United American Independent
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 38	$ 135	$ 400
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Business Segments - Additional

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Administrative settlements	$ 3,795	$ 1,394	$ 8,178
Administrative settlement, after tax	$ 2,467	$ 906	5,316
Litigation settlement amount			2,337
Settled Litigation Regarding Non-Insurance Matter
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount			3,700
Litigation settlement expense, after tax			2,400
Settled Litigation Regarding Investments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount			1,300
Litigation settlement amount, after tax			$ 853

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue:
Premium	$ 787,908	$ 783,411	$ 785,855	$ 779,860	$ 756,071	$ 748,109	$ 752,484	$ 742,056	$ 3,137,034	$ 2,998,720	$ 2,836,140
Net investment income	205,488	202,720	201,642	197,053	194,319	193,213	194,823	191,596	806,903	773,951	758,286
Other income									1,375	2,185	2,121
Total revenue									3,945,312	3,774,856	3,596,547
Expenses:
Policy benefits	540,138	532,152	531,485	524,973	508,965	501,156	508,316	497,775	2,128,748	2,016,212	1,903,384
Policy reserves									0	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs									0	0	0
Amortization of acquisition costs	116,191	116,821	117,245	118,806	111,584	111,643	111,738	110,660	469,063	445,625	415,914
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									249,174	237,541	222,463
Insurance administrative expense									197,151	186,191	177,254
Parent expense									8,587	9,003	8,074
Stock-based compensation expense									26,326	28,664	32,203
Interest expense									83,345	76,642	76,126
Total benefits and expenses									3,162,394	2,999,878	2,835,418
Subtotal									782,918	774,978	761,129
Non-operating items									4,348	1,394	10,515
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									787,266	776,372	771,644
Deduct applicable income taxes									(237,906)	(253,459)	(252,041)
Net operating income from continuing operations									549,360	522,913	519,603
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)	(18,463)	3,482	4,005	293	(16,663)	5,140	2,613	119	(10,683)	(8,791)	23,548
Deduct legal settlement expenses											(2,337)
Deduct administrative settlements									(3,795)	(1,394)	(8,178)
Deduct non-operating fees									(553)
Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statement of Operations	$ 175,982	$ 201,461	$ 199,344	$ 195,448	$ 175,978	$ 199,009	$ 196,723	$ 194,477	772,235	766,187	784,677
Operating Segments | Life
Revenue:
Premium									2,189,333	2,073,065	1,966,300
Total revenue									2,189,333	2,073,065	1,966,300
Expenses:
Policy benefits									1,475,477	1,374,608	1,293,384
Policy reserves									(577,827)	(552,298)	(530,192)
Deferred acquisition costs									178,946	172,947	168,100
Amortization of acquisition costs									374,499	353,595	335,345
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									164,476	154,811	143,174
Total benefits and expenses									1,615,571	1,503,663	1,409,811
Subtotal									573,762	569,402	556,489
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									573,762	569,402	556,489
Operating Segments | Health
Revenue:
Premium									947,663	925,520	869,440
Total revenue									947,663	925,520	869,440
Expenses:
Policy benefits									612,725	602,610	559,817
Policy reserves									(73,382)	(69,057)	(64,401)
Deferred acquisition costs									23,060	22,760	22,499
Amortization of acquisition costs									90,385	83,341	72,731
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									84,819	81,489	79,475
Total benefits and expenses									737,607	721,143	670,121
Subtotal									210,056	204,377	199,319
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									210,056	204,377	199,319
Operating Segments | Annuity
Revenue:
Premium									38	135	400
Total revenue									38	135	400
Expenses:
Policy benefits									36,751	38,994	42,005
Policy reserves									(51,131)	(53,295)	(55,255)
Deferred acquisition costs									807	1,138	1,453
Amortization of acquisition costs									4,179	8,689	7,838
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									38	41	47
Total benefits and expenses									(9,356)	(4,433)	(3,912)
Subtotal									9,394	4,568	4,312
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									9,394	4,568	4,312
Operating Segments | Investment
Revenue:
Net investment income									806,903	773,951	758,286
Total revenue									806,903	773,951	758,286
Expenses:
Policy reserves									702,340	674,650	649,848
Deferred acquisition costs									(202,813)	(196,845)	(192,052)
Interest expense									83,345	76,642	76,126
Total benefits and expenses									582,872	554,447	533,922
Subtotal									224,031	219,504	224,364
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									224,031	219,504	224,364
Operating Segments | Other
Revenue:
Other income									1,534	2,379	2,354
Total revenue									1,534	2,379	2,354
Expenses:
Insurance administrative expense									196,598	186,191	174,832
Total benefits and expenses									196,598	186,191	174,832
Subtotal									(195,064)	(183,812)	(172,478)
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									(195,064)	(183,812)	(172,478)
Corporate
Expenses:
Parent expense									8,587	9,003	8,159
Stock-based compensation expense									26,326	28,664	32,203
Total benefits and expenses									34,913	37,667	40,362
Subtotal									(34,913)	(37,667)	(40,362)
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									(34,913)	(37,667)	(40,362)
Adjustments
Revenue:
Other income									(159)	(194)	(233)
Total revenue									(159)	(194)	(233)
Expenses:
Policy benefits									3,795		8,178
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									(159)	1,200	(233)
Insurance administrative expense									553		2,422
Parent expense											(85)
Total benefits and expenses									4,189	1,200	10,282
Subtotal									(4,348)	(1,394)	(10,515)
Non-operating items									4,348		10,515
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Business Segments - Analysis of

Business Segments - Analysis of Profitability by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 787,266	$ 776,372	$ 771,644
Applicable taxes									(237,906)	(253,459)	(252,041)
Net operating income from continuing operations									549,360	522,913	519,603
Discontinued operations (after tax)									10,189	10,807	14,865
Total									559,549	533,720	534,468
Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax)									(6,944)	(5,714)	15,306
Legal settlement expenses (after tax)									0	0	(1,519)
Administrative settlements (after tax)									(2,467)	(906)	(5,316)
Non-operating fees (after tax)									(359)	0	0
Net income	$ 135,448	$ 151,869	$ 138,429	$ 124,033	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	549,779	527,100	542,939
Pretax operating income, Change									10,894	4,728
Applicable taxes, Change									15,553	(1,418)
Net operating income from continuing operations, Change									26,447	3,310
Discontinued operation (after tax), Change									(618)	(4,058)
Total, Change									25,829	(748)
Realized gains (losses)-investments (after tax), Change									(1,230)	(21,020)
Legal settlement expenses (after tax), Change									0	1,519
Administrative settlements (after tax), Change									(1,561)	4,410
Non-operating fees (after tax), Change									(359)	0
Net income, Change									$ 22,679	$ (15,839)
Pretax operating income, Change %									1.00%	1.00%
Applicable taxes, Change %									(6.00%)	1.00%
Net operating income, Change %									5.00%	1.00%
Discontinued operation (after tax), Change %									(6.00%)	(27.00%)
Total, Change %									5.00%	0.00%
Net income, Change %									4.00%	(3.00%)
Operating Segments | Life insurance underwriting margin
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 573,762	$ 569,402	556,489
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 4,360	$ 12,913
Pretax operating income, Change %									1.00%	2.00%
Operating Segments | Health insurance underwriting margin
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 210,056	$ 204,377	199,319
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 5,679	$ 5,058
Pretax operating income, Change %									3.00%	3.00%
Operating Segments | Annuity underwriting margin
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 9,394	$ 4,568	4,312
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 4,826	$ 256
Pretax operating income, Change %									106.00%	6.00%
Operating Segments | Investment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ 224,031	$ 219,504	224,364
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 4,527	$ (4,860)
Pretax operating income, Change %									2.00%	(2.00%)
Operating Segments | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ (195,064)	$ (183,812)	(172,478)
Operating Segments | Other | Other income
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									1,534	2,379	2,354
Pretax operating income, Change									$ (845)	$ 25
Pretax operating income, Change %									(36.00%)	1.00%
Operating Segments | Other | Administrative expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ (196,598)	$ (186,191)	(174,832)
Pretax operating income, Change									$ (10,407)	$ (11,359)
Pretax operating income, Change %									6.00%	6.00%
Operating Segments | Other | Corporate and adjustments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax operating income									$ (34,913)	$ (37,667)	$ (40,362)
Pretax operating income, Change									$ 2,754	$ 2,695
Pretax operating income, Change %									(7.00%)	(7.00%)

Business Segments - Assets by S

Business Segments - Assets by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	$ 15,955,891	$ 14,405,073
Accrued investment income	223,148	209,915
Deferred acquisition costs	3,783,158	3,617,135	$ 3,457,397	$ 3,325,433
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	1,032,299	1,179,499
Total assets	21,436,087	19,853,213
Life
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Deferred acquisition costs	3,261,220	3,098,656
Goodwill	309,609	309,609
Total assets	3,570,829	3,408,265
Health
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Deferred acquisition costs	512,701	502,535
Goodwill	131,982	131,982
Total assets	644,683	634,517
Annuity
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Deferred acquisition costs	9,237	15,944
Total assets	9,237	15,944
Investment
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	15,955,891	14,405,073
Accrued investment income	223,148	209,915
Total assets	16,179,039	14,614,988
Other
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Other assets	1,032,299	1,179,499
Total assets	$ 1,032,299	$ 1,179,499

Business Segments - Other Balan

Business Segments - Other Balances by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 12,825,837	$ 12,245,811
Unearned and advance premiums	64,017	67,021
Policy claims and other benefits payable	299,565	272,898
Debt	1,397,640	1,233,862
Other	2,282,167	1,978,069
Total	16,869,226	15,797,661
Life
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	9,825,776	9,327,561
Unearned and advance premiums	16,828	17,381
Policy claims and other benefits payable	156,437	135,778
Total	9,999,041	9,480,720
Health
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,706,870	1,600,240
Unearned and advance premiums	47,189	49,640
Policy claims and other benefits payable	143,128	137,120
Total	1,897,187	1,787,000
Annuity
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,293,191	1,318,010
Total	1,293,191	1,318,010
Investment
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Debt	1,397,640	1,233,862
Total	1,397,640	1,233,862
Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Other	2,282,167	1,978,069
Total	$ 2,282,167	$ 1,978,069

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)guaranteeleasestate	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
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	1.90%
Reinsurance assumed ratio on premium income	0.70%	0.80%	0.90%
Rental expense	$ 6,520,000	$ 6,722,000	$ 4,200,000
Investment in low-income housing interests	$ 280,000,000	306,000,000
Number of guarantee arrangements | guarantee	4
Guarantee liability	$ 0
Letters of credit facility outstanding	$ 177,000,000	$ 177,000,000
Number of states private entities contracted with to conduct audits | state	47
Letter of Credit
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Letter of credit maximum available amount	$ 250,000,000
Equipment Lease Guarantees
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of leases under guarantee | lease	3
Maximum exposure under guarantees	$ 15,000,000
Private placement fixed maturities
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Purchase commitment of private placement fixed maturities	$ 8,400,000
Flight Equipment | Equipment Lease Guarantees
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of leases under guarantee | lease	2
Software, Furniture and Equipment | Equipment Lease Guarantees
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of leases under guarantee | lease	1

Commitments and Contingencie119

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 8,182
2,018	5,254
2,019	5,047
2,020	4,898
2,021	4,625
Thereafter	$ 7,801

Commitments and Contingencie120

Commitments and Contingencies - Low-Income Housing Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 34,162
2,018	18,350
2,019	2,964
2,020	838
2,021	302
Thereafter	$ 202

Selected Quarterly Data (Una121

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Premium income	$ 787,908	$ 783,411	$ 785,855	$ 779,860	$ 756,071	$ 748,109	$ 752,484	$ 742,056	$ 3,137,034		$ 2,998,720		$ 2,836,140
Net investment income	205,488	202,720	201,642	197,053	194,319	193,213	194,823	191,596	806,903		773,951		758,286
Realized investment gains (losses)	(18,463)	3,482	4,005	293	(16,663)	5,140	2,613	119	(10,683)		(8,791)		23,548
Total revenue	975,345	989,773	991,884	977,627	933,860	947,154	950,611	934,440	3,934,629		3,766,065		3,620,095
Policyholder benefits	540,138	532,152	531,485	524,973	508,965	501,156	508,316	497,775	2,128,748		2,016,212		1,903,384
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	116,191	116,821	117,245	118,806	111,584	111,643	111,738	110,660	469,063		445,625		415,914
Pretax income from continuing operations	175,982	201,461	199,344	195,448	175,978	199,009	196,723	194,477	772,235		766,187		784,677
Income from continuing operations	124,812	141,910	139,294	133,574	119,130	133,858	132,527	130,778	539,590		516,293		528,074
Income from discontinued operations	10,636	9,959	(865)	(9,541)	13,826	11,528	(5,417)	(9,130)	10,189		10,807		14,865
Net income	$ 135,448	$ 151,869	$ 138,429	$ 124,033	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	$ 549,779		$ 527,100		$ 542,939
Basic net income per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.05	$ 1.19	$ 1.16	$ 1.10	$ 0.97	$ 1.08	$ 1.05	$ 1.03	$ 4.50		$ 4.13		$ 4.04
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.09	0.08	(0.01)	(0.08)	0.11	0.09	(0.04)	(0.07)	0.08		0.08		0.11
Total basic net income per common share (in dollar per share)	1.14	1.27	1.15	1.02	1.08	1.17	1.01	0.96	4.58		4.21		4.15
Diluted net income per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	1.03	1.16	1.13	1.08	0.96	1.06	1.04	1.02	4.41	[1]	4.07	[1]	3.98	[1]
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.09	0.09	0	(0.07)	0.11	0.09	(0.04)	(0.07)	0.08	[1]	0.09	[1]	0.11	[1]
Total diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.12	$ 1.25	$ 1.13	$ 1.01	$ 1.07	$ 1.15	$ 1	$ 0.95	$ 4.49	[1]	$ 4.16	[1]	$ 4.09	[1]
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Schedule II. Condensed Finan122

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:
Cash	$ 76,163	$ 61,383	$ 66,019	$ 36,943
Other assets	520,313	522,104
Total assets	21,436,087	19,853,213
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	264,475	490,129
Long-term debt	1,133,165	743,733
Other liabilities	413,760	380,158
Total liabilities	16,869,226	15,797,661
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	127,218	130,218
Additional paid-in capital	490,421	482,284
Accumulated other comprehensive income	577,574	231,947
Retained earnings	3,890,798	3,614,369
Treasury stock	(519,150)	(403,266)
Total shareholders’ equity	4,566,861	4,055,552	4,697,466	3,776,342
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	21,436,087	19,853,213
Parent Company
Assets:
Long-term investments	33,586	35,498
Cash	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Investment in affiliates	6,004,429	5,438,749
Due from affiliates	96,005	50,765
Taxes receivable from affiliates	88,406	79,599
Other assets	119,801	93,936
Total assets	6,342,227	5,698,547
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	264,475	490,129
Long-term debt	1,282,891	893,417
Due to affiliates	0	57,157
Other liabilities	228,000	202,292
Total liabilities	1,775,366	1,642,995
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	351	351
Common stock	127,218	130,218
Additional paid-in capital	840,932	832,795
Accumulated other comprehensive income	577,574	231,947
Retained earnings	3,890,798	3,614,369
Treasury stock	(870,012)	(754,128)
Total shareholders’ equity	4,566,861	4,055,552
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 6,342,227	$ 5,698,547

Schedule II. Condensed Finan123

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income		$ 205,488	$ 202,720	$ 201,642	$ 197,053	$ 194,319	$ 193,213	$ 194,823	$ 191,596	$ 806,903	$ 773,951	$ 758,286
Realized investment gains (losses)		(18,463)	3,482	4,005	293	(16,663)	5,140	2,613	119	(10,683)	(8,791)	23,548
Total revenue		975,345	989,773	991,884	977,627	933,860	947,154	950,611	934,440	3,934,629	3,766,065	3,620,095
General operating expenses										232,064	223,858	217,531
Interest expense										83,345	76,642	76,126
Total benefits and expenses										3,162,394	2,999,878	2,835,418
Income before income taxes		175,982	201,461	199,344	195,448	175,978	199,009	196,723	194,477	772,235	766,187	784,677
Income taxes	[1]									(232,645)	(249,894)	(256,603)
Net income		$ 135,448	$ 151,869	$ 138,429	$ 124,033	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	549,779	527,100	542,939
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive income (loss)										895,406	(238,405)	1,329,410
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income										25,352	23,715	22,259
Realized investment gains (losses)										0	8	4,767
Total revenue										25,352	23,723	27,026
General operating expenses										52,613	54,100	53,235
Reimbursements from affiliates										(54,288)	(53,436)	(53,040)
Interest expense										86,853	79,677	79,366
Total benefits and expenses										85,178	80,341	79,561
Income before income taxes										(59,826)	(56,618)	(52,535)
Income taxes										23,479	15,542	13,335
Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates										(36,347)	(41,076)	(39,200)
Equity in earnings of affiliates										586,126	568,176	582,139
Net income										549,779	527,100	542,939
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Attributable to Parent Company										(11,314)	(3,539)	(28,680)
Attributable to affiliates										356,941	(761,966)	815,151
Comprehensive income (loss)										$ 895,406	$ (238,405)	$ 1,329,410
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Schedule II. Condensed Finan124

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income		$ 135,448	$ 151,869	$ 138,429	$ 124,033	$ 132,956	$ 145,386	$ 127,110	$ 121,648	$ 549,779	$ 527,100	$ 542,939
Other, net										20,079	13,985	(38,354)
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities										1,398,708	1,120,050	864,708
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Disposition of investments										578,004	606,690	383,742
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments										(17,274)	(38,884)	61,008
Additions to properties										(25,162)	(36,957)	(19,367)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities										(1,062,436)	(633,350)	(350,163)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of debt										(250,000)	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt										400,000	0	0
Payment for debt issuance costs										(9,638)	0	0
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper										22,224	1,978	9,328
Issuance of stock										61,329	35,958	56,294
Acquisitions of treasury stock										(404,784)	(418,526)	(449,308)
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	[1]									0	17,577	18,524
Payment of dividends										(66,931)	(66,899)	(65,006)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities										(319,791)	(525,705)	(499,960)
Increase (decrease) in cash										14,780	(4,636)	29,076
Cash at beginning of year					61,383				66,019	61,383	66,019	36,943
Cash at end of year		76,163				61,383				76,163	61,383	66,019
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income										549,779	527,100	542,939
Equity in earnings of affiliates										(586,126)	(568,176)	(582,139)
Cash dividends from subsidiaries										437,566	466,416	478,840
Other, net										(6,718)	20,371	17,842
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities										394,501	445,711	457,482
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Disposition of investments										0	0	5,064
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments										(3,466)	17,338	2,729
Investment in subsidiaries										(35,000)	(2)	0
Additions to properties										(21,965)	(468)	0
Loaned money to affiliates										(363,056)	(282,508)	(81,000)
Repayments from affiliates										318,056	282,508	81,000
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities										(105,431)	16,868	7,793
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of debt										(250,000)	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt										400,000	0	0
Payment for debt issuance costs										(9,638)	0	0
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper										22,224	1,978	9,328
Issuance of stock										61,329	35,958	56,294
Acquisitions of treasury stock										(404,784)	(418,526)	(449,309)
Borrowed money from affiliate										60,000	15,000	168,000
Repayments to affiliates										(78,000)	(15,000)	(168,000)
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises										0	8,180	6,688
Payment of dividends										(90,201)	(90,169)	(88,276)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities										(289,070)	(462,579)	(465,275)
Increase (decrease) in cash										0	0	0
Cash at beginning of year					$ 0				$ 0	0	0	0
Cash at end of year		$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Certain current year amounts were prospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under "Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year."

Schedule II. Condensed Finan125

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Notes To Condensed Financial Statements) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries	$ 438,000	$ 466,000	$ 479,000
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	26,326	28,664	32,203
Interest paid	81,338	74,792	77,066
Income taxes received	$ 79,790	$ 110,650	100,922
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries	$ 437,566	$ 466,416	478,840
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	26,326	28,664	32,203
Borrowed money from affiliate	0	56,503	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	39,206	0
Purchase of agent debit balances	0	17,297	0
Interest paid	84,952	77,920	77,663
Income taxes received	$ (20,838)	$ (22,009)	$ (25,581)
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 | Parent Company
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 | Parent Company
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 | Parent Company
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 I. Reinsurance (Detail

Schedule I. Reinsurance (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Life insurance in force, gross amount	$ 174,314,897	$ 167,677,206	$ 160,455,963
Life insurance in force, ceded to other companies	725,867	729,739	795,192
Life insurance in force, assumed from other companies	3,352,113	3,498,826	3,658,511
Life insurance in force, net amount	$ 176,941,143	$ 170,446,293	$ 163,319,282
Life insurance in force, percentage of amount assumed to net	1.90%	2.10%	2.20%
Premium, gross amount	$ 3,103,835	$ 2,963,032	$ 2,796,996
Premium, ceded to other companies	7,981	7,623	7,565
Premium, assumed from other companies	22,915	24,007	25,774
Premium income	$ 3,118,769	$ 2,979,416	$ 2,815,205
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.70%	0.80%	0.90%
Policy charges	$ 18,300	$ 19,300	$ 20,900
Life insurance
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	2,152,698	2,034,373	1,924,605
Premium, ceded to other companies	4,507	4,484	4,614
Premium, assumed from other companies	22,915	24,007	25,774
Premium income	$ 2,171,106	$ 2,053,896	$ 1,945,765
Percentage of amount assumed to net	1.10%	1.20%	1.30%
Health insurance
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	$ 951,137	$ 928,659	$ 872,391
Premium, ceded to other companies	3,474	3,139	2,951
Premium, assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Premium income	$ 947,663	$ 925,520	$ 869,440
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%