Globe Life (GL) 10-Q 8 Aug 19 2019 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Aug. 01, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-8052
Entity Registrant Name	GLOBE LIFE INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	63-0780404
Entity Address, Address Line One	3700 South Stonebridge Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	McKinney
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75070
City Area Code	972
Local Phone Number	569-4000
Entity Information, Former Legal or Registered Name	TORCHMARK CORP
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
Trading Symbol	GL
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		109,101,980
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0000320335
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2019—$15,984,272; 2018—$15,753,471)	$ 17,934,274	$ 16,297,932
Policy loans	560,469	550,066
Other long-term investments (includes: 2019—$165,426; 2018—$108,241 under the fair value option)	289,147	207,258
Short-term investments	74,116	63,288
Total investments	18,858,006	17,118,544
Cash	89,319	121,026
Accrued investment income	247,383	243,003
Other receivables	425,372	415,157
Deferred acquisition costs	4,232,717	4,137,925
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	561,057	549,899
Assets related to discontinued operations	0	68,577
Total assets	24,855,445	23,095,722
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	14,218,030	13,953,826
Unearned and advance premium	66,892	61,208
Policy claims and other benefits payable	351,347	350,826
Other policyholders' funds	95,753	97,459
Total policy liabilities	14,732,022	14,463,319
Current and deferred income taxes	1,351,495	1,047,737
Short-term debt	257,453	307,848
Long-term debt (estimated fair value: 2019—$1,446,082; 2018—$1,384,455)	1,353,395	1,357,185
Other liabilities	460,682	453,270
Liabilities related to discontinued operations	0	51,186
Total liabilities	18,155,047	17,680,545
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share—5,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding: 0 in 2019 and 2018	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share—320,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding: (2019—121,218,183 issued; 2018— 121,218,183 issued)	121,218	121,218
Additional paid-in-capital	526,518	524,414
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,439,250	319,475
Retained earnings	5,514,517	5,213,468
Treasury stock, at cost: (2019—11,995,233 shares; 2018—10,525,147 shares)	(901,105)	(763,398)
Total shareholders' equity	6,700,398	5,415,177
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 24,855,445	$ 23,095,722

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 15,984,272	$ 15,753,471
Other long-term investments under fair value option	289,147	207,258
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 1,446,082	$ 1,384,455
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	320,000,000	320,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	121,218,183	121,218,183
Common stock, shares outstanding	121,218,183	121,218,183
Common stock, shares held in treasury	11,995,233	10,525,147
Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option | Investment in limited partnerships
Other long-term investments under fair value option	$ 165,426	$ 108,241

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue:
Premium	$ 897,484	$ 853,979	$ 1,788,457	$ 1,704,085
Net investment income	227,425	218,568	454,098	436,652
Realized gains (losses)	5,154	11,813	6,483	13,764
Other income	398	416	639	711
Total revenue	1,130,461	1,084,776	2,249,677	2,155,212
Benefits and expenses:
Life policyholder benefits	410,961	399,334	820,653	799,915
Health policyholder benefits	170,511	160,461	340,528	321,080
Other policyholder benefits	7,890	8,582	15,938	17,271
Total policyholder benefits	589,362	568,377	1,177,119	1,138,266
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	138,165	129,077	273,987	258,697
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	73,698	69,427	147,163	139,066
Other operating expense	79,044	68,620	151,837	135,444
Interest expense	21,432	22,411	42,710	44,033
Total benefits and expenses	901,701	857,912	1,792,816	1,715,506
Income before income taxes	228,760	226,864	456,861	439,706
Income tax benefit (expense)	(42,151)	(42,471)	(84,858)	(81,602)
Income from continuing operations	186,609	184,393	372,003	358,104
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(43)	32	(92)	(79)
Net income	$ 186,566	$ 184,425	$ 371,911	$ 358,025
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.70	$ 1.63	$ 3.38	$ 3.15
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0
Total basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	1.70	1.63	3.38	3.15
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	1.67	1.59	3.32	3.08
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0
Total diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.67	$ 1.59	$ 3.32	$ 3.08
Life premium
Revenue:
Premium	$ 631,201	$ 602,534	$ 1,255,490	$ 1,200,837
Other premium
Revenue:
Premium	266,282	251,440	532,966	503,238
Other premium
Revenue:
Premium	$ 1	$ 5	$ 1	$ 10

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Net income	$ 186,566	$ 184,425	$ 371,911	$ 358,025
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities:
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities	718,236	(425,805)	1,413,175	(1,041,487)
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(150,829)	89,423	(296,765)	218,712
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	567,407	(336,382)	1,116,410	(822,775)
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs	170	2,041	(3,029)	2,491
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(35)	(429)	636	(523)
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	135	1,612	(2,393)	1,968
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities	(38)	(6,217)	3,051	(7,516)
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	7	1,303	(640)	1,579
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities, net of tax	(31)	(4,914)	2,411	(5,937)
Pension:
Amortization of pension costs	2,118	3,778	4,238	7,556
Pension adjustments	2,118	3,778	4,238	7,556
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(446)	(794)	(891)	(1,587)
Pension adjustments, net of tax	1,672	2,984	3,347	5,969
Other comprehensive income (loss)	569,183	(336,700)	1,119,775	(820,775)
Comprehensive income (loss)	755,749	(152,275)	1,491,686	(462,750)
Securities
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	714,862	(417,616)	1,408,344	(1,029,164)
Reclassifications adjustments included in net income	(843)	(8,561)	(3,287)	(9,257)
Foreign exchange adjustment on securities recorded at fair value	626	(679)	484	(1,264)
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities	714,645	(426,856)	1,405,541	(1,039,685)
Other
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	$ 3,591	$ 1,051	$ 7,634	$ (1,802)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' 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, 2017		$ 6,231,421	$ 0	$ 124,218	$ 508,476	$ 1,424,274	$ 4,806,208	$ (631,755)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		(310,475)				(484,075)	173,600
Common dividends declared		(18,216)					(18,216)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(109,954)						(109,954)
Stock-based compensation		9,060			465		(1,803)	10,398
Exercise of stock options		13,569					(9,077)	22,646
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018		5,820,301	0	124,218	508,941	940,199	4,955,608	(708,665)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		6,231,421	0	124,218	508,476	1,424,274	4,806,208	(631,755)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		(462,750)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2018		5,571,609	0	124,218	517,077	603,499	5,115,071	(788,256)
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2018		5,820,301	0	124,218	508,941	940,199	4,955,608	(708,665)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		(152,275)				(336,700)	184,425
Common dividends declared		(18,062)					(18,062)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(96,635)						(96,635)
Stock-based compensation		10,497			8,136		0	2,361
Exercise of stock options		7,783					(6,900)	14,683
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2018		5,571,609	0	124,218	517,077	603,499	5,115,071	(788,256)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		5,415,177	0	121,218	524,414	319,475	5,213,468	(763,398)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		735,937				550,592	185,345
Common dividends declared		(18,943)					(18,943)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(110,896)						(110,896)
Stock-based compensation		10,559			(5,885)		(6,817)	23,261
Exercise of stock options		12,089					(7,736)	19,825
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019		6,043,426	0	121,218	518,529	870,067	5,364,820	(831,208)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		5,415,177	0	121,218	524,414	319,475	5,213,468	(763,398)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		1,491,686
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019		6,700,398	0	121,218	526,518	1,439,250	5,514,517	(901,105)
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2019		6,043,426	0	121,218	518,529	870,067	5,364,820	(831,208)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)		755,749				569,183	186,566
Common dividends declared		(18,838)					(18,838)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(119,201)						(119,201)
Stock-based compensation		11,256			7,989		0	3,267
Exercise of stock options		27,901					(18,136)	46,037
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019		6,700,398	$ 0	$ 121,218	$ 526,518	$ 1,439,250	5,514,517	$ (901,105)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Adoption of ASU 2016-01	[1]	$ 105					$ 105
[1]	See further discussion in Note 2—New Accounting Standards .

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.1725	$ 0.1725	$ 0.1600	$ 0.1600

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities:
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	$ 686,637	$ 616,520
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Fixed maturities available for sale—sold	34,997	0
Fixed maturities available for sale—matured or other redemptions	440,796	179,793
Other long-term investments	0	23
Total investments sold or matured	475,793	179,816
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale	(703,406)	(540,442)
Other long term investments	(80,979)	(64,444)
Total investments acquired	(784,385)	(604,886)
Net increase (decrease) in policy loans	(10,403)	(8,279)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term investments	(1,806)	58,527
Additions to properties	(21,654)	(18,735)
Dispositions of properties	15	17
Investment in low-income housing interests	(13,916)	(15,701)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	(356,356)	(409,241)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Issuance of common stock	39,598	21,352
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(36,652)	(35,406)
Repayment of debt	(3,125)	(21,875)
Net borrowing (repayment) of commercial paper	(51,645)	50,213
Acquisition of treasury stock	(230,097)	(206,589)
Net receipts (payments) from deposit product	(74,217)	(58,662)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(356,138)	(250,967)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	(5,850)	7,355
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(31,707)	(36,333)
Cash at beginning of year	121,026	118,563
Cash at end of period	$ 89,319	$ 82,230

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies Business : Effective August 8, 2019, Torchmark Corporation changed its corporate name to Globe Life Inc. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) ticker will be changed to "GL" on August 9, 2019. The name change is part of a brand alignment strategy which will enhance the Company's ability to build name recognition with potential customers and agent recruits through the use of a single brand. The underwriting companies owned by Globe Life Inc. (the "Parent Company") will continue to exist as legal entities, but over a period of time will go to market under the Globe Life name to leverage branding initiatives implemented at Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company in recent years. "Globe Life" and the "Company" refer to Globe Life Inc. , an insurance holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1979, and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Its primary subsidiaries are Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company, American Income Life Insurance Company ("American Income"), Liberty National Life Insurance Company ("Liberty National"), Family Heritage Life Insurance Company of America ("Family Heritage"), and United American Insurance Company ("United American"). Globe Life provides a variety of life and supplemental health insurance products and annuities to a broad base of customers. The Company is organized into four Basis of Presentation: The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Globe Life Inc. have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Therefore, they do not include all of the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for annual financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial position at June 30, 2019 , and the condensed consolidated results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 . The interim period condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements that are included in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 1, 2019 .

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	Note 2—New Accounting Standards Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-02/2018-11 , Leases (Topic 842), with clarification guidance issued in July 2018. The standard requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all operating leases that do not qualify for the practical expedients allowed for in this standard. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required. This standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The Company adopted the optional transition method allowed for under ASU 2018-11 by not restating comparative periods and recognizing an immaterial cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2019. The Company does not have any significant lessor contracts. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2017-08 , Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Topic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities This standard was issued to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The standard requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. This standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. This adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2019. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-13/2019-04/2019-05 , Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, with clarification guidance issued in April and May 2019. This standard ("CECL") provides financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments, such as assets recorded at amortized cost, as well as to change the loss impairment methodology for available-for-sale debt securities by use of an allowance rather than a direct write-down. This standard will become effective on January 1, 2020 with a modified retrospective transition and an opening balance sheet adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2020. The applicable section of the standard related to debt securities requires a prospective transition. We have determined relevant financial assets within scope of the standard. Based on our current analysis, we are not anticipating the adoption of the guidance to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2018-12 , Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts ASU 2018-12 is a significant change to our current accounting and disclosure of long-duration contracts, which is our primary business. The guidance was primarily issued to 1) improve the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits and modify the rate used to discount future cash flows, 2) simplify and improve the accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit (or account balance) contracts, 3) simplify the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, and 4) improve the effectiveness of the required disclosures. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements as well as assessing controls and accounting policies, key assumptions/data inputs, system solutions, and actuarial modeling. ASU No. 2018-13 , Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement The amendment modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The revised standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020. The removed and modified disclosures will be adopted on a retrospective basis and the new disclosures will be adopted on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted (continued) Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2018-14 , Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20), Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans The standard removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant to defined benefit plans. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021, and will be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2018-15 , Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract The standard was issued to now allow the capitalization of implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to be similar to the treatment of developed or obtained internal-use software. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020, and the Company plans to apply the standards on a prospective basis. Early adoption of the amendments is also permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Information about

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 3—Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income : An analysis of the change in balance by component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income is as follows for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 : Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at April 1, 2018 $ 1,082,896 $ (8,191 ) $ 15,279 $ (149,785 ) $ 940,199 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (329,619 ) 1,612 (4,914 ) — (332,921 ) Reclassifications, net of tax (6,763 ) — — 2,984 (3,779 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (336,382 ) 1,612 (4,914 ) 2,984 (336,700 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ 746,514 $ (6,579 ) $ 10,365 $ (146,801 ) $ 603,499 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at April 1, 2019 $ 984,701 $ (6,691 ) $ 8,937 $ (116,880 ) $ 870,067 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 568,073 135 (31 ) — 568,177 Reclassifications, net of tax (666 ) — — 1,672 1,006 Other comprehensive income (loss) 567,407 135 (31 ) 1,672 569,183 Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 1,552,108 $ (6,556 ) $ 8,906 $ (115,208 ) $ 1,439,250 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 1,569,289 $ (8,547 ) $ 16,302 $ (152,770 ) $ 1,424,274 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (815,462 ) 1,968 (5,937 ) — (819,431 ) Reclassifications, net of tax (7,313 ) — — 5,969 (1,344 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (822,775 ) 1,968 (5,937 ) 5,969 (820,775 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ 746,514 $ (6,579 ) $ 10,365 $ (146,801 ) $ 603,499 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 435,698 $ (4,163 ) $ 6,495 $ (118,555 ) $ 319,475 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 1,119,007 (2,393 ) 2,411 — 1,119,025 Reclassifications, net of tax (2,597 ) — — 3,347 750 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,116,410 (2,393 ) 2,411 3,347 1,119,775 Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 1,552,108 $ (6,556 ) $ 8,906 $ (115,208 ) $ 1,439,250 Reclassification adjustments : Reclassification adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 . Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, Affected line items in the Statement of Operations Component Line Item 2019 2018 2019 2018 Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale assets: Realized gains (losses) $ (2,237 ) $ (9,431 ) $ (5,907 ) $ (10,817 ) Realized investment gains (losses) Amortization of (discount) premium 1,394 870 2,620 1,560 Net investment income Total before tax (843 ) (8,561 ) (3,287 ) (9,257 ) Tax 177 1,798 690 1,944 Income taxes Total after-tax (666 ) (6,763 ) (2,597 ) (7,313 ) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 158 119 316 238 Other operating expense Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 1,960 3,659 3,922 7,318 Other operating expense Total before tax 2,118 3,778 4,238 7,556 Tax (446 ) (794 ) (891 ) (1,587 ) Income taxes Total after-tax 1,672 2,984 3,347 5,969 Total reclassification (after-tax) $ 1,006 $ (3,779 ) $ 750 $ (1,344 )

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Note 4—Investments Portfolio Composition : Summaries of fixed maturities available for sale by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows. Redeemable preferred stock is included within the corporates by sector. At June 30, 2019 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 393,915 $ 38,353 $ (420 ) $ 431,848 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,365,345 139,098 (178 ) 1,504,265 8 Foreign governments 18,732 2,319 — 21,051 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 3,980,362 557,883 (30,471 ) 4,507,774 25 Utilities 1,958,277 359,882 (6,211 ) 2,311,948 13 Energy 1,632,744 233,498 (28,863 ) 1,837,379 10 Other corporate sectors 6,432,457 694,873 (36,394 ) 7,090,936 40 Total corporates 14,003,840 1,846,136 (101,939 ) 15,748,037 88 Collateralized debt obligations 57,172 28,403 (6,497 ) 79,078 — Other asset-backed securities 145,268 5,023 (296 ) 149,995 1 Total fixed maturities $ 15,984,272 $ 2,059,332 $ (109,330 ) $ 17,934,274 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. At December 31, 2018 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 390,351 $ 5,104 $ (2,787 ) $ 392,668 2 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,354,810 83,600 (1,750 ) 1,436,660 9 Foreign governments 19,006 1,810 — 20,816 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 3,759,768 262,875 (87,515 ) 3,935,128 24 Utilities 1,989,506 217,846 (24,399 ) 2,182,953 13 Energy 1,652,700 93,880 (62,371 ) 1,684,209 10 Other corporate sectors 6,382,707 283,524 (242,509 ) 6,423,722 40 Total corporates 13,784,681 858,125 (416,794 ) 14,226,012 87 Collateralized debt obligations 57,769 22,014 (6,414 ) 73,369 1 Other asset-backed securities 146,854 2,187 (634 ) 148,407 1 Total fixed maturities $ 15,753,471 $ 972,840 $ (428,379 ) $ 16,297,932 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. A schedule of fixed maturities available for sale by contractual maturity date at June 30, 2019 is shown below on an amortized cost basis and on a fair value basis. Actual disposition dates could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions. At June 30, 2019 Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 151,815 $ 153,027 Due after one year through five years 631,205 674,283 Due after five years through ten years 1,646,091 1,867,864 Due after ten years through twenty years 5,211,263 6,086,465 Due after twenty years 8,140,905 8,922,971 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 202,993 229,664 $ 15,984,272 $ 17,934,274 Analysis of investment operations: Net investment income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 is summarized as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale $ 215,867 $ 209,771 $ 431,630 $ 418,313 Policy loans 10,821 10,201 21,457 20,399 Other long-term investments 3,991 2,120 7,379 4,974 Short-term investments 763 433 1,582 824 231,442 222,525 462,048 444,510 Less investment expense (4,017 ) (3,957 ) (7,950 ) (7,858 ) Net investment income $ 227,425 $ 218,568 $ 454,098 $ 436,652 Selected information about sales of fixed maturities available for sale is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale: Proceeds from sales (1) $ — $ — $ 34,997 $ — Gross realized gains — — 46 — Gross realized losses — — (3,027 ) — (1) There were no unsettled sales in the periods ending June 30, 2019 and 2018. An analysis of realized gains (losses) is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities available for sale: Sales and other $ 2,237 $ 9,431 $ 5,907 $ 10,817 Fair value option—change in fair value 2,869 2,301 684 2,861 Other investments 48 81 (108 ) 86 Realized gains (losses) from investments 5,154 11,813 6,483 13,764 Applicable tax (1,082 ) (2,480 ) (1,361 ) (2,890 ) Realized gains (losses), net of tax $ 4,072 $ 9,333 $ 5,122 $ 10,874 Fair value measurements: The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : Fair Value Measurement at June 30, 2019 Using: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 431,848 $ — $ 431,848 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,504,265 — 1,504,265 Foreign governments — 21,051 — 21,051 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 4,462,768 45,006 4,507,774 Utilities 9,472 2,149,087 153,389 2,311,948 Energy — 1,796,186 41,193 1,837,379 Other corporate sectors — 6,760,353 330,583 7,090,936 Total corporates 9,472 15,168,394 570,171 15,748,037 Collateralized debt obligations — — 79,078 79,078 Other asset-backed securities — 136,792 13,203 149,995 Total fixed maturities $ 9,472 $ 17,262,350 $ 662,452 $ 17,934,274 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2018 Using: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 392,668 $ — $ 392,668 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,436,660 — 1,436,660 Foreign governments — 20,816 — 20,816 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 3,891,728 43,400 3,935,128 Utilities — 2,032,127 150,826 2,182,953 Energy — 1,645,077 39,132 1,684,209 Other corporate sectors — 6,103,609 320,113 6,423,722 Total corporates — 13,672,541 553,471 14,226,012 Collateralized debt obligations — — 73,369 73,369 Other asset-backed securities — 135,425 12,982 148,407 Total fixed maturities $ — $ 15,658,110 $ 639,822 $ 16,297,932 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % The following tables represent 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) Asset- backed Securities Collateralized Corporates (1) Total Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 12,982 $ 73,369 $ 553,471 $ 639,822 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains / losses — — — — Included in other comprehensive income 441 6,306 23,620 30,367 Acquisitions — — — — Sales — — — — Amortization — 2,315 7 2,322 Other (2) (220 ) (2,912 ) (6,927 ) (10,059 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 13,203 $ 79,078 $ 570,171 $ 662,452 Percent of total fixed maturities — % 1 % 3 % 4 % (1) Includes redeemable preferred stocks. (2) Includes capitalized interest, foreign exchange adjustments and principal repayments. (3) Considered to be transferred at the end of the period. Transfers into Level 3 occur when observable inputs are no longer available. Transfers out of Level 3 occur when observable inputs become available. Analysis of Changes in Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Asset- backed Securities Collateralized Corporates (1) Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 14,049 $ 71,581 $ 582,810 $ 668,440 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains / losses — — — — Included in other comprehensive income (697 ) 5,183 (19,611 ) (15,125 ) Acquisitions — — 20,300 20,300 Sales — — — — Amortization — 2,389 8 2,397 Other (2) (199 ) (2,957 ) (6,697 ) (9,853 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at June 30, 2018 $ 13,153 $ 76,196 $ 576,810 $ 666,159 Percent of total fixed maturities — % — % 4 % 4 % (1) Includes redeemable preferred stocks. (2) Includes capitalized interest, foreign exchange adjustments and principal repayments. (3) Considered to be transferred at the end of the period. Transfers into Level 3 occur when observable inputs are no longer available. Transfers out of Level 3 occur when observable inputs become available. The following table presents transfers in and out of each of the valuation levels of fair values: Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 In Out Net In Out Net Level 1 $ 14,572 $ — $ 14,572 $ — $ — $ — Level 2 — (14,572 ) (14,572 ) — — — Level 3 — — — — — — Other investment information : Other long-term investments consist of the following: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Investment in limited partnerships (1) $ 165,426 $ 108,241 Commercial mortgage loan participations (2) 120,599 96,266 Other 3,122 2,751 Total $ 289,147 $ 207,258 (1) See the following section for more information regarding the fair value method used to account for these investments. (2) Globe Life invests in a portfolio of commercial mortgage loan participations. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company evaluated the portfolio on a loan-by-loan basis to determine any allowance for loss. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, collateral value, loan-to-value ratio, debt service coverage ratio, local market conditions, credit quality of the borrower and tenants, and loan performance. There were no material changes to the property type, geographic location, or loan-to-value ratio for any of the loans during the period . As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 Fair Value Option : The following table represents the fair value of certain limited partnership investments elected for the fair value option method measured on a recurring basis at June 30, 2019 , and the changes in fair value for the six months ended June 30, 2019 . All changes in fair value are recognized in "Realized Investment Gains (Losses)" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations . Distributions received on a periodic basis are recorded in Net Investment Income. Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Total Fair Value Fair Value Measurements at: June 30, 2019 $ — $ 165,426 $ — $ 165,426 December 31, 2018 — 108,241 — 108,241 Changes in Fair Values for the Period for Items Measured at Fair Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option Net Gains and Losses Recognized During the Period Less Net Gains and Losses Recognized due to Sales Total Changes in Fair Values Included in Current-Period Earnings Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 $ 684 $ — $ 684 2018 2,861 — 2,861 Other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) : In accordance with the other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) policy, the Company evaluated its fixed maturities available for sale in an unrealized loss position to determine if there was any impairment for the quarter. Gross unrealized losses may fluctuate quarter over quarter due to adverse factors in the market that affect our holdings, such as changes in the interest rates or credit spreads. While the Company holds securities that may be in an unrealized loss position from time to time, Globe Life has the ability and intent to hold these investments to recovery. Additionally, the Company does not expect to be required to sell any of its securities due to the strong cash flows generated by its insurance operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments. Unrealized Loss Analysis : The following table discloses information about fixed maturities available for sale in an unrealized loss position. Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Number of issues (CUSIP numbers) held: As of June 30, 2019 16 148 164 As of December 31, 2018 495 234 729 Globe Life's entire fixed maturity portfolio consisted of 1,588 issues at June 30, 2019 and 1,548 issues at December 31, 2018 . The weighted-average quality rating of all unrealized loss positions at amortized cost as of June 30, 2019 was BBB- compared with BBB+ as of December 31, 2018 . The following tables disclose unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. Globe Life considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired. Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At June 30, 2019 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 2 $ — $ 28,896 $ (420 ) $ 28,898 $ (420 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 29,960 (40 ) — — 29,960 (40 ) Foreign governments — — — — — — Corporates, by sector: Financial 74,915 (85 ) 130,430 (4,854 ) 205,345 (4,939 ) Utilities — — 73,863 (1,126 ) 73,863 (1,126 ) Energy 6,198 (80 ) 65,067 (6,781 ) 71,265 (6,861 ) Other corporate sectors 24,603 (32 ) 581,822 (19,225 ) 606,425 (19,257 ) Total corporates 105,716 (197 ) 851,182 (31,986 ) 956,898 (32,183 ) Other asset-backed securities 62 — — — 62 — Total investment grade securities 135,740 (237 ) 880,078 (32,406 ) 1,015,818 (32,643 ) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions 82 (138 ) — — 82 (138 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 7,379 (450 ) 122,459 (25,082 ) 129,838 (25,532 ) Utilities 15,449 (1,136 ) 12,300 (3,949 ) 27,749 (5,085 ) Energy 2,872 (346 ) 44,046 (21,656 ) 46,918 (22,002 ) Other corporate sectors 16,687 (585 ) 81,950 (16,552 ) 98,637 (17,137 ) Total corporates 42,387 (2,517 ) 260,755 (67,239 ) 303,142 (69,756 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 13,503 (6,497 ) 13,503 (6,497 ) Other asset-backed securities 14,104 (296 ) — — 14,104 (296 ) Total below investment grade securities 56,573 (2,951 ) 274,258 (73,736 ) 330,831 (76,687 ) Total fixed maturities $ 192,313 $ (3,188 ) $ 1,154,336 $ (106,142 ) $ 1,346,649 $ (109,330 ) Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At December 31, 2018 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 37,182 $ (212 ) $ 89,664 $ (2,575 ) $ 126,846 $ (2,787 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 124,907 (1,648 ) 7,981 (102 ) 132,888 (1,750 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 931,161 (36,337 ) 241,442 (21,572 ) 1,172,603 (57,909 ) Utilities 329,753 (11,680 ) 121,308 (9,442 ) 451,061 (21,122 ) Energy 475,736 (29,426 ) 54,937 (9,382 ) 530,673 (38,808 ) Other corporate sectors 2,515,541 (149,168 ) 575,796 (62,994 ) 3,091,337 (212,162 ) Total corporates 4,252,191 (226,611 ) 993,483 (103,390 ) 5,245,674 (330,001 ) Other asset-backed securities 44,603 (634 ) — — 44,603 (634 ) Total investment grade securities 4,458,883 (229,105 ) 1,091,128 (106,067 ) 5,550,011 (335,172 ) Below investment grade securities: Corporates, by sector: Financial 22,087 (8,674 ) 81,101 (20,932 ) 103,188 (29,606 ) Utilities 28,613 (3,277 ) — — 28,613 (3,277 ) Energy 42,874 (3,901 ) 36,122 (19,662 ) 78,996 (23,563 ) Other corporate sectors 146,373 (7,235 ) 69,053 (23,112 ) 215,426 (30,347 ) Total corporates 239,947 (23,087 ) 186,276 (63,706 ) 426,223 (86,793 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 13,586 (6,414 ) 13,586 (6,414 ) Total below investment grade securities 239,947 (23,087 ) 199,862 (70,120 ) 439,809 (93,207 ) Total fixed maturities $ 4,698,830 $ (252,192 ) $ 1,290,990 $ (176,187 ) $ 5,989,820 $ (428,379 )

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 5—Commitments and Contingencies Guarantees : The Parent Company has guaranteed letters of credit in connection with its credit facility with a group of banks. 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 Globe Life Inc. insurance subsidiaries. These letters of credit facilitate TMK Re, Ltd.’s ability to reinsure the business of Globe Life's insurance carriers. The agreement expires in 2021. The maximum amount of letters of credit available is $250 million . The Parent Company would be liable to the extent that TMK Re, Ltd. does not pay the reinsured party. On April 2, 2019 , the letters of credit were amended to reduce the current amount outstanding from $155 million to $150 million . As of June 30, 2019, the outstanding balance remained unchanged. Litigation : Globe Life Inc. (formerly Torchmark Corporation) and its subsidiaries, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation, including putative class action litigation, alleged breaches of contract, torts, including bad faith and fraud claims based on alleged wrongful or fraudulent acts of agents of the Parent Company's insurance 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 the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, management does not believe that it is reasonably possible that such litigation will have a material adverse effect on Globe Life'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. Globe Life'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 the Company has substantial business, creating the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments in any given punitive damage suit. On September 12, 2018, putative class action litigation was filed against American Income in California’s Contra Costa County Superior Court ( Joh v. American Income Life Insurance Company, Case No. C18-01863). An amended complaint was filed on October 18, 2018. American Income removed the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:18-cv-06364-TSH). A second amended complaint was filed on May 20, 2019. The plaintiffs, former insurance sales agents of American Income, are suing on behalf of all current and former trainees and sales agents who sold insurance for American Income in the State of California for the four years prior to the filing of the complaint. The second amended complaint alleges that such individuals are employees and asserts claims under the California Labor Code, California Business and Professions Code, and California Private Attorney General Act. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, penalties and attorney fees on claims for failure to pay wages/commissions, failure to appropriately pay agents at termination, failure to provide itemized wage statements, failure to reimburse expenses, misclassification and unfair business practices. On October 18, 2018, putative class action litigation was filed against Torchmark Corporation and American Income in California’s Los Angeles County Superior Court ( Golz v. American Income Life Insurance Company , et al., Case No. 18STCV01354). American Income removed the case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:18-cv-09879 R (SSx)). An amended complaint was filed on February 5, 2019. On February 6, 2019, Torchmark Corporation was dismissed without prejudice and the case proceeded with respect to American Income. On April 2, 2019, the District Court granted American Income’s motion to dismiss four of the five causes of action asserted. The amended complaint’s remaining claim alleges that plaintiff, as an American Income insurance agent trainee in California, was an employee who should have been compensated accordingly. The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of individuals in California who trained to contract as American Income agents and who subsequently worked as contracted agents. The class period is alleged to begin four years prior to the complaint’s filing. The complaint seeks restitution under the California Business and Professions Code for alleged unfair business practices such as failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, and failure to reimburse business expenses. On December 14, 2018, putative class action litigation was filed against American Income in United States District Court for the Northern District of California ( Hamilton v. American Income Life Insurance Company , Case No. 4:18-cv-7535-KAW). An amended complaint was filed on January 23, 2019. The plaintiffs, former insurance sales agents of American Income, are suing on behalf of all current and former sales agents who sold insurance for American Income in the State of California for the last four years prior to the filing of the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that putative class members are employees and asserts claims under the California Labor Code, California Business and Professions Code, and California Private Attorney General Act. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, penalties and attorney fees on claims for failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, failure to appropriately pay agents at termination, failure to provide itemized wage statements, failure to reimburse expenses, misclassification and unfair business practices. On January 16, 2019, putative class action litigation was filed against American Income in Orange County, California Superior Court ( Putros v. American Income Life Insurance Company , Case No. 30-2019-01044772-CU-OE-CXC). An amended complaint was filed on January 22, 2019. The plaintiff, a former insurance sales agent of American Income, is suing on behalf of all current and former sales agents who sold insurance for American Income in the State of California for the year prior to the filing of the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that putative class members are employees and asserts claims under the California Private Attorney General Act. The complaint seeks penalties for failure to pay minimum wage, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, failure to appropriately pay agents at termination, failure to provide itemized wage statements, failure to reimburse expenses, and misclassification. With respect to its current litigation, at this time management believes that the possibility of a material judgment adverse to the Company is remote.

Liability for Unpaid Claims

Liability for Unpaid Claims	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims	Note 6—Liability for Unpaid Claims Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows: Six Months Ended 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 154,528 $ 146,865 Incurred related to: Current year 302,129 269,574 Prior year 77 (5,708 ) Total incurred 302,206 263,866 Paid related to: Current year 190,599 171,199 Prior year 110,587 99,054 Total paid 301,186 270,253 Balance at end of period $ 155,548 $ 140,478 Below is the reconciliation of the liability of "Policy claims and other benefits payable " in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets . June 30, December 31, 2018 Policy claims and other benefits payable: Life insurance $ 195,799 $ 196,298 Health insurance 155,548 154,528 Total $ 351,347 $ 350,826

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Postretirement Benefits	Note 7—Postretirement Benefits Globe Life Pension Assets: The following table presents the assets of the Company's defined benefit pension plans at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Pension Assets by Component at June 30, 2019 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 $ — $ 44,880 $ — $ 44,880 10 Utilities — 41,728 — 41,728 9 Energy — 21,479 — 21,479 5 Other corporates — 89,210 — 89,210 20 Total corporate bonds — 197,297 — 197,297 44 Exchange traded fund (1) 185,765 — — 185,765 42 Other bonds — 255 — 255 — Other long-term investments — 10,126 — 10,126 2 Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 26,737 — 26,737 6 Short-term investments 20,699 — — 20,699 5 Other 5,415 — — 5,415 1 Total pension assets $ 211,879 $ 234,415 $ — $ 446,294 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life Inc.'s subsidiary, American Income, to fund the obligations of the American Income Life Insurance Company Non-Exempt Employees Defined Benefit Pension Plan ("American Income Pension Plan"). Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2018 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 $ — $ 44,236 $ — $ 44,236 11 Utilities — 39,443 — 39,443 10 Energy — 19,744 — 19,744 5 Other corporates — 83,202 — 83,202 22 Total corporate bonds — 186,625 — 186,625 48 Exchange traded fund (1) 157,717 — — 157,717 40 Other bonds — 245 — 245 — Other long-term investments — 8,475 — 8,475 2 Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 26,505 — 26,505 7 Short-term investments 9,289 — — 9,289 2 Other 3,816 — — 3,816 1 Total pension assets $ 170,822 $ 221,850 $ — $ 392,672 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life Inc.'s subsidiary, American Income, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan. SERP : The following table includes information regarding the SERP at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . June 30, December 31, Premiums paid for insurance coverage $ 444 $ 2,997 Total investments: Company owned life insurance $ 45,326 $ 44,285 Exchange traded funds 61,048 52,659 $ 106,374 $ 96,944 Pension and SERP Liabilities : The following table presents liabilities for the defined benefit pension plans and SERP at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . June 30, December 31, Funded defined benefit pension $ 526,015 $ 481,792 SERP 75,198 74,407 Pension benefit obligation $ 601,213 $ 556,199 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: The following table presents the net periodic benefit costs for the defined benefit pension plans and SERP by expense components for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 . Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 4,983 $ 5,277 $ 9,965 $ 10,554 Interest cost 5,964 5,493 11,928 10,986 Expected return on assets (6,966 ) (6,363 ) (13,932 ) (12,726 ) Amortization: Prior service cost 158 119 316 238 Actuarial (gain) loss 1,896 3,636 3,790 7,272 Net periodic benefit cost $ 6,035 $ 8,162 $ 12,067 $ 16,324

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 8—Earnings Per Share 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: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 109,649,714 113,350,175 109,973,820 113,762,340 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 1,935,962 2,301,237 1,975,492 2,434,633 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 111,585,676 115,651,412 111,949,312 116,196,973 Antidilutive shares 1,359,686 1,381,686 1,359,686 960,753

Business Segments

Business Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Note 9—Business Segments Globe Life is organized into four segments: life insurance, supplemental health insurance, annuities, and investments. We also have other administrative expenses reported in "Corporate & Other." Globe Life's reportable segments are based on the insurance product lines it markets and administers: life insurance, supplemental 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. The Company's chief operating decision makers evaluate the overall performance of the operations of the Company in accordance with these segments. Management’s measure of profitability for each insurance segment is insurance underwriting margin, which is underwriting income before other income and insurance administrative expenses. It represents the profit margin on insurance products before administrative expenses, and is calculated by deducting net policy obligations (claims incurred and change in reserves), commissions and other acquisition expenses from premium revenue. Globe Life further views the profitability of each insurance product segment by the marketing groups that distribute the products of that segment: direct response, independent agencies, or captive agencies. Globe Life 's management prefers to evaluate the performance of its underwriting and investment activities separately, rather than allocating investment income to the underwriting results. As such, the investment function is presented as a stand-alone segment. The investment segment includes management of the investment portfolio, debt, and cash flow. Management’s measure of profitability for this segment is excess investment income, which is the income earned on the investment portfolio less the required interest on net policy liabilities and financing costs. Financing costs include the interest on the Parent Company's debt. Other income and insurance administrative expense are classified in a separate Corporate and Other segment. The majority of the Company’s required interest on net policy liabilities (benefit reserves less the deferred acquisition cost asset) is not credited to policyholder accounts. Instead, it is an actuarial assumption for discounting cash flows in the computation of benefit reserves and the amortization of the deferred acquisition cost asset. Investment income required to fund the required interest on net policy liabilities is removed from the investment segment and applied to the insurance segments to eliminate the effect of the required interest from the insurance segments. As a result, the investment segment measures net investment income against the required interest on net policy liabilities and financing costs, while the insurance segments simply measure premiums against net policy benefits and expenses. Management believes this presentation facilitates a more meaningful analysis of the Company’s underwriting and investment performance as the underwriting results are based on premiums, claims, and expenses and are not affected by unanticipated fluctuations in investment yields. As noted, Globe Life's core operations are insurance and investment management. The insurance segments issue policies for which premiums are collected for the eventual payment of policy benefits. In addition to policy benefits, operating expenses are incurred including acquisition costs, administrative expenses, and taxes. Because life and health contracts can be long term, premium receipts in excess of current expenses are invested. Investment activities, conducted by the investment segment, focus on seeking quality investments with a yield and term appropriate to support the insurance product obligations. These investments generally consist of fixed maturities and, over the long term, the expected yields are taken into account when setting insurance premium rates and product profitability expectations. As a result, fixed maturities are generally held for long periods to support the liabilities, and the Company generally expects to hold investments until maturity. However, dispositions of investments occur from time to time, generally for reasons such as credit concerns, calls by issuers, or other factors. Since Globe Life does not actively trade investments, realized gains and losses from the disposition and write down of investments are generally incidental to operations and are not considered a material factor in insurance pricing or product profitability. While from time to time these realized gains and losses could be significant to net income in the period in which they occur, they generally have a limited effect on the yield of the total investment portfolio. Further, the disposals have little effect on the size of the portfolio as the proceeds of the disposals are reinvested in the portfolio and the income from the reinvestments is included in net investment income. Therefore, management removes realized investment gains and losses from results of core operations when evaluating the performance of the Company. For this reason, these gains and losses are excluded from the Company's operating segments. Globe Life accounts for its stock options and restricted stock under current accounting guidance requiring stock options and stock grants to be expensed based on fair value at the time of grant. Management considers stock compensation expense to be an expense of the Parent Company. Therefore, stock compensation expense is treated as a corporate expense in Globe Life's segment analysis. The following tables set forth a reconciliation of the Company's revenues and operations by segment to its pre-tax income and each significant line item in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations . The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Globe Life's revenues and operations by segment to its major income statement line items: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 631,201 $ 266,282 $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ 897,484 Net investment income — — — 227,425 — — 227,425 Other income — — — — 398 — 398 Total revenue 631,201 266,282 1 227,425 398 — 1,125,307 Expenses: Policy benefits 410,961 170,511 7,890 — — — 589,362 Required interest on reserves (165,513 ) (21,680 ) (10,888 ) 198,081 — — — Required interest on DAC 50,298 6,341 127 (56,766 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 110,319 27,343 503 — — — 138,165 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 50,086 23,608 4 — — — 73,698 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 59,416 5,500 (2 ) 64,916 Parent expense — — — — 2,872 — 2,872 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 11,256 — 11,256 Interest expense — — — 21,432 — — 21,432 Total expenses 456,151 206,123 (2,364 ) 162,747 73,544 5,500 901,701 Subtotal 175,050 60,159 2,365 64,678 (73,146 ) (5,500 ) 223,606 Non-operating items — — — — — 5,500 (2 ) 5,500 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 175,050 $ 60,159 $ 2,365 $ 64,678 $ (73,146 ) $ — 229,106 Realized gain (loss)—investments 5,154 Legal proceedings (5,500 ) Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 228,760 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Legal proceedings—See Note 5 for further discussion. Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 602,534 $ 251,440 $ 5 $ — $ — $ — $ 853,979 Net investment income — — — 218,568 — — 218,568 Other income — — — — 441 (25 ) (2) 416 Total revenue 602,534 251,440 5 218,568 441 (25 ) 1,072,963 Expenses: Policy benefits 399,334 160,461 8,582 — — — 568,377 Required interest on reserves (158,101 ) (20,726 ) (11,885 ) 190,712 — — — Required interest on DAC 48,275 6,079 150 (54,504 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 104,599 23,892 586 — — — 129,077 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 47,250 22,196 6 — — (25 ) (2) 69,427 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 55,276 — 55,276 Parent expense — — — — 2,847 — 2,847 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 10,497 — 10,497 Interest expense — — — 22,411 — — 22,411 Total expenses 441,357 191,902 (2,561 ) 158,619 68,620 (25 ) 857,912 Subtotal 161,177 59,538 2,566 59,949 (68,179 ) — 215,051 Non-operating items — — — — — — — Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 161,177 $ 59,538 $ 2,566 $ 59,949 $ (68,179 ) $ — 215,051 Realized gain (loss)—investments 11,813 Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 226,864 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,255,490 $ 532,966 $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,788,457 Net investment income — — — 454,098 — — 454,098 Other income — — — — 639 — 639 Total revenue 1,255,490 532,966 1 454,098 639 — 2,243,194 Expenses: Policy benefits 820,653 340,528 15,938 — — — 1,177,119 Required interest on reserves (329,175 ) (43,176 ) (22,008 ) 394,359 — — — Required interest on DAC 100,322 12,624 258 (113,204 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 218,609 54,357 1,021 — — — 273,987 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 100,192 46,960 11 — — — 147,163 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 118,607 5,900 (2,3) 124,507 Parent expense — — — — 5,515 — 5,515 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 21,815 — 21,815 Interest expense — — — 42,710 — — 42,710 Total expenses 910,601 411,293 (4,780 ) 323,865 145,937 5,900 1,792,816 Subtotal 344,889 121,673 4,781 130,233 (145,298 ) (5,900 ) 450,378 Non-operating items — — — — — 5,900 (2,3) 5,900 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 344,889 $ 121,673 $ 4,781 $ 130,233 $ (145,298 ) $ — 456,278 Realized gain (loss)—investments 6,483 Administrative settlements (400 ) Legal proceedings (5,500 ) Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 456,861 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) During the first quarter of 2019 , Globe Life recorded $400 thousand in administrative settlements related to state regulatory examinations. (3) Legal proceedings—See Note 5 for further discussion. Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,200,837 $ 503,238 $ 10 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,704,085 Net investment income — — — 436,652 — — 436,652 Other income — — — — 764 (53 ) (2) 711 Total revenue 1,200,837 503,238 10 436,652 764 (53 ) 2,141,448 Expenses: Policy benefits 799,915 321,080 17,271 — — — 1,138,266 Required interest on reserves (314,315 ) (41,130 ) (23,902 ) 379,347 — — — Required interest on DAC 96,219 12,092 303 (108,614 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 208,376 49,149 1,172 — — — 258,697 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 94,644 44,461 14 — — (53 ) (2) 139,066 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 110,748 — 110,748 Parent expense — — — — 5,139 — 5,139 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 19,557 — 19,557 Interest expense — — — 44,033 — — 44,033 Total expenses 884,839 385,652 (5,142 ) 314,766 135,444 (53 ) 1,715,506 Subtotal 315,998 117,586 5,152 121,886 (134,680 ) — 425,942 Non-operating items — — — — — — — Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 315,998 $ 117,586 $ 5,152 $ 121,886 $ (134,680 ) $ — 425,942 Realized gain (loss)—investments 13,764 Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 439,706 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation: The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Globe Life Inc. have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Therefore, they do not include all of the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for annual financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial position at June 30, 2019 , and the condensed consolidated results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 . The interim period condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements that are included in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 1, 2019 .
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In Current Year / Not Yet Adopted	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-02/2018-11 , Leases (Topic 842), with clarification guidance issued in July 2018. The standard requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all operating leases that do not qualify for the practical expedients allowed for in this standard. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required. This standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The Company adopted the optional transition method allowed for under ASU 2018-11 by not restating comparative periods and recognizing an immaterial cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2019. The Company does not have any significant lessor contracts. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2017-08 , Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Topic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities This standard was issued to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The standard requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. This standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. This adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2019. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-13/2019-04/2019-05 , Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, with clarification guidance issued in April and May 2019. This standard ("CECL") provides financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments, such as assets recorded at amortized cost, as well as to change the loss impairment methodology for available-for-sale debt securities by use of an allowance rather than a direct write-down. This standard will become effective on January 1, 2020 with a modified retrospective transition and an opening balance sheet adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2020. The applicable section of the standard related to debt securities requires a prospective transition. We have determined relevant financial assets within scope of the standard. Based on our current analysis, we are not anticipating the adoption of the guidance to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2018-12 , Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts ASU 2018-12 is a significant change to our current accounting and disclosure of long-duration contracts, which is our primary business. The guidance was primarily issued to 1) improve the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits and modify the rate used to discount future cash flows, 2) simplify and improve the accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit (or account balance) contracts, 3) simplify the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, and 4) improve the effectiveness of the required disclosures. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements as well as assessing controls and accounting policies, key assumptions/data inputs, system solutions, and actuarial modeling. ASU No. 2018-13 , Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement The amendment modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The revised standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020. The removed and modified disclosures will be adopted on a retrospective basis and the new disclosures will be adopted on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted (continued) Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2018-14 , Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20), Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans The standard removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant to defined benefit plans. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021, and will be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2018-15 , Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract The standard was issued to now allow the capitalization of implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to be similar to the treatment of developed or obtained internal-use software. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020, and the Company plans to apply the standards on a prospective basis. Early adoption of the amendments is also permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Information Abou_2

Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Change in Balance by Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	An analysis of the change in balance by component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income is as follows for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 : Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at April 1, 2018 $ 1,082,896 $ (8,191 ) $ 15,279 $ (149,785 ) $ 940,199 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (329,619 ) 1,612 (4,914 ) — (332,921 ) Reclassifications, net of tax (6,763 ) — — 2,984 (3,779 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (336,382 ) 1,612 (4,914 ) 2,984 (336,700 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ 746,514 $ (6,579 ) $ 10,365 $ (146,801 ) $ 603,499 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at April 1, 2019 $ 984,701 $ (6,691 ) $ 8,937 $ (116,880 ) $ 870,067 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 568,073 135 (31 ) — 568,177 Reclassifications, net of tax (666 ) — — 1,672 1,006 Other comprehensive income (loss) 567,407 135 (31 ) 1,672 569,183 Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 1,552,108 $ (6,556 ) $ 8,906 $ (115,208 ) $ 1,439,250 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 1,569,289 $ (8,547 ) $ 16,302 $ (152,770 ) $ 1,424,274 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (815,462 ) 1,968 (5,937 ) — (819,431 ) Reclassifications, net of tax (7,313 ) — — 5,969 (1,344 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (822,775 ) 1,968 (5,937 ) 5,969 (820,775 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ 746,514 $ (6,579 ) $ 10,365 $ (146,801 ) $ 603,499 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Available Deferred Foreign Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 435,698 $ (4,163 ) $ 6,495 $ (118,555 ) $ 319,475 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 1,119,007 (2,393 ) 2,411 — 1,119,025 Reclassifications, net of tax (2,597 ) — — 3,347 750 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,116,410 (2,393 ) 2,411 3,347 1,119,775 Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 1,552,108 $ (6,556 ) $ 8,906 $ (115,208 ) $ 1,439,250 the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 . Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, Affected line items in the Statement of Operations Component Line Item 2019 2018 2019 2018 Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale assets: Realized gains (losses) $ (2,237 ) $ (9,431 ) $ (5,907 ) $ (10,817 ) Realized investment gains (losses) Amortization of (discount) premium 1,394 870 2,620 1,560 Net investment income Total before tax (843 ) (8,561 ) (3,287 ) (9,257 ) Tax 177 1,798 690 1,944 Income taxes Total after-tax (666 ) (6,763 ) (2,597 ) (7,313 ) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 158 119 316 238 Other operating expense Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 1,960 3,659 3,922 7,318 Other operating expense Total before tax 2,118 3,778 4,238 7,556 Tax (446 ) (794 ) (891 ) (1,587 ) Income taxes Total after-tax 1,672 2,984 3,347 5,969 Total reclassification (after-tax) $ 1,006 $ (3,779 ) $ 750 $ (1,344 )
Summary of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassification adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 . Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, Affected line items in the Statement of Operations Component Line Item 2019 2018 2019 2018 Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale assets: Realized gains (losses) $ (2,237 ) $ (9,431 ) $ (5,907 ) $ (10,817 ) Realized investment gains (losses) Amortization of (discount) premium 1,394 870 2,620 1,560 Net investment income Total before tax (843 ) (8,561 ) (3,287 ) (9,257 ) Tax 177 1,798 690 1,944 Income taxes Total after-tax (666 ) (6,763 ) (2,597 ) (7,313 ) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 158 119 316 238 Other operating expense Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 1,960 3,659 3,922 7,318 Other operating expense Total before tax 2,118 3,778 4,238 7,556 Tax (446 ) (794 ) (891 ) (1,587 ) Income taxes Total after-tax 1,672 2,984 3,347 5,969 Total reclassification (after-tax) $ 1,006 $ (3,779 ) $ 750 $ (1,344 )

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Available for Sale by Component	Summaries of fixed maturities available for sale by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows. Redeemable preferred stock is included within the corporates by sector. At June 30, 2019 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 393,915 $ 38,353 $ (420 ) $ 431,848 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,365,345 139,098 (178 ) 1,504,265 8 Foreign governments 18,732 2,319 — 21,051 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 3,980,362 557,883 (30,471 ) 4,507,774 25 Utilities 1,958,277 359,882 (6,211 ) 2,311,948 13 Energy 1,632,744 233,498 (28,863 ) 1,837,379 10 Other corporate sectors 6,432,457 694,873 (36,394 ) 7,090,936 40 Total corporates 14,003,840 1,846,136 (101,939 ) 15,748,037 88 Collateralized debt obligations 57,172 28,403 (6,497 ) 79,078 — Other asset-backed securities 145,268 5,023 (296 ) 149,995 1 Total fixed maturities $ 15,984,272 $ 2,059,332 $ (109,330 ) $ 17,934,274 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. At December 31, 2018 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 390,351 $ 5,104 $ (2,787 ) $ 392,668 2 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,354,810 83,600 (1,750 ) 1,436,660 9 Foreign governments 19,006 1,810 — 20,816 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 3,759,768 262,875 (87,515 ) 3,935,128 24 Utilities 1,989,506 217,846 (24,399 ) 2,182,953 13 Energy 1,652,700 93,880 (62,371 ) 1,684,209 10 Other corporate sectors 6,382,707 283,524 (242,509 ) 6,423,722 40 Total corporates 13,784,681 858,125 (416,794 ) 14,226,012 87 Collateralized debt obligations 57,769 22,014 (6,414 ) 73,369 1 Other asset-backed securities 146,854 2,187 (634 ) 148,407 1 Total fixed maturities $ 15,753,471 $ 972,840 $ (428,379 ) $ 16,297,932 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value.
Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity	A schedule of fixed maturities available for sale by contractual maturity date at June 30, 2019 is shown below on an amortized cost basis and on a fair value basis. Actual disposition dates could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions. At June 30, 2019 Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 151,815 $ 153,027 Due after one year through five years 631,205 674,283 Due after five years through ten years 1,646,091 1,867,864 Due after ten years through twenty years 5,211,263 6,086,465 Due after twenty years 8,140,905 8,922,971 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 202,993 229,664 $ 15,984,272 $ 17,934,274
Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations	Net investment income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 is summarized as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale $ 215,867 $ 209,771 $ 431,630 $ 418,313 Policy loans 10,821 10,201 21,457 20,399 Other long-term investments 3,991 2,120 7,379 4,974 Short-term investments 763 433 1,582 824 231,442 222,525 462,048 444,510 Less investment expense (4,017 ) (3,957 ) (7,950 ) (7,858 ) Net investment income $ 227,425 $ 218,568 $ 454,098 $ 436,652
Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities	Selected information about sales of fixed maturities available for sale is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale: Proceeds from sales (1) $ — $ — $ 34,997 $ — Gross realized gains — — 46 — Gross realized losses — — (3,027 ) — (1) There were no unsettled sales in the periods ending June 30, 2019 and 2018.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	An analysis of realized gains (losses) is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities available for sale: Sales and other $ 2,237 $ 9,431 $ 5,907 $ 10,817 Fair value option—change in fair value 2,869 2,301 684 2,861 Other investments 48 81 (108 ) 86 Realized gains (losses) from investments 5,154 11,813 6,483 13,764 Applicable tax (1,082 ) (2,480 ) (1,361 ) (2,890 ) Realized gains (losses), net of tax $ 4,072 $ 9,333 $ 5,122 $ 10,874
Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment	The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : Fair Value Measurement at June 30, 2019 Using: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 431,848 $ — $ 431,848 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,504,265 — 1,504,265 Foreign governments — 21,051 — 21,051 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 4,462,768 45,006 4,507,774 Utilities 9,472 2,149,087 153,389 2,311,948 Energy — 1,796,186 41,193 1,837,379 Other corporate sectors — 6,760,353 330,583 7,090,936 Total corporates 9,472 15,168,394 570,171 15,748,037 Collateralized debt obligations — — 79,078 79,078 Other asset-backed securities — 136,792 13,203 149,995 Total fixed maturities $ 9,472 $ 17,262,350 $ 662,452 $ 17,934,274 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2018 Using: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 392,668 $ — $ 392,668 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,436,660 — 1,436,660 Foreign governments — 20,816 — 20,816 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 3,891,728 43,400 3,935,128 Utilities — 2,032,127 150,826 2,182,953 Energy — 1,645,077 39,132 1,684,209 Other corporate sectors — 6,103,609 320,113 6,423,722 Total corporates — 13,672,541 553,471 14,226,012 Collateralized debt obligations — — 73,369 73,369 Other asset-backed securities — 135,425 12,982 148,407 Total fixed maturities $ — $ 15,658,110 $ 639,822 $ 16,297,932 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % The following tables disclose unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. Globe Life considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired. Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At June 30, 2019 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 2 $ — $ 28,896 $ (420 ) $ 28,898 $ (420 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 29,960 (40 ) — — 29,960 (40 ) Foreign governments — — — — — — Corporates, by sector: Financial 74,915 (85 ) 130,430 (4,854 ) 205,345 (4,939 ) Utilities — — 73,863 (1,126 ) 73,863 (1,126 ) Energy 6,198 (80 ) 65,067 (6,781 ) 71,265 (6,861 ) Other corporate sectors 24,603 (32 ) 581,822 (19,225 ) 606,425 (19,257 ) Total corporates 105,716 (197 ) 851,182 (31,986 ) 956,898 (32,183 ) Other asset-backed securities 62 — — — 62 — Total investment grade securities 135,740 (237 ) 880,078 (32,406 ) 1,015,818 (32,643 ) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions 82 (138 ) — — 82 (138 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 7,379 (450 ) 122,459 (25,082 ) 129,838 (25,532 ) Utilities 15,449 (1,136 ) 12,300 (3,949 ) 27,749 (5,085 ) Energy 2,872 (346 ) 44,046 (21,656 ) 46,918 (22,002 ) Other corporate sectors 16,687 (585 ) 81,950 (16,552 ) 98,637 (17,137 ) Total corporates 42,387 (2,517 ) 260,755 (67,239 ) 303,142 (69,756 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 13,503 (6,497 ) 13,503 (6,497 ) Other asset-backed securities 14,104 (296 ) — — 14,104 (296 ) Total below investment grade securities 56,573 (2,951 ) 274,258 (73,736 ) 330,831 (76,687 ) Total fixed maturities $ 192,313 $ (3,188 ) $ 1,154,336 $ (106,142 ) $ 1,346,649 $ (109,330 ) Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At December 31, 2018 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 37,182 $ (212 ) $ 89,664 $ (2,575 ) $ 126,846 $ (2,787 ) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 124,907 (1,648 ) 7,981 (102 ) 132,888 (1,750 ) Corporates, by sector: Financial 931,161 (36,337 ) 241,442 (21,572 ) 1,172,603 (57,909 ) Utilities 329,753 (11,680 ) 121,308 (9,442 ) 451,061 (21,122 ) Energy 475,736 (29,426 ) 54,937 (9,382 ) 530,673 (38,808 ) Other corporate sectors 2,515,541 (149,168 ) 575,796 (62,994 ) 3,091,337 (212,162 ) Total corporates 4,252,191 (226,611 ) 993,483 (103,390 ) 5,245,674 (330,001 ) Other asset-backed securities 44,603 (634 ) — — 44,603 (634 ) Total investment grade securities 4,458,883 (229,105 ) 1,091,128 (106,067 ) 5,550,011 (335,172 ) Below investment grade securities: Corporates, by sector: Financial 22,087 (8,674 ) 81,101 (20,932 ) 103,188 (29,606 ) Utilities 28,613 (3,277 ) — — 28,613 (3,277 ) Energy 42,874 (3,901 ) 36,122 (19,662 ) 78,996 (23,563 ) Other corporate sectors 146,373 (7,235 ) 69,053 (23,112 ) 215,426 (30,347 ) Total corporates 239,947 (23,087 ) 186,276 (63,706 ) 426,223 (86,793 ) Collateralized debt obligations — — 13,586 (6,414 ) 13,586 (6,414 ) Total below investment grade securities 239,947 (23,087 ) 199,862 (70,120 ) 439,809 (93,207 ) Total fixed maturities $ 4,698,830 $ (252,192 ) $ 1,290,990 $ (176,187 ) $ 5,989,820 $ (428,379 )
Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following tables represent 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) Asset- backed Securities Collateralized Corporates (1) Total Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 12,982 $ 73,369 $ 553,471 $ 639,822 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains / losses — — — — Included in other comprehensive income 441 6,306 23,620 30,367 Acquisitions — — — — Sales — — — — Amortization — 2,315 7 2,322 Other (2) (220 ) (2,912 ) (6,927 ) (10,059 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 13,203 $ 79,078 $ 570,171 $ 662,452 Percent of total fixed maturities — % 1 % 3 % 4 % (1) Includes redeemable preferred stocks. (2) Includes capitalized interest, foreign exchange adjustments and principal repayments. (3) Considered to be transferred at the end of the period. Transfers into Level 3 occur when observable inputs are no longer available. Transfers out of Level 3 occur when observable inputs become available. Analysis of Changes in Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Asset- backed Securities Collateralized Corporates (1) Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 14,049 $ 71,581 $ 582,810 $ 668,440 Total gains or losses: Included in realized gains / losses — — — — Included in other comprehensive income (697 ) 5,183 (19,611 ) (15,125 ) Acquisitions — — 20,300 20,300 Sales — — — — Amortization — 2,389 8 2,397 Other (2) (199 ) (2,957 ) (6,697 ) (9,853 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at June 30, 2018 $ 13,153 $ 76,196 $ 576,810 $ 666,159 Percent of total fixed maturities — % — % 4 % 4 % (1) Includes redeemable preferred stocks. (2) Includes capitalized interest, foreign exchange adjustments and principal repayments. (3) Considered to be transferred at the end of the period. Transfers into Level 3 occur when observable inputs are no longer available. Transfers out of Level 3 occur when observable inputs become available.
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: Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 In Out Net In Out Net Level 1 $ 14,572 $ — $ 14,572 $ — $ — $ — Level 2 — (14,572 ) (14,572 ) — — — Level 3 — — — — — —
Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments	Other long-term investments consist of the following: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Investment in limited partnerships (1) $ 165,426 $ 108,241 Commercial mortgage loan participations (2) 120,599 96,266 Other 3,122 2,751 Total $ 289,147 $ 207,258 (1) See the following section for more information regarding the fair value method used to account for these investments. (2) Globe Life invests in a portfolio of commercial mortgage loan participations. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company evaluated the portfolio on a loan-by-loan basis to determine any allowance for loss. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, collateral value, loan-to-value ratio, debt service coverage ratio, local market conditions, credit quality of the borrower and tenants, and loan performance. There were no material changes to the property type, geographic location, or loan-to-value ratio for any of the loans during the period . As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
Fair Value Option, Disclosures	The following table represents the fair value of certain limited partnership investments elected for the fair value option method measured on a recurring basis at June 30, 2019 , and the changes in fair value for the six months ended June 30, 2019 . All changes in fair value are recognized in "Realized Investment Gains (Losses)" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations . Distributions received on a periodic basis are recorded in Net Investment Income. Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Total Fair Value Fair Value Measurements at: June 30, 2019 $ — $ 165,426 $ — $ 165,426 December 31, 2018 — 108,241 — 108,241 Changes in Fair Values for the Period for Items Measured at Fair Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option Net Gains and Losses Recognized During the Period Less Net Gains and Losses Recognized due to Sales Total Changes in Fair Values Included in Current-Period Earnings Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 $ 684 $ — $ 684 2018 2,861 — 2,861
Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position	The following table discloses information about fixed maturities available for sale in an unrealized loss position. Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Number of issues (CUSIP numbers) held: As of June 30, 2019 16 148 164 As of December 31, 2018 495 234 729

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Ta

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows: Six Months Ended 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 154,528 $ 146,865 Incurred related to: Current year 302,129 269,574 Prior year 77 (5,708 ) Total incurred 302,206 263,866 Paid related to: Current year 190,599 171,199 Prior year 110,587 99,054 Total paid 301,186 270,253 Balance at end of period $ 155,548 $ 140,478
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability	Below is the reconciliation of the liability of "Policy claims and other benefits payable " in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets . June 30, December 31, 2018 Policy claims and other benefits payable: Life insurance $ 195,799 $ 196,298 Health insurance 155,548 154,528 Total $ 351,347 $ 350,826

Postretirement Benefits (Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension Assets by Component at Fair Value	The following table presents the assets of the Company's defined benefit pension plans at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Pension Assets by Component at June 30, 2019 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 $ — $ 44,880 $ — $ 44,880 10 Utilities — 41,728 — 41,728 9 Energy — 21,479 — 21,479 5 Other corporates — 89,210 — 89,210 20 Total corporate bonds — 197,297 — 197,297 44 Exchange traded fund (1) 185,765 — — 185,765 42 Other bonds — 255 — 255 — Other long-term investments — 10,126 — 10,126 2 Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 26,737 — 26,737 6 Short-term investments 20,699 — — 20,699 5 Other 5,415 — — 5,415 1 Total pension assets $ 211,879 $ 234,415 $ — $ 446,294 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life Inc.'s subsidiary, American Income, to fund the obligations of the American Income Life Insurance Company Non-Exempt Employees Defined Benefit Pension Plan ("American Income Pension Plan"). Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2018 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 $ — $ 44,236 $ — $ 44,236 11 Utilities — 39,443 — 39,443 10 Energy — 19,744 — 19,744 5 Other corporates — 83,202 — 83,202 22 Total corporate bonds — 186,625 — 186,625 48 Exchange traded fund (1) 157,717 — — 157,717 40 Other bonds — 245 — 245 — Other long-term investments — 8,475 — 8,475 2 Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 26,505 — 26,505 7 Short-term investments 9,289 — — 9,289 2 Other 3,816 — — 3,816 1 Total pension assets $ 170,822 $ 221,850 $ — $ 392,672 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life Inc.'s subsidiary, American Income, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan.
Information Regarding the SERP	The following table includes information regarding the SERP at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . June 30, December 31, Premiums paid for insurance coverage $ 444 $ 2,997 Total investments: Company owned life insurance $ 45,326 $ 44,285 Exchange traded funds 61,048 52,659 $ 106,374 $ 96,944
Pension Liability	The following table presents liabilities for the defined benefit pension plans and SERP at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . June 30, December 31, Funded defined benefit pension $ 526,015 $ 481,792 SERP 75,198 74,407 Pension benefit obligation $ 601,213 $ 556,199
Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations	The following table presents the net periodic benefit costs for the defined benefit pension plans and SERP by expense components for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 . Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 4,983 $ 5,277 $ 9,965 $ 10,554 Interest cost 5,964 5,493 11,928 10,986 Expected return on assets (6,966 ) (6,363 ) (13,932 ) (12,726 ) Amortization: Prior service cost 158 119 316 238 Actuarial (gain) loss 1,896 3,636 3,790 7,272 Net periodic benefit cost $ 6,035 $ 8,162 $ 12,067 $ 16,324

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	A reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 109,649,714 113,350,175 109,973,820 113,762,340 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 1,935,962 2,301,237 1,975,492 2,434,633 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 111,585,676 115,651,412 111,949,312 116,196,973 Antidilutive shares 1,359,686 1,381,686 1,359,686 960,753

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Information to Consolidated Statement of Operations	The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Globe Life's revenues and operations by segment to its major income statement line items: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 631,201 $ 266,282 $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ 897,484 Net investment income — — — 227,425 — — 227,425 Other income — — — — 398 — 398 Total revenue 631,201 266,282 1 227,425 398 — 1,125,307 Expenses: Policy benefits 410,961 170,511 7,890 — — — 589,362 Required interest on reserves (165,513 ) (21,680 ) (10,888 ) 198,081 — — — Required interest on DAC 50,298 6,341 127 (56,766 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 110,319 27,343 503 — — — 138,165 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 50,086 23,608 4 — — — 73,698 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 59,416 5,500 (2 ) 64,916 Parent expense — — — — 2,872 — 2,872 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 11,256 — 11,256 Interest expense — — — 21,432 — — 21,432 Total expenses 456,151 206,123 (2,364 ) 162,747 73,544 5,500 901,701 Subtotal 175,050 60,159 2,365 64,678 (73,146 ) (5,500 ) 223,606 Non-operating items — — — — — 5,500 (2 ) 5,500 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 175,050 $ 60,159 $ 2,365 $ 64,678 $ (73,146 ) $ — 229,106 Realized gain (loss)—investments 5,154 Legal proceedings (5,500 ) Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 228,760 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Legal proceedings—See Note 5 for further discussion. Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 602,534 $ 251,440 $ 5 $ — $ — $ — $ 853,979 Net investment income — — — 218,568 — — 218,568 Other income — — — — 441 (25 ) (2) 416 Total revenue 602,534 251,440 5 218,568 441 (25 ) 1,072,963 Expenses: Policy benefits 399,334 160,461 8,582 — — — 568,377 Required interest on reserves (158,101 ) (20,726 ) (11,885 ) 190,712 — — — Required interest on DAC 48,275 6,079 150 (54,504 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 104,599 23,892 586 — — — 129,077 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 47,250 22,196 6 — — (25 ) (2) 69,427 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 55,276 — 55,276 Parent expense — — — — 2,847 — 2,847 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 10,497 — 10,497 Interest expense — — — 22,411 — — 22,411 Total expenses 441,357 191,902 (2,561 ) 158,619 68,620 (25 ) 857,912 Subtotal 161,177 59,538 2,566 59,949 (68,179 ) — 215,051 Non-operating items — — — — — — — Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 161,177 $ 59,538 $ 2,566 $ 59,949 $ (68,179 ) $ — 215,051 Realized gain (loss)—investments 11,813 Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 226,864 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,255,490 $ 532,966 $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,788,457 Net investment income — — — 454,098 — — 454,098 Other income — — — — 639 — 639 Total revenue 1,255,490 532,966 1 454,098 639 — 2,243,194 Expenses: Policy benefits 820,653 340,528 15,938 — — — 1,177,119 Required interest on reserves (329,175 ) (43,176 ) (22,008 ) 394,359 — — — Required interest on DAC 100,322 12,624 258 (113,204 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 218,609 54,357 1,021 — — — 273,987 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 100,192 46,960 11 — — — 147,163 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 118,607 5,900 (2,3) 124,507 Parent expense — — — — 5,515 — 5,515 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 21,815 — 21,815 Interest expense — — — 42,710 — — 42,710 Total expenses 910,601 411,293 (4,780 ) 323,865 145,937 5,900 1,792,816 Subtotal 344,889 121,673 4,781 130,233 (145,298 ) (5,900 ) 450,378 Non-operating items — — — — — 5,900 (2,3) 5,900 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 344,889 $ 121,673 $ 4,781 $ 130,233 $ (145,298 ) $ — 456,278 Realized gain (loss)—investments 6,483 Administrative settlements (400 ) Legal proceedings (5,500 ) Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 456,861 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) During the first quarter of 2019 , Globe Life recorded $400 thousand in administrative settlements related to state regulatory examinations. (3) Legal proceedings—See Note 5 for further discussion. Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 1,200,837 $ 503,238 $ 10 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,704,085 Net investment income — — — 436,652 — — 436,652 Other income — — — — 764 (53 ) (2) 711 Total revenue 1,200,837 503,238 10 436,652 764 (53 ) 2,141,448 Expenses: Policy benefits 799,915 321,080 17,271 — — — 1,138,266 Required interest on reserves (314,315 ) (41,130 ) (23,902 ) 379,347 — — — Required interest on DAC 96,219 12,092 303 (108,614 ) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 208,376 49,149 1,172 — — — 258,697 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 94,644 44,461 14 — — (53 ) (2) 139,066 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 110,748 — 110,748 Parent expense — — — — 5,139 — 5,139 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 19,557 — 19,557 Interest expense — — — 44,033 — — 44,033 Total expenses 884,839 385,652 (5,142 ) 314,766 135,444 (53 ) 1,715,506 Subtotal 315,998 117,586 5,152 121,886 (134,680 ) — 425,942 Non-operating items — — — — — — — Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 315,998 $ 117,586 $ 5,152 $ 121,886 $ (134,680 ) $ — 425,942 Realized gain (loss)—investments 13,764 Income before income taxes per Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 439,706 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	4

Supplemental Information abou_3

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	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	$ 6,043,426	$ 5,820,301	$ 5,415,177	$ 6,231,421
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	568,177	(332,921)	1,119,025	(819,431)
Reclassifications, net of tax	1,006	(3,779)	750	(1,344)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	569,183	(336,700)	1,119,775	(820,775)
Ending balance	6,700,398	5,571,609	6,700,398	5,571,609
Total [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	870,067	940,199	319,475	1,424,274
Ending balance	1,439,250	603,499	1,439,250	603,499
Available for Sale Assets
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	984,701	1,082,896	435,698	1,569,289
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	568,073	(329,619)	1,119,007	(815,462)
Reclassifications, net of tax	(666)	(6,763)	(2,597)	(7,313)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	567,407	(336,382)	1,116,410	(822,775)
Ending balance	1,552,108	746,514	1,552,108	746,514
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(6,691)	(8,191)	(4,163)	(8,547)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	135	1,612	(2,393)	1,968
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	135	1,612	(2,393)	1,968
Ending balance	(6,556)	(6,579)	(6,556)	(6,579)
Foreign Exchange
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	8,937	15,279	6,495	16,302
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(31)	(4,914)	2,411	(5,937)
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(31)	(4,914)	2,411	(5,937)
Ending balance	8,906	10,365	8,906	10,365
Pension Adjustments
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(116,880)	(149,785)	(118,555)	(152,770)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Reclassifications, net of tax	1,672	2,984	3,347	5,969
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,672	2,984	3,347	5,969
Ending balance	$ (115,208)	$ (146,801)	$ (115,208)	$ (146,801)

Supplemental Information abou_4

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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Realized gains (losses)	$ (5,154)	$ (11,813)	$ (6,483)	$ (13,764)
Amortization of (discount) premium	(227,425)	(218,568)	(454,098)	(436,652)
Total before tax	(228,760)	(226,864)	(456,861)	(439,706)
Income tax benefit (expense)	42,151	42,471	84,858	81,602
Net income	(186,566)	(184,425)	(371,911)	(358,025)
Pension adjustments:
Income tax benefit (expense)	42,151	42,471	84,858	81,602
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Net income	1,006	(3,779)	750	(1,344)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Assets
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Realized gains (losses)	(2,237)	(9,431)	(5,907)	(10,817)
Amortization of (discount) premium	1,394	870	2,620	1,560
Total before tax	(843)	(8,561)	(3,287)	(9,257)
Income tax benefit (expense)	177	1,798	690	1,944
Net income	(666)	(6,763)	(2,597)	(7,313)
Pension adjustments:
Income tax benefit (expense)	177	1,798	690	1,944
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of prior service cost
Pension adjustments:
Pension adjustments	158	119	316	238
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss
Pension adjustments:
Pension adjustments	1,960	3,659	3,922	7,318
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Pension Adjustments
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
Total before tax	2,118	3,778	4,238	7,556
Income tax benefit (expense)	(446)	(794)	(891)	(1,587)
Net income	1,672	2,984	3,347	5,969
Pension adjustments:
Income tax benefit (expense)	$ (446)	$ (794)	$ (891)	$ (1,587)

Investments - Summary of Fixed

Investments - Summary of Fixed Maturities Available for Sale by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 15,984,272	$ 15,753,471
Fair Value	17,934,274	16,297,932
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	15,984,272	15,753,471
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,059,332	972,840
Gross Unrealized Losses	(109,330)	(428,379)
Fair Value	$ 17,934,274	$ 16,297,932
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 393,915	$ 390,351
Gross Unrealized Gains	38,353	5,104
Gross Unrealized Losses	(420)	(2,787)
Fair Value	$ 431,848	$ 392,668
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	3.00%	2.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,365,345	$ 1,354,810
Gross Unrealized Gains	139,098	83,600
Gross Unrealized Losses	(178)	(1,750)
Fair Value	$ 1,504,265	$ 1,436,660
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	8.00%	9.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Foreign governments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 18,732	$ 19,006
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,319	1,810
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$ 21,051	$ 20,816
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 14,003,840	$ 13,784,681
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,846,136	858,125
Gross Unrealized Losses	(101,939)	(416,794)
Fair Value	$ 15,748,037	$ 14,226,012
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	88.00%	87.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Financial
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 3,980,362	$ 3,759,768
Gross Unrealized Gains	557,883	262,875
Gross Unrealized Losses	(30,471)	(87,515)
Fair Value	$ 4,507,774	$ 3,935,128
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	25.00%	24.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Utilities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,958,277	$ 1,989,506
Gross Unrealized Gains	359,882	217,846
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,211)	(24,399)
Fair Value	$ 2,311,948	$ 2,182,953
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	13.00%	13.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Energy
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,632,744	$ 1,652,700
Gross Unrealized Gains	233,498	93,880
Gross Unrealized Losses	(28,863)	(62,371)
Fair Value	$ 1,837,379	$ 1,684,209
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	10.00%	10.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 6,432,457	$ 6,382,707
Gross Unrealized Gains	694,873	283,524
Gross Unrealized Losses	(36,394)	(242,509)
Fair Value	$ 7,090,936	$ 6,423,722
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	40.00%	40.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Collateralized debt obligations
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 57,172	$ 57,769
Gross Unrealized Gains	28,403	22,014
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,497)	(6,414)
Fair Value	$ 79,078	$ 73,369
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	0.00%	1.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 145,268	$ 146,854
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,023	2,187
Gross Unrealized Losses	(296)	(634)
Fair Value	$ 149,995	$ 148,407
Percentage Of Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	1.00%	1.00%

Investments - Schedule of Fixed

Investments - Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 151,815
Due after one year through five years	631,205
Due after five years through ten years	1,646,091
Due after ten years through twenty years	5,211,263
Due after twenty years	8,140,905
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	202,993
Total fixed maturities available for sale, Amortized Cost	15,984,272	$ 15,753,471
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	153,027
Due after one year through five years	674,283
Due after five years through ten years	1,867,864
Due after ten years through twenty years	6,086,465
Due after twenty years	8,922,971
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	229,664
Total fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value	$ 17,934,274	$ 16,297,932

Investments - Schedule of Analy

Investments - Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross	$ 231,442	$ 222,525	$ 462,048	$ 444,510
Less investment expense	(4,017)	(3,957)	(7,950)	(7,858)
Net investment income	227,425	218,568	454,098	436,652
Fixed maturities available for sale
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross	215,867	209,771	431,630	418,313
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross	10,821	10,201	21,457	20,399
Other long-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross	3,991	2,120	7,379	4,974
Short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross	$ 763	$ 433	$ 1,582	$ 824

Investments - Schedule of Selec

Investments - Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales			$ 34,997,000	$ 0
Unsettled sales	$ 0	$ 0	0	0
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	0	0	34,997,000	0
Gross realized gains	0	0	46,000	0
Gross realized losses	$ 0	$ 0	$ (3,027,000)	$ 0

Investments - Realized Gain (Lo

Investments - Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses)	$ 5,154	$ 11,813	$ 6,483	$ 13,764
Applicable tax	(1,082)	(2,480)	(1,361)	(2,890)
Realized gains (losses), net of tax	4,072	9,333	5,122	10,874
Fixed maturities available for sale
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses)	2,237	9,431	5,907	10,817
Fair value option—change in fair value
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses)	2,869	2,301	684	2,861
Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses)	$ 48	$ 81	$ (108)	$ 86

Investments - Assets Measured a

Investments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 17,934,274	$ 16,297,932
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Percentage of total	0.00%	0.00%
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Percentage of total	96.00%	96.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Percentage of total	4.00%	4.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 17,934,274	$ 16,297,932
Fixed maturities available for sale | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	431,848	392,668
Fixed maturities available for sale | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,504,265	1,436,660
Fixed maturities available for sale | Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	21,051	20,816
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	15,748,037	14,226,012
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	4,507,774	3,935,128
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Utilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,311,948	2,182,953
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Energy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,837,379	1,684,209
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	7,090,936	6,423,722
Fixed maturities available for sale | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	79,078	73,369
Fixed maturities available for sale | Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	149,995	148,407
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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	9,472	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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	0	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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	9,472	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporates | Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporates | Utilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	9,472	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporates | Energy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	17,262,350	15,658,110
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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	431,848	392,668
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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	1,504,265	1,436,660
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	21,051	20,816
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	15,168,394	13,672,541
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporates | Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	4,462,768	3,891,728
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporates | Utilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,149,087	2,032,127
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporates | Energy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,796,186	1,645,077
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	6,760,353	6,103,609
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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	136,792	135,425
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	662,452	639,822
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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
Fixed maturities available for sale | 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
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	570,171	553,471
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	45,006	43,400
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Utilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	153,389	150,826
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Energy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	41,193	39,132
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	330,583	320,113
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	79,078	73,369
Fixed maturities available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 13,203	$ 12,982

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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 639,822	$ 668,440
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	30,367	(15,125)
Acquisitions	0	20,300
Sales	0	0
Amortization	2,322	2,397
Other	(10,059)	(9,853)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 662,452	$ 666,159
Percent of total fixed maturities	4.00%	4.00%
Asset- backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 12,982	$ 14,049
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	441	(697)
Acquisitions	0	0
Sales	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Other	(220)	(199)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 13,203	$ 13,153
Percent of total fixed maturities	0.00%	0.00%
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 73,369	$ 71,581
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	6,306	5,183
Acquisitions	0	0
Sales	0	0
Amortization	2,315	2,389
Other	(2,912)	(2,957)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 79,078	$ 76,196
Percent of total fixed maturities	1.00%	0.00%
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 553,471	$ 582,810
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	23,620	(19,611)
Acquisitions	0	20,300
Sales	0	0
Amortization	7	8
Other	(6,927)	(6,697)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 570,171	$ 576,810
Percent of total fixed maturities	3.00%	4.00%

Investments - Transfers in and

Investments - Transfers in and Out of Each of the Valuation Levels of Fair Values (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
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	$ 14,572	$ 0
Out	0	0
Net	14,572	0
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	0
Out	(14,572)	0
Net	(14,572)	0
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
Out	0	0
Net	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Schedule of Other

Investments - Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments under fair value option	$ 289,147	$ 207,258
Commercial mortgage participations
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments under fair value option	120,599	96,266
Other
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments under fair value option	3,122	2,751
Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option | Investment in limited partnerships
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments under fair value option	$ 165,426	$ 108,241

Investments Investments - Fair

Investments Investments - Fair Value Option (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Net Gains and Losses Recognized During the Period	$ 684	$ 2,861
Less Net Gains and Losses Recognized due to Sales	0	0
Total Changes in Fair Values Included in Current-Period Earnings	684	$ 2,861
Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Limited partnerships, fair value	165,426		$ 108,241
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Limited partnerships, fair value	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Limited partnerships, fair value	165,426		108,241
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Limited partnerships, fair value	$ 0		$ 0

Investments - Schedule of Addit

Investments - Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) - Issue	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Less than Twelve Months	16	495
Twelve Months or Longer	148	234
Total	164	729

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)Issue	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)Issue	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018Issue
Investment [Line Items]
Total issues of fixed-maturities | Issue	1,588		1,588		1,548
Fixed maturities available for sale
Investment [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Schedule of Unrea

Investments - Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 192,313	$ 4,698,830
Unrealized Loss	(3,188)	(252,192)
Fair Value	1,154,336	1,290,990
Unrealized Loss	(106,142)	(176,187)
Fair Value	1,346,649	5,989,820
Total	109,330	428,379
Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	135,740	4,458,883
Unrealized Loss	(237)	(229,105)
Fair Value	880,078	1,091,128
Unrealized Loss	(32,406)	(106,067)
Fair Value	1,015,818	5,550,011
Total	32,643	335,172
Investment Grade | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	2	37,182
Unrealized Loss	0	(212)
Fair Value	28,896	89,664
Unrealized Loss	(420)	(2,575)
Fair Value	28,898	126,846
Total	420	2,787
Investment Grade | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	29,960	124,907
Unrealized Loss	(40)	(1,648)
Fair Value	0	7,981
Unrealized Loss	0	(102)
Fair Value	29,960	132,888
Total	40	1,750
Investment Grade | Foreign governments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	0
Unrealized Loss	0
Fair Value	0
Unrealized Loss	0
Fair Value	0
Total	0
Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	105,716	4,252,191
Unrealized Loss	(197)	(226,611)
Fair Value	851,182	993,483
Unrealized Loss	(31,986)	(103,390)
Fair Value	956,898	5,245,674
Total	32,183	330,001
Investment Grade | Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	62	44,603
Unrealized Loss	0	(634)
Fair Value	0	0
Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair Value	62	44,603
Total	0	634
Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	56,573	239,947
Unrealized Loss	(2,951)	(23,087)
Fair Value	274,258	199,862
Unrealized Loss	(73,736)	(70,120)
Fair Value	330,831	439,809
Total	76,687	93,207
Below Investment Grade | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	82
Unrealized Loss	(138)
Fair Value	0
Unrealized Loss	0
Fair Value	82
Total	138
Below Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	42,387	239,947
Unrealized Loss	(2,517)	(23,087)
Fair Value	260,755	186,276
Unrealized Loss	(67,239)	(63,706)
Fair Value	303,142	426,223
Total	69,756	86,793
Below Investment Grade | Collateralized debt obligations
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair Value	13,503	13,586
Unrealized Loss	(6,497)	(6,414)
Fair Value	13,503	13,586
Total	6,497	6,414
Below Investment Grade | Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	14,104
Unrealized Loss	(296)
Fair Value	0
Unrealized Loss	0
Fair Value	14,104
Total	296
Financial | Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	74,915	931,161
Unrealized Loss	(85)	(36,337)
Fair Value	130,430	241,442
Unrealized Loss	(4,854)	(21,572)
Fair Value	205,345	1,172,603
Total	4,939	57,909
Financial | Below Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	7,379	22,087
Unrealized Loss	(450)	(8,674)
Fair Value	122,459	81,101
Unrealized Loss	(25,082)	(20,932)
Fair Value	129,838	103,188
Total	25,532	29,606
Utilities | Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	329,753
Unrealized Loss	0	(11,680)
Fair Value	73,863	121,308
Unrealized Loss	(1,126)	(9,442)
Fair Value	73,863	451,061
Total	1,126	21,122
Utilities | Below Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	15,449	28,613
Unrealized Loss	(1,136)	(3,277)
Fair Value	12,300	0
Unrealized Loss	(3,949)	0
Fair Value	27,749	28,613
Total	5,085	3,277
Energy | Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	6,198	475,736
Unrealized Loss	(80)	(29,426)
Fair Value	65,067	54,937
Unrealized Loss	(6,781)	(9,382)
Fair Value	71,265	530,673
Total	6,861	38,808
Energy | Below Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,872	42,874
Unrealized Loss	(346)	(3,901)
Fair Value	44,046	36,122
Unrealized Loss	(21,656)	(19,662)
Fair Value	46,918	78,996
Total	22,002	23,563
Other corporate sectors | Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	24,603	2,515,541
Unrealized Loss	(32)	(149,168)
Fair Value	581,822	575,796
Unrealized Loss	(19,225)	(62,994)
Fair Value	606,425	3,091,337
Total	19,257	212,162
Other corporate sectors | Below Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value	16,687	146,373
Unrealized Loss	(585)	(7,235)
Fair Value	81,950	69,053
Unrealized Loss	(16,552)	(23,112)
Fair Value	98,637	215,426
Total	$ 17,137	$ 30,347

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019	Apr. 02, 2019	Apr. 01, 2019
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Letters of credit facility outstanding		$ 150,000,000	$ 155,000,000
Letter of Credit
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Letter of credit maximum available amount	$ 250,000,000

Liability for Unpaid Claims - S

Liability for Unpaid Claims - Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims (Details) - Other premium - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Activity in the Liability for Unpaid Health Claims
Balance at beginning of period	$ 154,528	$ 146,865
Incurred related to:
Current year	302,129	269,574
Prior year	77	(5,708)
Total incurred	302,206	263,866
Paid related to:
Current year	190,599	171,199
Prior year	110,587	99,054
Total paid	301,186	270,253
Balance at end of period	$ 155,548	$ 140,478

Liability for Unpaid Claims - R

Liability for Unpaid Claims - Reconciliation of Net Incurred and Paid Claims Development to Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Policy claims and other benefits payable:
Life insurance	$ 195,799	$ 196,298
Policy claims and other benefits payable	351,347	350,826
Other premium
Policy claims and other benefits payable:
Policy claims and other benefits payable	$ 155,548	$ 154,528

Postretirement Benefits - Pensi

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Assets by Components at Fair Value (Detail) - Funded defined benefit pension - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 446,294	$ 392,672
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	$ 211,879	$ 170,822
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	234,415	221,850
Financial
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 44,880	$ 44,236
Total percentage	10.00%	11.00%
Financial | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 44,880	$ 44,236
Utilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 41,728	$ 39,443
Total percentage	9.00%	10.00%
Utilities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 41,728	$ 39,443
Energy
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 21,479	$ 19,744
Total percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Energy | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 21,479	$ 19,744
Other corporates
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 89,210	$ 83,202
Total percentage	20.00%	22.00%
Other corporates | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 89,210	$ 83,202
Total corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 197,297	$ 186,625
Total percentage	44.00%	48.00%
Total corporate bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 197,297	$ 186,625
Exchange Traded Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 185,765	$ 157,717
Total percentage	42.00%	40.00%
Exchange Traded Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 185,765	$ 157,717
Other bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 255	$ 245
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	$ 255	$ 245
Other long-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 10,126	$ 8,475
Total percentage	2.00%	2.00%
Other long-term investments | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 10,126	$ 8,475
Guaranteed Annuity Contract
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 26,737	$ 26,505
Total percentage	6.00%	7.00%
Guaranteed Annuity Contract | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 26,737	$ 26,505
Short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 20,699	$ 9,289
Total percentage	5.00%	2.00%
Short-term investments | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 20,699	$ 9,289
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 5,415	$ 3,816
Total percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Other | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 5,415	$ 3,816

Postretirement Benefits - Activ

Postretirement Benefits - Activity for the SERP (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Premiums paid for insurance coverage	$ 444	$ 2,997
Company owned life insurance	45,326	44,285
Exchange traded funds	61,048	52,659
Total investments of SERP	$ 106,374	$ 96,944

Postretirement Benefits - Pen_2

Postretirement Benefits - Pension and SERP Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 601,213	$ 556,199
Funded defined benefit pension | Funded defined benefit pension | Funded defined benefit pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	526,015	481,792
SERP | SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 75,198	$ 74,407

Postretirement Benefits - Compo

Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 4,983	$ 5,277	$ 9,965	$ 10,554
Interest cost	5,964	5,493	11,928	10,986
Expected return on assets	(6,966)	(6,363)	(13,932)	(12,726)
Prior service cost	158	119	316	238
Actuarial (gain) loss	1,896	3,636	3,790	7,272
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 6,035	$ 8,162	$ 12,067	$ 16,324

Earnings Per Share - Reconcilia

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	109,649,714	113,350,175	109,973,820	113,762,340
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding	1,935,962	2,301,237	1,975,492	2,434,633
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	111,585,676	115,651,412	111,949,312	116,196,973
Antidilutive shares	1,359,686	1,381,686	1,359,686	960,753

Business Segments - Additional

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments	4

Business Segments - Reconciliat

Business Segments - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Information to Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue:
Premium	$ 897,484		$ 853,979	$ 1,788,457	$ 1,704,085
Net investment income	227,425		218,568	454,098	436,652
Other income	398		416	639	711
Total revenue	1,125,307		1,072,963	2,243,194	2,141,448
Expenses:
Policy benefits	589,362		568,377	1,177,119	1,138,266
Required interest on reserves	0		0	0	0
Required interest on DAC	0		0	0	0
Amortization of acquisition costs	138,165		129,077	273,987	258,697
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	73,698		69,427	147,163	139,066
Insurance administrative expense	64,916		55,276	124,507	110,748
Parent expense	2,872		2,847	5,515	5,139
Stock-based compensation expense	11,256		10,497	21,815	19,557
Interest expense	21,432		22,411	42,710	44,033
Total benefits and expenses	901,701		857,912	1,792,816	1,715,506
Subtotal	223,606		215,051	450,378	425,942
Non-operating items	5,500		0	5,900	0
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	229,106		215,051	456,278	425,942
Realized gain (loss)—investments	5,154		11,813	6,483	13,764
Administrative settlements		$ (400)		(400)
Legal proceedings	(5,500)			(5,500)
Income before income taxes	228,760		226,864	456,861	439,706
Operating Segments | Life
Revenue:
Premium	631,201		602,534	1,255,490	1,200,837
Total revenue	631,201		602,534	1,255,490	1,200,837
Expenses:
Policy benefits	410,961		399,334	820,653	799,915
Required interest on reserves	(165,513)		(158,101)	(329,175)	(314,315)
Required interest on DAC	50,298		48,275	100,322	96,219
Amortization of acquisition costs	110,319		104,599	218,609	208,376
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	50,086		47,250	100,192	94,644
Total benefits and expenses	456,151		441,357	910,601	884,839
Subtotal	175,050		161,177	344,889	315,998
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	175,050		161,177	344,889	315,998
Operating Segments | Health
Revenue:
Premium	266,282		251,440	532,966	503,238
Total revenue	266,282		251,440	532,966	503,238
Expenses:
Policy benefits	170,511		160,461	340,528	321,080
Required interest on reserves	(21,680)		(20,726)	(43,176)	(41,130)
Required interest on DAC	6,341		6,079	12,624	12,092
Amortization of acquisition costs	27,343		23,892	54,357	49,149
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	23,608		22,196	46,960	44,461
Total benefits and expenses	206,123		191,902	411,293	385,652
Subtotal	60,159		59,538	121,673	117,586
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	60,159		59,538	121,673	117,586
Operating Segments | Annuity
Revenue:
Premium	1		5	1	10
Total revenue	1		5	1	10
Expenses:
Policy benefits	7,890		8,582	15,938	17,271
Required interest on reserves	(10,888)		(11,885)	(22,008)	(23,902)
Required interest on DAC	127		150	258	303
Amortization of acquisition costs	503		586	1,021	1,172
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	4		6	11	14
Total benefits and expenses	(2,364)		(2,561)	(4,780)	(5,142)
Subtotal	2,365		2,566	4,781	5,152
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	2,365		2,566	4,781	5,152
Operating Segments | Investment
Revenue:
Net investment income	227,425		218,568	454,098	436,652
Total revenue	227,425		218,568	454,098	436,652
Expenses:
Required interest on reserves	198,081		190,712	394,359	379,347
Required interest on DAC	(56,766)		(54,504)	(113,204)	(108,614)
Interest expense	21,432		22,411	42,710	44,033
Total benefits and expenses	162,747		158,619	323,865	314,766
Subtotal	64,678		59,949	130,233	121,886
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	64,678		59,949	130,233	121,886
Operating Segments | Corporate & Other
Revenue:
Other income	398		441	639	764
Total revenue	398		441	639	764
Expenses:
Insurance administrative expense	59,416		55,276	118,607	110,748
Parent expense	2,872		2,847	5,515	5,139
Stock-based compensation expense	11,256		10,497	21,815	19,557
Total benefits and expenses	73,544		68,620	145,937	135,444
Subtotal	(73,146)		(68,179)	(145,298)	(134,680)
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	(73,146)		(68,179)	(145,298)	(134,680)
Adjustments
Revenue:
Net investment income					0
Other income	0		(25)	0	(53)
Total revenue	0		(25)	0	(53)
Expenses:
Policy benefits	0			0
Amortization of acquisition costs					0
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	0		(25)	0	(53)
Insurance administrative expense	5,500			5,900
Interest expense					0
Total benefits and expenses	5,500		(25)	5,900	(53)
Subtotal	(5,500)		0	(5,900)	0
Non-operating items	5,500		0	5,900	0
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Uncategorized Items - gl201910-

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (497,000)	[1]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	4,896,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	(497,000)	[1]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 4,896,000
[1]	See further discussion in Note 2—New Accounting Standards .