Globe Life (GL) 10-K 27 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 19, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-08052
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
Trading Symbol	GL
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
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
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000320335
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		107,533,326
Entity Public Float			$ 9.6
Documents Incorporated by Reference	DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Document Parts Into Which Incorporated Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2020 (Proxy Statement) Part III

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2019—$16,415,776; 2018—$15,753,471)	$ 18,907,147	$ 16,297,932
Policy loans	575,492	550,066
Other long-term investments (includes: 2019—$185,851; 2018—$108,241 under the fair value option)	326,347	207,258
Short-term investments	38,285	63,288
Total investments	19,847,271	17,118,544
Cash	75,933	121,026
Accrued investment income	245,129	243,003
Other receivables	441,662	415,157
Deferred acquisition costs	4,341,941	4,137,925
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	583,933	549,899
Assets related to discontinued operations	0	68,577
Total assets	25,977,460	23,095,722
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	14,508,134	13,953,826
Unearned and advance premiums	63,709	61,208
Policy claims and other benefits payable	365,402	350,826
Other policyholders' funds	96,282	97,459
Total policy liabilities	15,033,527	14,463,319
Current and deferred income taxes	1,476,832	1,047,737
Short-term debt	298,738	307,848
Long-term debt (estimated fair value: 2019—$1,473,364; 2018—$1,384,455)	1,348,988	1,357,185
Other liabilities	525,068	453,270
Liabilities related to discontinued operations	0	51,186
Total liabilities	18,683,153	17,680,545
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
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—117,218,183 issued; 2018— 121,218,183 issued)	117,218	121,218
Additional paid-in-capital	531,554	524,414
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,844,830	319,475
Retained earnings	5,551,329	5,213,468
Treasury stock, at cost: (2019—9,497,940 shares; 2018—10,525,147 shares)	(750,624)	(763,398)
Total shareholders' equity	7,294,307	5,415,177
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 25,977,460	$ 23,095,722

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 16,415,776	$ 15,753,471
Other long-term investments under fair value option	326,347	207,258
Total long-term debt, fair value	$ 1,473,364	$ 1,384,455
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	320,000,000	320,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	117,218,183	121,218,183
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	117,218,183	121,218,183
Common stock, shares held in treasury (in shares)	9,497,940	10,525,147
Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option | Investment in limited partnerships
Other long-term investments under fair value option	$ 185,851	$ 108,241

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue:
Premium	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906	$ 3,282,935
Net investment income	910,459	882,512	847,885
Realized gains (losses)	20,621	(1,804)	23,611
Other income	1,318	1,137	1,142
Total revenue	4,527,532	4,303,751	4,155,573
Benefits and expenses:
Life policyholder benefits	1,638,053	1,591,790	1,558,261
Health policyholder benefits	687,764	649,188	633,778
Other policyholder benefits	31,532	34,264	35,836
Total policyholder benefits	2,357,349	2,275,242	2,227,875
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	551,726	516,690	490,403
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	298,047	278,487	264,860
Other operating expense	304,825	279,585	257,255
Interest expense	84,306	90,076	84,532
Total expenses	3,596,253	3,440,080	3,324,925
Income before income taxes	931,279	863,671	830,648
Income tax benefit (expense)	(170,397)	(162,161)	627,615
Income from continuing operations	760,882	701,510	1,458,263
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(92)	(44)	(3,769)
Net income	$ 760,790	$ 701,466	$ 1,454,494
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 6.97	$ 6.22	$ 12.53
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	(0.03)
Total basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	6.97	6.22	12.50
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	6.83	6.09	12.26
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	(0.04)
Total diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.83	$ 6.09	$ 12.22
Life premium
Revenue:
Premium	$ 2,517,784	$ 2,406,555	$ 2,306,547
Health premium
Revenue:
Premium	1,077,346	1,015,339	976,373
Other premium
Revenue:
Premium	$ 4	$ 12	$ 15

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net income	$ 760,790	$ 701,466	$ 1,454,494
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities:
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	1,958,165	(1,434,918)	921,421
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(411,213)	301,327	(322,553)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	1,546,952	(1,133,591)	598,868
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities	7,042	(12,417)	11,389
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(1,479)	2,610	(2,937)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities, net of tax	5,563	(9,807)	8,452
Deferred acquisition costs:
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs	(2,218)	5,549	(538)
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	465	(1,165)	188
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	(1,753)	4,384	(350)
Pension:
Amortization of pension costs	8,474	15,095	12,436
Plan amendments	0	(2,377)	0
Experience gain (loss)	(40,636)	30,591	(31,933)
Pension adjustments	(32,162)	43,309	(19,497)
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	6,755	(9,094)	6,827
Pension adjustments, net of tax	(25,407)	34,215	(12,670)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,525,355	(1,104,799)	594,300
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,286,145	(403,333)	2,048,794
Securities
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	1,959,596	(1,426,581)	950,088
Reclassifications adjustments included in net income	(13,837)	(1,758)	(35,001)
Foreign exchange adjustment on securities recorded at fair value	1,151	(1,424)	1,326
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	1,946,910	(1,429,763)	916,413
Other investments
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities:
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 11,255	$ (5,155)	$ 5,008

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, 2016	$ 4,566,861	$ 0	$ 127,218	$ 490,421	$ 577,574	$ 3,890,798	$ (519,150)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,048,794				594,300	1,454,494
Common dividends declared	(69,494)					(69,494)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(412,989)						(412,989)
Stock-based compensation	37,034			30,190		(606)	7,450
Exercise of stock options	61,215					(38,333)	99,548
Tax Reform Reclassifications					252,400	(252,400)
Retirement of treasury stock			(3,000)	(12,135)		(178,251)	193,386
Ending 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)	(403,333)				(1,104,799)	701,466
Common dividends declared	(71,941)					(71,941)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(421,749)						(421,749)
Stock-based compensation	39,792			28,836		(1,803)	12,759
Exercise of stock options	36,091					(24,811)	60,902
Retirement of treasury stock			(3,000)	(12,898)		(200,547)	216,445
Ending 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)	2,286,145				1,525,355	760,790
Common dividends declared	(75,060)					(75,060)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(459,569)						(459,569)
Stock-based compensation	44,843			25,132		(6,817)	26,528
Exercise of stock options	83,163					(51,892)	135,055
Retirement of treasury stock			(4,000)	(17,992)		(288,768)	310,760
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 7,294,307	$ 0	$ 117,218	$ 531,554	$ 1,844,830	$ 5,551,329	$ (750,624)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.69	$ 0.64	$ 0.60

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities:
Net income	$ 760,790	$ 701,466	$ 1,454,494
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided from continuing operations:
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	92	44	3,769
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefits	661,567	664,997	687,407
Increase (decrease) in other policy benefits	15,900	17,134	31,784
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	(753,661)	(699,551)	(660,134)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	551,726	516,690	490,403
Change in current and deferred income taxes	68,588	69,369	(700,660)
Realized (gains) losses	(20,621)	1,804	(23,611)
Other, net	62,194	4,463	67,933
Net cash provided from (used for) continuing operations	1,346,575	1,276,416	1,351,385
Net cash provided from (used for) discontinued operations	17,299	1,231	77,673
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	1,363,874	1,277,647	1,429,058
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Fixed maturities available for sale—sold	79,108	32,021	67,246
Fixed maturities available for sale—matured or other redemptions	840,222	343,712	488,843
Other long-term investments	5,134	477	3,534
Total investments sold or matured	924,464	376,210	559,623
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale	(1,552,956)	(1,155,539)	(1,314,609)
Other long-term investments	(123,332)	(93,631)	(55,096)
Total investments acquired	(1,676,288)	(1,249,170)	(1,369,705)
Net (increase) decrease in policy loans	(25,426)	(20,537)	(21,554)
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments	34,003	63,783	(55,031)
Additions to properties	(42,203)	(45,092)	(20,285)
Sale of other assets	32	1,987	18
Investments in low-income housing interests	(23,893)	(23,404)	(19,890)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Total	(809,311)	(896,223)	(926,824)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Issuance of common stock	83,163	36,091	61,215
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(74,188)	(71,421)	(68,831)
Repayment of debt	(6,875)	(327,762)	(126,875)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	550,000	125,000
Payment for debt issuance costs	0	(6,969)	(1,661)
Net borrowing (repayment) of commercial paper	(11,610)	(22,719)	61,092
Acquisition of treasury stock	(459,569)	(421,749)	(412,989)
Net receipts (payments) from deposit-type products	(121,429)	(126,991)	(90,932)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(590,508)	(391,520)	(453,981)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	(9,148)	12,559	(5,853)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(45,093)	2,463	42,400
Cash at beginning of year	121,026	118,563	76,163
Cash at end of year	$ 75,933	$ 121,026	$ 118,563

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 was 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, Liberty National Life Insurance Company, Family Heritage Life Insurance Company of America, and United American Insurance Company. Basis of Presentation : The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Principles of Consolidation : The consolidated financial statements include the results of Globe Life Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When Globe Life acquires a subsidiary or a block of business, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets is recorded as goodwill. Expenses incurred to effect the acquisition are charged to earnings as of the acquisition date. Upon acquisition, the accounts and results of operations are consolidated as of and subsequent to the acquisition date. Globe Life accounts for its variable interest entities (VIEs) under accounting guidance which clarifies the definition of a variable interest and the instructions for consolidating VIEs. Only primary beneficiaries are required or allowed to consolidate VIEs. Therefore, a company may have voting control of a VIE, but if it is not the primary beneficiary, it is not permitted to consolidate the VIE. The investments are not consolidated because the Company has no power to control the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of these entities and therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these interests. Globe Life involvement is limited to its limited partnership interest in the entities. The Company has not provided any other financial support to the entities beyond its commitments to fund its limited partnership interests, and there are no arrangements or agreements with any of the interests to provide other financial support. The maximum loss exposure relative to these interests is limited to their carrying value. The Company has approximately 1% of its investments in low-income housing tax credits and certain limited partnerships ('investment funds") that qualify as an unconsolidated VIE. Discontinued Operations : When a component of Globe Life's business is sold or expected to be sold during the ensuing year, the Company considers whether the criteria of ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations , have been met, which includes evaluating if the disposal of a component represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company. If the disposal meets the criteria for discontinued operations, the assets and liabilities are segregated and recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Assets and Liabilities related to discontinued operations" for all periods presented. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. The results of operations for the discontinued component are reported in "Income from discontinued operations, net of tax" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for current and prior periods. Discontinued operations are reported commencing in the period in which the business is either disposed of or meets the accounting criteria for discontinued operations, including any gain or loss recognized on the sale or adjustment of the carrying amount to the estimated fair value less cost to sell. In 2016, Globe Life sold one of its operating segments, Medicare Part D. The financial results of this business are excluded from the Company's continuing operations including the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements . The Company received final settlement related to the assets and liabilities in 2019. Investments : Globe Life classifies all of its fixed maturity investments as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). Policy loans, which represent loans provided to policyholders using cash values as collateral, are carried at unpaid principal balances. Other long-term investments include limited partnerships, commercial mortgage loan participations, equity securities, and real estate. Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value, net of taxes, reflected directly in "Realized Gains (Losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Investments in real estate are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Investments in limited partnerships consist of low-income housing tax credits and investment funds. We have elected the fair value option method for our investment funds and the net asset value is used to approximate fair value, as a practical expedient, with fluctuations in fair value reflected directly in "Realized Gains (Losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Short-term investments include investments in interest-bearing assets with original maturities of twelve months or less. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Commercial mortgage loan participations, a type of investment where the mortgage loan is shared among investors, are accounted for as financing receivables. The commercial mortgage loan participations are managed by a third- party. The Company purchased the legal rights to interests in commercial mortgage loans which are secured by properties such as hotels, retail, multiple family, or offices. The commercial mortgage loans typically have a term of three years with the option to extend up to two years. The commercial mortgage loans are recorded at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized origination fees and net of allowance for loan losses, if applicable. Interest income, net of the amortization of origination fees, is recorded in "Net Investment Income" under the effective yield method. The Company evaluates the performance and credit quality of each individual commercial mortgage on a quarterly basis, or as needed, by utilizing common metrics such as loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios as well as evaluating the fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of the underlying collateral is based on a third party appraisal of the property. The Company will also determine the probability of estimated losses for each commercial mortgage loan and record an allowance if conclusions are reached that collection of principal and interest are not probable. The allowance for loan losses are based on estimates, historical experience, probability of loss, value of the underlying collateral, and macro factors that affect the collectability of the loan. All assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary. Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities : Globe Life measures the fair value of its fixed maturities based on a hierarchy consisting of three levels which indicate the quality of the fair value measurements as described below: • Level 1— fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. • Level 2— fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that can otherwise be corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3— fair values are based on inputs that are considered unobservable where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability as of the measurement date. In this circumstance, the Company has to rely on values derived by independent brokers or internally-developed assumptions. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available to the Company which may include the Company’s own data or bid and ask prices in the dealer market. Net Asset Value— Certain investments, such as investment funds, that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share or its equivalent, as a practical expedient, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The net asset value is usually provided by general partners or managers. The great majority of Globe Life's fixed maturities are not actively traded and direct quotes are not generally available. Management therefore determines the fair values of these securities after consideration of data provided by third-party pricing services, independent broker/dealers, and other resources. At December 31, 2019, the Company's investments in fixed maturities were primarily composed of the following significant security types: corporate securities, state and municipal securities, and U.S. government securities. The remaining security types represented less than 2% of the total in the aggregate. Approximately 96% of the fair value of fixed maturities reported at December 31, 2019 was determined using data provided by third-party pricing services. Prices provided by these services are not binding offers, but are estimated exit values. Third-party pricing services use proprietary pricing models to determine security values by discounting cash flows using a market-adjusted spread to a benchmark yield. For all asset classes within Globe Life's significant security types, third-party pricing services use a common valuation technique to model the price of the investments using observable market data. The foundation for these models consists of developing yield spreads based on multiple observable market inputs, including but not limited to: benchmark yield curves, actual trading activity, new issue yields, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector-specific data, economic data, and other inputs that are corroborated in the market. Pricing vendors monitor and review their pricing data continuously with current market and economic data feeds, augmented by ongoing communication within the dealer community. Using the observable market inputs described above, spreads to an appropriate benchmark yield are further developed by the vendors for each security based on security-specific and/or sector-specific risk factors, such as a security’s terms and conditions (coupon, maturity, and call features), credit rating, sector, liquidity, collateral or other cash flow options, and other factors that could impact the risk of the security. Embedded repayment options, such as call and redemption features, are also taken into account in the pricing models. When the spread is determined, it is added to the security’s benchmark yield. The security's expected cash flows are discounted using this spread-adjusted yield, and the resulting present value of the discounted cash flows is the evaluated price. When third-party vendor prices are not available, the Company attempts to obtain valuations from other sources, including but not limited to broker/dealers, broker quotes, and prices on comparable securities. When valuations have been obtained for all securities in the portfolio, management reviews and analyzes the prices to ensure their reasonableness, taking into account available and observable information. When two or more valuations are available for a security and the variance between the prices is 10% or less, the close correlation suggests similar observable inputs were used in deriving the price, and the mean of the prices is used. Securities valued in this manner are classified as Level 2. When the variance between two or more valuations for a security exceeds 10%, additional analysis is performed to determine the most appropriate value for that security, using resources such as broker quotes, prices on comparable securities, recent trades, and any other observable market data. Further review is performed on the available valuations to determine if they can be corroborated within reasonable tolerance to any other observable evidence. If one of the valuations or the mean of the available valuations for a security can be corroborated with other observable evidence, then the corroborated value is used and reported as Level 2. The Company uses information and analytical techniques deemed appropriate for determining the point within the range of reasonable fair value estimates that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions. Valuations that cannot be corroborated within a reasonable tolerance are classified as Level 3. Globe Life invests in a portfolio of private placement fixed maturities that are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by third-parties. The portfolio managers provide valuations for the bonds based on a pricing matrix utilizing observable inputs, such as the benchmark treasury rate and published sector indices, and unobservable inputs such as an internally-developed credit rating. If observable inputs cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. The fair values for each class of security and by valuation hierarchy level are indicated in Note 4—Investments under the caption Fair value measurements, and Note 9—Postretirement Benefits under the caption Pension Assets . Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments : Fair values for cash and equivalents, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables, and payables approximate carrying value. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1. Fair values of commercial mortgage loan participations are determined based upon expected cash flows discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate and are classified as a Level 3. The fair value of investments in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits is based on discounted projected cash flows. Policy loans are an integral part of Globe Life's subsidiaries’ life insurance policies in force and their fair values cannot be valued separately from the insurance contracts. Investment funds are based on net asset value and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of Globe Life's long and short term debt issues are based on the same methodology as investments in fixed maturities. At December 31, 2019, observable inputs were available for these debt securities and as such were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2019 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt. As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits , Globe Life maintains a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan. Accordingly, the assets that support the liability for this plan are considered general assets of the Company. These assets consist of the cash value of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLI) and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The fair value of the insurance cash values approximates carrying value. Fair values for the ETFs are derived from direct quotes and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Impairment of Investments : Globe Life's portfolio of fixed maturities fluctuates in value due to changes in interest rates in the financial markets as well as other factors. Fluctuations caused by market interest rate changes have little bearing on whether or not the investment will be ultimately recoverable; and therefore, the Company considers declines in value resulting from changes in market interest rates to be temporary. In certain circumstances, however, the Company will conclude the decline in the value of a security to be other-than-temporary and correspondingly write the book value of the security down to its fair value, realizing an investment loss. The evaluation of Globe Life's securities for other-than-temporary impairments is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of investment and accounting professionals. A security has been deemed impaired when the fair value is less than the cost or amortized cost, resulting in the performance of further evaluation and analysis to determine whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. The process for making this determination is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. Among the factors considered are: • The length of time and extent to which the security has been impaired • The reason(s) for the impairment • The financial condition of the issuer and the prospects for recovery in fair value of the security • The Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery • Expected future cash flows The relative weight given to each of these factors can change over time as facts and circumstances change. In many cases, management believes it is appropriate to give more consideration to prospective factors than to retrospective factors. Prospective factors that are given more weight include prospects for recovery, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery, and expected future cash flows. Among the facts and information considered in the process are: • Financial statements of the issuer • Changes in credit ratings of the issuer • The value of underlying collateral • News and information included in press releases issued by the issuer • News and information reported in the media concerning the issuer • News and information published by or otherwise provided by securities, economic, or research analysts • The nature and amount of recent and expected future sources and uses of cash • Default on a required payment • Issuer bankruptcy filings While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimate recoverable amount of an impaired security. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and is treated as a realized loss in the period the determination is made. The written-down security will be amortized and revenue recognized in accordance with estimated future cash flows. Current accounting guidance is such that if an entity intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is to be considered other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of impairment must be charged to earnings. Otherwise, losses on fixed maturities which are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into two categories, the portion of loss which is considered credit loss and the portion of loss which is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is charged to earnings while the loss due to other factors is charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss portion of an impairment is determined as the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s original effective yield rate. The temporary portion is the difference between this present value of expected future cash flows and fair value (as discounted by a market yield). The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and loan-to-collateral value ratios. Cash : Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions. Accrued investment income : Accrued investment income consists of interest income or dividends earned on the investment portfolio, but are yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. The Company will write-off accrued investment income that is deemed to be uncollectible. Other Receivables : Other receivables consist mostly of agent debit balances that primarily represent commissions advanced to insurance agents. These balances are repaid to the Company over time as the premiums associated with the advanced commissions are collected by the Company and the agents' commissions on such premiums are retained. The balances were $424 million and $396 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company views these balances as recoverable since they are less than the estimated present value of future commissions. Deferred Acquisition Costs : Certain costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and recorded as an asset. These costs are essential for the acquisition of new insurance business and are directly related to the successful issuance of an insurance contract including sales commissions, policy issue costs, and underwriting costs. Additionally, deferred acquisition costs (DAC) include the value of business acquired (VOBA), which are the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies. These costs represent the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed compared against the assets and liabilities for insurance contracts that the Company issues or holds measured in accordance with GAAP. DAC and VOBA are amortized in a systematic manner which matches these costs with the associated revenues. Policies other than universal life-type policies are amortized with interest over the estimated premium-paying period of the policies in a manner which charges each year’s operations in proportion to the receipt of premium income. Universal life-type policies are amortized with interest in proportion to estimated gross profits. The assumptions used to amortize acquisition costs include interest, mortality, morbidity, and persistency, and are consistent with those used to estimate the liability for future policy benefits. For interest-sensitive and deposit-type products, these assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and are revised if actual experience differs significantly from original expectations. For all other products, amortization assumptions are generally not revised once established. DAC and VOBA are subject to periodic recoverability and loss recognition testing to determine if there is a premium deficiency. These tests evaluate whether the present value of future contract-related cash flows will support the capitalized DAC and VOBA assets. These cash flows consist primarily of premium income, less benefits and expenses. The present value of these cash flows, less the benefit reserve, is then compared with the unamortized deferred acquisition cost balance. In the event the estimated present value of net cash flows is less, the deficiency would be recognized by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits, as described under the caption Future Policy Benefits . Refer to Note 5 —Deferred Acquisit i on Costs . Advertising Costs : Costs related to advertising are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain Direct to Consumer advertising costs are capitalized when there is a reliable and demonstrated relationship between total costs and future benefits that is a direct result of incurring these costs. Direct to Consumer advertising costs consist primarily of the production and distribution costs of direct mail advertising materials, and when capitalized are included as a component of DAC. Additionally, they are amortized in the same manner as other DAC. Direct to Consumer advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating expense were $9.5 million, $9.0 million, and $9.3 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, unamortized capitalized advertising costs included within DAC were $1.3 billion at December 31, 2019 and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2018. Goodwill : The excess cost of a business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. In accordance with the guidance, Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or whenever potential impairment triggers occur. Impairment testing involves the performance of a qualitative analysis, which involves assessing current events and circumstances to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Globe Life tested its goodwill annually as of June 30th for each of the years 2017 through 2019. The Company's goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods. As noted in Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year , the Company early adopted ASU 2017-04. In accordance with the new guidance, in the event the fair value is less than the carrying value, further testing is required to determine the amount of impairment, if any. If there is an impairment in the goodwill of any reporting unit, it is written down and charged to earnings in the period of the test. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests : Globe Life invests in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits and other related federal income tax benefits to the Company. Globe Life holds passive interests in limited partnerships that provide investment returns through the provision of tax benefits (principally from the transfer of federal or state tax credits related to federal low-income housing). These investments are considered to be VIEs and do not qualify for consolidation. The carrying value of the Company's investment in these entities was $206 million and $226 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . As of December 31, 2019, Globe Life was obligated under future commitments of $52 million, which are recorded in "Other liabilities". For guaranteed investments acquired prior to January 1, 2015, the Company utilizes the effective-yield method of amortization, while the proportional method of amortization is utilized for all non-guaranteed and guaranteed investments acquired on or after January 1, 2015. All amortization expense is recorded in "Income tax benefit (expense)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operation s . Property and Equipment : Property and equipment, included in “Other assets,” is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded primarily on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from three fifteen Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year .) Future Policy Benefits : The liability for future policy benefits for annuity and universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 89% of total liabilities for future policy benefits, is determined on the net level premium method. This method provides for the present value of expected future benefit payments less the present value of expected future net premiums, based on estimated investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and other assumptions which were considered appropriate at the time the policies were issued. For limited-payment contracts, a deferred profit liability is also recorded which causes profits to emerge over the life of the contract in proportion to policies in force. Assumptions used for traditional life and health insurance products are based primarily on Company experience. Assumptions for interest rates range from 2.5% to 7.0% for Globe Life's insurance companies with an overall weighted average assumed rate of 5.7%. Mortality tables used for individual life insurance include various statutory tables and modifications of a variety of generally accepted actuarial tables. Morbidity assumptions for individual health are based on Company experience and industry data. Withdrawal and termination assumptions are based on Globe Life's experience. Once established, assumptions for these products are generally not changed. An additional provision is made on most products to allow for possible adverse deviation from the assumptions. These estimates are reviewed annually and compared with actual experience. If it is determined that existing contract liabilities, together with the present value of future gross premiums, will not be sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits and to recover unamortized deferred acquisition costs, then a premium deficiency exists. Such a deficiency would be recognized immediately by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized deferred acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future policy benefits. From that point forward, the liability for future policy benefits would be based on revised assumptions. Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable : Globe Life establishes a liability for known policy benefits payable and an estimate of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to the Company. Globe Life makes an estimate of unreported claims after careful evaluation of all information available to the Company. This estimate is based on prior experience and is reviewed quarterly. However, there is no certainty the stated liability for claims and other benefits, including the estimate of unsubmitted claims, will be Globe Life's ultimate obligation. For more information, see, see Note 7—Liability for Unpaid Claims . Income Taxes : Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Legislation) was enacted into law which changed existing tax law, including a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. In 2017, the Company recorded $874 million in net income, primarily as a result of remeasuring its deferred assets and liabilities using the lower corporate tax rate as of the date of enactment. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company completed its analysis of the tax legislation and recorded an additional $798 thousand adjustment related to the remeasurement of the deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the 21% rate. For more information on income taxes, see Note 8—Income Taxes . Postretirement Benefits : Globe Life accounts for its postretirement defined benefit plans by recognizing the funded status of those plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with accounting guidance. Periodic gains and losses attributable to changes in plan assets and liabilities that are not recognized as

Statutory Accounting

Statutory Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting	Note 2—Statutory Accounting Life insurance subsidiaries of Globe Life are required to file statutory financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities. Accounting principles used to prepare these statutory financial statements differ from GAAP. Consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity (capital and surplus) on a statutory basis for the insurance subsidiaries were as follows: Net Income Shareholders’ Equity Year Ended December 31, At December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 462,515 $ 437,549 $ 426,285 $ 1,398,274 $ 1,443,156 The excess, if any, of shareholder’s equity of the insurance subsidiaries on a GAAP basis over that determined on a statutory basis is not available for distribution by the insurance subsidiaries to the Parent Company without regulatory approval. Insurance subsidiaries’ statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements in the aggregate was $506 million at December 31, 2019. More information on the restrictions on the payment of dividends can be found in Note 12—Shareholders' Equity. The Company's statutory financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed by the insurance department of the state of domicile of each insurance subsidiary. While all states have adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ ("NAIC") statutory accounting practices ("NAIC SAP") as the basis for statutory accounting, certain states have retained prescribed practices of their respective insurance code or administrative code which can differ from NAIC SAP. For Globe Life's life insurance companies, there are no significant differences between NAIC SAP and the accounting practices prescribed by the states of domicile.

Supplemental Information about

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 each of the years 2017 through 2019: Available for Sale Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Foreign Exchange Pension Adjustments Total For the year ended December 31, 2017: Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 692,314 $ (6,682) $ 4,967 $ (113,025) $ 577,574 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 621,619 (350) 8,452 (20,753) 608,968 Reclassifications, net of tax (22,751) — — 8,083 (14,668) Other comprehensive income (loss) 598,868 (350) 8,452 (12,670) 594,300 Reclassifications, tax reform 278,107 (1,515) 2,883 (27,075) 252,400 Balance at December 31, 2017 1,569,289 (8,547) 16,302 (152,770) 1,424,274 For the year ended December 31, 2018: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (1,132,202) 4,384 (9,807) 22,290 (1,115,335) Reclassifications, net of tax (1,389) — — 11,925 10,536 Other comprehensive income (loss) (1,133,591) 4,384 (9,807) 34,215 (1,104,799) Balance at December 31, 2018 435,698 (4,163) 6,495 (118,555) 319,475 For the year ended December 31, 2019: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 1,557,883 (1,753) 5,563 (32,102) 1,529,591 Reclassifications, net of tax (10,931) — — 6,695 (4,236) Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,546,952 (1,753) 5,563 (25,407) 1,525,355 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 1,982,650 $ (5,916) $ 12,058 $ (143,962) $ 1,844,830 Reclassification adjustments : Reclassification adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for the three years ended December 31, 2019. Year Ended December 31, Affected line items in the Statement of Operations Component Line Item 2019 2018 2017 Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ (19,352) $ (5,715) $ (34,954) Realized (gains) losses Amortization of (discount) premium 5,515 3,957 (47) Net investment income Total before tax (13,837) (1,758) (35,001) Tax 2,906 369 12,250 Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax (10,931) (1,389) (22,751) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 631 535 476 Other operating expense Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 7,843 14,560 11,960 Other operating expense Total before tax 8,474 15,095 12,436 Tax (1,779) (3,170) (4,353) Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax 6,695 11,925 8,083 Total reclassification (after-tax) $ (4,236) $ 10,536 $ (14,668)

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows. Redeemable preferred stock is included within the corporates by sector. At December 31, 2019 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total Fixed Maturities (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 396,079 $ 41,737 $ (296) $ 437,520 2 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,559,736 158,546 (626) 1,717,656 9 Foreign governments 25,874 2,073 (396) 27,551 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 4,101,917 701,196 (22,307) 4,780,806 25 Utilities 1,937,738 416,114 (1,565) 2,352,287 13 Energy 1,678,969 269,640 (33,725) 1,914,884 10 Other corporate sectors 6,514,677 955,908 (16,765) 7,453,820 40 Total corporates 14,233,301 2,342,858 (74,362) 16,501,797 88 Collateralized debt obligations 56,990 24,298 (7,184) 74,104 — Other asset-backed securities 143,796 5,094 (371) 148,519 1 Total fixed maturities $ 16,415,776 $ 2,574,606 $ (83,235) $ 18,907,147 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. At December 31, 2018 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total Fixed Maturities (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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2019 Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 85,822 $ 86,840 Due after one year through five years 648,451 699,017 Due after five years through ten years 1,686,684 1,937,987 Due after ten years through twenty years 5,394,107 6,500,168 Due after twenty years 8,399,480 9,460,036 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 201,232 223,099 $ 16,415,776 $ 18,907,147 Analysis of investment operations: Net investment income for the three years ended December 31, 2019 is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Fixed maturities available for sale $ 864,280 $ 843,510 $ 817,213 Policy loans 43,434 41,359 39,578 Other long-term investments (1) 16,198 10,638 4,991 Short-term investments 2,592 2,642 948 926,504 898,149 862,730 Less investment expense (16,045) (15,637) (14,845) Net investment income $ 910,459 $ 882,512 $ 847,885 (1) For the years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017, the investment funds, accounted for under the fair value option method, recorded $5.6 million, $3.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively in net investment income. An analysis of realized gains (losses) is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities available for sale: Sales and other (1) $ 19,354 $ 5,715 $ 35,199 Other-than-temporary impairments — — (245) Fair value option—change in fair value 1,256 2,650 — Other investments 11 909 (7,302) Realized gains (losses) from investments 20,621 9,274 27,652 Realized loss on redemption of debt (2) — (11,078) (4,041) 20,621 (1,804) 23,611 Applicable tax (4,330) 379 (6,021) Realized gains (losses), net of tax $ 16,291 $ (1,425) $ 17,590 (1) For the years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $243.2 million, $193.4 million and $84.3 million of exchanges of fixed maturities (noncash transactions) that resulted in $20.5 million, $10.1 million, and $4.8 million, respectively in realized gains (losses). (2) Refer to Note 11—Debt for further discussion . An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Change in investment gains (losses) on: Fixed maturities available for sale $ 1,946,910 $ (1,429,763) $ 916,413 Selected information about sales of fixed maturities available for sale is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Fixed maturities available for sale: Proceeds from sales (1) $ 79,108 $ 32,021 $ 67,246 Gross realized gains 1,227 66 5,079 Gross realized losses (3,674) (13,996) (1,100) (1) There were no unsettled sales in the periods ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Fair value measurements: The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2019 and 2018: Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2019: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 437,520 $ — $ 437,520 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,717,656 — 1,717,656 Foreign governments — 27,551 — 27,551 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 4,628,875 151,931 4,780,806 Utilities — 2,195,539 156,748 2,352,287 Energy — 1,873,482 41,402 1,914,884 Other corporate sectors — 7,131,773 322,047 7,453,820 Total corporates — 15,829,669 672,128 16,501,797 Collateralized debt obligations — — 74,104 74,104 Other asset-backed securities — 135,342 13,177 148,519 Total fixed maturities $ — $ 18,147,738 $ 759,409 $ 18,907,147 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2018: 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- Collateralized Corporates Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ — $ 63,503 $ 559,600 $ 623,103 Included in realized gains/losses — — — — Included in other comprehensive income 410 9,654 10,900 20,964 Acquisitions (1) 14,000 — 21,666 35,666 Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,914 17 4,931 Other (2) (361) (6,490) (9,373) (16,224) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 14,049 71,581 582,810 668,440 Included in realized gains/losses — — 698 698 Included in other comprehensive income (591) 3,170 (23,687) (21,108) Acquisitions (1) — — 27,453 27,453 Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,737 16 4,753 Other (2) (476) (6,119) (38,352) (44,947) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — 4,533 4,533 Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2018 12,982 73,369 553,471 639,822 Included in realized gains/losses — — 396 396 Included in other comprehensive income 708 1,514 30,378 32,600 Acquisitions (1) — — — — Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,596 13 4,609 Other (2) (513) (5,375) (19,154) (25,042) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — 107,024 107,024 Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 13,177 $ 74,104 $ 672,128 $ 759,409 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 2017 $ 410 $ 9,654 $ 10,900 $ 20,964 2018 (591) 3,170 (23,687) (21,108) 2019 708 1,514 30,378 32,600 (1) Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in each of the years 2017 through 2019 are comprised of private-placement fixed maturities. (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, while transfers out of Level 3 occur when observable inputs become available. Transfers between levels within the hierarchy occur when there are changes in the observability of the inputs and market data. Transfers into Level 3 occur when there is little unobservable market activity for the asset/liability as of the measurement date and the Company is required to rely upon internally-developed assumptions or third-parties. Transfers out of Level 3 occur when quoted prices in active markets becomes available for identical assets/ liabilities or the ability to corroborate by observable market data. The following table represents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements: Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements As of December 31, 2019 Fair Value Valuation Significant Unobservable Range Weighted- Average (1) Asset-backed securities $ 13,177 Determination of credit spread Credit rating BBB- BBB- Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 4.80% 4.80% Collateralized debt obligations 74,104 Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 6.10% - 7.00% 6.84% Private placement fixed maturities 565,104 Determination of credit spread Credit rating A+ to CCC- BBB Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 2.48% - 9.39% 3.68% Other corporate bonds 107,024 Present Value Techniques Market Quotes 105.39% 105.39% $ 759,409 (1) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. The private placement fixed maturities and asset-backed securities reported as Level 3 are managed by third party investment managers. These securities are valued based on the contractual cash flows discounted by a yield determined as a treasury benchmark adjusted for a credit spread. The credit spread is developed from observable indices for similar public fixed maturities and unobservable indices for private fixed maturities for corresponding credit ratings. However, the credit ratings for the securities are considered unobservable inputs, as they are assigned by the third-party investment manager based on a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the credit underwritten. A higher (lower) credit rating would result in a higher (lower) valuation. The collateral underlying collateralized debt obligations for which fair values are reported as Level 3 consists primarily of trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurance companies. Collateralized debt obligations are valued at the present value of expected future cash flows using an unobservable discount rate. Expected cash flows are determined by scheduling the projected repayment of the collateral assuming no future defaults, deferrals, or recoveries. The discount rate is risk-adjusted to take these items into account. A significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate will produce a significant decrease (increase) in fair value. Additionally, a significant increase (decrease) in the cash flow expectations would result in a significant increase (decrease) in fair value. For more information regarding valuation procedures, please refer to Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under the caption Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities . Other corporate bonds consist of obligations issued out of a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The market quotes consisted of Level 3 quotes. An increase (decrease) in the market quotes will produce an increase (decrease) in fair value. 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 (CUSIPs) held: As of December 31, 2019 82 51 133 As of December 31, 2018 495 234 729 Globe Life's entire fixed maturity portfolio consisted of 1,633 issues at December 31, 2019 and 1,548 issues at December 31, 2018. The weighted-average quality rating of all unrealized loss positions at amortized cost as of December 31, 2019 was BBB- compared with BBB+ as of December 31, 2018. The drop in quality rating is attributed to the overall decreasing interest rate that has caused certain securities to move from an unrealized loss position to an unrealized gain position. The following tables disclose unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Globe Life considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired. Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At December 31, 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 $ 1,255 $ (2) $ 21,044 $ (294) $ 22,299 $ (296) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 66,774 (626) — — 66,774 (626) Foreign governments 6,496 (396) — — 6,496 (396) Corporates, by sector: Financial 117,389 (1,733) 7,183 (1,317) 124,572 (3,050) Utilities 8,400 (166) — — 8,400 (166) Energy 52,312 (1,058) 1,833 (115) 54,145 (1,173) Other corporate sectors 136,386 (1,584) 61,473 (3,260) 197,859 (4,844) Total corporates 314,487 (4,541) 70,489 (4,692) 384,976 (9,233) Other asset-backed securities — — — — — — Total investment grade securities 389,012 (5,565) 91,533 (4,986) 480,545 (10,551) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — — — — — Corporates, by sector: Financial — — 113,481 (19,257) 113,481 (19,257) Utilities 7,529 (135) 14,985 (1,264) 22,514 (1,399) Energy 14,968 (146) 69,956 (32,406) 84,924 (32,552) Other corporate sectors — — 67,655 (11,921) 67,655 (11,921) Total corporates 22,497 (281) 266,077 (64,848) 288,574 (65,129) Collateralized debt obligations — — 12,816 (7,184) 12,816 (7,184) Other asset-backed securities — — 13,879 (371) 13,879 (371) Total below investment grade securities 22,497 (281) 292,772 (72,403) 315,269 (72,684) Total fixed maturities $ 411,509 $ (5,846) $ 384,305 $ (77,389) $ 795,814 $ (83,235) 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) Foreign governments — — — — — — 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: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — — — — — 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) Other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) : 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. In accordance with the other-than-temporary impairment policy, the Company evaluated its fixed maturities available for sale in an unrealized loss position to determine if there was any impairment for the year. Based on the results of the evaluation, the Company concluded there were no other-than-temporary impairments for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. During the year ended 2017, the Company recorded $245 thousand ($159 thousand, net of tax) in impairment. Concentrations of Credit Risk : Globe Life maintains a diversified investment portfolio with limited concentration in any given issuer. At December 31, 2019, the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following: Investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 80 % States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 9 U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises 2 Other 1 Below investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises — Other — 95 Other Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values 3 Other investments 2 100 % As of December 31, 2019, state and municipal governments represented 9% of invested assets at fair value. Such investments are made throughout the U.S. At December 31, 2019, the state and municipal bond portfolio at fair value was invested in securities issued within the following states: Texas (22%), Michigan (8%), New York (7%), Florida (6%), Washington (6%), and Ohio (5%). Otherwise, there was no concentration within any given state greater than 5%. Corporate fixed maturities represent 83% of Globe Life's invested assets. These investments are spread across a wide range of industries. Below are the ten largest industry concentrations held in the portfolio of corporate fixed maturities at December 31, 2019, based on fair value: Insurance 15 % Electric utilities 11 Banks 7 Oil and natural gas pipelines 6 Transportation 4 Chemicals 4 Oil and natural gas exploration and production 4 Food 4 Real estate investment trusts 4 Telecommunications 3 At December 31, 2019, 3% of invested assets at fair value were represented by fixed maturities rated below investment grade. Par value of these investments was $768 million, amortized cost was $674 million, and fair value was $645 million. While these investments could be subject to additional credit risk, such risk should generally be reflected in their fair value. As noted previously, we believe we will recover the cost basis of these investments because we have the intent and the ability to hold them until maturity. Securities, cash, and short-term investments held on deposit with various state and federal regulatory authorities had an amortized cost and fair value, respectively, of $816 million and $956 million at December 31, 2019 and $712 million and $763 million at December 31, 2018. Other Long-Term Investments : Other long-term investments consist of the following assets: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Investment funds $ 185,851 $ 108,241 Commercial mortgage loan participations 137,692 96,266 Other 2,804 2,751 Total $ 326,347 $ 207,258 The investment funds consist of limited partnerships whereby the Company has a prorata share of ownership ranging from less than 1% to 20%. For each investment, the Company has elected the fair value option, but would have been otherwise accounted for as an equity method investment. The fair value option is assessed for each individual investment and concluded at the recording of the asset. Additionally, these investments are evaluated under ASC 810, Consolidation to determine if it is a variable interest entity and would qualify for consolidation. As previously discussed in Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies , none of the investments qualify for consolidation as the Company is not the primary beneficiary in any of the instances. The investments are reported at the Company's pro-rata share of the investment fund's net asset value per share or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. Changes in the net asset value per share are recorded in Realized Gains (Losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Distributions received from the funds arise from income generated by the underlying investments as well as the liquidation of the underlying investments. Periodic, primarily quarterly, distributions are recorded in net investment income. Our maximum exposure to loss is equal to the outstanding carrying value and future funding commitments. The following table presents additional information about the Company's investment funds as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 at fair value: As of December 31, Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Investment Category 2019 2018 2019 Redemption Term/Notice Commercial mortgage loans $ 26,145 $ — $ 225,000 Not redeemable. Commercial mortgage loans — — 250,000 Full redemption within 6 month period, subject to fund liquidity and General Partner discretion. Total commercial mortgage loans (1) 26,145 — 475,000 Opportunistic credit (2) 159,399 108,241 — Initial 2 year lock on each new investment/semi-annual withdrawals thereafter/full redemption within 36 month period. Infrastructure equity (3) 307 — 75,000 Not redeemable. Total investment funds $ 185,851 $ 108,241 $ 550,000 (1) Diversified commercial mortgage loan portfolio primarily invested in high quality, floating rate, transitional senior mortgage loans secured by U.S. commercial real estate. Expected life is 7 years for non-redeemable fund. (2) Opportunistic credit seeking to capitalize on locations across global, public and private residential, commercial, corporate and specialty credit markets. (3) Equity investments in core infrastructure assets less sensitive to economic cycles, with long-term contractual cash flows, often operating in monopolistic environments invested across sectors including airports, midstream, ports, power generation, renewables, liquefied natural gas off-take, rail, utilities, waste, and other. Expected life is approximately 10 years. Commercial mortgage loan participations: Summaries of commercial mortgage loan participations at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 2019 2018 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Property type: Office $ 42,350 31 35,289 37 Mixed use 27,501 20 11,309 12 Hospitality 22,324 16 15,137 16 Industrial 17,612 13 13,896 14 Retail 17,318 12 12,934 13 Multi-family 10,587 8 7,701 8 Total recorded investment 137,692 100 96,266 100 Less valuation allowance — — — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 137,692 100 $ 96,266 100 2019 2018 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Geographic location: South Atlantic $ 50,867 37 39,414 41 Pacific 36,546 27 20,843 22 Middle Atlantic 25,328 18 23,488 24 East North Central 10,568 8 10,531 11 West South Central 8,072 6 1,990 2 East South Central 4,676 3 — — New England 1,635 1 — — Total recorded investment 137,692 100 96,266 100 Less valuation allowance — — — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 137,692 100 $ 96,266 100 2019 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios (1) <1.00x 1.00x—1.20x >1.20x Total % of Total Loan-to-value ratio: Less than 70% $ 64,160 $ 47,634 $ 12,666 $ 124,460 90 70% to 80% 11,445 1,787 — 13,232 10 81% to 90% — — — — — Greater than 90% — — — — — Total $ 75,605 $ 49,421 $ 12,666 $ 137,692 100 (1) Annual net operating income divided by annual mortgage debt service (principal and interest). 2018 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios (1) <1.00x 1.00x—1.20x >1.20x Total % of Total Loan-to-value ratio: Less than 70% $ 18,343 $ 56,813 $ 10,531 $ 85,687 89 70% to 80% 10,579 — — 10,579 11 81% to 90% — — — — — Greater than 90% — — — — — Total $ 28,922 $ 56,813 $ 10,531 $ 96,266 100 (1) Annual net operating income divided by annual mortgage debt service (principal and interest). As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company evaluated the commercial mortgage loan portfolio on a loan-by-loan basis to determine any allowance for loan 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. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was no allowance for loan loss.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Note 5—Deferred Acquisition Costs An analysis of DAC is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 4,137,925 $ 3,958,063 $ 3,783,158 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 534,735 497,459 465,920 Other expenses 218,926 202,092 194,214 Total deferred 753,661 699,551 660,134 Foreign exchange adjustment 4,299 — 5,712 Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) — 5,549 — Total additions 757,960 705,100 665,846 Deductions: Amortized during period (551,726) (516,690) (490,403) Foreign exchange adjustment — (8,548) — Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) (2,218) — (538) Total deductions (553,944) (525,238) (490,941) Balance at end of year $ 4,341,941 $ 4,137,925 $ 3,958,063 (1) Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 6—Commitments and Contingencies Reinsurance : Insurance affiliates of Globe Life reinsure a portion of insurance risk that is in excess of their retention limits. Retention limits for ordinary life insurance range up to $2 million per life. Life insurance ceded represented 0.3% of total life insurance in force at December 31, 2019. Insurance ceded on life and accident and health products represented 0.2% of premium income for 2019. The insurance affiliates of Globe Life would be liable for the reinsured risks ceded to other companies to the extent that such reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations. Insurance affiliates also assume insurance risks of other external companies. Life reinsurance assumed represented 1.4% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2019 and reinsurance assumed on life and accident and health products represented 0.6% of premium income for 2019. Leases : Globe Life primarily leases office space, aviation equipment, and other equipment under a variety of operating lease arrangements. Rental expense for the three years ended December 31, 2019 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Rental expense $ 3,831 $ 3,959 $ 6,446 Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2019 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 5,367 $ 5,042 $ 4,042 $ 3,135 $ 2,424 $ 11,679 Purchase Commitments : Globe Life has various long-term noncancelable purchase commitments as well as commitments to provide capital for low-income housing tax credit interests. See further discussion related to tax credits in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies. Year Ended December 31, 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Purchase commitments $ 28,714 $ 22,252 $ 11,783 $ 4,795 $ 7,389 $ 232,696 Investments : Globe Life is committed to invest under certain contracts related to investments in limited partnerships. S ee Note—4 Investm ents for unfunded commitment table. Guarantees : At December 31, 2019, Globe Life had in place three guarantee agreements, of which were either Parent Company guarantees of subsidiary obligations to a third party, or Parent Company guarantees of obligations between wholly-owned subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2019, Globe Life had no liability with respect to these guarantees. Letters of Credit: Globe Life has guaranteed letters of credit in connection with its credit facility with a group of banks as disclosed in Note 11—Debt . The letters of credit were issued by TMK Re, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, to secure TMK Re, Ltd.’s obligation for claims on certain policies reinsured by TMK Re, Ltd. that were sold by other Globe Life insurance companies. 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 to $150 million from $155 million outstanding as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2019, the letters of credit outstanding were $150 million. Equipment leases: Globe Life has guaranteed performance of certain of its subsidiaries as lessees under two aviation leasing arrangements. At December 31, 2019, total remaining undiscounted payments under the leases were approximately $6 million. The Parent Company would be responsible for any subsidiary obligation in the event the subsidiary did not make payments or otherwise perform under the terms of the lease. Unclaimed Property Audits : Litigation : Globe Life Inc. 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, worker classification, 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 Life Insurance Company (American Insurance Life) in California’s Contra Costa County Superior Court ( Joh v. American Income Life Insurance Company, Case No. C18-01863) ( Joh Action). An amended complaint was filed on October 18, 2018. American Income Life 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 Life, are suing on behalf of all current and former trainees and sales agents who sold insurance for American Income Life 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 Life in California’s Los Angeles County Superior Court ( Golz v. American Income Life Insurance Company , et al., Case No. 18STCV01354) ( Golz Action). American Income Life 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 Life. On April 2, 2019, the District Court granted American Income Life’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 Life 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 Life 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 Life 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) ( Hamilton Action). An amended complaint was filed on January 23, 2019. The plaintiffs, former insurance sales agents of American Income Life, are suing on behalf of all current and former trainees and sales agents who sold insurance for American Income Life 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 Life in Orange County, California Superior Court ( Putros v. American Income Life Insurance Company , Case No. 30-2019-01044772-CU-OE-CXC) ( Putros Action). An amended complaint was filed on January 22, 2019. The plaintiff, a former insurance sales agent of American Income Life, sued on behalf of all current and former sales agents who sold insurance for American Income Life in the State of California for the year prior to the filing of the complaint. The lawsuit alleged that American Income Life sales agents were employees and asserted claims under the California Private Attorney General Act. The complaint sought 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. The case was dismissed on November 20, 2019. With respect to the related cases above, on August 1, 2019, Plaintiffs in the Joh/Hamilton Actions jointly moved for preliminary approval of a settlement of all class and representative claims—which broadly covers “all individuals who trained to become and/or worked as sales agents in California for Defendant during the last four years prior to the filing of the original Complaint in Joh and whose training and/or work began before the date of preliminary approval of this Settlement." Plaintiffs’ preliminary motion anticipated that the proposed settlement would resolve all claims in Joh and Hamilton , and in doing so, encompass all pending claims asserted in Putros and Golz . On August 16, 2019, the Northern District of California granted the Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement and scheduled a hearing for final approval of the settlement for January 9, 2020. The Court denied final approval of the class settlement but invited plaintiff’s counsel to submit a renewed Motion for Final Settlement Approval to address certain issues the court had raised during the final approval hearing. On February 20, 2020, Plaintiffs in the Joh/Hamilton Actions filed a renewed Motion for Final Settlement Approval. On December 19, 2019, putative collective action litigation was filed against American Income Life in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas ( Patterson v. American Income Life Insurance Company, et al , Case No. 4:19-cv-918 KGB) ( Patterson Action). The plaintiff, a former insurance sales agent of American Income Life, is pursuing a national collective action on behalf of all “similarly situated” individuals for the three years prior to the filing of the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that insurance agent trainees were not properly classified as employees and asserts claims for minimum wage and overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. With respect to the aforementioned 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims	Note 7—Liability for Unpaid Claims Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 154,528 $ 146,865 $ 143,128 Incurred related to: Current year 612,305 555,647 520,528 Prior years (1,188) (3,017) (8,048) Total incurred 611,117 552,630 512,480 Paid related to: Current year 470,426 424,633 394,506 Prior years 131,411 120,334 114,237 Total paid 601,837 544,967 508,743 Balance at end of period $ 163,808 $ 154,528 $ 146,865 Below is the reconciliation of the liability of "Policy claims and other benefits payable " in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Policy claims and other benefits payable: Life insurance $ 201,594 $ 196,298 Health insurance 163,808 154,528 Total $ 365,402 $ 350,826

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 8—Income Taxes The following table discloses significant components of income taxes for each year presented: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations: Current income tax expense (benefit) $ 134,948 $ 134,626 $ 138,262 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 35,449 27,535 (765,877) 170,397 162,161 (627,615) Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) 405,472 (293,678) 318,475 $ 575,869 $ (131,517) $ (309,140) In each of the years 2017 through 2019, deferred income tax expense (benefit) was incurred because of certain differences between net income before income tax expense (benefit) as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and taxable income as reported on Globe Life's income tax returns. As explained in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies, these differences caused the consolidated financial statement book values of some assets and liabilities to be different from their respective tax bases. Due to the passage of tax legislation in 2017, the Company recorded an $877 million deferred income tax benefit as a result of remeasuring its deferred assets and liabilities using the lower corporate tax rate as of the date of enactment. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company completed its analysis of the tax legislation, as required by ASC 740 Income Taxes, and recorded an additional $798 thousand adjustment related to the remeasurement of the deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the 21% rate. The effective income tax rate differed from the expected U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% for 2019 and 2018 and 35% for 2017 as shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 % 2018 % 2017 % Expected federal income tax expense (benefit) $ 195,569 21.0 $ 181,371 21.0 $ 290,727 35.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Tax reform adjustment — — (798) (0.1) (877,400) (105.6) Low income housing investments (11,605) (1.2) (12,240) (1.4) (18,515) (2.2) Share-based awards (11,780) (1.3) (6,450) (0.7) (19,549) (2.4) Other (1,787) (0.2) 278 — (2,878) (0.4) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 170,397 18.3 $ 162,161 18.8 $ (627,615) (75.6) The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 6,161 $ 6,131 Carryover of tax losses 7,827 7,406 Total gross deferred tax assets 13,988 13,537 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 493,174 87,871 Employee and agent compensation 81,174 70,551 Deferred acquisition costs 658,457 633,687 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 242,124 242,285 Other liabilities 26,271 25,603 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,501,200 1,059,997 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,487,212 $ 1,046,460 Income Tax Return : Globe Life Inc. and its subsidiaries file a life-nonlife consolidated federal income tax return for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Prior to 2018, Family Heritage Life Insurance Company of America (Family Heritage Life) filed its federal income tax return on a separate company basis. The statutes of limitations for the Internal Revenue Service's examination and assessment of additional tax are closed for all tax years prior to 2016 with respect to Globe Life's consolidated as well as Family Heritage Life's federal income tax returns. Management concludes that adequate provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for any potential assessments that may result from current or future tax examinations and other tax-related matters for all open years. Valuations : Globe Life has a $37.3 million net operating loss (NOL) carryforward at December 31, 2019, of which $34.1 million was created prior to 2018 and will begin to expire in 2033 if not otherwise used to offset future taxable income. The remaining NOL carryforward of $3.2 million may be carried forward indefinitely. A valuation allowance is to be recorded when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized by the Company. No valuation allowance has been recorded relating to Globe Life's deferred tax assets as management has determined that Globe Life will more likely than not have sufficient taxable income in future periods to fully realize its existing deferred tax assets. Globe Life's tax liability is adjusted to include a provision for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. However, during the years 2017 through 2019, Globe Life did not have any uncertain tax positions which resulted in unrecognized tax benefits. Tax penalties and interest: Globe Life's continuing practice is to recognize penalties and interest related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company recognized interest income of $55 thousand, $0, and $5 thousand, net of federal income tax expense, in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company had no accrued interest or penalties at December 31, 2019 or 2018.

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Postretirement Benefits	Note 9—Postretirement Benefits Globe Life has qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and contributory savings plans that cover substantially all employees. There is also a nonqualified noncontributory supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) that covers a limited number of employees. The tables included herein will focus on the defined benefit plans and SERP. The total cost of these retirement plans charged to operations was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Plan Type: Defined Contribution Plans (1) $ 4,817 $ 4,068 $ 4,145 Defined Benefit Pension Plans (2) 24,134 32,593 28,828 (1) 401K plans. (2) Qualified pension plans and SERP. Globe Life accrues expense for the defined contribution plans based on a percentage of the employees’ contributions. The plans are funded by the employee contributions and a Globe Life contribution equal to the amount of accrued expense. Plan contributions are both mandatory and discretionary, depending on the terms of the plan. Pension Plans: Cost for the defined benefit pension plans has been calculated on the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. All plan measurements for the defined benefit plans are as of December 31 of the respective year. The defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of employees are qualified and funded. Contributions are made to funded pension plans subject to minimums required by regulation and maximums allowed for tax purposes. Globe Life's SERP provides to a limited number of executives an additional supplemental defined pension benefit. The supplemental benefit is based on the participant’s qualified plan benefit without consideration to the regulatory limits on compensation and benefit payments applicable to qualified plans, except that eligible compensation is capped at $1 million. The SERP is nonqualified and unfunded. However, a Rabbi Trust has been established to support the liability for this plan. The trust consists of life insurance policies on the lives of plan participants with an unaffiliated insurance carrier as well as an investment account. Since this plan is nonqualified, the investments and the policyholder value of the insurance policies in the Rabbi Trust are not included as defined benefit plan assets, but rather assets of the Company. They are included in “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . Defined benefit and SERP plan contributions were $21.6 million in 2019, $52.8 million in 2018, and $21.3 million in 2017. In 2020, the Company expects to make a similar contribution to the plans as in 2019. Pension Assets: Plan assets in the funded plans consist primarily of investments in marketable fixed maturities and equity securities that are valued at fair value. Globe Life measures the fair value of its financial assets, including the assets in its benefit plans, in accordance with accounting guidance which establishes a hierarchy for asset values and provides a methodology for the measurement of value. Please refer to Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under the caption Fair Value Measurements , Investments in Securities for a complete discussion of valuation procedures. The following table presents the assets of the Company's defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 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 $ — $ 51,111 $ — $ 51,111 11 Utilities — 42,758 — 42,758 9 Energy — 21,907 — 21,907 5 Other corporates — 89,725 — 89,725 19 Total corporate bonds — 205,501 — 205,501 44 Exchange traded fund (1) 207,176 — — 207,176 44 Other bonds — 251 — 251 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 28,278 — 28,278 6 Short-term investments 8,414 — — 8,414 2 Other 6,876 — — 6,876 1 $ 222,466 $ 234,030 $ — 456,496 97 Other long-term investments (3) 12,267 3 Total pension assets $ 468,763 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Life Insurance Company Non-Exempt Employees Defined Benefit Pension Plan ("American Income Pension Plan"). (3) Included in other long-term investments is an investment fund that reports the Pension Plan's pro-rata share of the limited partnership's net asset value per share or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. The Pension Plan owns approximately 1% of the investment fund. As of December 31, 2019, the expected term of the investment fund is approximately 5 years and the unfunded commitment of the investment fund is $4.1 million. The investment is non-redeemable. The investment fund strategy is opportunistic, applying a comprehensive relative value approach across various asset classes and opportunities in public and private markets, geographies, and capital structures. 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 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 26,505 — 26,505 7 Short-term investments 9,289 — — 9,289 2 Other 3,816 — — 3,816 1 $ 170,822 $ 213,375 $ — 384,197 98 Other long-term investments (3) 8,475 2 Total pension assets $ 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's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan. (3) Included in other long-term investments is an investment fund that reports the Pension Plan's pro-rata share of the limited partnership's net asset value per share or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. The Pension Plan owns approximately 1% of the investment fund. As of December 31, 2018, the expected term of the investment fund is approximately 6 years and the unfunded commitment of the investment fund is $7.1 million. The investment is non-redeemable. The investment fund strategy is opportunistic, applying a comprehensive relative value approach across various asset classes and opportunities in public and private markets, geographies, and capital structures. Globe Life's investment objectives for its plan assets include preservation of capital and purchasing power as well as long-term growth. Globe Life seeks to preserve capital through investments made in high quality securities with adequate diversification by issuer and industry sector to minimize risk. The portfolio is monitored continuously for changes in quality and diversification mix. The preservation of purchasing power is intended to be accomplished through asset growth, exclusive of contributions and withdrawals in excess of the rate of inflation. Globe Life intends to maintain investments that when combined with future plan contributions will produce adequate long-term growth to provide for all plan obligations. It is also Globe Life's objective that the portfolio’s investment return will meet or exceed the return of a balanced market index. The majority of the securities in the portfolio are highly marketable so that there will be adequate liquidity to meet projected payments. There are no specific policies calling for asset durations to match those of benefit obligations. Allowed investments are limited to equities, fixed maturities, and short-term investments (invested cash). The assets are to be invested in a mix of equity and fixed income investments that best serve the objectives of the pension plan. Factors to be considered in determining the asset mix include funded status, annual pension expense, annual pension contributions, and balance sheet liability. Equities can include common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into equities, mutual funds and exchange traded funds that invest in equities, equity interests in limited partnerships, and other equity-related investments. Primarily, equities are listed on major exchanges and adequate market liquidity is required. Fixed maturities primarily consist of marketable debt securities rated investment grade at purchase by a major rating agency. Short-term investments include fixed maturities with maturities less than one year and invested cash. Investments outside of the aforementioned list are not permitted, except by prior approval of the Plan’s Trustees. The investment portfolio is to be well diversified to avoid undue exposure to a single sector, industry, business, or security. The equity and fixed maturity portfolios are not permitted to invest in any single issuer that would exceed 10% of total plan assets at the time of purchase. The Company does not employ any other special risk management techniques, such as derivatives, in managing the pension investment portfolio. Globe Life's equity securities include an exchange traded fund that mirrors the S&P 500 index which better aligns with a passive approach rather than an actively managed portfolio. At December 31, 2019, there were no restricted investments contained in the portfolio. Plan contributions have been invested primarily in fixed maturity and equity securities during the three years ended December 31, 2019. SERP: The following table includes premiums paid for the company owned life insurance (COLI), for the three years ended December 31, 2019 and investments of the Rabbi Trust for the two years ended December 31, 2019. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Premiums paid for COLI $ 2,394 $ 2,997 $ 2,050 At December 31, 2019 2018 Total investments: COLI $ 47,733 $ 44,285 Exchange traded funds 65,585 52,659 $ 113,318 $ 96,944 Pension Liability: The following table presents projected benefit obligation (PBO) and accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for the defined benefit pension plans and SERP at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Pension Liability December 31, 2019 2018 PBO ABO PBO ABO Funded defined benefit pension $ 578,860 $ 520,264 $ 481,792 $ 436,316 SERP 86,347 81,046 74,407 69,582 Pension Benefit Obligation $ 665,207 $ 601,310 $ 556,199 $ 505,898 The following table discloses the assumptions used to determine Globe Life's pension liabilities and costs for the appropriate periods. The discount and compensation increase rates are used to determine current year projected benefit obligations and subsequent year pension expense. The long-term rate of return is used to determine current year expense. Differences between assumptions and actual experience are included in actuarial gain or loss. Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions For Benefit Obligations at December 31: 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.49 % 4.37 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 4.00 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.37 % 3.75 % 4.27 % Expected long-term returns 6.72 6.72 6.96 Rate of compensation increase 4.00 4.37 4.31 The discount rate is determined based on the expected duration of plan liabilities. A yield is then derived based on the current market yield of a hypothetical portfolio of higher-quality corporate bonds that match the liability duration. The rate of compensation increase is projected based on Company experience, modified as appropriate for future expectations. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is management’s best estimate of the average rate of earnings expected to be received on the assets invested in the plan over the benefit period. In determining this assumption, consideration is given to the historical rate of return earned on the assets, the projected returns over future periods, and the discount rate used to compute benefit obligations. Net periodic benefit cost for the defined benefit plans by expense component was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 19,929 $ 21,092 $ 17,942 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 23,827 22,303 22,124 Expected return on assets (27,862) (25,547) (23,597) Net amortization 8,211 15,003 12,281 Recognition of actuarial loss 29 (258) 78 Net periodic benefit cost $ 24,134 $ 32,593 $ 28,828 An analysis of the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) concerning pensions and other postretirement benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1 $ (150,071) $ (193,380) $ (173,883) Amortization of: Prior service cost 631 535 476 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 7,843 14,560 11,960 Total amortization 8,474 15,095 12,436 Plan amendments — (2,377) — Experience gain (loss) (40,636) 30,591 (31,933) Balance at December 31 $ (182,233) $ (150,071) $ (193,380) (1) Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $265 thousand in 2019, $92 thousand in 2018, and $155 thousand in 2017. The following table presents a reconciliation from the beginning to the end of the year of the PBO and plan assets for the defined benefit plans and SERP. This table also presents the amounts previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Pension Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Changes in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 556,199 $ 602,606 Service cost 19,929 21,092 Interest cost 23,827 22,303 Plan amendments — 2,377 Actuarial loss (gain) 88,053 (67,270) Benefits paid (22,801) (24,909) PBO at end of year 665,207 556,199 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 392,672 377,624 Return on assets 77,290 (12,824) Contributions 21,602 52,781 Benefits paid (22,801) (24,909) Fair value at end of year 468,763 392,672 Funded status at year end $ (196,444) $ (163,527) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net loss (gain) $ 174,470 $ 143,453 Prior service cost 5,345 5,976 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 179,815 $ 149,429 The portion of other comprehensive income that is expected to be reflected in pension expense in 2020 is as follows: Amortization of prior service cost $ 631 Amortization of net actuarial loss 15,611 Total $ 16,242 Globe Life has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2019. These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2019, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s): 2020 $ 22,639 2021 24,448 2022 26,560 2023 28,371 2024 30,348 2025-2029 173,848

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	Note 10—Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information The following table summarizes Globe Life's noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 44,843 $ 39,792 $ 37,034 Commitments for low-income housing interests 51,978 50,883 33,846 Exchanges of fixed maturity investments 243,156 193,449 84,312 Net unsettled security trades 8,421 39,851 — The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest paid $ 81,723 $ 83,518 $ 82,494 Income taxes paid 101,982 91,510 74,379

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 11—Debt The following table presents information about the terms and outstanding balances of Globe Life's debt. Selected Information about Debt Issues As of December 31, 2019 2018 Instrument Issue Date Maturity Date Coupon Rate Interest Payment Dates Par Book Fair Book Notes 5/27/1993 5/15/2023 7.875% semiannual $ 165,612 $ 164,713 $ 194,525 $ 164,490 Senior notes (1) 9/24/2012 9/15/2022 3.800% semiannual 150,000 149,089 153,922 148,777 Senior notes 9/27/2018 9/15/2028 4.550% semiannual 550,000 543,735 612,738 543,169 Junior subordinated debentures 5/17/2016 6/15/2056 6.125% quarterly 300,000 290,584 316,920 290,520 Junior subordinated debentures 11/17/2017 11/17/2057 5.275% semiannual 125,000 123,367 117,759 123,354 Term loan 6/13/2016 5/17/2021 2.952% (2) monthly 86,875 86,875 86,875 93,750 1,377,487 1,358,363 1,482,739 1,364,060 Less current maturity of term loan (3) 9,375 9,375 9,375 6,875 Total long-term debt 1,368,112 1,348,988 1,473,364 1,357,185 Current maturity of term loan (3) 9,375 9,375 9,375 6,875 Commercial paper 290,000 289,363 289,363 300,973 Total short-term debt 299,375 298,738 298,738 307,848 Total debt $ 1,667,487 $ 1,647,726 $ 1,772,102 $ 1,665,033 (1) An additional $150 million par value and book value is held by insurance subsidiaries that eliminates in consolidation. (2) Interest paid at 1 month LIBOR plus 125 basis points, resets each month. Contractual Debt Obligations : The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 299,375 $ 77,500 $ 150,000 $ 165,612 $ — $ 975,000 Funded debt : On September 27, 2018, Globe Life completed the issuance and sale of $550 million in aggregate principal of Globe Life's 4.55% Senior Notes (the "notes") due 2028. The notes were sold pursuant to Globe Life's shelf registration statement on Form S-3. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were $543 million, after giving effect to the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by Globe Life. Globe Life used the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to redeem the $293 million outstanding principal amount on Globe Life's 9.25% Senior Notes on October 29, 2018, the payment of $11 million for the make-whole premium plus accrued and unpaid interest of $10 million, and to fund $150 million of additional capital to its insurance subsidiaries. Globe Life used the remaining net proceeds to repay outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. The Company recorded an $11 million loss on redemption of debt to Realized Gains (Losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the make-whole premium and removal of unamortized debt issuance cost. Credit Facility : On May 17, 2016, Globe Life amended its credit facility to include, as a part of the facility, the issuance of a $100 million term loan and to extend the maturity date of the entire credit facility to May 2021. The facility is further designated as a back-up credit line for a commercial paper program under which the Company may either borrow from the credit line or issue commercial paper at any time, with total commercial paper outstanding not to exceed the facility maximum of $750 million, less any letters of credit issued. Interest is charged at variable rates. The term loan will be repaid on a redemption schedule which provides for quarterly installments that began June 30, 2017 that escalate each annual period with a balloon payment of $75 million due in May 2021. Interest on the term loan is computed and paid monthly at 125 basis points plus 1 Month LIBOR. In accordance with the agreement, Globe Life is subject to certain covenants regarding capitalization. As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in full compliance with these covenants. Commercial paper outstanding and any amortization payments of the term loan due within one year are reported as short-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A table presenting selected information concerning Globe Life's commercial paper borrowings is presented below. Credit Facility - Commercial Paper At December 31, 2019 2018 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 290,000 $ 302,100 Annualized interest rate 2.04 % 2.93 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 150,000 $ 155,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 310,000 292,900 Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Average balance outstanding during period $ 288,684 $ 368,228 $ 323,429 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 2.62 % 2.40 % 1.30 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period 385,000 525,990 455,912

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Note 12—Shareholders' Equity Share Data: A summary of common share activity is presented in the following chart. Common Stock Issued Treasury 2017: Balance at January 1, 2017 127,218,183 (9,187,075) Grants of restricted stock — 9,135 Vesting of performance shares — 119,896 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 1,661,808 Treasury stock acquired — (5,228,868) Retirement of treasury stock (3,000,000) 3,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2017 124,218,183 (9,625,104) 2018: Grants of restricted stock — 10,805 Forfeitures of restricted stock — (7,500) Vesting of performance shares — 149,898 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 897,622 Treasury stock acquired — (4,950,868) Retirement of treasury stock (3,000,000) 3,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2018 121,218,183 (10,525,147) 2019: Grants of restricted stock — 8,840 Vesting of performance shares — 311,399 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 1,810,559 Treasury stock acquired — (5,103,591) Retirement of treasury stock (4,000,000) 4,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2019 117,218,183 (9,497,940) There was no activity related to the preferred stock in years 2017 through 2019. Acquisition of Common Shares : Globe Life shares are acquired from time to time through open market purchases under the Globe Life stock repurchase program when it is determined to be the best use of Globe Life's excess cash flows. We deem that it yields a return that is better than available alternatives and exceeds our cost of equity. When stock options are exercised, proceeds from the exercises are generally used to repurchase approximately the number of shares available with those funds in order to reduce dilution. See the following summary below: Globe Life Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase for Dilution Purposes Shares Acquired Total Cost Average Price Shares Acquired Total Cost Average Price 2019 3,932 $ 350,080 $ 89.04 1,209 $ 109,489 $ 90.52 2018 4,406 371,794 84.38 571 49,955 87.54 2017 4,126 324,622 78.67 1,103 88,367 80.15 Restrictions : Restrictions exist on the flow of funds to Globe Life Inc. from its insurance subsidiaries. Statutory regulations require life insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum amounts of capital and surplus. Dividends from insurance subsidiaries of Globe Life Inc. are restricted based on regulations by their states of domicile. Additionally, insurance company distributions are generally not permitted in excess of statutory surplus. Subsidiaries are also subject to certain minimum capital requirements. Subsidiaries of Globe Life paid cash dividends to the Parent Company in the amount of $480 million in 2019, $448 million in 2018, and $454 million in 2017. As of December 31, 2019, dividends from insurance subsidiaries to the Parent Company available to be paid in 2020 are limited to the amount of $412 million without regulatory approval, such that $1.0 billion was considered restricted net assets of the subsidiaries. Dividends exceeding these limitations may be available during the year pending regulatory approval. While there are no legal restrictions on the payment of dividends to shareholders from Globe Life's retained earnings, retained earnings as of December 31, 2019 were restricted by lenders’ covenants which require the Company to maintain and not distribute $4.0 billion from its total consolidated retained earnings of $5.6 billion. Earnings per Share : A reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 109,213,524 112,872,581 116,342,529 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 2,167,726 2,376,372 2,640,965 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 111,381,250 115,248,953 118,983,494 Antidilutive shares 21,556 1,161,521 —

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 13—Stock-Based Compensation Globe Life's stock-based compensation consists of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares. Certain employees and directors have been granted fixed equity options to buy shares of Globe Life stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant, under the provisions of the Globe Life stock option plans. The options are exercisable during the period commencing from the date they vest until expiring according to the terms of the grant. Options generally expire the earlier of employee termination or option contract term, which are either seven ten Shares vested by period Contract Period 6 Months Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Directors 7 years 100% —% —% —% —% —% Employees 7 years —% —% 50% 50% —% —% Employees 10 years —% —% 25% 25% 25% 25% All employee options vest immediately upon retirement on or after the attainment of age 65, upon death, or disability. Globe Life generally issues shares for the exercise of stock options from treasury stock. The Company generally uses the proceeds from option exercises to buy shares of Globe Life common stock in the open market to reduce the dilution from option exercises. An analysis of shares available for grant is as follows: Available for Grant 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1, 9,422,760 2,964,320 5,088,461 Approval of Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan (1) — 8,984,000 — Cancellation of available shares from prior plans — (184,000) — Options expired and forfeited during year (2) 20,800 41,317 26,488 Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (3) — — 46,500 Options granted during year (2) (1,149,542) (1,262,037) (1,328,513) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted (3) (1,126,300) (1,120,840) (868,616) Balance at December 31, 7,167,718 9,422,760 2,964,320 (1) See plan document referenced in Exhibits . Formerly, the Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan. (2) Plan allows for grant of options such that each grant reduces shares available for grant in a range from 0.85 share to 1 share. (3) Plan allows for grant of restricted stock such that each stock grant reduces shares available for grant in a range from 3.10 shares to 3.88 shares. A summary of stock compensation activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2019 is presented below: 2019 2018 2017 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 44,843 $ 39,792 $ 37,034 Tax benefit recognized 21,197 14,806 32,511 (1) No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period. Additional stock compensation information is as follows at December 31: 2019 2018 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 34,723 $ 38,627 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.78 0.81 (1) Includes restricted stock and performance shares. No equity awards were cash settled during the three years ended December 31, 2019. Options: The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2019. Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- $29.59 - $50.64 1,214,461 4.18 $ 48.45 936,250 $ 47.81 50.69 - 76.37 1,428,126 2.33 53.12 1,364,239 53.10 77.26 1,397,588 5.16 77.26 640,526 77.26 82.56 - 83.17 1,328,197 6.16 82.56 20,717 82.77 87.60 - 90.21 1,355,986 6.27 87.64 38,056 89.08 $29.59 - $90.21 6,724,358 4.80 $ 70.07 2,999,788 $ 57.27 An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2019 is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Outstanding—beginning of year 7,203,765 $ 61.72 6,753,801 $ 53.59 6,973,591 $ 44.64 Granted: 7-year term 1,352,402 82.43 845,773 87.63 933,286 77.19 10-year term — — 543,130 87.60 535,220 77.26 Exercised (1,810,559) 45.93 (897,622) 40.21 (1,661,808) 36.84 Expired and forfeited (21,250) 82.89 (41,317) 70.90 (26,488) 57.94 Outstanding—end of year 6,724,358 $ 70.07 7,203,765 $ 61.72 6,753,801 $ 53.59 Exercisable at end of year 2,999,788 $ 57.27 3,393,090 $ 48.18 2,928,979 $ 43.79 Additional information about Globe Life's stock option activity as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 2019 2018 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.80 4.77 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 236,546 $ 114,161 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 3.27 2.89 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 143,935 $ 89,817 Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2019 is presented below: 2019 2018 2017 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 14.20 $ 15.65 $ 12.88 Intrinsic value of options exercised 82,022 42,517 70,948 Cash received from options exercised 83,163 36,091 61,215 Actual tax benefit received 17,225 8,929 24,832 Additional information concerning Globe Life's unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2019 2018 Number of shares outstanding 3,724,570 3,810,675 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 80.39 $ 73.78 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 6.04 6.45 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 92,611 $ 24,344 Globe Life expects that substantially all unvested options will vest. Restricted Stock: Restricted stock grants consist of time-vested grants, restricted stock units, and performance shares. Time-vested restricted stock is available to both senior executives and directors. The employee grants generally vest over five years and the director grants vest over six months. Restricted stock units are available only to directors. They vest over six months and are not converted to shares until the directors’ retirement, death, or disability. Director restricted stock and restricted stock units are generally granted on the first work day of the year. Performance shares are granted to a limited number of senior executives. Performance shares have a three three three Following are the restricted stock units outstanding for each of the three years ended December 31, 2019. All restricted stock units were fully vested at the end of each year of grant. Year of grants Outstanding as of year end 2017 120,326 2018 102,116 2019 71,006 Below is the final determination of the performance share grants in 2015 to 2017: Year of grants Final settlement of shares Final settlement date 2015 149,898 February 27, 2018 2016 311,399 February 28, 2019 2017 271,843 February 26, 2020 For the 2018 and 2019 performance share grants, actual shares that could be distributed range from 0 to 318 thousand for the 2018 grants and 0 to 313 thousand shares for the 2019 grants. A summary of restricted stock grants for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019 is presented in the table below. 2019 2018 2017 Directors restricted stock: Shares 8,840 10,805 9,135 Price per share $ 76.37 $ 88.19 $ 73.92 Aggregate value $ 675 $ 953 $ 675 Percent vested as of 12/31/2019 100 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 6,634 7,688 7,735 Price per share $ 77.50 $ 89.15 $ 74.45 Aggregate value $ 514 $ 685 $ 576 Percent vested as of 12/31/2019 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 156,500 159,000 153,000 Target price per share $ 82.56 $ 87.60 $ 77.26 Aggregate value $ 12,921 $ 13,928 $ 11,821 Percent vested as of 12/31/2019 — % — % — % Time-vested restricted stockholders, both employees and directors, are entitled to dividend payments on the unvested stock. Restricted stock unit holders are entitled to dividend equivalents. These equivalents are granted in the form of additional restricted stock units and vest immediately upon grant. Dividend equivalents are applicable only to restricted stock units. Performance shareholders are not entitled to dividend equivalents and are not entitled to dividend payments until the shares are vested and settled. An analysis of unvested restricted stock is as follows: Executive Executive Directors Directors Total 2017: Balance at January 1, 2017 57,450 432,424 1,894 — 491,768 Grants — 153,000 9,135 7,735 169,870 Additional performance shares (1) — 106,084 — — 106,084 Restriction lapses (14,700) (119,896) (11,029) (7,735) (153,360) Forfeitures (7,500) (7,500) — — (15,000) Balance at December 31, 2017 35,250 564,112 — — 599,362 2018: Grants — 159,000 10,805 7,688 177,493 Additional performance shares (1) — 179,415 — — 179,415 Restriction lapses (23,250) (149,898) (10,805) (7,688) (191,641) Forfeitures — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2018 12,000 752,629 — — 764,629 2019: Grants — 156,500 8,840 6,634 171,974 Additional performance shares (1) — 118,812 — — 118,812 Restriction lapses (12,000) (311,399) (8,840) (6,634) (338,873) Forfeitures — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2019 — 716,542 — — 716,542 (1) Estimated additional (reduced) share grants expected due to achievement of performance criteria. An analysis of the weighted-average grant-date fair values per share of unvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2019: Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2019 $ 50.69 $ 67.06 $ — $ — Grants — 82.56 76.37 76.37 Estimated additional performance shares — 60.31 — — Restriction lapses (50.69) (50.64) (76.37) (76.37) Forfeitures — — — — Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2019 — 75.05 — —

Business Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Note 14—Business Segments Globe Life is organized into four segments: life insurance, supplemental health insurance, annuities, and investments. In addition, other expenses not included in these segments are 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. Life insurance products marketed by Globe Life include traditional whole life and term life insurance. Health insurance products are generally guaranteed-renewable and include Medicare Supplement, critical illness, accident, and limited-benefit supplemental hospital and surgical coverage. Annuities include fixed-benefit contracts. Globe Life markets its insurance products through a number of distribution channels, each of which sells the products of one or more of Globe Life's insurance segments. Our distribution channels consist of the following exclusive agencies, American Income Life Division (American Income), Liberty National Division (Liberty National) and Family Heritage Division (Family Heritage); an independent agency, United American Division (United American); and our Direct to Consumer Division (Direct to Consumer). The tables below present segment premium revenue by each of Globe Life's distribution channels. Premium Income by Distribution Channel For the Year 2019 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of American Income $ 1,160,495 46 $ 99,447 9 $ — — $ 1,259,942 35 Direct to Consumer 855,543 34 77,557 7 — — 933,100 26 Liberty National 285,551 11 189,578 18 — — 475,129 13 United American 10,571 1 416,582 39 4 100 427,157 12 Family Heritage 3,830 — 294,182 27 — — 298,012 8 Other 201,794 8 — — — — 201,794 6 $ 2,517,784 100 $ 1,077,346 100 $ 4 100 $ 3,595,134 100 For the Year 2018 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total American Income $ 1,081,333 45 $ 93,313 9 $ — — $ 1,174,646 34 Direct to Consumer 828,935 34 76,297 7 — — 905,232 26 Liberty National 278,878 12 191,378 19 — — 470,256 14 United American 11,451 1 381,076 38 12 100 392,539 12 Family Heritage 3,501 — 273,275 27 — — 276,776 8 Other 202,457 8 — — — — 202,457 6 $ 2,406,555 100 $ 1,015,339 100 $ 12 100 $ 3,421,906 100 For the Year 2017 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of American Income $ 999,279 43 $ 89,036 9 $ — — $ 1,088,315 33 Direct to Consumer 812,907 35 73,468 8 — — 886,375 27 Liberty National 274,635 12 196,207 20 — — 470,842 14 United American 12,547 1 364,128 37 15 100 376,690 12 Family Heritage 3,193 — 253,534 26 — — 256,727 8 Other 203,986 9 — — — — 203,986 6 $ 2,306,547 100 $ 976,373 100 $ 15 100 $ 3,282,935 100 Due to the nature of the life insurance industry, Globe Life has no individual or group which would be considered a major customer. Substantially all of Globe Life's business is conducted in the United States. The measure of profitability established by the chief operating decision makers for insurance segments is underwriting margin before other income and administrative expenses, in accordance with the manner the segments are managed. It essentially represents gross profit margin on insurance products before insurance administrative expenses and consists primarily of premium less net policy benefits, acquisition expenses, and commissions. Required interest on net policy liabilities (benefit reserves less deferred acquisition costs) is reflected as a component of the Investment segment (rather than as a component of underwriting margin in the insurance and annuity segments) in order to match this cost with the investment income earned on the assets supporting the net policy liabilities. The measure of profitability for the Investment segment is excess investment income, which represents the income earned on the investment portfolio in excess of net policy requirements and financing costs associated with Globe Life's debt. Other than the above-mentioned interest allocations and an intersegment commission, there are no other intersegment revenues or expenses. Expenses directly attributable to corporate operations are included in the “Corporate & Other” category. Stock-based compensation expense is considered a corporate expense by Globe Life management and is included in this category. All other unallocated revenues and expenses on a pretax basis, including insurance administrative expense, are also included in the “Corporate & Other” segment category. Globe Life holds a sizable investment portfolio to support its insurance liabilities, the yield from which is used to offset policy benefit, acquisition, administrative and tax expenses. This yield or investment income is taken into account when establishing premium rates and profitability expectations of its insurance products. In holding such a portfolio, investments are sold, called, or written down from time to time, resulting in a realized gain or loss. These gains or losses generally occur as a result of disposition due to issuer calls, compliance with Company investment policies, or other reasons often beyond management’s control. Unlike investment income, realized gains and losses are incidental to insurance operations, and only overall yields are considered when setting premium rates or insurance product profitability expectations. While these gains and losses are not relevant to segment profitability or core operating results, they can have a material positive or negative result on net income. For these reasons, management removes realized investment gains and losses when it views its segment operations. Management removes items that are related to prior periods when evaluating the operating results of current periods. Management also removes non-operating items unrelated to its core insurance activities when evaluating those results. Therefore, these items are excluded in its presentation of segment results, because accounting guidance requires that operating segment results be presented as management views its business. With the exception of the administrative settlements noted in the paragraphs above, all of these items are included in “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the appropriate year. See additional detail below in the tables. The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Globe Life's revenues and operations by segment to its major income statement line items. See Note — 1 Significant Accounting Policies for additional information concerning reconciling items of segment profits to pretax income. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,517,784 $ 1,077,346 $ 4 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,595,134 Net investment income — — — 910,459 — — 910,459 Other income — — — — 1,318 — 1,318 Total revenue 2,517,784 1,077,346 4 910,459 1,318 — 4,506,911 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,638,053 687,764 31,532 — — — 2,357,349 Required interest on reserves (666,168) (87,289) (43,522) 796,979 — — — Required interest on DAC 202,502 25,435 494 (228,431) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 436,881 112,825 2,020 — — — 551,726 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 203,052 94,973 22 — — — 298,047 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 240,321 8,758 (2,3) 249,079 Parent expense — — — — 10,260 643 (4) 10,903 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 44,843 — 44,843 Interest expense — — — 84,306 — — 84,306 Total expenses 1,814,320 833,708 (9,454) 652,854 295,424 9,401 3,596,253 Subtotal 703,464 243,638 9,458 257,605 (294,106) (9,401) 910,658 Non-operating items — — — — — 9,401 (2,3,4) 9,401 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 703,464 $ 243,638 $ 9,458 $ 257,605 $ (294,106) $ — 920,059 Realized gain (loss)—investments 20,621 Administrative settlements (400) Legal proceedings (8,358) Non-operating fees (643) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 931,279 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) During 2019, Globe Life recorded $400 thousand in administrative settlements related to state regulatory examinations. These administrative settlements were included in "Other operating expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . (3) Legal proceedings. See Note 6—Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion. (4) Non-operating fees. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,406,555 $ 1,015,339 $ 12 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,421,906 Net investment income — — — 882,512 — — 882,512 Other income — — — — 1,236 (99) (2) 1,137 Total revenue 2,406,555 1,015,339 12 882,512 1,236 (99) 4,305,555 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,591,790 649,188 34,264 — — — 2,275,242 Required interest on reserves (636,040) (83,243) (47,357) 766,640 — — — Required interest on DAC 194,297 24,412 589 (219,298) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 414,200 100,376 2,114 — — — 516,690 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 190,007 88,553 26 — — (99) (2) 278,487 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 223,941 3,590 (3) 227,531 Parent expense — — — — 10,684 1,578 (4) 12,262 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 39,792 — 39,792 Interest expense — — — 90,076 — — 90,076 Total expenses 1,754,254 779,286 (10,364) 637,418 274,417 5,069 3,440,080 Subtotal 652,301 236,053 10,376 245,094 (273,181) (5,168) 865,475 Non-operating items — — — — — 5,168 (3,4) 5,168 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 652,301 $ 236,053 $ 10,376 $ 245,094 $ (273,181) $ — 870,643 Realized gain (loss)—investments 9,274 Realized loss—redemption of debt (11,078) Administrative settlements (3,590) Non-operating fees (1,578) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 863,671 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) In 2018, the Company recorded $3.6 million in administrative settlements related to state regulatory examinations. (4) Non-operating fees. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,306,547 $ 976,373 $ 15 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,282,935 Net investment income — — — 847,885 — — 847,885 Other income — — — — 1,270 (128) (2) 1,142 Total revenue 2,306,547 976,373 15 847,885 1,270 (128) 4,131,962 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,549,602 628,640 35,836 — — 13,797 (3,4) 2,227,875 Required interest on reserves (607,007) (77,792) (49,571) 734,370 — — — Required interest on DAC 186,236 23,454 690 (210,380) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 396,268 96,519 2,466 — — (4,850) (4) 490,403 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 177,111 86,044 32 — — 1,673 (2,5) 264,860 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 210,590 — 210,590 Parent expense — — — — 9,631 — 9,631 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 33,654 3,380 (6) 37,034 Interest expense — — — 84,532 — — 84,532 Total expenses 1,702,210 756,865 (10,547) 608,522 253,875 14,000 3,324,925 Subtotal 604,337 219,508 10,562 239,363 (252,605) (14,128) 807,037 Non-operating items 14,128 (3,4,5,6) 14,128 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 604,337 $ 219,508 $ 10,562 $ 239,363 $ (252,605) $ — 821,165 Realized gain (loss)—investments 27,652 Realized loss—redemption of debt (4,041) Administrative settlements (8,659) Non-operating fees (288) Guaranty fund assessments (1,801) Stock-based compensation expense—Tax reform adjustment (3,380) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 830,648 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) In 2017, the Company recorded $8.7 million ($5.6 million, net of tax) in administrative settlements where claims were not properly filed or information to support the validity of the claim had not been properly submitted. These administrative settlements were included in "Policyholder benefits" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . (4) Non-operating fees. (5) In 2017, the Company recorded $1.8 million ($1.2 million, net of tax) in unrecoverable guaranty fund assessments. (6) The Company increased stock-based compensation expense by $3.4 million ($2.2 million, net of tax) due to the impact of the tax rate change on certain performance-based equity awards. Assets for each segment are reported based on a specific identification basis. The insurance segments’ assets contain DAC. The investment segment includes the investment portfolio, cash, and accrued investment income. Goodwill is assigned to the insurance segments at the time of purchase. All other assets are included in the Corporate & Other category. The tables below reconcile segment assets to total assets as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Assets by Segment At December 31, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ — $ — $ — $ 19,923,204 $ — $ 19,923,204 Accrued investment income — — — 245,129 — 245,129 Deferred acquisition costs 3,768,797 569,126 4,018 — — 4,341,941 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 — — — 441,591 Other assets — — — — 1,025,595 1,025,595 Total assets $ 4,078,406 $ 701,108 $ 4,018 $ 20,168,333 $ 1,025,595 $ 25,977,460 At December 31, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ — $ — $ — $ 17,239,570 $ — $ 17,239,570 Accrued investment income — — — 243,003 — 243,003 Deferred acquisition costs 3,580,693 548,640 8,592 — — 4,137,925 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 — — — 441,591 Other assets — — — — 1,033,633 1,033,633 Total assets $ 3,890,302 $ 680,622 $ 8,592 $ 17,482,573 $ 1,033,633 $ 23,095,722 Liabilities for each segment are reported also on a specific identification basis similar to the assets. The insurance segments' liabilities contain future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims and other benefits payable. Other policyholders' funds are included in Other as well as current and deferred income taxes payable. Debt represents both short and long-term. The tables below reconcile segment liabilities to total liabilities as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Liabilities by Segment At December 31, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 11,403,078 $ 2,006,424 $ 1,098,632 $ — $ — $ 14,508,134 Unearned and advance premiums 17,701 46,008 — — — 63,709 Policy claims and other benefits payable 201,594 163,808 — — — 365,402 Debt — — — 1,647,726 — 1,647,726 Other — — — — 2,098,182 2,098,182 Total liabilities $ 11,622,373 $ 2,216,240 $ 1,098,632 $ 1,647,726 $ 2,098,182 $ 18,683,153 At December 31, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 10,847,356 $ 1,927,732 $ 1,178,738 $ — $ — $ 13,953,826 Unearned and advance premiums 17,850 43,358 — — — 61,208 Policy claims and other benefits payable 196,298 154,528 — — — 350,826 Debt — — — 1,665,033 — 1,665,033 Other — — — — 1,649,652 1,649,652 Total liabilities $ 11,061,504 $ 2,125,618 $ 1,178,738 $ 1,665,033 $ 1,649,652 $ 17,680,545

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudi

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	Note 15—Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) The following is an unaudited summary of quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2019. The information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods. Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2019: Premium income $ 890,973 $ 897,484 $ 899,993 $ 906,684 Net investment income 226,673 227,425 228,905 227,456 Realized gains (losses) 1,329 5,154 11,943 2,195 Total revenue 1,119,216 1,130,461 1,141,279 1,136,576 Policyholder benefits 587,757 589,362 585,692 594,538 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 135,822 138,165 138,449 139,290 Pretax income from continuing operations 228,101 228,760 247,330 227,088 Income from continuing operations 185,394 186,609 201,818 187,061 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (49) (43) — — Net income 185,345 186,566 201,818 187,061 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.68 1.70 1.85 1.73 Discontinued operations — — — — Total basic net income per common share 1.68 1.70 1.85 1.73 Diluted net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.65 1.67 1.82 1.69 Discontinued operations — — — — Total diluted net income per common share 1.65 1.67 1.82 1.69 Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2018: Premium income $ 850,106 $ 853,979 $ 860,750 $ 857,071 Net investment income 218,084 218,568 221,627 224,233 Realized gains (losses) 1,951 11,813 1,032 (16,600) Total revenue 1,070,436 1,084,776 1,083,802 1,064,737 Policyholder benefits 569,889 568,377 567,856 569,120 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 129,620 129,077 129,492 128,501 Pretax income from continuing operations 212,842 226,864 220,330 203,635 Income from continuing operations 173,711 184,393 178,700 164,706 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (111) 32 24 11 Net income 173,600 184,425 178,724 164,717 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.52 1.63 1.59 1.48 Discontinued operations — — — — Total basic net income per common share 1.52 1.63 1.59 1.48 Diluted net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.49 1.59 1.55 1.45 Discontinued operations — — — — Total diluted net income per common share 1.49 1.59 1.55 1.45

Schedule II. Condensed Financia

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	December 31, 2019 2018 Assets: Investments: Long-term investments $ 28,728 $ 29,603 Short-term investments 3,401 21 Total investments 32,129 29,624 Cash 873 760 Investment in affiliates 9,020,073 7,128,588 Due from affiliates 96,129 96,110 Taxes receivable from affiliates 50,302 50,656 Other assets 160,723 152,103 Total assets $ 9,360,229 $ 7,457,841 Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 298,738 $ 307,848 Long-term debt 1,498,851 1,507,000 Due to affiliates 3,532 3,002 Other liabilities 264,801 224,814 Total liabilities 2,065,922 2,042,664 Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock 351 351 Common stock 117,218 121,218 Additional paid-in capital 882,065 874,925 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,844,830 319,475 Retained earnings 5,551,329 5,213,468 Treasury stock (1,101,486) (1,114,260) Total shareholders’ equity 7,294,307 5,415,177 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 9,360,229 $ 7,457,841 See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. GLOBE LIFE INC. (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (continued) Condensed Statement of Operations (Dollar amounts in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net investment income $ 28,869 $ 28,077 $ 26,130 Realized gains (losses) — (11,078) (2,791) Total revenue 28,869 16,999 23,339 General operating expenses 68,419 65,762 61,447 Reimbursements from affiliates (65,928) (61,620) (52,776) Interest expense 89,317 94,159 88,474 Total expenses 91,808 98,301 97,145 Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (62,939) (81,302) (73,806) Income taxes 13,133 15,262 (9,874) Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates (49,806) (66,040) (83,680) Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax 810,596 767,506 1,538,174 Net income 760,790 701,466 1,454,494 Other comprehensive income (loss): Attributable to Parent Company (11,379) 23,805 (8,409) Attributable to affiliates 1,536,734 (1,128,604) 602,709 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 2,286,145 $ (403,333) $ 2,048,794 See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. GLOBE LIFE INC. (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT—(continued) Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Dollar amounts in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net income $ 760,790 $ 701,466 $ 1,454,494 Equity in earnings of affiliates (810,596) (767,506) (1,538,174) Cash dividends from subsidiaries 479,988 448,142 453,904 Other, net 65,584 64,734 52,957 Cash provided from operations 495,766 446,836 423,181 Cash provided from (used for) investing activities: Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments (3,380) 5,603 (5,624) Investment in subsidiaries — (140,000) (31,000) Additions to properties (32) (19,888) (7,230) Loaned money to affiliates (501,764) (584,000) (180,000) Repayments from affiliates 501,764 584,000 180,000 Cash provided from (used for) investing activities (3,412) (154,285) (43,854) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities: Repayment of debt (6,875) (327,762) (126,875) Proceeds from issuance of debt — 550,000 125,000 Payment for debt issuance costs — (6,969) (1,661) Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper (11,610) (22,719) 61,092 Issuance of stock 82,771 36,091 61,215 Acquisitions of treasury stock (459,569) (421,749) (412,989) Borrowed money from affiliate 277,000 197,690 278,500 Repayments to affiliates (276,500) (202,690) (270,500) Payment of dividends (97,458) (94,691) (92,101) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities (492,241) (292,799) (378,319) Net increase (decrease) in cash 113 (248) 1,008 Cash balance at beginning of period 760 1,008 — Cash balance at end of period $ 873 $ 760 $ 1,008 See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. GLOBE LIFE INC. (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (continued) Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Dollar amounts in thousands) Note A—Dividends from Subsidiaries Cash dividends paid to Globe Life from the subsidiaries were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Dividends from subsidiaries $ 479,988 $ 448,142 $ 453,904 Note B—Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information The following table summarizes non-cash transactions, which are not reflected on the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows : Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 44,843 $ 39,792 $ 37,034 Investment in subsidiaries — 11,899 317,027 Dividend of property to Parent — 11,889 — The following table summarizes certain amounts paid (received) during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest paid $ 86,868 $ 86,982 $ 86,606 Income taxes paid (received) (16,617) (21,377) (19,961) Note C—Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2019, Globe Life had 351 thousand shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, issued and outstanding, of which 280 thousand shares were 6.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, and 71 thousand shares were 7.15% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (collectively, the “Series A Preferred Stock”). All issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were held by wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock at the time outstanding would be entitled to receive a liquidating distribution out of the assets legally available to stockholders in the amount of $1 thousand per share or $351 million in the aggregate, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, before any distribution is made to holders of Globe Life common stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights nor have rights to convert such shares into shares of any other class of Globe Life capital stock. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

SEC Schedule, Article 12-17, Re

SEC Schedule, Article 12-17, Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Abstract]
Schedule IV. Reinsurance	GLOBE LIFE INC. SCHEDULE IV. REINSURANCE (CONSOLIDATED) (Dollar Amounts in thousands) Gross Ceded to Other Companies (1) Assumed Net Percentage For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Life insurance in force $ 191,249,516 $ 676,988 $ 2,774,388 $ 193,346,916 1.4 Premiums (2) : Life insurance $ 2,486,127 $ 4,357 $ 20,384 $ 2,502,154 0.8 Health insurance 1,080,869 3,523 — 1,077,346 — Total premium $ 3,566,996 $ 7,880 $ 20,384 $ 3,579,500 0.6 For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Life insurance in force $ 185,212,195 $ 688,384 $ 3,019,737 $ 187,543,548 1.6 Premiums (2) : Life insurance $ 2,373,423 $ 4,581 $ 21,305 $ 2,390,147 0.9 Health insurance 1,019,007 3,668 — 1,015,339 — Total premium $ 3,392,430 $ 8,249 $ 21,305 $ 3,405,486 0.6 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Life insurance in force $ 179,902,605 $ 705,152 $ 3,211,423 $ 182,408,876 1.8 Premiums (2) : Life insurance $ 2,272,038 $ 4,437 $ 21,912 $ 2,289,513 1.0 Health insurance 980,082 3,709 — 976,373 — Total premium $ 3,252,120 $ 8,146 $ 21,912 $ 3,265,886 0.7 (1) No amounts have been netted against ceded premium. (2) Excludes policy charges of $15.6 million, $16.4 million, and $17.0 million in each of the years 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation : The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation : The consolidated financial statements include the results of Globe Life Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When Globe Life acquires a subsidiary or a block of business, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets is recorded as goodwill. Expenses incurred to effect the acquisition are charged to earnings as of the acquisition date. Upon acquisition, the accounts and results of operations are consolidated as of and subsequent to the acquisition date. Globe Life accounts for its variable interest entities (VIEs) under accounting guidance which clarifies the definition of a variable interest and the instructions for consolidating VIEs. Only primary beneficiaries are required or allowed to consolidate VIEs. Therefore, a company may have voting control of a VIE, but if it is not the primary beneficiary, it is not permitted to consolidate the VIE. The investments are not consolidated because the Company has no power to control the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of these entities and therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these interests. Globe Life involvement is limited to its limited partnership interest in the entities. The Company has not provided any other financial support to the entities beyond its commitments to fund its limited partnership interests, and there are no arrangements or agreements with any of the interests to provide other financial support. The maximum loss exposure relative to these interests is limited to their carrying value. The Company has approximately 1% of its investments in low-income housing tax credits and certain limited partnerships ('investment funds") that qualify as an unconsolidated VIE.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations : When a component of Globe Life's business is sold or expected to be sold during the ensuing year, the Company considers whether the criteria of ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations , have been met, which includes evaluating if the disposal of a component represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company. If the disposal meets the criteria for discontinued operations, the assets and liabilities are segregated and recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Assets and Liabilities related to discontinued operations" for all periods presented. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. The results of operations for the discontinued component are reported in "Income from discontinued operations, net of tax" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Investments	Investments : Globe Life classifies all of its fixed maturity investments as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). Policy loans, which represent loans provided to policyholders using cash values as collateral, are carried at unpaid principal balances. Other long-term investments include limited partnerships, commercial mortgage loan participations, equity securities, and real estate. Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value, net of taxes, reflected directly in "Realized Gains (Losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Investments in real estate are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Investments in limited partnerships consist of low-income housing tax credits and investment funds. We have elected the fair value option method for our investment funds and the net asset value is used to approximate fair value, as a practical expedient, with fluctuations in fair value reflected directly in "Realized Gains (Losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Short-term investments include investments in interest-bearing assets with original maturities of twelve months or less. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Commercial mortgage loan participations, a type of investment where the mortgage loan is shared among investors, are accounted for as financing receivables. The commercial mortgage loan participations are managed by a third- party. The Company purchased the legal rights to interests in commercial mortgage loans which are secured by properties such as hotels, retail, multiple family, or offices. The commercial mortgage loans typically have a term of three years with the option to extend up to two years. The commercial mortgage loans are recorded at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized origination fees and net of allowance for loan losses, if applicable. Interest income, net of the amortization of origination fees, is recorded in "Net Investment Income" under the effective yield method. The Company evaluates the performance and credit quality of each individual commercial mortgage on a quarterly basis, or as needed, by utilizing common metrics such as loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios as well as evaluating the fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of the underlying collateral is based on a third party appraisal of the property. The Company will also determine the probability of estimated losses for each commercial mortgage loan and record an allowance if conclusions are reached that collection of principal and interest are not probable. The allowance for loan losses are based on estimates, historical experience, probability of loss, value of the underlying collateral, and macro factors that affect the collectability of the loan. All assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities : Globe Life measures the fair value of its fixed maturities based on a hierarchy consisting of three levels which indicate the quality of the fair value measurements as described below: • Level 1— fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. • Level 2— fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that can otherwise be corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3— fair values are based on inputs that are considered unobservable where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability as of the measurement date. In this circumstance, the Company has to rely on values derived by independent brokers or internally-developed assumptions. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available to the Company which may include the Company’s own data or bid and ask prices in the dealer market. Net Asset Value— Certain investments, such as investment funds, that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share or its equivalent, as a practical expedient, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The net asset value is usually provided by general partners or managers. The great majority of Globe Life's fixed maturities are not actively traded and direct quotes are not generally available. Management therefore determines the fair values of these securities after consideration of data provided by third-party pricing services, independent broker/dealers, and other resources. At December 31, 2019, the Company's investments in fixed maturities were primarily composed of the following significant security types: corporate securities, state and municipal securities, and U.S. government securities. The remaining security types represented less than 2% of the total in the aggregate. Approximately 96% of the fair value of fixed maturities reported at December 31, 2019 was determined using data provided by third-party pricing services. Prices provided by these services are not binding offers, but are estimated exit values. Third-party pricing services use proprietary pricing models to determine security values by discounting cash flows using a market-adjusted spread to a benchmark yield. For all asset classes within Globe Life's significant security types, third-party pricing services use a common valuation technique to model the price of the investments using observable market data. The foundation for these models consists of developing yield spreads based on multiple observable market inputs, including but not limited to: benchmark yield curves, actual trading activity, new issue yields, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector-specific data, economic data, and other inputs that are corroborated in the market. Pricing vendors monitor and review their pricing data continuously with current market and economic data feeds, augmented by ongoing communication within the dealer community. Using the observable market inputs described above, spreads to an appropriate benchmark yield are further developed by the vendors for each security based on security-specific and/or sector-specific risk factors, such as a security’s terms and conditions (coupon, maturity, and call features), credit rating, sector, liquidity, collateral or other cash flow options, and other factors that could impact the risk of the security. Embedded repayment options, such as call and redemption features, are also taken into account in the pricing models. When the spread is determined, it is added to the security’s benchmark yield. The security's expected cash flows are discounted using this spread-adjusted yield, and the resulting present value of the discounted cash flows is the evaluated price. When third-party vendor prices are not available, the Company attempts to obtain valuations from other sources, including but not limited to broker/dealers, broker quotes, and prices on comparable securities. When valuations have been obtained for all securities in the portfolio, management reviews and analyzes the prices to ensure their reasonableness, taking into account available and observable information. When two or more valuations are available for a security and the variance between the prices is 10% or less, the close correlation suggests similar observable inputs were used in deriving the price, and the mean of the prices is used. Securities valued in this manner are classified as Level 2. When the variance between two or more valuations for a security exceeds 10%, additional analysis is performed to determine the most appropriate value for that security, using resources such as broker quotes, prices on comparable securities, recent trades, and any other observable market data. Further review is performed on the available valuations to determine if they can be corroborated within reasonable tolerance to any other observable evidence. If one of the valuations or the mean of the available valuations for a security can be corroborated with other observable evidence, then the corroborated value is used and reported as Level 2. The Company uses information and analytical techniques deemed appropriate for determining the point within the range of reasonable fair value estimates that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions. Valuations that cannot be corroborated within a reasonable tolerance are classified as Level 3. Globe Life invests in a portfolio of private placement fixed maturities that are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by third-parties. The portfolio managers provide valuations for the bonds based on a pricing matrix utilizing observable inputs, such as the benchmark treasury rate and published sector indices, and unobservable inputs such as an internally-developed credit rating. If observable inputs cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments : Fair values for cash and equivalents, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables, and payables approximate carrying value. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1. Fair values of commercial mortgage loan participations are determined based upon expected cash flows discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate and are classified as a Level 3. The fair value of investments in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits is based on discounted projected cash flows. Policy loans are an integral part of Globe Life's subsidiaries’ life insurance policies in force and their fair values cannot be valued separately from the insurance contracts. Investment funds are based on net asset value and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of Globe Life's long and short term debt issues are based on the same methodology as investments in fixed maturities. At December 31, 2019, observable inputs were available for these debt securities and as such were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2019 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt. As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits , Globe Life maintains a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan. Accordingly, the assets that support the liability for this plan are considered general assets of the Company. These assets consist of the cash value of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLI) and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The fair value of the insurance cash values approximates carrying value. Fair values for the ETFs are derived from direct quotes and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Impairment of Investments	Impairment of Investments : Globe Life's portfolio of fixed maturities fluctuates in value due to changes in interest rates in the financial markets as well as other factors. Fluctuations caused by market interest rate changes have little bearing on whether or not the investment will be ultimately recoverable; and therefore, the Company considers declines in value resulting from changes in market interest rates to be temporary. In certain circumstances, however, the Company will conclude the decline in the value of a security to be other-than-temporary and correspondingly write the book value of the security down to its fair value, realizing an investment loss. The evaluation of Globe Life's securities for other-than-temporary impairments is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of investment and accounting professionals. A security has been deemed impaired when the fair value is less than the cost or amortized cost, resulting in the performance of further evaluation and analysis to determine whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. The process for making this determination is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. Among the factors considered are: • The length of time and extent to which the security has been impaired • The reason(s) for the impairment • The financial condition of the issuer and the prospects for recovery in fair value of the security • The Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery • Expected future cash flows The relative weight given to each of these factors can change over time as facts and circumstances change. In many cases, management believes it is appropriate to give more consideration to prospective factors than to retrospective factors. Prospective factors that are given more weight include prospects for recovery, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery, and expected future cash flows. Among the facts and information considered in the process are: • Financial statements of the issuer • Changes in credit ratings of the issuer • The value of underlying collateral • News and information included in press releases issued by the issuer • News and information reported in the media concerning the issuer • News and information published by or otherwise provided by securities, economic, or research analysts • The nature and amount of recent and expected future sources and uses of cash • Default on a required payment • Issuer bankruptcy filings While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimate recoverable amount of an impaired security. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and is treated as a realized loss in the period the determination is made. The written-down security will be amortized and revenue recognized in accordance with estimated future cash flows. Current accounting guidance is such that if an entity intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is to be considered other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of impairment must be charged to earnings. Otherwise, losses on fixed maturities which are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into two categories, the portion of loss which is
Cash	Cash :
Accrued Investment Income and Other Receivables	Accrued investment income : Accrued investment income consists of interest income or dividends earned on the investment portfolio, but are yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. The Company will write-off accrued investment income that is deemed to be uncollectible. Other Receivables : Other receivables consist mostly of agent debit balances that primarily represent commissions advanced to insurance agents. These balances are repaid to the Company over time as the premiums associated with the advanced commissions are collected by the Company and the agents' commissions on such premiums are retained. The balances were $424 million and $396 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company views these balances as recoverable since they are less than the estimated present value of future commissions.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs : Certain costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and recorded as an asset. These costs are essential for the acquisition of new insurance business and are directly related to the successful issuance of an insurance contract including sales commissions, policy issue costs, and underwriting costs. Additionally, deferred acquisition costs (DAC) include the value of business acquired (VOBA), which are the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies. These costs represent the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed compared against the assets and liabilities for insurance contracts that the Company issues or holds measured in accordance with GAAP. DAC and VOBA are amortized in a systematic manner which matches these costs with the associated revenues. Policies other than universal life-type policies are amortized with interest over the estimated premium-paying period of the policies in a manner which charges each year’s operations in proportion to the receipt of premium income. Universal life-type policies are amortized with interest in proportion to estimated gross profits. The assumptions used to amortize acquisition costs include interest, mortality, morbidity, and persistency, and are consistent with those used to estimate the liability for future policy benefits. For interest-sensitive and deposit-type products, these assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and are revised if actual experience differs significantly from original expectations. For all other products, amortization assumptions are generally not revised once established. DAC and VOBA are subject to periodic recoverability and loss recognition testing to determine if there is a premium deficiency. These tests evaluate whether the present value of future contract-related cash flows will support the capitalized DAC and VOBA assets. These cash flows consist primarily of premium income, less benefits and expenses. The present value of these cash flows, less the benefit reserve, is then compared with the unamortized deferred acquisition cost balance. In the event the estimated present value of net cash flows is less, the deficiency would be recognized by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits, as described under the caption Future Policy Benefits
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs : Costs related to advertising are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain Direct to Consumer advertising costs are capitalized when there is a reliable and demonstrated relationship between total costs and future benefits that is a direct result of incurring these costs. Direct to Consumer advertising costs consist primarily of the production and distribution costs of direct mail advertising materials, and when
Goodwill	Goodwill : The excess cost of a business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. In accordance with the guidance, Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or whenever potential impairment triggers occur. Impairment testing involves the performance of a qualitative analysis, which involves assessing current events and circumstances to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Globe Life tested its goodwill annually as of June 30th for each of the years 2017 through 2019. The Company's goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods. As noted in Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year , the Company early adopted ASU 2017-04. In accordance with the new guidance, in the event the fair value is less than the carrying value, further testing is required to determine the amount of impairment, if any. If there is an impairment in the goodwill of any reporting unit, it is written down and charged to earnings in the period of the test.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests	Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests : Globe Life invests in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits and other related federal income tax benefits to the Company. Globe Life holds passive interests in limited partnerships that provide investment returns through the provision of tax benefits (principally from the transfer of federal or state tax credits related to federal low-income housing). These investments are considered to be VIEs and do not qualify for consolidation. The carrying value of the Company's investment in these entities was $206 million and $226 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . As of December 31, 2019, Globe Life was obligated under future commitments of $52 million, which are recorded in "Other liabilities". For guaranteed investments acquired prior to January 1, 2015, the Company utilizes the effective-yield method of amortization, while the proportional method of amortization is utilized for all non-guaranteed and guaranteed investments acquired on or after January 1, 2015. All amortization expense is recorded in "Income tax benefit (expense)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operation s
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment : Property and equipment, included in “Other assets,” is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded primarily on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from three fifteen Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year .)
Future Policy Benefits	Future Policy Benefits : The liability for future policy benefits for annuity and universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 89% of total liabilities for future policy benefits, is determined on the net level premium method. This method provides for the present value of expected future benefit payments less the present value of expected future net premiums, based on estimated investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and other assumptions which were considered appropriate at the time the policies were issued. For limited-payment contracts, a deferred profit liability is also recorded which causes profits to emerge over the life of the contract in proportion to policies in force. Assumptions used for traditional life and health insurance products are based primarily on Company experience. Assumptions for interest rates range from 2.5% to 7.0% for Globe Life's insurance companies with an overall
Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable	Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable :
Income Taxes	Income Taxes : Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Postretirement Benefits	Postretirement Benefits : Globe Life accounts for its postretirement defined benefit plans by recognizing the funded status of those plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock :
Recognition of Premium Revenue and Related Expenses	Recognition of Premium Revenue and Related Expenses : Premium income for traditional long-duration life and health insurance products is recognized evenly over the contract period and when due from the policyholder. Premiums for short-duration health contracts are recognized as revenue over the contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Premiums for universal life-type and annuity contracts are added to the policy account value, and revenues for such products are recognized as charges to the policy account value for mortality, administration, and surrenders (retrospective deposit method). Life premium includes policy charges of $15.6 million, $16.4 million and $17.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Other
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation : Globe Life accounts for stock-based compensation by recognizing an expense in the consolidated financial statements based on the “fair value method.” The fair value method requires that a fair value be assigned to a stock option or other stock grant on its grant date and that this value be amortized over the grantees’ service period. The fair value method requires the use of an option valuation model to value employee stock options. Globe Life has elected to use the Black-Scholes valuation model for option expensing. A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2017 through 2019 is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Volatility factor 15.7 % 13.7 % 14.8 % Dividend yield 0.8 % 0.7 % 0.7 % Expected term (in years) 5.10 5.76 5.71 Risk-free rate 2.5 % 2.7 % 2.0 % The expected term is generally derived from Company experience. However, expected terms are determined based on the simplified method as permitted under the ASC 718, Stock Compensation, topic when Company experience is insufficient. On April 26, 2018, the shareholders approved the Globe Life Inc. 2018 Incentive Plan, formerly the Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan (the "2018 Incentive Plan"). The 2018 Incentive Plan replaced all previous plans. The 2018 Incentive Plan allows for option grants for employees with a seven three ten five seven five ten five Stock-based compensation expense is included in “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per Share : Globe Life presents basic and diluted earnings per common share (EPS) on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year / Yet to be Adopted	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-02/2018-11/ 2018-20 , Leases (Topic 842), with clarification guidance issued in July and December 2018. The standard requires lessees to record a ROU 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. 2017-04 , Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment The standard was issued to simplify the process for testing goodwill for impairment through the elimination of Step 2 of the two-step impairment test. The new guidance requires a one-step impairment test wherein an entity recognizes an impairment charge for the amount in which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, if any. While the standard is not effective until January 1, 2020, the Company has early adopted the guidance on a prospective basis as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of this guidance 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 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 certain requirements such as amounts and reasons for levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation processes for level 3 fair value measurements, modifying disclosures for certain investments that use the net asset value as a practical expedient, and adding disclosures to the level 3 table for changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in OCI as of balance sheet date and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop level 3 fair value measurements. While the standard is not effective until January 1, 2020, the Company has early adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of this guidance does not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has included the new and updated disclosures in Note 4—Investments . 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 requiring the capitalization of implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with similar treatment of developed or obtained internal-use software. While the standard is not effective until January 1, 2020, the Company has early adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-13/2018-19/2019-04/2019-05 , Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, with clarification guidance issued in November 2018, along with 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. Additionally, it changes the loss impairment methodology for available-for-sale fixed maturities 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 beginning retained earnings. The applicable section of the standard related to debt securities requires a prospective transition. The Company's available-for-sale fixed maturities and other financing receivables were concluded to be the relevant financial assets within the scope of the standard. Based on current analysis as of December 31, 2019, the Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2018-12/2019-09 , Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, with clarification guidance issued in November 2019. 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. In November 2019, the FASB approved a proposal to defer the adoption date by one year to January 1, 2022. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures, specifically assessing key accounting policies, assumption and data inputs, controls, and enhanced system solutions. Due to the overall nature of the standard, the impact on the consolidated financial statements is expected to be significant. At this time, the Company does not have an estimate of the impact. The Company does not expect to early adopt this ASU. 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.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted	A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2017 through 2019 is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Volatility factor 15.7 % 13.7 % 14.8 % Dividend yield 0.8 % 0.7 % 0.7 % Expected term (in years) 5.10 5.76 5.71 Risk-free rate 2.5 % 2.7 % 2.0 %
Schedule of Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-02/2018-11/ 2018-20 , Leases (Topic 842), with clarification guidance issued in July and December 2018. The standard requires lessees to record a ROU 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. 2017-04 , Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment The standard was issued to simplify the process for testing goodwill for impairment through the elimination of Step 2 of the two-step impairment test. The new guidance requires a one-step impairment test wherein an entity recognizes an impairment charge for the amount in which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, if any. While the standard is not effective until January 1, 2020, the Company has early adopted the guidance on a prospective basis as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of this guidance 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 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 certain requirements such as amounts and reasons for levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation processes for level 3 fair value measurements, modifying disclosures for certain investments that use the net asset value as a practical expedient, and adding disclosures to the level 3 table for changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in OCI as of balance sheet date and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop level 3 fair value measurements. While the standard is not effective until January 1, 2020, the Company has early adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of this guidance does not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has included the new and updated disclosures in Note 4—Investments . 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 requiring the capitalization of implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with similar treatment of developed or obtained internal-use software. While the standard is not effective until January 1, 2020, the Company has early adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted Standard Description Effective date Effect on the consolidated financial statements ASU No. 2016-13/2018-19/2019-04/2019-05 , Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, with clarification guidance issued in November 2018, along with 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. Additionally, it changes the loss impairment methodology for available-for-sale fixed maturities 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 beginning retained earnings. The applicable section of the standard related to debt securities requires a prospective transition. The Company's available-for-sale fixed maturities and other financing receivables were concluded to be the relevant financial assets within the scope of the standard. Based on current analysis as of December 31, 2019, the Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2018-12/2019-09 , Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, with clarification guidance issued in November 2019. 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. In November 2019, the FASB approved a proposal to defer the adoption date by one year to January 1, 2022. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures, specifically assessing key accounting policies, assumption and data inputs, controls, and enhanced system solutions. Due to the overall nature of the standard, the impact on the consolidated financial statements is expected to be significant. At this time, the Company does not have an estimate of the impact. The Company does not expect to early adopt this ASU. 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.

Statutory Accounting (Tables)

Statutory Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Consolidated Net Income and Shareholders' Equity for Insurance Companies	Consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity (capital and surplus) on a statutory basis for the insurance subsidiaries were as follows: Net Income Shareholders’ Equity Year Ended December 31, At December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 462,515 $ 437,549 $ 426,285 $ 1,398,274 $ 1,443,156

Supplemental Information Abou_2

Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Change in Balance by Component of 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 each of the years 2017 through 2019: Available for Sale Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Foreign Exchange Pension Adjustments Total For the year ended December 31, 2017: Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 692,314 $ (6,682) $ 4,967 $ (113,025) $ 577,574 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 621,619 (350) 8,452 (20,753) 608,968 Reclassifications, net of tax (22,751) — — 8,083 (14,668) Other comprehensive income (loss) 598,868 (350) 8,452 (12,670) 594,300 Reclassifications, tax reform 278,107 (1,515) 2,883 (27,075) 252,400 Balance at December 31, 2017 1,569,289 (8,547) 16,302 (152,770) 1,424,274 For the year ended December 31, 2018: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (1,132,202) 4,384 (9,807) 22,290 (1,115,335) Reclassifications, net of tax (1,389) — — 11,925 10,536 Other comprehensive income (loss) (1,133,591) 4,384 (9,807) 34,215 (1,104,799) Balance at December 31, 2018 435,698 (4,163) 6,495 (118,555) 319,475 For the year ended December 31, 2019: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 1,557,883 (1,753) 5,563 (32,102) 1,529,591 Reclassifications, net of tax (10,931) — — 6,695 (4,236) Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,546,952 (1,753) 5,563 (25,407) 1,525,355 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 1,982,650 $ (5,916) $ 12,058 $ (143,962) $ 1,844,830
Summary of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassification adjustments : Reclassification adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for the three years ended December 31, 2019. Year Ended December 31, Affected line items in the Statement of Operations Component Line Item 2019 2018 2017 Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ (19,352) $ (5,715) $ (34,954) Realized (gains) losses Amortization of (discount) premium 5,515 3,957 (47) Net investment income Total before tax (13,837) (1,758) (35,001) Tax 2,906 369 12,250 Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax (10,931) (1,389) (22,751) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 631 535 476 Other operating expense Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 7,843 14,560 11,960 Other operating expense Total before tax 8,474 15,095 12,436 Tax (1,779) (3,170) (4,353) Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax 6,695 11,925 8,083 Total reclassification (after-tax) $ (4,236) $ 10,536 $ (14,668)

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows. Redeemable preferred stock is included within the corporates by sector. At December 31, 2019 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total Fixed Maturities (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 396,079 $ 41,737 $ (296) $ 437,520 2 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,559,736 158,546 (626) 1,717,656 9 Foreign governments 25,874 2,073 (396) 27,551 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 4,101,917 701,196 (22,307) 4,780,806 25 Utilities 1,937,738 416,114 (1,565) 2,352,287 13 Energy 1,678,969 269,640 (33,725) 1,914,884 10 Other corporate sectors 6,514,677 955,908 (16,765) 7,453,820 40 Total corporates 14,233,301 2,342,858 (74,362) 16,501,797 88 Collateralized debt obligations 56,990 24,298 (7,184) 74,104 — Other asset-backed securities 143,796 5,094 (371) 148,519 1 Total fixed maturities $ 16,415,776 $ 2,574,606 $ (83,235) $ 18,907,147 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. At December 31, 2018 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total Fixed Maturities (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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2019 Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 85,822 $ 86,840 Due after one year through five years 648,451 699,017 Due after five years through ten years 1,686,684 1,937,987 Due after ten years through twenty years 5,394,107 6,500,168 Due after twenty years 8,399,480 9,460,036 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 201,232 223,099 $ 16,415,776 $ 18,907,147
Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations	Net investment income for the three years ended December 31, 2019 is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Fixed maturities available for sale $ 864,280 $ 843,510 $ 817,213 Policy loans 43,434 41,359 39,578 Other long-term investments (1) 16,198 10,638 4,991 Short-term investments 2,592 2,642 948 926,504 898,149 862,730 Less investment expense (16,045) (15,637) (14,845) Net investment income $ 910,459 $ 882,512 $ 847,885 (1) For the years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017, the investment funds, accounted for under the fair value option method, recorded $5.6 million, $3.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively in net investment income.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	An analysis of realized gains (losses) is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities available for sale: Sales and other (1) $ 19,354 $ 5,715 $ 35,199 Other-than-temporary impairments — — (245) Fair value option—change in fair value 1,256 2,650 — Other investments 11 909 (7,302) Realized gains (losses) from investments 20,621 9,274 27,652 Realized loss on redemption of debt (2) — (11,078) (4,041) 20,621 (1,804) 23,611 Applicable tax (4,330) 379 (6,021) Realized gains (losses), net of tax $ 16,291 $ (1,425) $ 17,590 (1) For the years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $243.2 million, $193.4 million and $84.3 million of exchanges of fixed maturities (noncash transactions) that resulted in $20.5 million, $10.1 million, and $4.8 million, respectively in realized gains (losses). (2) Refer to Note 11—Debt for further discussion .
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Change in investment gains (losses) on: Fixed maturities available for sale $ 1,946,910 $ (1,429,763) $ 916,413 Selected information about sales of fixed maturities available for sale is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Fixed maturities available for sale: Proceeds from sales (1) $ 79,108 $ 32,021 $ 67,246 Gross realized gains 1,227 66 5,079 Gross realized losses (3,674) (13,996) (1,100)
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2019 and 2018: Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2019: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 437,520 $ — $ 437,520 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 1,717,656 — 1,717,656 Foreign governments — 27,551 — 27,551 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 4,628,875 151,931 4,780,806 Utilities — 2,195,539 156,748 2,352,287 Energy — 1,873,482 41,402 1,914,884 Other corporate sectors — 7,131,773 322,047 7,453,820 Total corporates — 15,829,669 672,128 16,501,797 Collateralized debt obligations — — 74,104 74,104 Other asset-backed securities — 135,342 13,177 148,519 Total fixed maturities $ — $ 18,147,738 $ 759,409 $ 18,907,147 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2018: 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 %
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- Collateralized Corporates Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ — $ 63,503 $ 559,600 $ 623,103 Included in realized gains/losses — — — — Included in other comprehensive income 410 9,654 10,900 20,964 Acquisitions (1) 14,000 — 21,666 35,666 Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,914 17 4,931 Other (2) (361) (6,490) (9,373) (16,224) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 14,049 71,581 582,810 668,440 Included in realized gains/losses — — 698 698 Included in other comprehensive income (591) 3,170 (23,687) (21,108) Acquisitions (1) — — 27,453 27,453 Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,737 16 4,753 Other (2) (476) (6,119) (38,352) (44,947) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — 4,533 4,533 Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2018 12,982 73,369 553,471 639,822 Included in realized gains/losses — — 396 396 Included in other comprehensive income 708 1,514 30,378 32,600 Acquisitions (1) — — — — Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,596 13 4,609 Other (2) (513) (5,375) (19,154) (25,042) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — 107,024 107,024 Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 13,177 $ 74,104 $ 672,128 $ 759,409 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 2017 $ 410 $ 9,654 $ 10,900 $ 20,964 2018 (591) 3,170 (23,687) (21,108) 2019 708 1,514 30,378 32,600 (1) Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in each of the years 2017 through 2019 are comprised of private-placement fixed maturities. (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, while transfers out of Level 3 occur when observable inputs become available.
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques	The following table represents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements: Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements As of December 31, 2019 Fair Value Valuation Significant Unobservable Range Weighted- Average (1) Asset-backed securities $ 13,177 Determination of credit spread Credit rating BBB- BBB- Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 4.80% 4.80% Collateralized debt obligations 74,104 Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 6.10% - 7.00% 6.84% Private placement fixed maturities 565,104 Determination of credit spread Credit rating A+ to CCC- BBB Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 2.48% - 9.39% 3.68% Other corporate bonds 107,024 Present Value Techniques Market Quotes 105.39% 105.39% $ 759,409 (1) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments.
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 (CUSIPs) held: As of December 31, 2019 82 51 133 As of December 31, 2018 495 234 729
Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment	The following tables disclose unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Globe Life considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired. Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At December 31, 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 $ 1,255 $ (2) $ 21,044 $ (294) $ 22,299 $ (296) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 66,774 (626) — — 66,774 (626) Foreign governments 6,496 (396) — — 6,496 (396) Corporates, by sector: Financial 117,389 (1,733) 7,183 (1,317) 124,572 (3,050) Utilities 8,400 (166) — — 8,400 (166) Energy 52,312 (1,058) 1,833 (115) 54,145 (1,173) Other corporate sectors 136,386 (1,584) 61,473 (3,260) 197,859 (4,844) Total corporates 314,487 (4,541) 70,489 (4,692) 384,976 (9,233) Other asset-backed securities — — — — — — Total investment grade securities 389,012 (5,565) 91,533 (4,986) 480,545 (10,551) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — — — — — Corporates, by sector: Financial — — 113,481 (19,257) 113,481 (19,257) Utilities 7,529 (135) 14,985 (1,264) 22,514 (1,399) Energy 14,968 (146) 69,956 (32,406) 84,924 (32,552) Other corporate sectors — — 67,655 (11,921) 67,655 (11,921) Total corporates 22,497 (281) 266,077 (64,848) 288,574 (65,129) Collateralized debt obligations — — 12,816 (7,184) 12,816 (7,184) Other asset-backed securities — — 13,879 (371) 13,879 (371) Total below investment grade securities 22,497 (281) 292,772 (72,403) 315,269 (72,684) Total fixed maturities $ 411,509 $ (5,846) $ 384,305 $ (77,389) $ 795,814 $ (83,235) 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) Foreign governments — — — — — — 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: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — — — — — 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 Percentages Of Investments By Major Components At Fair Value	At December 31, 2019, the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following: Investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 80 % States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 9 U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises 2 Other 1 Below investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 3 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises — Other — 95 Other Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values 3 Other investments 2 100 %
Schedule Of Industry Concentrations Held In Corporate Portfolio	Below are the ten largest industry concentrations held in the portfolio of corporate fixed maturities at December 31, 2019, based on fair value: Insurance 15 % Electric utilities 11 Banks 7 Oil and natural gas pipelines 6 Transportation 4 Chemicals 4 Oil and natural gas exploration and production 4 Food 4 Real estate investment trusts 4 Telecommunications 3
Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments	Other long-term investments consist of the following assets: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Investment funds $ 185,851 $ 108,241 Commercial mortgage loan participations 137,692 96,266 Other 2,804 2,751 Total $ 326,347 $ 207,258
Schedule of Investment Funds	The following table presents additional information about the Company's investment funds as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 at fair value: As of December 31, Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Investment Category 2019 2018 2019 Redemption Term/Notice Commercial mortgage loans $ 26,145 $ — $ 225,000 Not redeemable. Commercial mortgage loans — — 250,000 Full redemption within 6 month period, subject to fund liquidity and General Partner discretion. Total commercial mortgage loans (1) 26,145 — 475,000 Opportunistic credit (2) 159,399 108,241 — Initial 2 year lock on each new investment/semi-annual withdrawals thereafter/full redemption within 36 month period. Infrastructure equity (3) 307 — 75,000 Not redeemable. Total investment funds $ 185,851 $ 108,241 $ 550,000 (1) Diversified commercial mortgage loan portfolio primarily invested in high quality, floating rate, transitional senior mortgage loans secured by U.S. commercial real estate. Expected life is 7 years for non-redeemable fund. (2) Opportunistic credit seeking to capitalize on locations across global, public and private residential, commercial, corporate and specialty credit markets. (3) Equity investments in core infrastructure assets less sensitive to economic cycles, with long-term contractual cash flows, often operating in monopolistic environments invested across sectors including airports, midstream, ports, power generation, renewables, liquefied natural gas off-take, rail, utilities, waste, and other. Expected life is approximately 10 years.
Summary of Commercial Mortgage Loan Participations	Summaries of commercial mortgage loan participations at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 2019 2018 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Property type: Office $ 42,350 31 35,289 37 Mixed use 27,501 20 11,309 12 Hospitality 22,324 16 15,137 16 Industrial 17,612 13 13,896 14 Retail 17,318 12 12,934 13 Multi-family 10,587 8 7,701 8 Total recorded investment 137,692 100 96,266 100 Less valuation allowance — — — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 137,692 100 $ 96,266 100 2019 2018 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Geographic location: South Atlantic $ 50,867 37 39,414 41 Pacific 36,546 27 20,843 22 Middle Atlantic 25,328 18 23,488 24 East North Central 10,568 8 10,531 11 West South Central 8,072 6 1,990 2 East South Central 4,676 3 — — New England 1,635 1 — — Total recorded investment 137,692 100 96,266 100 Less valuation allowance — — — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 137,692 100 $ 96,266 100
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	2019 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios (1) <1.00x 1.00x—1.20x >1.20x Total % of Total Loan-to-value ratio: Less than 70% $ 64,160 $ 47,634 $ 12,666 $ 124,460 90 70% to 80% 11,445 1,787 — 13,232 10 81% to 90% — — — — — Greater than 90% — — — — — Total $ 75,605 $ 49,421 $ 12,666 $ 137,692 100 (1) Annual net operating income divided by annual mortgage debt service (principal and interest). 2018 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios (1) <1.00x 1.00x—1.20x >1.20x Total % of Total Loan-to-value ratio: Less than 70% $ 18,343 $ 56,813 $ 10,531 $ 85,687 89 70% to 80% 10,579 — — 10,579 11 81% to 90% — — — — — Greater than 90% — — — — — Total $ 28,922 $ 56,813 $ 10,531 $ 96,266 100 (1) Annual net operating income divided by annual mortgage debt service (principal and interest).

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Analysis of Deferred Acquisition Costs	An analysis of DAC is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 4,137,925 $ 3,958,063 $ 3,783,158 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 534,735 497,459 465,920 Other expenses 218,926 202,092 194,214 Total deferred 753,661 699,551 660,134 Foreign exchange adjustment 4,299 — 5,712 Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) — 5,549 — Total additions 757,960 705,100 665,846 Deductions: Amortized during period (551,726) (516,690) (490,403) Foreign exchange adjustment — (8,548) — Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) (2,218) — (538) Total deductions (553,944) (525,238) (490,941) Balance at end of year $ 4,341,941 $ 4,137,925 $ 3,958,063

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental Expense for Operating Leases	Rental expense for the three years ended December 31, 2019 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Rental expense $ 3,831 $ 3,959 $ 6,446
Future Minimum Rental Commitments	Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2019 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 5,367 $ 5,042 $ 4,042 $ 3,135 $ 2,424 $ 11,679
Long-term Purchase Commitment	Year Ended December 31, 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Purchase commitments $ 28,714 $ 22,252 $ 11,783 $ 4,795 $ 7,389 $ 232,696

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Ta

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 154,528 $ 146,865 $ 143,128 Incurred related to: Current year 612,305 555,647 520,528 Prior years (1,188) (3,017) (8,048) Total incurred 611,117 552,630 512,480 Paid related to: Current year 470,426 424,633 394,506 Prior years 131,411 120,334 114,237 Total paid 601,837 544,967 508,743 Balance at end of period $ 163,808 $ 154,528 $ 146,865
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 Consolidated Balance Sheets . Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Policy claims and other benefits payable: Life insurance $ 201,594 $ 196,298 Health insurance 163,808 154,528 Total $ 365,402 $ 350,826

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Taxes	The following table discloses significant components of income taxes for each year presented: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations: Current income tax expense (benefit) $ 134,948 $ 134,626 $ 138,262 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 35,449 27,535 (765,877) 170,397 162,161 (627,615) Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) 405,472 (293,678) 318,475 $ 575,869 $ (131,517) $ (309,140)
Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate	The effective income tax rate differed from the expected U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% for 2019 and 2018 and 35% for 2017 as shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 % 2018 % 2017 % Expected federal income tax expense (benefit) $ 195,569 21.0 $ 181,371 21.0 $ 290,727 35.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Tax reform adjustment — — (798) (0.1) (877,400) (105.6) Low income housing investments (11,605) (1.2) (12,240) (1.4) (18,515) (2.2) Share-based awards (11,780) (1.3) (6,450) (0.7) (19,549) (2.4) Other (1,787) (0.2) 278 — (2,878) (0.4) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 170,397 18.3 $ 162,161 18.8 $ (627,615) (75.6)
Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 6,161 $ 6,131 Carryover of tax losses 7,827 7,406 Total gross deferred tax assets 13,988 13,537 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 493,174 87,871 Employee and agent compensation 81,174 70,551 Deferred acquisition costs 658,457 633,687 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 242,124 242,285 Other liabilities 26,271 25,603 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,501,200 1,059,997 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,487,212 $ 1,046,460

Postretirement Benefits (Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations	The total cost of these retirement plans charged to operations was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Plan Type: Defined Contribution Plans (1) $ 4,817 $ 4,068 $ 4,145 Defined Benefit Pension Plans (2) 24,134 32,593 28,828 (1) 401K plans. (2) Qualified pension plans and SERP.
Pension Assets by Component at Fair Value	The following table presents the assets of the Company's defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 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 $ — $ 51,111 $ — $ 51,111 11 Utilities — 42,758 — 42,758 9 Energy — 21,907 — 21,907 5 Other corporates — 89,725 — 89,725 19 Total corporate bonds — 205,501 — 205,501 44 Exchange traded fund (1) 207,176 — — 207,176 44 Other bonds — 251 — 251 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 28,278 — 28,278 6 Short-term investments 8,414 — — 8,414 2 Other 6,876 — — 6,876 1 $ 222,466 $ 234,030 $ — 456,496 97 Other long-term investments (3) 12,267 3 Total pension assets $ 468,763 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Life Insurance Company Non-Exempt Employees Defined Benefit Pension Plan ("American Income Pension Plan"). (3) Included in other long-term investments is an investment fund that reports the Pension Plan's pro-rata share of the limited partnership's net asset value per share or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. The Pension Plan owns approximately 1% of the investment fund. As of December 31, 2019, the expected term of the investment fund is approximately 5 years and the unfunded commitment of the investment fund is $4.1 million. The investment is non-redeemable. The investment fund strategy is opportunistic, applying a comprehensive relative value approach across various asset classes and opportunities in public and private markets, geographies, and capital structures. 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 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 26,505 — 26,505 7 Short-term investments 9,289 — — 9,289 2 Other 3,816 — — 3,816 1 $ 170,822 $ 213,375 $ — 384,197 98 Other long-term investments (3) 8,475 2 Total pension assets $ 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's subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan. (3) Included in other long-term investments is an investment fund that reports the Pension Plan's pro-rata share of the limited partnership's net asset value per share or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. The Pension Plan owns approximately 1% of the investment fund. As of December 31, 2018, the expected term of the investment fund is approximately 6 years and the unfunded commitment of the investment fund is $7.1 million. The investment is non-redeemable. The investment fund strategy is opportunistic, applying a comprehensive relative value approach across various asset classes and opportunities in public and private markets, geographies, and capital structures.
Information Regarding the SERP	The following table includes premiums paid for the company owned life insurance (COLI), for the three years ended December 31, 2019 and investments of the Rabbi Trust for the two years ended December 31, 2019. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Premiums paid for COLI $ 2,394 $ 2,997 $ 2,050 At December 31, 2019 2018 Total investments: COLI $ 47,733 $ 44,285 Exchange traded funds 65,585 52,659 $ 113,318 $ 96,944
Pension Liability	The following table presents projected benefit obligation (PBO) and accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for the defined benefit pension plans and SERP at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Pension Liability December 31, 2019 2018 PBO ABO PBO ABO Funded defined benefit pension $ 578,860 $ 520,264 $ 481,792 $ 436,316 SERP 86,347 81,046 74,407 69,582 Pension Benefit Obligation $ 665,207 $ 601,310 $ 556,199 $ 505,898
Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions	The following table discloses the assumptions used to determine Globe Life's pension liabilities and costs for the appropriate periods. The discount and compensation increase rates are used to determine current year projected benefit obligations and subsequent year pension expense. The long-term rate of return is used to determine current year expense. Differences between assumptions and actual experience are included in actuarial gain or loss. Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions For Benefit Obligations at December 31: 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.49 % 4.37 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 4.00 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.37 % 3.75 % 4.27 % Expected long-term returns 6.72 6.72 6.96 Rate of compensation increase 4.00 4.37 4.31
Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit cost for the defined benefit plans by expense component was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 19,929 $ 21,092 $ 17,942 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 23,827 22,303 22,124 Expected return on assets (27,862) (25,547) (23,597) Net amortization 8,211 15,003 12,281 Recognition of actuarial loss 29 (258) 78 Net periodic benefit cost $ 24,134 $ 32,593 $ 28,828
Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	An analysis of the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) concerning pensions and other postretirement benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1 $ (150,071) $ (193,380) $ (173,883) Amortization of: Prior service cost 631 535 476 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 7,843 14,560 11,960 Total amortization 8,474 15,095 12,436 Plan amendments — (2,377) — Experience gain (loss) (40,636) 30,591 (31,933) Balance at December 31 $ (182,233) $ (150,071) $ (193,380)
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets	The following table presents a reconciliation from the beginning to the end of the year of the PBO and plan assets for the defined benefit plans and SERP. This table also presents the amounts previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Pension Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Changes in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 556,199 $ 602,606 Service cost 19,929 21,092 Interest cost 23,827 22,303 Plan amendments — 2,377 Actuarial loss (gain) 88,053 (67,270) Benefits paid (22,801) (24,909) PBO at end of year 665,207 556,199 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 392,672 377,624 Return on assets 77,290 (12,824) Contributions 21,602 52,781 Benefits paid (22,801) (24,909) Fair value at end of year 468,763 392,672 Funded status at year end $ (196,444) $ (163,527)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net loss (gain) $ 174,470 $ 143,453 Prior service cost 5,345 5,976 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 179,815 $ 149,429
Portion of Other Comprehensive Income Expected to Be Reflected in Pension Expense in Next Year	The portion of other comprehensive income that is expected to be reflected in pension expense in 2020 is as follows: Amortization of prior service cost $ 631 Amortization of net actuarial loss 15,611 Total $ 16,242
Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	Globe Life has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2019. These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2019, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s): 2020 $ 22,639 2021 24,448 2022 26,560 2023 28,371 2024 30,348 2025-2029 173,848

Supplemental Disclosures of C_2

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Summary of Noncash Transactions	The following table summarizes Globe Life's noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 44,843 $ 39,792 $ 37,034 Commitments for low-income housing interests 51,978 50,883 33,846 Exchanges of fixed maturity investments 243,156 193,449 84,312 Net unsettled security trades 8,421 39,851 —
Summary of Amounts Paid	The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest paid $ 81,723 $ 83,518 $ 82,494 Income taxes paid 101,982 91,510 74,379

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Information about Debt Issues	The following table presents information about the terms and outstanding balances of Globe Life's debt. Selected Information about Debt Issues As of December 31, 2019 2018 Instrument Issue Date Maturity Date Coupon Rate Interest Payment Dates Par Book Fair Book Notes 5/27/1993 5/15/2023 7.875% semiannual $ 165,612 $ 164,713 $ 194,525 $ 164,490 Senior notes (1) 9/24/2012 9/15/2022 3.800% semiannual 150,000 149,089 153,922 148,777 Senior notes 9/27/2018 9/15/2028 4.550% semiannual 550,000 543,735 612,738 543,169 Junior subordinated debentures 5/17/2016 6/15/2056 6.125% quarterly 300,000 290,584 316,920 290,520 Junior subordinated debentures 11/17/2017 11/17/2057 5.275% semiannual 125,000 123,367 117,759 123,354 Term loan 6/13/2016 5/17/2021 2.952% (2) monthly 86,875 86,875 86,875 93,750 1,377,487 1,358,363 1,482,739 1,364,060 Less current maturity of term loan (3) 9,375 9,375 9,375 6,875 Total long-term debt 1,368,112 1,348,988 1,473,364 1,357,185 Current maturity of term loan (3) 9,375 9,375 9,375 6,875 Commercial paper 290,000 289,363 289,363 300,973 Total short-term debt 299,375 298,738 298,738 307,848 Total debt $ 1,667,487 $ 1,647,726 $ 1,772,102 $ 1,665,033 (1) An additional $150 million par value and book value is held by insurance subsidiaries that eliminates in consolidation. (2) Interest paid at 1 month LIBOR plus 125 basis points, resets each month.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 299,375 $ 77,500 $ 150,000 $ 165,612 $ — $ 975,000
Short-Term Borrowings	A table presenting selected information concerning Globe Life's commercial paper borrowings is presented below. Credit Facility - Commercial Paper At December 31, 2019 2018 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 290,000 $ 302,100 Annualized interest rate 2.04 % 2.93 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 150,000 $ 155,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 310,000 292,900 Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Average balance outstanding during period $ 288,684 $ 368,228 $ 323,429 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 2.62 % 2.40 % 1.30 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period 385,000 525,990 455,912

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Preferred and Common Share Activity	A summary of common share activity is presented in the following chart. Common Stock Issued Treasury 2017: Balance at January 1, 2017 127,218,183 (9,187,075) Grants of restricted stock — 9,135 Vesting of performance shares — 119,896 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 1,661,808 Treasury stock acquired — (5,228,868) Retirement of treasury stock (3,000,000) 3,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2017 124,218,183 (9,625,104) 2018: Grants of restricted stock — 10,805 Forfeitures of restricted stock — (7,500) Vesting of performance shares — 149,898 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 897,622 Treasury stock acquired — (4,950,868) Retirement of treasury stock (3,000,000) 3,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2018 121,218,183 (10,525,147) 2019: Grants of restricted stock — 8,840 Vesting of performance shares — 311,399 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 1,810,559 Treasury stock acquired — (5,103,591) Retirement of treasury stock (4,000,000) 4,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2019 117,218,183 (9,497,940)
Acquisition of Common Shares	See the following summary below: Globe Life Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase for Dilution Purposes Shares Acquired Total Cost Average Price Shares Acquired Total Cost Average Price 2019 3,932 $ 350,080 $ 89.04 1,209 $ 109,489 $ 90.52 2018 4,406 371,794 84.38 571 49,955 87.54 2017 4,126 324,622 78.67 1,103 88,367 80.15
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	A reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 109,213,524 112,872,581 116,342,529 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 2,167,726 2,376,372 2,640,965 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 111,381,250 115,248,953 118,983,494 Antidilutive shares 21,556 1,161,521 —

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Grant Contract Periods and Vesting Periods	Options generally vest in accordance with the following schedule: Shares vested by period Contract Period 6 Months Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Directors 7 years 100% —% —% —% —% —% Employees 7 years —% —% 50% 50% —% —% Employees 10 years —% —% 25% 25% 25% 25%
Analysis of Shares Available for Grant	An analysis of shares available for grant is as follows: Available for Grant 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1, 9,422,760 2,964,320 5,088,461 Approval of Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan (1) — 8,984,000 — Cancellation of available shares from prior plans — (184,000) — Options expired and forfeited during year (2) 20,800 41,317 26,488 Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (3) — — 46,500 Options granted during year (2) (1,149,542) (1,262,037) (1,328,513) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted (3) (1,126,300) (1,120,840) (868,616) Balance at December 31, 7,167,718 9,422,760 2,964,320 (1) See plan document referenced in Exhibits . Formerly, the Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan. (2) Plan allows for grant of options such that each grant reduces shares available for grant in a range from 0.85 share to 1 share.
Summary of Stock Compensation Activity	A summary of stock compensation activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2019 is presented below: 2019 2018 2017 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 44,843 $ 39,792 $ 37,034 Tax benefit recognized 21,197 14,806 32,511 (1) No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period.
Schedule of Additional Information of Stock-Based Compensation	Additional stock compensation information is as follows at December 31: 2019 2018 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 34,723 $ 38,627 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.78 0.81
Summary of Options Outstanding	Options: The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2019. Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- $29.59 - $50.64 1,214,461 4.18 $ 48.45 936,250 $ 47.81 50.69 - 76.37 1,428,126 2.33 53.12 1,364,239 53.10 77.26 1,397,588 5.16 77.26 640,526 77.26 82.56 - 83.17 1,328,197 6.16 82.56 20,717 82.77 87.60 - 90.21 1,355,986 6.27 87.64 38,056 89.08 $29.59 - $90.21 6,724,358 4.80 $ 70.07 2,999,788 $ 57.27
Analysis of Option Activity	An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2019 is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Outstanding—beginning of year 7,203,765 $ 61.72 6,753,801 $ 53.59 6,973,591 $ 44.64 Granted: 7-year term 1,352,402 82.43 845,773 87.63 933,286 77.19 10-year term — — 543,130 87.60 535,220 77.26 Exercised (1,810,559) 45.93 (897,622) 40.21 (1,661,808) 36.84 Expired and forfeited (21,250) 82.89 (41,317) 70.90 (26,488) 57.94 Outstanding—end of year 6,724,358 $ 70.07 7,203,765 $ 61.72 6,753,801 $ 53.59 Exercisable at end of year 2,999,788 $ 57.27 3,393,090 $ 48.18 2,928,979 $ 43.79
Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options	Additional information about Globe Life's stock option activity as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 2019 2018 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.80 4.77 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 236,546 $ 114,161 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 3.27 2.89 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 143,935 $ 89,817 Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2019 is presented below: 2019 2018 2017 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 14.20 $ 15.65 $ 12.88 Intrinsic value of options exercised 82,022 42,517 70,948 Cash received from options exercised 83,163 36,091 61,215 Actual tax benefit received 17,225 8,929 24,832 Additional information concerning Globe Life's unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2019 2018 Number of shares outstanding 3,724,570 3,810,675 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 80.39 $ 73.78 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 6.04 6.45 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 92,611 $ 24,344
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Outstanding And Vested	Following are the restricted stock units outstanding for each of the three years ended December 31, 2019. All restricted stock units were fully vested at the end of each year of grant. Year of grants Outstanding as of year end 2017 120,326 2018 102,116 2019 71,006
Schedule of Performance Shares Settled	Below is the final determination of the performance share grants in 2015 to 2017: Year of grants Final settlement of shares Final settlement date 2015 149,898 February 27, 2018 2016 311,399 February 28, 2019 2017 271,843 February 26, 2020
Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Granted	A summary of restricted stock grants for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019 is presented in the table below. 2019 2018 2017 Directors restricted stock: Shares 8,840 10,805 9,135 Price per share $ 76.37 $ 88.19 $ 73.92 Aggregate value $ 675 $ 953 $ 675 Percent vested as of 12/31/2019 100 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 6,634 7,688 7,735 Price per share $ 77.50 $ 89.15 $ 74.45 Aggregate value $ 514 $ 685 $ 576 Percent vested as of 12/31/2019 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 156,500 159,000 153,000 Target price per share $ 82.56 $ 87.60 $ 77.26 Aggregate value $ 12,921 $ 13,928 $ 11,821 Percent vested as of 12/31/2019 — % — % — %
Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock	An analysis of unvested restricted stock is as follows: Executive Executive Directors Directors Total 2017: Balance at January 1, 2017 57,450 432,424 1,894 — 491,768 Grants — 153,000 9,135 7,735 169,870 Additional performance shares (1) — 106,084 — — 106,084 Restriction lapses (14,700) (119,896) (11,029) (7,735) (153,360) Forfeitures (7,500) (7,500) — — (15,000) Balance at December 31, 2017 35,250 564,112 — — 599,362 2018: Grants — 159,000 10,805 7,688 177,493 Additional performance shares (1) — 179,415 — — 179,415 Restriction lapses (23,250) (149,898) (10,805) (7,688) (191,641) Forfeitures — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2018 12,000 752,629 — — 764,629 2019: Grants — 156,500 8,840 6,634 171,974 Additional performance shares (1) — 118,812 — — 118,812 Restriction lapses (12,000) (311,399) (8,840) (6,634) (338,873) Forfeitures — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2019 — 716,542 — — 716,542 (1) Estimated additional (reduced) share grants expected due to achievement of performance criteria.
Schedule of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Values of Unvested Restricted Stock	An analysis of the weighted-average grant-date fair values per share of unvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2019: Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2019 $ 50.69 $ 67.06 $ — $ — Grants — 82.56 76.37 76.37 Estimated additional performance shares — 60.31 — — Restriction lapses (50.69) (50.64) (76.37) (76.37) Forfeitures — — — — Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2019 — 75.05 — —

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Premium Revenue by Distribution Channel	The tables below present segment premium revenue by each of Globe Life's distribution channels. Premium Income by Distribution Channel For the Year 2019 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of American Income $ 1,160,495 46 $ 99,447 9 $ — — $ 1,259,942 35 Direct to Consumer 855,543 34 77,557 7 — — 933,100 26 Liberty National 285,551 11 189,578 18 — — 475,129 13 United American 10,571 1 416,582 39 4 100 427,157 12 Family Heritage 3,830 — 294,182 27 — — 298,012 8 Other 201,794 8 — — — — 201,794 6 $ 2,517,784 100 $ 1,077,346 100 $ 4 100 $ 3,595,134 100 For the Year 2018 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total American Income $ 1,081,333 45 $ 93,313 9 $ — — $ 1,174,646 34 Direct to Consumer 828,935 34 76,297 7 — — 905,232 26 Liberty National 278,878 12 191,378 19 — — 470,256 14 United American 11,451 1 381,076 38 12 100 392,539 12 Family Heritage 3,501 — 273,275 27 — — 276,776 8 Other 202,457 8 — — — — 202,457 6 $ 2,406,555 100 $ 1,015,339 100 $ 12 100 $ 3,421,906 100 For the Year 2017 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of American Income $ 999,279 43 $ 89,036 9 $ — — $ 1,088,315 33 Direct to Consumer 812,907 35 73,468 8 — — 886,375 27 Liberty National 274,635 12 196,207 20 — — 470,842 14 United American 12,547 1 364,128 37 15 100 376,690 12 Family Heritage 3,193 — 253,534 26 — — 256,727 8 Other 203,986 9 — — — — 203,986 6 $ 2,306,547 100 $ 976,373 100 $ 15 100 $ 3,282,935 100
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. See Note — 1 Significant Accounting Policies for additional information concerning reconciling items of segment profits to pretax income. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,517,784 $ 1,077,346 $ 4 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,595,134 Net investment income — — — 910,459 — — 910,459 Other income — — — — 1,318 — 1,318 Total revenue 2,517,784 1,077,346 4 910,459 1,318 — 4,506,911 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,638,053 687,764 31,532 — — — 2,357,349 Required interest on reserves (666,168) (87,289) (43,522) 796,979 — — — Required interest on DAC 202,502 25,435 494 (228,431) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 436,881 112,825 2,020 — — — 551,726 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 203,052 94,973 22 — — — 298,047 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 240,321 8,758 (2,3) 249,079 Parent expense — — — — 10,260 643 (4) 10,903 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 44,843 — 44,843 Interest expense — — — 84,306 — — 84,306 Total expenses 1,814,320 833,708 (9,454) 652,854 295,424 9,401 3,596,253 Subtotal 703,464 243,638 9,458 257,605 (294,106) (9,401) 910,658 Non-operating items — — — — — 9,401 (2,3,4) 9,401 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 703,464 $ 243,638 $ 9,458 $ 257,605 $ (294,106) $ — 920,059 Realized gain (loss)—investments 20,621 Administrative settlements (400) Legal proceedings (8,358) Non-operating fees (643) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 931,279 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) During 2019, Globe Life recorded $400 thousand in administrative settlements related to state regulatory examinations. These administrative settlements were included in "Other operating expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . (3) Legal proceedings. See Note 6—Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion. (4) Non-operating fees. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,406,555 $ 1,015,339 $ 12 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,421,906 Net investment income — — — 882,512 — — 882,512 Other income — — — — 1,236 (99) (2) 1,137 Total revenue 2,406,555 1,015,339 12 882,512 1,236 (99) 4,305,555 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,591,790 649,188 34,264 — — — 2,275,242 Required interest on reserves (636,040) (83,243) (47,357) 766,640 — — — Required interest on DAC 194,297 24,412 589 (219,298) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 414,200 100,376 2,114 — — — 516,690 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 190,007 88,553 26 — — (99) (2) 278,487 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 223,941 3,590 (3) 227,531 Parent expense — — — — 10,684 1,578 (4) 12,262 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 39,792 — 39,792 Interest expense — — — 90,076 — — 90,076 Total expenses 1,754,254 779,286 (10,364) 637,418 274,417 5,069 3,440,080 Subtotal 652,301 236,053 10,376 245,094 (273,181) (5,168) 865,475 Non-operating items — — — — — 5,168 (3,4) 5,168 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 652,301 $ 236,053 $ 10,376 $ 245,094 $ (273,181) $ — 870,643 Realized gain (loss)—investments 9,274 Realized loss—redemption of debt (11,078) Administrative settlements (3,590) Non-operating fees (1,578) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 863,671 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) In 2018, the Company recorded $3.6 million in administrative settlements related to state regulatory examinations. (4) Non-operating fees. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,306,547 $ 976,373 $ 15 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,282,935 Net investment income — — — 847,885 — — 847,885 Other income — — — — 1,270 (128) (2) 1,142 Total revenue 2,306,547 976,373 15 847,885 1,270 (128) 4,131,962 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,549,602 628,640 35,836 — — 13,797 (3,4) 2,227,875 Required interest on reserves (607,007) (77,792) (49,571) 734,370 — — — Required interest on DAC 186,236 23,454 690 (210,380) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 396,268 96,519 2,466 — — (4,850) (4) 490,403 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 177,111 86,044 32 — — 1,673 (2,5) 264,860 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 210,590 — 210,590 Parent expense — — — — 9,631 — 9,631 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 33,654 3,380 (6) 37,034 Interest expense — — — 84,532 — — 84,532 Total expenses 1,702,210 756,865 (10,547) 608,522 253,875 14,000 3,324,925 Subtotal 604,337 219,508 10,562 239,363 (252,605) (14,128) 807,037 Non-operating items 14,128 (3,4,5,6) 14,128 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 604,337 $ 219,508 $ 10,562 $ 239,363 $ (252,605) $ — 821,165 Realized gain (loss)—investments 27,652 Realized loss—redemption of debt (4,041) Administrative settlements (8,659) Non-operating fees (288) Guaranty fund assessments (1,801) Stock-based compensation expense—Tax reform adjustment (3,380) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 830,648 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Elimination of intersegment commission. (3) In 2017, the Company recorded $8.7 million ($5.6 million, net of tax) in administrative settlements where claims were not properly filed or information to support the validity of the claim had not been properly submitted. These administrative settlements were included in "Policyholder benefits" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations . (4) Non-operating fees. (5) In 2017, the Company recorded $1.8 million ($1.2 million, net of tax) in unrecoverable guaranty fund assessments. (6) The Company increased stock-based compensation expense by $3.4 million ($2.2 million, net of tax) due to the impact of the tax rate change on certain performance-based equity awards.
Assets by Segment	The tables below reconcile segment assets to total assets as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Assets by Segment At December 31, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ — $ — $ — $ 19,923,204 $ — $ 19,923,204 Accrued investment income — — — 245,129 — 245,129 Deferred acquisition costs 3,768,797 569,126 4,018 — — 4,341,941 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 — — — 441,591 Other assets — — — — 1,025,595 1,025,595 Total assets $ 4,078,406 $ 701,108 $ 4,018 $ 20,168,333 $ 1,025,595 $ 25,977,460 At December 31, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ — $ — $ — $ 17,239,570 $ — $ 17,239,570 Accrued investment income — — — 243,003 — 243,003 Deferred acquisition costs 3,580,693 548,640 8,592 — — 4,137,925 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 — — — 441,591 Other assets — — — — 1,033,633 1,033,633 Total assets $ 3,890,302 $ 680,622 $ 8,592 $ 17,482,573 $ 1,033,633 $ 23,095,722
Liabilities by Segment	The tables below reconcile segment liabilities to total liabilities as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Liabilities by Segment At December 31, 2019 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 11,403,078 $ 2,006,424 $ 1,098,632 $ — $ — $ 14,508,134 Unearned and advance premiums 17,701 46,008 — — — 63,709 Policy claims and other benefits payable 201,594 163,808 — — — 365,402 Debt — — — 1,647,726 — 1,647,726 Other — — — — 2,098,182 2,098,182 Total liabilities $ 11,622,373 $ 2,216,240 $ 1,098,632 $ 1,647,726 $ 2,098,182 $ 18,683,153 At December 31, 2018 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 10,847,356 $ 1,927,732 $ 1,178,738 $ — $ — $ 13,953,826 Unearned and advance premiums 17,850 43,358 — — — 61,208 Policy claims and other benefits payable 196,298 154,528 — — — 350,826 Debt — — — 1,665,033 — 1,665,033 Other — — — — 1,649,652 1,649,652 Total liabilities $ 11,061,504 $ 2,125,618 $ 1,178,738 $ 1,665,033 $ 1,649,652 $ 17,680,545

Selected Quarterly Data (Unau_2

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Data	The following is an unaudited summary of quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2019. The information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods. Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2019: Premium income $ 890,973 $ 897,484 $ 899,993 $ 906,684 Net investment income 226,673 227,425 228,905 227,456 Realized gains (losses) 1,329 5,154 11,943 2,195 Total revenue 1,119,216 1,130,461 1,141,279 1,136,576 Policyholder benefits 587,757 589,362 585,692 594,538 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 135,822 138,165 138,449 139,290 Pretax income from continuing operations 228,101 228,760 247,330 227,088 Income from continuing operations 185,394 186,609 201,818 187,061 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (49) (43) — — Net income 185,345 186,566 201,818 187,061 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.68 1.70 1.85 1.73 Discontinued operations — — — — Total basic net income per common share 1.68 1.70 1.85 1.73 Diluted net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.65 1.67 1.82 1.69 Discontinued operations — — — — Total diluted net income per common share 1.65 1.67 1.82 1.69 Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2018: Premium income $ 850,106 $ 853,979 $ 860,750 $ 857,071 Net investment income 218,084 218,568 221,627 224,233 Realized gains (losses) 1,951 11,813 1,032 (16,600) Total revenue 1,070,436 1,084,776 1,083,802 1,064,737 Policyholder benefits 569,889 568,377 567,856 569,120 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 129,620 129,077 129,492 128,501 Pretax income from continuing operations 212,842 226,864 220,330 203,635 Income from continuing operations 173,711 184,393 178,700 164,706 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (111) 32 24 11 Net income 173,600 184,425 178,724 164,717 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.52 1.63 1.59 1.48 Discontinued operations — — — — Total basic net income per common share 1.52 1.63 1.59 1.48 Diluted net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.49 1.59 1.55 1.45 Discontinued operations — — — — Total diluted net income per common share 1.49 1.59 1.55 1.45

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)numberOfSegments	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016numberOfSegments
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | numberOfSegments		4
Concentration risk percentage		100.00%
Number of operating segments sold | numberOfSegments					1
Percentage of investment securities not classified as corporate securities, state and municipal securities, redeemable preferred stocks and U.S. government securities (less than)		2.00%
Fair value determined by third party		96.00%
Advanced agent commissions receivable	$ 396,000	$ 424,000	$ 396,000
Advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating		9,500	9,000	$ 9,300
Capitalized advertising costs	1,300,000	1,300,000	1,300,000
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	226,000	206,000	226,000
Obligations under future commitments for low-income housing interests		52,000
Original cost of property and equipment	256,000	298,000	256,000
Accumulated depreciation	121,000	137,000	121,000
Depreciation expense		$ 16,000	13,000	11,000
Traditional life and health, interest rate, low end		2.50%
Traditional life and health, interest rate, high end		7.00%
Traditional life and health, weighted average interest rate		5.70%
Tax benefit as the result of a lower corporate tax rate				874,000
Tax reform adjustment	$ 798	$ 0	(798)	(877,400)
Insurance policy charges		$ 15,600	$ 16,400	$ 17,000
Total investments | Unconsolidated variable interest entity risk
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		1.00%
Equity Option | Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Term over which monthly data points are used to derive volatility		3 years
Equity Option | Employee | Three Year Vesting Period | Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term		7 years
Vesting period		3 years
Equity Option | Employee | Five Year Vesting Period | Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Option grants contractual term		10 years
Vesting period		5 years
Equity Option | Director | Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period		6 months
Life insurance
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Proportion of future policy reserves which are not universal life type		89.00%
Equipment | Minimum
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		10 years
Building and Improvements | Minimum
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		15 years
Building and Improvements | Maximum
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life		40 years

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Volatility factor	15.70%	13.70%	14.80%
Dividend yield	0.80%	0.70%	0.70%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 9 months 3 days	5 years 8 months 15 days
Risk-free rate	2.50%	2.70%	2.00%

Statutory Accounting - Consolid

Statutory Accounting - Consolidated Net Income and Shareholders' Equity for Insurance Companies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Life insurance subsidiaries, net income	$ 462,515	$ 437,549	$ 426,285
Life insurance subsidiaries, shareholders' equity	$ 1,398,274	$ 1,443,156

Statutory Accounting - Addition

Statutory Accounting - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Insurance [Abstract]
Surplus adequate to satisfy regulatory compliance	$ 506

Supplemental Information abou_3

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Change in Balance by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	$ 5,415,177	$ 6,231,421	$ 4,566,861
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,529,591	(1,115,335)	608,968
Reclassifications, net of tax	(4,236)	10,536	(14,668)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,525,355	(1,104,799)	594,300
Ending balance	7,294,307	5,415,177	6,231,421
Total
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	319,475	1,424,274	577,574
Reclassifications, tax reform			252,400
Ending balance	1,844,830	319,475	1,424,274
Available for Sale Assets
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	435,698	1,569,289	692,314
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,557,883	(1,132,202)	621,619
Reclassifications, net of tax	(10,931)	(1,389)	(22,751)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,546,952	(1,133,591)	598,868
Reclassifications, tax reform			278,107
Ending balance	1,982,650	435,698	1,569,289
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(4,163)	(8,547)	(6,682)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(1,753)	4,384	(350)
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,753)	4,384	(350)
Reclassifications, tax reform			(1,515)
Ending balance	(5,916)	(4,163)	(8,547)
Foreign Exchange
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	6,495	16,302	4,967
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	5,563	(9,807)	8,452
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,563	(9,807)	8,452
Reclassifications, tax reform			2,883
Ending balance	12,058	6,495	16,302
Pension Adjustments
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(118,555)	(152,770)	(113,025)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(32,102)	22,290	(20,753)
Reclassifications, net of tax	6,695	11,925	8,083
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(25,407)	34,215	(12,670)
Reclassifications, tax reform			(27,075)
Ending balance	$ (143,962)	$ (118,555)	$ (152,770)

Supplemental Information abou_4

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Summary of Reclassifications (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Realized (gains) losses									$ (20,621)	$ (9,274)	$ (27,652)
Net investment income	$ (227,456)	$ (228,905)	$ (227,425)	$ (226,673)	$ (224,233)	$ (221,627)	$ (218,568)	$ (218,084)	(910,459)	(882,512)	(847,885)
Other operating expense									304,825	279,585	257,255
Total before tax									(931,279)	(863,671)	(830,648)
Tax									(170,397)	(162,161)	627,615
Total after-tax	$ (187,061)	$ (201,818)	$ (186,566)	$ (185,345)	$ (164,717)	$ (178,724)	$ (184,425)	$ (173,600)	(760,790)	(701,466)	(1,454,494)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Total after-tax									(4,236)	10,536	(14,668)
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									(19,352)	(5,715)	(34,954)
Net investment income									5,515	3,957	(47)
Total before tax									(13,837)	(1,758)	(35,001)
Tax									2,906	369	12,250
Total after-tax									(10,931)	(1,389)	(22,751)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Pension Adjustments
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Total before tax									8,474	15,095	12,436
Tax									(1,779)	(3,170)	(4,353)
Total after-tax									6,695	11,925	8,083
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of prior service cost
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Other operating expense									631	535	476
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Other operating expense									$ 7,843	$ 14,560	$ 11,960

Investments - Summary of Fixed

Investments - Summary of Fixed Maturities Available for Sale by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 16,415,776	$ 15,753,471
Fair Value	18,907,147	16,297,932
Collateralized debt obligations
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value		73,369
Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value		148,407
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	16,415,776	15,753,471
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,574,606	972,840
Gross Unrealized Losses	(83,235)	(428,379)
Fair Value	$ 18,907,147	$ 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	$ 396,079	$ 390,351
Gross Unrealized Gains	41,737	5,104
Gross Unrealized Losses	(296)	(2,787)
Fair Value	$ 437,520	$ 392,668
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	2.00%	2.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,559,736	$ 1,354,810
Gross Unrealized Gains	158,546	83,600
Gross Unrealized Losses	(626)	(1,750)
Fair Value	$ 1,717,656	$ 1,436,660
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	9.00%	9.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Foreign governments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 25,874	$ 19,006
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,073	1,810
Gross Unrealized Losses	(396)	0
Fair Value	$ 27,551	$ 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	$ 14,233,301	$ 13,784,681
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,342,858	858,125
Gross Unrealized Losses	(74,362)	(416,794)
Fair Value	$ 16,501,797	$ 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	$ 4,101,917	$ 3,759,768
Gross Unrealized Gains	701,196	262,875
Gross Unrealized Losses	(22,307)	(87,515)
Fair Value	$ 4,780,806	$ 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	$ 1,937,738	$ 1,989,506
Gross Unrealized Gains	416,114	217,846
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,565)	(24,399)
Fair Value	$ 2,352,287	$ 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	$ 1,678,969	$ 1,652,700
Gross Unrealized Gains	269,640	93,880
Gross Unrealized Losses	(33,725)	(62,371)
Fair Value	$ 1,914,884	$ 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	$ 6,514,677	$ 6,382,707
Gross Unrealized Gains	955,908	283,524
Gross Unrealized Losses	(16,765)	(242,509)
Fair Value	$ 7,453,820	$ 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	$ 56,990	$ 57,769
Gross Unrealized Gains	24,298	22,014
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,184)	(6,414)
Fair Value	$ 74,104	$ 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	$ 143,796	$ 146,854
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,094	2,187
Gross Unrealized Losses	(371)	(634)
Fair Value	$ 148,519	$ 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	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 85,822
Due after one year through five years	648,451
Due after five years through ten years	1,686,684
Due after ten years through twenty years	5,394,107
Due after twenty years	8,399,480
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	201,232
Cost or Amortized Cost	16,415,776	$ 15,753,471
Fixed Maturities Available for Sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	86,840
Due after one year through five years	699,017
Due after five years through ten years	1,937,987
Due after ten years through twenty years	6,500,168
Due after twenty years	9,460,036
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	223,099
Fair Value	$ 18,907,147	$ 16,297,932

Investments - Schedule of Analy

Investments - Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									$ 926,504	$ 898,149	$ 862,730
Less investment expense									(16,045)	(15,637)	(14,845)
Net investment income	$ 227,456	$ 228,905	$ 227,425	$ 226,673	$ 224,233	$ 221,627	$ 218,568	$ 218,084	910,459	882,512	847,885
Fixed maturities available for sale
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									864,280	843,510	817,213
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									43,434	41,359	39,578
Other long-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									16,198	10,638	4,991
Short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									2,592	2,642	948
Fair value option
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									$ 5,600	$ 3,900	$ 2,500

Investments - Realized Gain (Lo

Investments - Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Realized gains (losses) - sales and other									$ 19,354	$ 5,715	$ 35,199
Other-than-temporary impairments									0	0	(245)
Fair value option—change in fair value									1,256	2,650	0
Other investments									11	909	(7,302)
Realized gains (losses) from investments									20,621	9,274	27,652
Realized loss—redemption of debt									0	(11,078)	(4,041)
Realized gains (losses)	$ 2,195	$ 11,943	$ 5,154	$ 1,329	$ (16,600)	$ 1,032	$ 11,813	$ 1,951	20,621	(1,804)	23,611
Applicable tax									(4,330)	379	(6,021)
Realized gains (losses), net of tax									16,291	(1,425)	17,590
Exchanges of fixed maturities									243,200	193,400	84,300
Exchanges of fixed maturities, net realized gains									$ 20,500	$ 10,100	$ 4,800

Investments - Unrealized Gain (

Investments - Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Change in investment gains (losses) on	$ 1,958,165	$ (1,434,918)	$ 921,421
Fixed maturities available for sale
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Change in investment gains (losses) on	1,946,910	(1,429,763)	916,413
Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Change in investment gains (losses) on	$ 11,255	$ (5,155)	$ 5,008

Investments - Schedule of Selec

Investments - Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	$ 79,108	$ 32,021	$ 67,246
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	79,108	32,021	67,246
Gross realized gains	1,227	66	5,079
Gross realized losses	$ (3,674)	$ (13,996)	$ (1,100)

Investments - Assets Measured a

Investments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 18,907,147	$ 16,297,932
Percentage of total		100.00%
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 73,369
Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value		148,407
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		$ 0
Percentage of total		0.00%
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 15,658,110
Percentage of total		96.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	759,409	$ 639,822
Percentage of total		4.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	107,024
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	74,104
Fixed maturities available for sale
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 18,907,147	$ 16,297,932
Percentage of total	100.00%
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	$ 437,520	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	1,717,656	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	27,551	20,816
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	16,501,797	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	4,780,806	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	2,352,287	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	1,914,884	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	7,453,820	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	74,104	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	148,519	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	$ 0
Percentage of total	0.00%
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	0	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	0	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	$ 18,147,738
Percentage of total	96.00%
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	$ 437,520	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	1,717,656	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	27,551	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	15,829,669	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	4,628,875	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	2,195,539	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	1,873,482	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	7,131,773	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	135,342	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	$ 759,409
Percentage of total	4.00%
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	672,128	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	151,931	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	156,748	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	41,402	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	322,047	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	74,104	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	$ 13,177	$ 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 639,822	$ 668,440	$ 623,103
Included in realized gains / losses	396	698	0
Included in other comprehensive income	32,600	(21,108)	20,964
Acquisitions	0	27,453	35,666
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	4,609	4,753	4,931
Other	(25,042)	(44,947)	(16,224)
Transfers into Level 3	107,024	4,533	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	759,409	639,822	668,440
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	32,600	(21,108)	20,964
Asset- backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	12,982	14,049	0
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	708	(591)	410
Acquisitions	0	0	14,000
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	0	0	0
Other	(513)	(476)	(361)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	13,177	12,982	14,049
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	708	(591)	410
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	73,369	71,581	63,503
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	1,514	3,170	9,654
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	4,596	4,737	4,914
Other	(5,375)	(6,119)	(6,490)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	74,104	73,369	71,581
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	1,514	3,170	9,654
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	553,471	582,810	559,600
Included in realized gains / losses	396	698	0
Included in other comprehensive income	30,378	(23,687)	10,900
Acquisitions	0	27,453	21,666
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	13	16	17
Other	(19,154)	(38,352)	(9,373)
Transfers into Level 3	107,024	4,533	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	672,128	553,471	582,810
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$ 30,378	$ (23,687)	$ 10,900

Investments - Quantitative Info

Investments - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)number	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value | $	$ 18,907,147	$ 16,297,932
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value | $		73,369
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value | $	759,409	$ 639,822
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Asset- backed Securities
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value | $	$ 13,177
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Asset- backed Securities | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0480
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Asset- backed Securities | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0480
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value | $	$ 74,104
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0610
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0700
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0684
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value | $	$ 565,104
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0248
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0939
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0368
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value | $	$ 107,024
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Present value | Market Quotes
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	1.0539
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Present value | Market Quotes | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	1.0539

Investments - Schedule of Addit

Investments - Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) - Issue	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Less than Twelve Months	82	495
Twelve Months or Longer	51	234
Total	133	729

Investments - Schedule of Unrea

Investments - Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	$ 411,509	$ 4,698,830
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(5,846)	(252,192)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	384,305	1,290,990
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(77,389)	(176,187)
Fair Value	795,814	5,989,820
Total	(83,235)	(428,379)
Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	389,012	4,458,883
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(5,565)	(229,105)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	91,533	1,091,128
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(4,986)	(106,067)
Fair Value	480,545	5,550,011
Total	(10,551)	(335,172)
Investment Grade | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	1,255	37,182
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(2)	(212)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	21,044	89,664
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(294)	(2,575)
Fair Value	22,299	126,846
Total	(296)	(2,787)
Investment Grade | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	66,774	124,907
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(626)	(1,648)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	7,981
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	(102)
Fair Value	66,774	132,888
Total	(626)	(1,750)
Investment Grade | Foreign governments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	6,496	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(396)	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	6,496	0
Total	(396)	0
Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	314,487	4,252,191
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(4,541)	(226,611)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	70,489	993,483
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(4,692)	(103,390)
Fair Value	384,976	5,245,674
Total	(9,233)	(330,001)
Investment Grade | Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	44,603
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	0	(634)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	0	44,603
Total	0	(634)
Investment Grade | Financial | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	117,389	931,161
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(1,733)	(36,337)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	7,183	241,442
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(1,317)	(21,572)
Fair Value	124,572	1,172,603
Total	(3,050)	(57,909)
Investment Grade | Utilities | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	8,400	329,753
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(166)	(11,680)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	121,308
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	(9,442)
Fair Value	8,400	451,061
Total	(166)	(21,122)
Investment Grade | Energy | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	52,312	475,736
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(1,058)	(29,426)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	1,833	54,937
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(115)	(9,382)
Fair Value	54,145	530,673
Total	(1,173)	(38,808)
Investment Grade | Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	136,386	2,515,541
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(1,584)	(149,168)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	61,473	575,796
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(3,260)	(62,994)
Fair Value	197,859	3,091,337
Total	(4,844)	(212,162)
Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	22,497	239,947
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(281)	(23,087)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	292,772	199,862
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(72,403)	(70,120)
Fair Value	315,269	439,809
Total	(72,684)	(93,207)
Below Investment Grade | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	0	0
Total	0	0
Below Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	22,497	239,947
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(281)	(23,087)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	266,077	186,276
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(64,848)	(63,706)
Fair Value	288,574	426,223
Total	(65,129)	(86,793)
Below Investment Grade | Collateralized debt obligations
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	12,816	13,586
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(7,184)	(6,414)
Fair Value	12,816	13,586
Total	(7,184)	(6,414)
Below Investment Grade | Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	13,879
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(371)
Fair Value	13,879
Total	(371)
Below Investment Grade | Financial | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	22,087
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	0	(8,674)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	113,481	81,101
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(19,257)	(20,932)
Fair Value	113,481	103,188
Total	(19,257)	(29,606)
Below Investment Grade | Utilities | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	7,529	28,613
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(135)	(3,277)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	14,985	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(1,264)	0
Fair Value	22,514	28,613
Total	(1,399)	(3,277)
Below Investment Grade | Energy | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	14,968	42,874
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(146)	(3,901)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	69,956	36,122
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(32,406)	(19,662)
Fair Value	84,924	78,996
Total	(32,552)	(23,563)
Below Investment Grade | Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	146,373
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	0	(7,235)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	67,655	69,053
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(11,921)	(23,112)
Fair Value	67,655	215,426
Total	$ (11,921)	$ (30,347)

Investments - Summary of Invest

Investments - Summary of Investment Portfolio (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	95.00%
Policy loans
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	3.00%
Other
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	2.00%
Corporates | Fixed maturities available for sale | Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	9.00%
Corporates | Fixed maturities available for sale | Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	3.00%
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions | Fixed maturities available for sale | Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	2.00%
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions | Fixed maturities available for sale | Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	0.00%
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises | Fixed maturities available for sale | Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	80.00%
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises | Fixed maturities available for sale | Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	0.00%
Other | Fixed maturities available for sale | Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	1.00%
Other | Fixed maturities available for sale | Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	0.00%

Investments - Concentration of

Investments - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Insurance	15.00%
Electric utilities	11.00%
Banks	7.00%
Oil and natural gas pipelines	6.00%
Transportation	4.00%
Chemicals	4.00%
Oil and natural gas exploration and production	4.00%
Food	4.00%
Real estate investment trusts	4.00%
Telecommunications	3.00%

Investments - Schedule of Other

Investments - Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 326,347	$ 207,258
Commercial mortgage participations
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	137,692	96,266
Other
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	2,804	2,751
Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option | Investment funds
Investment [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 185,851	$ 108,241

Investments - Schedule of Inves

Investments - Schedule of Investment Funds (Details) - Investment funds - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	$ 185,851	$ 108,241
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	550,000
Commercial mortgage loans, not redeemable
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	26,145	0
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	225,000
Commercial mortgage loans, redeemable
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	0	0
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 250,000
Redemption period	6 months
Commercial mortgage loans
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	$ 26,145	0
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 475,000
Expected life of investment	7 years
Opportunistic credit
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	$ 159,399	108,241
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 0
Redemption period	36 months
Initial lock period	2 years
Infrastructure equity
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	$ 307	$ 0
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 75,000
Expected life of investment	10 years

Investments - Commercial Mortga

Investments - Commercial Mortgage Loan Participations (Details) - Commercial mortgage participations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 137,692	$ 96,266
Valuation allowance	0	0
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 137,692	$ 96,266
Carrying value, gross, percent	100.00%	100.00%
Valuation allowance, percent	0.00%	0.00%
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance, percent	100.00%	100.00%
South Atlantic
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 50,867	$ 39,414
Carrying value, gross, percent	37.00%	41.00%
Pacific
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 36,546	$ 20,843
Carrying value, gross, percent	27.00%	22.00%
Middle Atlantic
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 25,328	$ 23,488
Carrying value, gross, percent	18.00%	24.00%
East North Central
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 10,568	$ 10,531
Carrying value, gross, percent	8.00%	11.00%
West South Central
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 8,072	$ 1,990
Carrying value, gross, percent	6.00%	2.00%
East South Central
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 4,676	$ 0
Carrying value, gross, percent	3.00%	0.00%
New England
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 1,635	$ 0
Carrying value, gross, percent	1.00%	0.00%
Office
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 42,350	$ 35,289
Carrying value, gross, percent	31.00%	37.00%
Mixed use
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 27,501	$ 11,309
Carrying value, gross, percent	20.00%	12.00%
Hospitality
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 22,324	$ 15,137
Carrying value, gross, percent	16.00%	16.00%
Industrial
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 17,612	$ 13,896
Carrying value, gross, percent	13.00%	14.00%
Retail
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 17,318	$ 12,934
Carrying value, gross, percent	12.00%	13.00%
Multi-family
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 10,587	$ 7,701
Carrying value, gross, percent	8.00%	8.00%

Investments - Commercial Mort_2

Investments - Commercial Mortgage Loan Participations Recorded Investment (Details) - Commercial mortgage participations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 137,692	$ 96,266
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance, percent	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 70%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 124,460	$ 85,687
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance, percent	90.00%	89.00%
70% to 80%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 13,232	$ 10,579
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance, percent	10.00%	11.00%
81% to 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 0	$ 0
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance, percent	0.00%	0.00%
Greater than 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 0	$ 0
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance, percent	0.00%	0.00%
Less Than 1.00x
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 75,605	$ 28,922
Less Than 1.00x | Less than 70%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	64,160	18,343
Less Than 1.00x | 70% to 80%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	11,445	10,579
Less Than 1.00x | 81% to 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	0	0
Less Than 1.00x | Greater than 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	0	0
1.00x-1.20x
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	49,421	56,813
1.00x-1.20x | Less than 70%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	47,634	56,813
1.00x-1.20x | 70% to 80%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	1,787	0
1.00x-1.20x | 81% to 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	0	0
1.00x-1.20x | Greater than 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	0	0
Greater Than 1.20x
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	12,666	10,531
Greater Than 1.20x | Less than 70%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	12,666	10,531
Greater Than 1.20x | 70% to 80%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	0	0
Greater Than 1.20x | 81% to 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	0	0
Greater Than 1.20x | Greater than 90%
Investment [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Issue	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Issue	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity portfolio issues | Issue	1,633	1,548
Gross unrealized losses	$ (83,235,000)	$ (428,379,000)
Increase (decrease) in gross unrealized losses	(345,000,000)
Other-than-temporary impairment	0	0	$ 245,000
Other-than-temporary impairment, net of tax			$ 159,000
Written down securities, fair value	$ 61,000,000
Written down securities, percentage of fair value of fixed maturity portfolio	0.40%
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	9.00%
Percentage of invested assets rated below investment grade	3.00%
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Par value of investments rated below investment grade	$ 768,000,000
Amortized cost of investments rated below investment grade	674,000,000
Fair value of investments rated below investment grade	645,000,000
Securities, cash, and short-term investments, amortized cost	816,000,000	712,000,000
Securities, cash, and short-term investments, fair value	$ 956,000,000	$ 763,000,000
Investment portfolio | Credit Concentration Risk | Corporates
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	83.00%
Texas
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	22.00%
Michigan
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	8.00%
New York
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	7.00%
Florida
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	6.00%
Ohio
Investment [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	5.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	95.00%
Investment funds | Minimum
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds ownership percentage	1.00%
Investment funds | Maximum
Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds ownership percentage	20.00%

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Det

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of year				$ 4,137,925				$ 3,958,063	$ 4,137,925	$ 3,958,063	$ 3,783,158
Deferred during period:
Commissions									534,735	497,459	465,920
Other expenses									218,926	202,092	194,214
Total deferred									753,661	699,551	660,134
Foreign exchange adjustment									4,299	0	5,712
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses									0	5,549	0
Total additions									757,960	705,100	665,846
Amortized during period	$ (139,290)	$ (138,449)	$ (138,165)	$ (135,822)	$ (128,501)	$ (129,492)	$ (129,077)	$ (129,620)	(551,726)	(516,690)	(490,403)
Foreign exchange adjustment									0	(8,548)	0
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains									(2,218)	0	(538)
Total deductions									(553,944)	(525,238)	(490,941)
Balance at end of year	$ 4,341,941				$ 4,137,925				$ 4,341,941	$ 4,137,925	$ 3,958,063

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)leasestateguarantee	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 02, 2019USD ($)
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Retention limits per life	$ 2,000,000
Life insurance ceded as percent of total life insurance in force	0.30%
Life and accident and health insurance ceded as a percent of premium income	0.20%
Life insurance assumed as a percent of life insurance in force	1.40%
Life and accident and health insurance assumed as a percent of premium income	0.60%	0.60%	0.70%
Number of guarantee agreements | guarantee	3
Guaranty liabilities	$ 0
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 150,000,000	$ 155,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Number of states private entities contracted with for audits | state	47
Letter of Credit
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Letter of credit maximum available amount	$ 250,000,000
Equipment Lease Guarantees
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of guaranteed leasing agreements | lease	2
Remaining undiscounted payments under guaranteed lease agreements	$ 6,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Rental Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 3,831	$ 3,959	$ 6,446

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 5,367
2021	5,042
2022	4,042
2023	3,135
2024	2,424
Thereafter	$ 11,679

Commitments and Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Low-Income Housing Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 28,714
2021	22,252
2022	11,783
2023	4,795
2024	7,389
Thereafter	$ 232,696

Liability for Unpaid Claims - S

Liability for Unpaid Claims - Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Activity in the Liability for Unpaid Health Claims
Balance at beginning of period	$ 154,528	$ 146,865
Incurred related to:
Total incurred	611,117	552,630	$ 512,480
Paid related to:
Total paid	601,837	544,967	508,743
Balance at end of period	163,808	154,528	146,865
Health premium
Activity in the Liability for Unpaid Health Claims
Balance at beginning of period	154,528	146,865	143,128
Incurred related to:
Current year	612,305	555,647	520,528
Prior years	(1,188)	(3,017)	(8,048)
Paid related to:
Current year	470,426	424,633	394,506
Prior year	$ 131,411	120,334	114,237
Balance at end of period		$ 154,528	$ 146,865

Liability for Unpaid Claims - R

Liability for Unpaid Claims - Reconciliation of Net Incurred and Paid Claims Development to Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Policy claims and other benefits payable:
Life insurance	$ 201,594	$ 196,298
Health insurance	365,402	350,826
Health premium
Policy claims and other benefits payable:
Health insurance	$ 163,808	$ 154,528

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current income tax expense (benefit)	$ 134,948	$ 134,626	$ 138,262
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	35,449	27,535	(765,877)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	170,397	162,161	(627,615)
Shareholders’ equity:
Other comprehensive income (loss)	405,472	(293,678)	318,475
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 575,869	$ (131,517)	$ (309,140)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Reform adjustment	$ (798,000)	$ 0	$ 798,000	$ 877,400,000
Operating loss carryforwards		37,300,000
Operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration		34,100,000
Operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration		3,200,000
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance		0
Uncertain tax positions	0	0	0	0
Penalties and interest expense (income)		55,000	0	$ (5,000)
Amount of accrued interest or penalties	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Summary of Effec

Income Taxes - Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Expected federal income tax expense (benefit)		$ 195,569	$ 181,371	$ 290,727
Tax reform adjustment	$ 798	0	(798)	(877,400)
Low income housing investments		(11,605)	(12,240)	(18,515)
Share-based awards		(11,780)	(6,450)	(19,549)
Other		(1,787)	278	(2,878)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total		$ 170,397	$ 162,161	$ (627,615)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Expected federal income tax expense (benefit)		21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Tax reform adjustment		0	(0.001)	(1.056)
Low income housing investments		(1.20%)	(1.40%)	(2.20%)
Share-based awards		(1.30%)	(0.70%)	(2.40%)
Other		(0.20%)	0.00%	(0.40%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total		18.30%	18.80%	(75.60%)

Income Taxes - Significant Port

Income Taxes - Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Fixed maturity investments	$ 6,161	$ 6,131
Carryover of tax losses	7,827	7,406
Total gross deferred tax assets	13,988	13,537
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gains	493,174	87,871
Employee and agent compensation	81,174	70,551
Deferred acquisition costs	658,457	633,687
Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims	242,124	242,285
Other liabilities	26,271	25,603
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	1,501,200	1,059,997
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Total	$ 1,487,212	$ 1,046,460

Postretirement Benefits - Total

Postretirement Benefits - Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plans	$ 4,817	$ 4,068	$ 4,145
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$ 24,134	$ 32,593	$ 28,828

Postretirement Benefits - Addit

Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Capped eligible compensation	$ 1
Maximum allowed investment percentage in any single issuer in pension plan assets at time of purchase	10.00%
SERP
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan contributions	$ 21.6	$ 52.8	$ 21.3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	$ 21.6	$ 52.8	$ 21.3

Postretirement Benefits - Pensi

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Assets by Components at Fair Value (Detail) - Pension plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 468,763	$ 392,672	$ 377,624
Percentage of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Investment funds, percentage ownership by pension plan	1.00%	1.00%
Expected life of investment	5 years	6 years
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 4,100	$ 7,100
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 456,496	$ 384,197
Percentage of plan assets	97.00%	98.00%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 222,466	$ 170,822
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	234,030	213,375
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,267	$ 8,475
Percentage of plan assets	3.00%	2.00%
Total corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 205,501	$ 186,625
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	44.00%	48.00%
Total corporate bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0
Total corporate bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	205,501	186,625
Total corporate bonds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Financial
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 51,111	$ 44,236
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	11.00%	11.00%
Financial | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0
Financial | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	51,111	44,236
Financial | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Utilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 42,758	$ 39,443
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	9.00%	10.00%
Utilities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0
Utilities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	42,758	39,443
Utilities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Energy
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 21,907	$ 19,744
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	5.00%	5.00%
Energy | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0
Energy | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	21,907	19,744
Energy | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Other corporates
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 89,725	$ 83,202
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	19.00%	22.00%
Other corporates | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0
Other corporates | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	89,725	83,202
Other corporates | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Exchange traded funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 207,176	$ 157,717
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	44.00%	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, within plan asset category	$ 207,176	$ 157,717
Exchange traded funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Exchange traded funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Other bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 251	$ 245
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	0.00%	0.00%
Other bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0
Other bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	251	245
Other bonds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Guaranteed annuity contract
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 28,278	$ 26,505
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	6.00%	7.00%
Guaranteed annuity contract | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0
Guaranteed annuity contract | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	28,278	26,505
Guaranteed annuity contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 8,414	$ 9,289
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	2.00%	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, within plan asset category	$ 8,414	$ 9,289
Short-term investments | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Short-term investments | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 6,876	$ 3,816
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	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, within plan asset category	$ 6,876	$ 3,816
Other | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Other | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 0	$ 0

Postretirement Benefits - Activ

Postretirement Benefits - Activity for the SERP (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Premiums paid for COLI	$ 2,394	$ 2,997	$ 2,050
Total investments:
COLI	47,733	44,285
Exchange traded funds	65,585	52,659
Total investments of SERP	$ 113,318	$ 96,944

Postretirement Benefits - Pen_2

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 665,207	$ 556,199
ABO	601,310	505,898
Funded defined benefit pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	665,207	556,199	$ 602,606
Qualified Plan | Funded defined benefit pension | Funded defined benefit pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	578,860	481,792
ABO	520,264	436,316
Nonqualified Plan | SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	86,347	74,407
ABO	$ 81,046	$ 69,582

Postretirement Benefits - Weigh

Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions and Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions (Detail) - Pension plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.49%	4.37%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%
Discount rate	4.37%	3.75%	4.27%
Expected long-term returns	6.72%	6.72%	6.96%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.37%	4.31%

Postretirement Benefits - Compo

Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Net amortization	$ 8,474	$ 15,095	$ 12,436
Net periodic benefit cost	24,134	32,593	28,828
Funded defined benefit pension
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	19,929	21,092	17,942
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	23,827	22,303	22,124
Expected return on assets	(27,862)	(25,547)	(23,597)
Net amortization	8,211	15,003	12,281
Recognition of actuarial loss	29	(258)	78
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 24,134	$ 32,593	$ 28,828

Postretirement Benefits - Analy

Postretirement Benefits - Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at January 1	$ (150,071)	$ (193,380)	$ (173,883)
Prior service cost	631	535	476
Net actuarial (gain) loss	7,843	14,560	11,960
Total amortization	8,474	15,095	12,436
Plan amendments	0	(2,377)	0
Experience gain (loss)	(40,636)	30,591	(31,933)
Balance at December 31	(182,233)	(150,071)	(193,380)
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Total amortization	$ 265	$ 92	$ 155

Postretirement Benefits - Recon

Postretirement Benefits - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Pension Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in PBO:
PBO at beginning of year	$ 556,199
PBO at end of year	665,207	$ 556,199
Pension plan
Changes in PBO:
PBO at beginning of year	556,199	602,606
Service cost	19,929	21,092	$ 17,942
Interest cost	23,827	22,303	22,124
Plan amendments	0	2,377
Actuarial loss (gain)	88,053	(67,270)
Benefits paid	(22,801)	(24,909)
PBO at end of year	665,207	556,199	602,606
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	392,672	377,624
Return on assets	77,290	(12,824)
Contributions	21,602	52,781
Benefits paid	(22,801)	(24,909)
Fair value at end of year	468,763	392,672	377,624
Funded status at year end	(196,444)	(163,527)
SERP
Changes in plan assets:
Contributions	$ 21,600	$ 52,800	$ 21,300

Postretirement Benefits - Sched

Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ (182,233)	$ (150,071)	$ (193,380)	$ (173,883)
Pension plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net loss (gain)	174,470	143,453
Prior service cost	5,345	5,976
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ 179,815	$ 149,429

Postretirement Benefits - Porti

Postretirement Benefits - Portion of Other Comprehensive Income Expected to Be Reflected in Pension Expense in Next Year (Detail) - Pension plan $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service cost	$ 631
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15,611
Total	$ 16,242

Postretirement Benefits - Estim

Postretirement Benefits - Estimated Future Payments for Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) - Pension plan $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	$ 22,639
2021	24,448
2022	26,560
2023	28,371
2024	30,348
2025-2029	$ 173,848

Supplemental Disclosures of C_3

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Noncash Transactions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$ 44,843	$ 39,792	$ 37,034
Commitments for low-income housing interests	51,978	50,883	33,846
Exchanges of fixed maturity investments	243,156	193,449	84,312
Net unsettled security trades	$ 8,421	$ 39,851	$ 0

Supplemental Disclosures of C_4

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Amount Paid (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 81,723	$ 83,518	$ 82,494
Income taxes paid	$ 101,982	$ 91,510	$ 74,379

Debt - Selected Information abo

Debt - Selected Information about Debt Issues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	$ 1,377,487
Less current maturity of term loan, par value	9,375
Total long-term debt, par value	1,368,112
Total short-term debt, par value	299,375
Total debt, par value	1,667,487
Book Value	1,358,363	$ 1,364,060
Less current maturity of term loan, book value	9,375	6,875
Total long-term debt, book value	1,348,988	1,357,185
Total short-term debt, book value	298,738	307,848
Total debt, book value	1,647,726	1,665,033
Fair Value	1,482,739
Less current maturity of term loan, fair value	9,375
Total long-term debt, fair value	1,473,364	1,384,455
Total short-term debt, fair value	298,738
Total debt, fair value	1,772,102
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt, par value	290,000
Total short-term debt, book value	289,363	300,973
Total short-term debt, fair value	$ 289,363
Notes, Due 5/15/23
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	7.875%
Par Value	$ 165,612
Book Value	164,713	164,490
Fair Value	$ 194,525
Senior Notes Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	3.80%
Par Value	$ 150,000
Book Value	149,089	148,777
Fair Value	153,922
Senior Notes Due 2022 | Consolidation eliminations | Subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	150,000
Book Value	$ 150,000
Senior Notes, Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.55%
Par Value	$ 550,000
Book Value	543,735	543,169
Fair Value	$ 612,738
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2056
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	6.125%
Par Value	$ 300,000
Book Value	290,584	290,520
Fair Value	$ 316,920
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2057
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	5.275%
Par Value	$ 125,000
Book Value	123,367	123,354
Fair Value	$ 117,759
Term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	2.952%
Par Value	$ 86,875
Less current maturity of term loan, par value	9,375
Book Value	86,875	93,750
Less current maturity of term loan, book value	9,375	$ 6,875
Fair Value	86,875
Less current maturity of term loan, fair value	$ 9,375
Term loan | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	1.25%

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Ne

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Next Five Years (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 299,375
2021	77,500
2022	150,000
2023	165,612
2024	0
Thereafter	$ 975,000

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2018	Sep. 27, 2018	Jun. 15, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	May 17, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount				$ 1,667,487,000
Redemption of notes				6,875,000	$ 327,762,000	$ 126,875,000
Payments of additional capital to insurance subsidiaries	$ 150,000,000
Loss on redemption of debt				$ 0	$ 11,078,000	$ 4,041,000
Senior Notes, Due 2028 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount		$ 550,000,000
Interest rate		4.55%
Proceeds from sale of notes		$ 543,000,000
Senior Notes Due October 2018 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	9.25%
Redemption of notes	$ 293,000,000
Payment of make-whole premium	11,000,000
Accrued interest	10,000,000
Senior Notes, Due 2019 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on redemption of debt	$ 11,000,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2036 | Junior Subordinated Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of notes			$ 20,000,000
Term Loan Due 2021 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount							$ 100,000,000
Balloon payment							75,000,000
Term Loan Due 2021 | Unsecured Debt | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread				1.25%
Term Loan Due 2021 | Line of Credit | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 750,000,000

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (D

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 02, 2019
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$ 1,667,487
Annualized interest rate	2.04%	2.93%
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 150,000	$ 155,000		$ 150,000
Remaining amount available under credit line	310,000	292,900
Average balance outstanding during period	$ 288,684	$ 368,228	$ 323,429
Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized)	2.62%	2.40%	1.30%
Maximum daily amount outstanding during period	$ 385,000	$ 525,990	$ 455,912
Short-term Debt
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$ 290,000	$ 302,100

Shareholders' Equity - Summary

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Preferred and Common Share Activity (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, issued, beginning balance (in shares)	121,218,183
Treasury stock, beginning balance (in shares)	(10,525,147)
Grants of restricted stock (in shares)	171,974	177,493	169,870
Vesting of performance shares (in shares)	338,873	191,641	153,360
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options (in shares)	1,810,559	897,622	1,661,808
Common stock, issued, ending balance (in shares)	117,218,183	121,218,183
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares)	(9,497,940)	(10,525,147)
Performance Shares
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants of restricted stock (in shares)	156,500	159,000	153,000
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, issued, beginning balance (in shares)	121,218,183	124,218,183	127,218,183
Treasury stock, beginning balance (in shares)	(10,525,147)	(9,625,104)	(9,187,075)
Grants of restricted stock (in shares)	8,840	10,805	9,135
Forfeitures of restricted stock (in shares)		(7,500)
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options (in shares)	1,810,559	897,622	1,661,808
Treasury stock acquired (in shares)	(5,103,591)	(4,950,868)	(5,228,868)
Retirement of treasury stock (in shares)	4,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, issued, ending balance (in shares)	117,218,183	121,218,183	124,218,183
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares)	(9,497,940)	(10,525,147)	(9,625,104)
Common Stock | Performance Shares
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Vesting of performance shares (in shares)	311,399	149,898	119,896

Shareholders' Equity - Share Re

Shareholders' Equity - Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Globe Life Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares Acquired (in shares)	3,932	4,406	4,126
Total Cost	$ 350,080	$ 371,794	$ 324,622
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 89.04	$ 84.38	$ 78.67
Share Repurchase for Dilution Purposes
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares Acquired (in shares)	1,209	571	1,103
Total Cost	$ 109,489	$ 49,955	$ 88,367
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 90.52	$ 87.54	$ 80.15

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to parent company	$ 480,000	$ 448,000	$ 454,000
Maximum amount of dividends expected to be available from subsidiaries without regulatory approval during next year	412,000
Restricted net assets	1,000,000
Retained earnings restricted by lenders' covenants	4,000,000
Retained earnings	$ 5,551,329	$ 5,213,468

Shareholders' Equity - Reconcil

Shareholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	109,213,524	112,872,581	116,342,529
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding (in shares)	2,167,726	2,376,372	2,640,965
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	111,381,250	115,248,953	118,983,494
Antidilutive shares (in shares)	21,556	1,161,521	0

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	Feb. 26, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 27, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of equity awards settled for cash				0
Restricted stock units outstanding (in shares)				71,006	102,116	120,326
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				3 years
Final settlement of shares		311,399	149,898
Performance Shares | Subsequent Event
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Final settlement of shares	271,843
Minimum | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares target distribution				0	0
Maximum | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares target distribution				313,000	318,000
Director | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				6 months
Director | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				6 months
Employee | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				5 years
Directors | Director | Equity Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options expiration term				7 years
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Equity Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options expiration term				10 years

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Grant Contract and Vesting Periods (Details) - Equity Option	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Director | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	7 years
Director | Director | 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	100.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	7 years
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	50.00%
Employee 7 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	50.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	10 years
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	0.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%
Employee 10 Year Grants | Employee | Yr 5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage	25.00%

Stock-Based Compensation - Anal

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Shares Available for Grant (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Balance at January 1 (in shares)	9,422,760	2,964,320	5,088,461
Approval of Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan (in shares)	0	8,984,000	0
Cancellation of available shares from prior plans (in shares)	0	(184,000)	0
Options expired and forfeited during year (in shares)	20,800	41,317	26,488
Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (in shares)	0	0	46,500
Balance at December 31 (in shares)	7,167,718	9,422,760	2,964,320
Stock Options
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Options granted during year (in shares)	(1,149,542)	(1,262,037)	(1,328,513)
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted (in shares)	(1,126,300)	(1,120,840)	(868,616)
Minimum
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Ratio by which each grant of stock options reduces shares available for grant	0.85
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.10
Maximum
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Ratio by which each grant of stock options reduces shares available for grant	1
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.88

Stock-Based Compensation - Sche

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Compensation Activity (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 44,843,000	$ 39,792,000	$ 37,034,000
Tax benefit recognized	21,197,000	14,806,000	32,511,000
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Stock-Based Compensation - Ad_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Stock Compensation Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation	$ 34,723	$ 38,627
Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years)	9 months 10 days	9 months 21 days

Stock-Based Compensation - Su_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Options Outstanding (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	6,724,358	7,203,765	6,753,801	6,973,591
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 9 months 7 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 70.07	$ 61.72	$ 53.59	$ 44.64
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	2,999,788	3,393,090	2,928,979
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 57.27	$ 48.18	$ 43.79
$29.59 - $50.64
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	29.59
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 50.64
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,214,461
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 2 months 4 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 48.45
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	936,250
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 47.81
50.69 - 76.37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	50.69
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 76.37
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,428,126
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 3 months 29 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 53.12
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	1,364,239
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 53.10
77.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 77.26
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,397,588
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	5 years 1 month 28 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 77.26
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	640,526
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 77.26
82.56 - 83.17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	82.56
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 83.17
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,328,197
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	6 years 1 month 28 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 82.56
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	20,717
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 82.77
87.60 - 90.21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	87.60
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 90.21
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,355,986
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	6 years 3 months 7 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 87.64
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	38,056
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 89.08
$29.59 - $90.21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	29.59
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 90.21
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	6,724,358
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 9 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 70.07
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	2,999,788
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 57.27

Stock-Based Compensation - An_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Option Activity (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Options
Options Outstanding-beginning of year (in shares)	7,203,765	6,753,801	6,973,591
Options Exercised (in shares)	(1,810,559)	(897,622)	(1,661,808)
Options Expired and forfeited (in shares)	(21,250)	(41,317)	(26,488)
Options Outstanding-end of year (in shares)	6,724,358	7,203,765	6,753,801
Options Exercisable at end of year (in shares)	2,999,788	3,393,090	2,928,979
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding-beginning of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 61.72	$ 53.59	$ 44.64
Options exercised in the period - weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	45.93	40.21	36.84
Options expired and forfeited in the period - weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	82.89	70.90	57.94
Outstanding-end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	70.07	61.72	53.59
Exercisable at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 57.27	$ 48.18	$ 43.79
7-year term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	7 years
Options
Options Granted (in shares)	1,352,402	845,773	933,286
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 82.43	$ 87.63	$ 77.19
10-year term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	10 years
Options
Options Granted (in shares)	0	543,130	535,220
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 87.60	$ 77.26

Stock-Based Compensation - Su_3

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Additional Information of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 9 months 7 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 236,546	$ 114,161
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	3 years 3 months 7 days	2 years 10 months 20 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 143,935	$ 89,817

Stock-Based Compensation - Sele

Stock-Based Compensation - Selected Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 14.20	$ 15.65	$ 12.88
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 82,022	$ 42,517	$ 70,948
Cash received from options exercised	83,163	36,091	61,215
Actual tax benefit received	$ 17,225	$ 8,929	$ 24,832

Stock-Based Compensation - Sc_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 9 months 7 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 236,546	$ 114,161
Unvested Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	3,724,570	3,810,675
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 80.39	$ 73.78
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	6 years 14 days	6 years 5 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 92,611	$ 24,344

Stock-Based Compensation - Su_4

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Granted (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants (in shares)	171,974	177,493	169,870
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants (in shares)	8,840	10,805	9,135
Price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 76.37	$ 88.19	$ 73.92
Aggregate value	$ 675	$ 953	$ 675
Percent vested	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Directors Restricted Stock Units Including Dividend Equivalents
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants (in shares)	6,634	7,688	7,735
Price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 77.50	$ 89.15	$ 74.45
Aggregate value	$ 514	$ 685	$ 576
Percent vested	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants (in shares)	156,500	159,000	153,000
Price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 82.56	$ 87.60	$ 77.26
Aggregate value	$ 12,921	$ 13,928	$ 11,821
Percent vested	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stock-Based Compensation - An_3

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	764,629	599,362	491,768
Grants (in shares)	171,974	177,493	169,870
Additional performance shares	118,812	179,415	106,084
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(338,873)	(191,641)	(153,360)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	(15,000)
Ending Balance (in shares)	716,542	764,629	599,362
Executive Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	12,000	35,250	57,450
Grants (in shares)	0	0	0
Additional performance shares	0	0	0
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(12,000)	(23,250)	(14,700)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	(7,500)
Ending Balance (in shares)	0	12,000	35,250
Executive Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	752,629	564,112	432,424
Grants (in shares)	156,500	159,000	153,000
Additional performance shares	118,812	179,415	106,084
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(311,399)	(149,898)	(119,896)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	(7,500)
Ending Balance (in shares)	716,542	752,629	564,112
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	0	0	1,894
Grants (in shares)	8,840	10,805	9,135
Additional performance shares	0	0	0
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(8,840)	(10,805)	(11,029)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	0
Ending Balance (in shares)	0	0	0
Directors Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	0	0	0
Grants (in shares)	6,634	7,688	7,735
Additional performance shares	0	0	0
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(6,634)	(7,688)	(7,735)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	0
Ending Balance (in shares)	0	0	0

Stock-Based Compensation - Sc_3

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value of Unvested Restricted Stock (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Executive Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grant-date fair value per share, beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 50.69
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(50.69)
Grant-date fair value per share, end of year (in dollars per share)		$ 50.69
Executive Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grant-date fair value per share, beginning of year (in dollars per share)	67.06
Grants (in dollars per share)	82.56
Estimated additional performance shares (in dollars per share)	60.31
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(50.64)
Grant-date fair value per share, end of year (in dollars per share)	75.05	67.06
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grants (in dollars per share)	76.37	$ 88.19	$ 73.92
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(76.37)
Directors Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Grants (in dollars per share)	76.37
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	$ (76.37)

Business Segments - Segment Pre

Business Segments - Segment Premium Revenue by Distribution Channel and Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)numberOfSegments	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments | numberOfSegments	4
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906	$ 3,282,935
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 2,517,784	$ 2,406,555	$ 2,306,547
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 1,077,346	$ 1,015,339	$ 976,373
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 4	$ 12	$ 15
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
American Income
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 1,259,942	$ 1,174,646	$ 1,088,315
% of Total	35.00%	34.00%	33.00%
American Income | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 1,160,495	$ 1,081,333	$ 999,279
% of Total	46.00%	45.00%	43.00%
American Income | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 99,447	$ 93,313	$ 89,036
% of Total	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Direct to Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 933,100	$ 905,232	$ 886,375
% of Total	26.00%	26.00%	27.00%
Direct to Consumer | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 855,543	$ 828,935	$ 812,907
% of Total	34.00%	34.00%	35.00%
Direct to Consumer | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 77,557	$ 76,297	$ 73,468
% of Total	7.00%	7.00%	8.00%
Liberty National
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 475,129	$ 470,256	$ 470,842
% of Total	13.00%	14.00%	14.00%
Liberty National | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 285,551	$ 278,878	$ 274,635
% of Total	11.00%	12.00%	12.00%
Liberty National | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 189,578	$ 191,378	$ 196,207
% of Total	18.00%	19.00%	20.00%
United American
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 427,157	$ 392,539	$ 376,690
% of Total	12.00%	12.00%	12.00%
United American | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 10,571	$ 11,451	$ 12,547
% of Total	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
United American | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 416,582	$ 381,076	$ 364,128
% of Total	39.00%	38.00%	37.00%
United American | Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 4	$ 12	$ 15
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Family Heritage
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 298,012	$ 276,776	$ 256,727
% of Total	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Family Heritage | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 3,830	$ 3,501	$ 3,193
Family Heritage | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 294,182	$ 273,275	$ 253,534
% of Total	27.00%	27.00%	26.00%
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 201,794	$ 202,457	$ 203,986
% of Total	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Other | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 201,794	$ 202,457	$ 203,986
% of Total	8.00%	8.00%	9.00%

Business Segments - Reconciliat

Business Segments - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Information to Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue:
Premium	$ 906,684	$ 899,993	$ 897,484	$ 890,973	$ 857,071	$ 860,750	$ 853,979	$ 850,106	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906	$ 3,282,935
Net investment income	227,456	228,905	227,425	226,673	224,233	221,627	218,568	218,084	910,459	882,512	847,885
Other income									1,318	1,137	1,142
Total revenue									4,506,911	4,305,555	4,131,962
Expenses:
Policy benefits	594,538	585,692	589,362	587,757	569,120	567,856	568,377	569,889	2,357,349	2,275,242	2,227,875
Required interest on reserves									0	0	0
Required interest on DAC									0	0	0
Amortization of acquisition costs	139,290	138,449	138,165	135,822	128,501	129,492	129,077	129,620	551,726	516,690	490,403
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									298,047	278,487	264,860
Insurance administrative expense									249,079	227,531	210,590
Parent expense									10,903	12,262	9,631
Stock-based compensation expense									44,843	39,792	37,034
Interest expense									84,306	90,076	84,532
Total expenses									3,596,253	3,440,080	3,324,925
Subtotal									910,658	865,475	807,037
Non-operating items									9,401	5,168	14,128
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									920,059	870,643	821,165
Realized gains (losses) from investments									20,621	9,274	27,652
Realized loss—redemption of debt									0	(11,078)	(4,041)
Administrative settlements									(400)	(3,590)	(8,659)
Legal proceedings									(8,358)
Non-operating fees									(643)	(1,578)	(288)
Guaranty fund assessments											(1,801)
Stock-based compensation expense—Tax reform adjustment											(3,380)
Income before income taxes	$ 227,088	$ 247,330	$ 228,760	$ 228,101	$ 203,635	$ 220,330	$ 226,864	$ 212,842	931,279	863,671	830,648
Administrative settlements, net of tax											(5,600)
Guaranty fund assessments, net of tax											(1,200)
Stock-based compensation expense—Tax reform adjustment, net of tax											(2,200)
Operating Segments | Life
Revenue:
Premium									2,517,784	2,406,555	2,306,547
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									2,517,784	2,406,555	2,306,547
Expenses:
Policy benefits									1,638,053	1,591,790	1,549,602
Required interest on reserves									(666,168)	(636,040)	(607,007)
Required interest on DAC									202,502	194,297	186,236
Amortization of acquisition costs									436,881	414,200	396,268
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									203,052	190,007	177,111
Insurance administrative expense									0	0	0
Parent expense									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total expenses									1,814,320	1,754,254	1,702,210
Subtotal									703,464	652,301	604,337
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									703,464	652,301	604,337
Operating Segments | Health
Revenue:
Premium									1,077,346	1,015,339	976,373
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									1,077,346	1,015,339	976,373
Expenses:
Policy benefits									687,764	649,188	628,640
Required interest on reserves									(87,289)	(83,243)	(77,792)
Required interest on DAC									25,435	24,412	23,454
Amortization of acquisition costs									112,825	100,376	96,519
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									94,973	88,553	86,044
Insurance administrative expense									0	0	0
Parent expense									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total expenses									833,708	779,286	756,865
Subtotal									243,638	236,053	219,508
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									243,638	236,053	219,508
Operating Segments | Annuity
Revenue:
Premium									4	12	15
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									4	12	15
Expenses:
Policy benefits									31,532	34,264	35,836
Required interest on reserves									(43,522)	(47,357)	(49,571)
Required interest on DAC									494	589	690
Amortization of acquisition costs									2,020	2,114	2,466
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									22	26	32
Insurance administrative expense									0	0	0
Parent expense									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total expenses									(9,454)	(10,364)	(10,547)
Subtotal									9,458	10,376	10,562
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									9,458	10,376	10,562
Operating Segments | Investment
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Net investment income									910,459	882,512	847,885
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									910,459	882,512	847,885
Expenses:
Policy benefits									0	0	0
Required interest on reserves									796,979	766,640	734,370
Required interest on DAC									(228,431)	(219,298)	(210,380)
Amortization of acquisition costs									0	0	0
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									0	0	0
Insurance administrative expense									0	0	0
Parent expense									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									84,306	90,076	84,532
Total expenses									652,854	637,418	608,522
Subtotal									257,605	245,094	239,363
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									257,605	245,094	239,363
Corporate & Other
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									1,318	1,236	1,270
Total revenue									1,318	1,236	1,270
Expenses:
Policy benefits									0	0	0
Required interest on reserves									0	0	0
Required interest on DAC									0	0	0
Amortization of acquisition costs									0	0	0
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									0	0	0
Insurance administrative expense									240,321	223,941	210,590
Parent expense									10,260	10,684	9,631
Stock-based compensation expense									44,843	39,792	33,654
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total expenses									295,424	274,417	253,875
Subtotal									(294,106)	(273,181)	(252,605)
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									(294,106)	(273,181)	(252,605)
Adjustments
Revenue:
Other income										(99)	(128)
Total revenue									0	(99)	(128)
Expenses:
Policy benefits											13,797
Amortization of acquisition costs											(4,850)
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs										(99)	1,673
Insurance administrative expense									8,758	3,590
Parent expense									643	1,578
Stock-based compensation expense											3,380
Total expenses									9,401	5,069	14,000
Subtotal									(9,401)	(5,168)	(14,128)
Non-operating items									9,401	$ 5,168	14,128
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									$ 0		$ 0

Business Segments - Assets by S

Business Segments - Assets by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	$ 19,923,204	$ 17,239,570
Accrued investment income	245,129	243,003
Deferred acquisition costs	4,341,941	4,137,925	$ 3,958,063	$ 3,783,158
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	1,025,595	1,033,633
Total assets	25,977,460	23,095,722
Other
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other assets	1,025,595	1,033,633
Total assets	1,025,595	1,033,633
Life | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	3,768,797	3,580,693
Goodwill	309,609	309,609
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	4,078,406	3,890,302
Health | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	569,126	548,640
Goodwill	131,982	131,982
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	701,108	680,622
Annuity | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	4,018	8,592
Goodwill	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	4,018	8,592
Investment | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	19,923,204	17,239,570
Accrued investment income	245,129	243,003
Deferred acquisition costs	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	$ 20,168,333	$ 17,482,573

Business Segments - Liabilities

Business Segments - Liabilities by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 14,508,134	$ 13,953,826
Unearned and advance premiums	63,709	61,208
Policy claims and other benefits payable	365,402	350,826
Debt	1,647,726	1,665,033
Other	2,098,182	1,649,652
Total	18,683,153	17,680,545
Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	0	0
Unearned and advance premiums	0	0
Policy claims and other benefits payable	0	0
Debt	0	0
Other	2,098,182	1,649,652
Total	2,098,182	1,649,652
Life | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	11,403,078	10,847,356
Unearned and advance premiums	17,701	17,850
Policy claims and other benefits payable	201,594	196,298
Debt	0	0
Other	0	0
Total	11,622,373	11,061,504
Health | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	2,006,424	1,927,732
Unearned and advance premiums	46,008	43,358
Policy claims and other benefits payable	163,808	154,528
Debt	0	0
Other	0	0
Total	2,216,240	2,125,618
Annuity | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,098,632	1,178,738
Unearned and advance premiums	0	0
Policy claims and other benefits payable	0	0
Debt	0	0
Other	0	0
Total	1,098,632	1,178,738
Investment | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	0	0
Unearned and advance premiums	0	0
Policy claims and other benefits payable	0	0
Debt	1,647,726	1,665,033
Other	0	0
Total	$ 1,647,726	$ 1,665,033

Selected Quarterly Data (Unau_3

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Premium income	$ 906,684	$ 899,993	$ 897,484	$ 890,973	$ 857,071	$ 860,750	$ 853,979	$ 850,106	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906	$ 3,282,935
Net investment income	227,456	228,905	227,425	226,673	224,233	221,627	218,568	218,084	910,459	882,512	847,885
Realized gains (losses)	2,195	11,943	5,154	1,329	(16,600)	1,032	11,813	1,951	20,621	(1,804)	23,611
Total revenue	1,136,576	1,141,279	1,130,461	1,119,216	1,064,737	1,083,802	1,084,776	1,070,436	4,527,532	4,303,751	4,155,573
Policyholder benefits	594,538	585,692	589,362	587,757	569,120	567,856	568,377	569,889	2,357,349	2,275,242	2,227,875
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	139,290	138,449	138,165	135,822	128,501	129,492	129,077	129,620	551,726	516,690	490,403
Pretax income from continuing operations	227,088	247,330	228,760	228,101	203,635	220,330	226,864	212,842	931,279	863,671	830,648
Income from continuing operations	187,061	201,818	186,609	185,394	164,706	178,700	184,393	173,711	760,882	701,510	1,458,263
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	(43)	(49)	11	24	32	(111)	(92)	(44)	(3,769)
Net income	$ 187,061	$ 201,818	$ 186,566	$ 185,345	$ 164,717	$ 178,724	$ 184,425	$ 173,600	$ 760,790	$ 701,466	$ 1,454,494
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.73	$ 1.85	$ 1.70	$ 1.68	$ 1.48	$ 1.59	$ 1.63	$ 1.52	$ 6.97	$ 6.22	$ 12.53
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(0.03)
Total basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	1.73	1.85	1.70	1.68	1.48	1.59	1.63	1.52	6.97	6.22	12.50
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	1.69	1.82	1.67	1.65	1.45	1.55	1.59	1.49	6.83	6.09	12.26
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(0.04)
Total diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.69	$ 1.82	$ 1.67	$ 1.65	$ 1.45	$ 1.55	$ 1.59	$ 1.49	$ 6.83	$ 6.09	$ 12.22

Schedule II. Condensed Financ_2

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Short-term investments	$ 38,285	$ 63,288
Total investments	19,847,271	17,118,544
Cash	75,933	121,026
Other assets	583,933	549,899
Total assets	25,977,460	23,095,722
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	298,738	307,848
Long-term debt	1,348,988	1,357,185
Other liabilities	525,068	453,270
Total liabilities	18,683,153	17,680,545
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	117,218	121,218
Additional paid-in-capital	531,554	524,414
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,844,830	319,475
Retained earnings	5,551,329	5,213,468
Treasury stock	(750,624)	(763,398)
Total shareholders' equity	7,294,307	5,415,177	$ 6,231,421	$ 4,566,861
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	25,977,460	23,095,722
Parent Company
Assets:
Long-term investments	28,728	29,603
Short-term investments	3,401	21
Total investments	32,129	29,624
Cash	873	760
Investment in affiliates	9,020,073	7,128,588
Due from affiliates	96,129	96,110
Taxes receivable from affiliates	50,302	50,656
Other assets	160,723	152,103
Total assets	9,360,229	7,457,841
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	298,738	307,848
Long-term debt	1,498,851	1,507,000
Due to affiliates	3,532	3,002
Other liabilities	264,801	224,814
Total liabilities	2,065,922	2,042,664
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	351	351
Common stock	117,218	121,218
Additional paid-in-capital	882,065	874,925
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,844,830	319,475
Retained earnings	5,551,329	5,213,468
Treasury stock	(1,101,486)	(1,114,260)
Total shareholders' equity	7,294,307	5,415,177
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 9,360,229	$ 7,457,841

Schedule II. Condensed Financ_3

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income	$ 227,456	$ 228,905	$ 227,425	$ 226,673	$ 224,233	$ 221,627	$ 218,568	$ 218,084	$ 910,459	$ 882,512	$ 847,885
Realized gains (losses)	2,195	11,943	5,154	1,329	(16,600)	1,032	11,813	1,951	20,621	(1,804)	23,611
Total revenue	1,136,576	1,141,279	1,130,461	1,119,216	1,064,737	1,083,802	1,084,776	1,070,436	4,527,532	4,303,751	4,155,573
Other operating expense									304,825	279,585	257,255
Interest expense									84,306	90,076	84,532
Total expenses									3,596,253	3,440,080	3,324,925
Income before income taxes	227,088	247,330	228,760	228,101	203,635	220,330	226,864	212,842	931,279	863,671	830,648
Income tax benefit (expense)									(170,397)	(162,161)	627,615
Net income	$ 187,061	$ 201,818	$ 186,566	$ 185,345	$ 164,717	$ 178,724	$ 184,425	$ 173,600	760,790	701,466	1,454,494
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Attributable to Parent Company									1,525,355	(1,104,799)	594,300
Comprehensive income (loss)									2,286,145	(403,333)	2,048,794
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income									28,869	28,077	26,130
Realized gains (losses)									0	(11,078)	(2,791)
Total revenue									28,869	16,999	23,339
Other operating expense									68,419	65,762	61,447
Reimbursements from affiliates									(65,928)	(61,620)	(52,776)
Interest expense									89,317	94,159	88,474
Total expenses									91,808	98,301	97,145
Income before income taxes									(62,939)	(81,302)	(73,806)
Income tax benefit (expense)									13,133	15,262	(9,874)
Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates									(49,806)	(66,040)	(83,680)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax									810,596	767,506	1,538,174
Net income									760,790	701,466	1,454,494
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Attributable to Parent Company									(11,379)	23,805	(8,409)
Attributable to affiliates									1,536,734	(1,128,604)	602,709
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ 2,286,145	$ (403,333)	$ 2,048,794

Schedule II. Condensed Financ_4

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 187,061	$ 201,818	$ 186,566	$ 185,345	$ 164,717	$ 178,724	$ 184,425	$ 173,600	$ 760,790	$ 701,466	$ 1,454,494
Other, net									62,194	4,463	67,933
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities									1,363,874	1,277,647	1,429,058
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments									34,003	63,783	(55,031)
Additions to properties									(42,203)	(45,092)	(20,285)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Total									(809,311)	(896,223)	(926,824)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of debt									(6,875)	(327,762)	(126,875)
Proceeds from issuance of debt									0	550,000	125,000
Payment for debt issuance costs									0	(6,969)	(1,661)
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper									(11,610)	(22,719)	61,092
Issuance of stock									83,163	36,091	61,215
Acquisitions of treasury stock									(459,569)	(421,749)	(412,989)
Payment of dividends									(74,188)	(71,421)	(68,831)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities									(590,508)	(391,520)	(453,981)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									(45,093)	2,463	42,400
Cash at beginning of year				121,026				118,563	121,026	118,563	76,163
Cash at end of year	75,933				121,026				75,933	121,026	118,563
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									760,790	701,466	1,454,494
Equity in earnings of affiliates									(810,596)	(767,506)	(1,538,174)
Cash dividends from subsidiaries									479,988	448,142	453,904
Other, net									65,584	64,734	52,957
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities									495,766	446,836	423,181
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments									(3,380)	5,603	(5,624)
Investment in subsidiaries									0	(140,000)	(31,000)
Additions to properties									(32)	(19,888)	(7,230)
Loaned money to affiliates									(501,764)	(584,000)	(180,000)
Repayments from affiliates									501,764	584,000	180,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Total									(3,412)	(154,285)	(43,854)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of debt									(6,875)	(327,762)	(126,875)
Proceeds from issuance of debt									0	550,000	125,000
Payment for debt issuance costs									0	(6,969)	(1,661)
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper									(11,610)	(22,719)	61,092
Issuance of stock									82,771	36,091	61,215
Acquisitions of treasury stock									(459,569)	(421,749)	(412,989)
Borrowed money from affiliate									277,000	197,690	278,500
Repayments to affiliates									(276,500)	(202,690)	(270,500)
Payment of dividends									(97,458)	(94,691)	(92,101)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities									(492,241)	(292,799)	(378,319)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									113	(248)	1,008
Cash at beginning of year				$ 760				$ 1,008	760	1,008	0
Cash at end of year	$ 873				$ 760				$ 873	$ 760	$ 1,008

Schedule II. Condensed Financ_5

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Notes To Condensed Financial Statements) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$ 44,843	$ 39,792	$ 37,034
Interest paid	81,723	83,518	82,494
Income taxes paid (received)	$ 101,982	$ 91,510	74,379
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends from subsidiaries	$ 479,988	$ 448,142	453,904
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	44,843	39,792	37,034
Investment in subsidiaries	0	11,899	317,027
Dividend of property to Parent	0	11,889	0
Interest paid	86,868	86,982	86,606
Income taxes paid (received)	$ (16,617)	$ (21,377)	$ (19,961)
Preferred stock, liquidation distribution available to stockholders, per share in thousands (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000
Preferred stock, liquidating distribution legally available, aggregate value	$ 351,000
Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock | Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	351,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	351,000
6.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A | Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	280,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	280,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	6.50%
7.15% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A | Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	71,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	71,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	7.15%

Schedule IV. Reinsurance (Detai

Schedule IV. Reinsurance (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Life insurance in force, gross amount	$ 191,249,516	$ 185,212,195	$ 179,902,605
Life insurance in force, ceded to other companies	676,988	688,384	705,152
Life insurance in force, assumed from other companies	2,774,388	3,019,737	3,211,423
Life insurance in force, net amount	$ 193,346,916	$ 187,543,548	$ 182,408,876
Life insurance in force, percentage of amount assumed to net	1.40%	1.60%	1.80%
Premium, gross amount	$ 3,566,996	$ 3,392,430	$ 3,252,120
Premium, ceded to other companies	7,880	8,249	8,146
Premium, assumed from other companies	20,384	21,305	21,912
Premium, net amount	$ 3,579,500	$ 3,405,486	$ 3,265,886
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.60%	0.60%	0.70%
Policy charges	$ 15,600	$ 16,400	$ 17,000
Life insurance
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	2,486,127	2,373,423	2,272,038
Premium, ceded to other companies	4,357	4,581	4,437
Premium, assumed from other companies	20,384	21,305	21,912
Premium, net amount	$ 2,502,154	$ 2,390,147	$ 2,289,513
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.80%	0.90%	1.00%
Health insurance
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	$ 1,080,869	$ 1,019,007	$ 980,082
Premium, ceded to other companies	3,523	3,668	3,709
Premium, assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Premium, net amount	$ 1,077,346	$ 1,015,339	$ 976,373
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Uncategorized Items - gl-201912

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 4,896,000	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	4,896,000	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	(392,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (392,000)
[1]	Adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018.