Globe Life (GL) 10-K 25 Feb 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 18, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 7.7
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		103,283,402
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Document Parts Into Which Incorporated Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2021 (Proxy Statement) Part III
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000320335
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020—$17,197,145; 2019—$16,415,776, allowance for credit losses: 2020— $3,346; 2019— $0)	$ 21,213,509	$ 18,907,147
Policy loans	584,379	575,492
Other long-term investments (includes: 2020—$385,038; 2019—$185,851 under the fair value option)	546,981	326,347
Short-term investments	107,782	38,285
Total investments	22,452,651	19,847,271
Cash	94,847	75,933
Accrued investment income	248,991	245,129
Other receivables	474,180	441,662
Deferred acquisition costs	4,595,444	4,341,941
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	739,027	583,933
Total assets	29,046,731	25,977,460
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	15,243,536	14,508,134
Unearned and advance premium	61,728	63,709
Policy claims and other benefits payable	399,507	365,402
Other policyholders' funds	97,968	96,282
Total policy liabilities	15,802,739	15,033,527
Current and deferred income taxes	1,833,723	1,476,832
Short-term debt	254,918	298,738
Long-term debt (estimated fair value: 2020—$1,871,754; 2019—$1,473,364)	1,667,886	1,348,988
Other liabilities	716,373	525,068
Total liabilities	20,275,639	18,683,153
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share—5,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding: 0 in 2020 and 2019	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share—320,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding: (2020—113,218,183 issued; 2019— 117,218,183 issued)	113,218	117,218
Additional paid-in-capital	527,435	531,554
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,029,244	1,844,830
Retained earnings	5,874,109	5,551,329
Treasury stock, at cost: (2020—9,420,699 shares; 2019—9,497,940 shares)	(772,914)	(750,624)
Total shareholders' equity	8,771,092	7,294,307
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 29,046,731	$ 25,977,460

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 17,197,145	$ 16,415,776
Fixed maturities, available for sale, allowance for credit losses	3,346	0
Other long-term investments under fair value option	546,981	326,347
Total long-term debt, fair value	$ 1,871,754	$ 1,473,364
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)	113,218,183	117,218,183
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	113,218,183	117,218,183
Common stock, shares held in treasury (in shares)	9,420,699	9,497,940
Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option | Investment in limited partnerships
Other long-term investments under fair value option	$ 385,038	$ 185,851

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue:
Amount	$ 3,813,905	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906
Net investment income	927,062	910,459	882,512
Realized gains (losses)	(4,371)	20,621	(1,804)
Other income	1,325	1,318	1,137
Total revenue	4,737,921	4,527,532	4,303,751
Benefits and expenses:
Life policyholder benefits	1,809,373	1,638,053	1,591,790
Health policyholder benefits	733,481	687,764	649,188
Other policyholder benefits	30,030	31,532	34,264
Total policyholder benefits	2,572,884	2,357,349	2,275,242
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	575,770	551,726	516,690
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	304,841	298,047	278,487
Other operating expense	301,038	304,825	279,585
Interest expense	86,704	84,306	90,076
Total benefits and expenses	3,841,237	3,596,253	3,440,080
Income before income taxes	896,684	931,279	863,671
Income tax benefit (expense)	(164,911)	(170,397)	(162,161)
Income from continuing operations	731,773	760,882	701,510
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	(92)	(44)
Net income	$ 731,773	$ 760,790	$ 701,466
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 6.90	$ 6.97	$ 6.22
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0
Total basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	6.90	6.97	6.22
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	6.82	6.83	6.09
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0
Total diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.82	$ 6.83	$ 6.09
Life premium
Revenue:
Amount	$ 2,672,804	$ 2,517,784	$ 2,406,555
Health premium
Revenue:
Amount	1,141,097	1,077,346	1,015,339
Other premium
Revenue:
Amount	$ 4	$ 4	$ 12

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net income	$ 731,773	$ 760,790	$ 701,466
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized gains (losses)	1,510,033	1,958,165	(1,434,918)
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(317,111)	(411,213)	301,327
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	1,192,922	1,546,952	(1,133,591)
Deferred acquisition costs:
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs	1,533	(2,218)	5,549
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(321)	465	(1,165)
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	1,212	(1,753)	4,384
Foreign exchange translation:
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities	14,230	7,042	(12,417)
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	(2,986)	(1,479)	2,610
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities, net of tax	11,244	5,563	(9,807)
Pension:
Amortization of pension costs	16,632	8,474	15,095
Plan amendments	0	0	(2,377)
Experience gain (loss)	(43,169)	(40,636)	30,591
Pension adjustments	(26,537)	(32,162)	43,309
Less applicable tax (expense) benefit	5,573	6,755	(9,094)
Pension adjustments, net of tax	(20,964)	(25,407)	34,215
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,184,414	1,525,355	(1,104,799)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,916,187	2,286,145	(403,333)
Securities
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	1,493,200	1,959,596	(1,426,581)
Other reclassification adjustments included in net income	32,809	(13,837)	(1,758)
Foreign exchange adjustment on securities recorded at fair value	2,330	1,151	(1,424)
Unrealized gains (losses)	1,528,339	1,946,910	(1,429,763)
Other investments
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized gains (losses)	$ (18,306)	$ 11,255	$ (5,155)

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment		Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Preferred Stock	Preferred StockCumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Common Stock	Common StockCumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Additional Paid-In Capital	Additional Paid-In CapitalCumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment		Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Treasury Stock	Treasury StockCumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 6,231,421	$ 4,896		$ 6,236,317	$ 0	$ 0	$ 124,218	$ 124,218	$ 508,476	$ 508,476	$ 1,424,274	$ 1,424,274	$ 4,806,208	$ 4,896		$ 4,811,104	$ (631,755)	$ (631,755)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member
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	0						(3,000)		(12,898)				(200,547)				216,445
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 5,415,177	(392)		5,414,785	0	0	121,218	121,218	524,414	524,414	319,475	319,475	5,213,468	(392)		5,213,076	(763,398)	(763,398)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
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	0						(4,000)		(17,992)				(288,768)				310,760
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	7,294,307	$ (454)	[1]	$ 7,293,853	0	$ 0	117,218	$ 117,218	531,554	$ 531,554	1,844,830	$ 1,844,830	5,551,329	$ (454)	[1]	$ 5,550,875	(750,624)	$ (750,624)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,916,187										1,184,414		731,773
Common dividends declared	(79,067)												(79,067)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(443,866)																(443,866)
Stock-based compensation	35,892								14,410				(482)				21,964
Exercise of stock options	48,093												(26,908)				75,001
Retirement of treasury stock	0						(4,000)		(18,529)				(302,082)				324,611
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 8,771,092				$ 0		$ 113,218		$ 527,435		$ 3,029,244		$ 5,874,109				$ (772,914)
[1]	Adoption of Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, on January 1, 2020. See further discussion in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies .

Consolidated Statements Of Sh_2

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.69	$ 0.64	$ 0.75

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 731,773	$ 760,790	$ 701,466
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided from continuing operations:
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	92	44
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefits	798,936	661,567	664,997
Increase (decrease) in other policy benefits	33,810	15,900	17,134
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	(822,985)	(753,661)	(699,551)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	575,770	551,726	516,690
Change in current and deferred income taxes	88,157	68,588	69,369
Realized (gains) losses	4,371	(20,621)	1,804
Other, net	66,602	62,194	4,463
Net cash provided from (used for) continuing operations	1,476,434	1,346,575	1,276,416
Net cash provided from (used for) discontinued operations	0	17,299	1,231
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	1,476,434	1,363,874	1,277,647
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Fixed maturities available for sale—sold	52,681	79,108	32,021
Fixed maturities available for sale—matured or other redemptions	416,321	840,222	343,712
Other long-term investments	42,990	5,134	477
Total investments sold or matured	511,992	924,464	376,210
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturities—available for sale	(1,262,434)	(1,552,956)	(1,155,539)
Other long-term investments	(266,230)	(123,332)	(93,631)
Total investments acquired	(1,528,664)	(1,676,288)	(1,249,170)
Net (increase) decrease in policy loans	(8,887)	(25,426)	(20,537)
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments	(69,497)	34,003	63,783
Additions to properties	(41,756)	(42,203)	(45,092)
Other investing activities	(7,051)	32	1,987
Investments in low-income housing interests	(37,867)	(23,893)	(23,404)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	(1,181,730)	(809,311)	(896,223)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Issuance of common stock	48,093	83,163	36,091
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(78,192)	(74,188)	(71,421)
Repayment of debt	(386,875)	(6,875)	(327,762)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	700,000	0	550,000
Payment for debt issuance costs	(5,844)	0	(6,969)
Net borrowing (repayment) of commercial paper	(34,445)	(11,610)	(22,719)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(443,866)	(459,569)	(421,749)
Net receipts (payments) from deposit-type products	(72,928)	(121,429)	(126,991)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(274,057)	(590,508)	(391,520)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	(1,733)	(9,148)	12,559
Net increase (decrease) in cash	18,914	(45,093)	2,463
Cash at beginning of year	75,933	121,026	118,563
Cash at end of year	$ 94,847	$ 75,933	$ 121,026

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies Business : (Globe Life), (the Company), refer to Globe Life Inc., an insurance holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1979, and Globe Life Inc. subsidiaries and affiliates. Globe Life Inc.'s direct or indirect 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. The underwriting companies are owned by their ultimate corporate parent, Globe Life Inc. (the Parent Company). Basis of Presentation : The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Globe Life 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. : 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. 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's 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 total assets in low-income housing tax credits and certain limited partnerships (investment funds) that qualify as unconsolidated VIEs. 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 of the discontinued operations 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). Income from investments is recorded in "Net investment income" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Gains and losses from sales, maturities, or other redemptions of investments are recorded in "Realized gains (losses)". Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective yield method. When amortized cost of a callable debt security exceeds the first call price, the premium is amortized to the earliest call date. Otherwise, the period of amortization or accretion generally extends from the purchase date to the maturity date. "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 ("commercial mortgage loans"), 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. Low-income housing tax credits are discussed further below. The investment funds consist of limited partnerships whereby the Company has a pro-rata 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 inception of the investment. Additionally, each investment is evaluated under applicable GAAP to determine if it is a variable interest entity and would qualify for consolidation; none of these investments qualify for consolidation as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The investments are reported at the Company's pro-rata share of the investment fund's net asset value or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. Operating results provided by the partnerships can be on a lag up to 3 months. Changes in the net asset value 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 distributions are recorded in net investment income until cumulative distributions exceed our pro-rata share of cumulative operating earnings at which point the distributions will reduce carrying value. Our maximum exposure to loss is equal to the outstanding carrying value and future funding commitments. The Company had $227 million of capital called during the year from existing investment funds, reducing our unfunded commitments. Our unfunded commitments were $435 million as of December 31, 2020. 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 loans are managed by a third-party. The Company purchased the legal rights to interests in commercial mortgage loans which are secured by transitional 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. Interest income, net of the amortization of origination fees, is recorded in "Net Investment Income" under the effective yield method. Our unfunded commitment balance to the commercial loan borrowers was $47 million as of December 31, 2020. "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. 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, 2020, the Company's investments in fixed maturities were primarily composed of the following significant security types: corporate securities, state and municipal securities, U.S. government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises securities. The remaining security types represented approximately 1% of the total in the aggregate. Approximately 97% of the fair value of "fixed maturities" reported at December 31, 2020 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. Refer to Note 4—Investments under the caption Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements . 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 cash 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 loans are determined based upon expected cash flows discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate and are classified as Level 3. The fair value of investments in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits is based on discounted projected cash flows and are classified as Level 3. 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, 2020, 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, 2020 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. Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (CECL adoption ) : On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, replacing the GAAP "incurred loss" model with a new methodology referred to as current expected credit losses (CECL). The previous methodology delayed recognition of credit losses until it was probable that a loss had incurred, ultimately resulting in fewer instances of losses being recorded in earnings. The new CECL methodology is forward looking—encompassing relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of a reported amount. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables. Upon adoption, the standard affected the Company's commercial mortgage loans ("Other long-term investments") and agent debit balances ("Other receivables"). The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method. The Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of $454 thousand to retained earnings, consisting of $265 thousand and $189 thousand for commercial mortgage loans and agent debit balances, respectively. Refer to the table below for pre-tax amounts and Note 4—Investments for additional details. As reported on December 31, 2019 Pre-tax impact of adoption As reported on January 1, 2020 Assets: Commercial mortgage loans $ 137,692 $ (335) $ 137,357 Agent debit balances 423,877 (240) 423,637 In addition, the standard made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities through the removal of "other-than-temporary-impairment" (OTTI) write downs and replaced them with an allowance for credit losses. The new methodology will allow the Company to record reversals of credit losses in situations where the estimate of credit losses declines through current period net income ("Realized gains (losses)"). The Company adopted the standard using the prospective transition approach for available-for-sale fixed maturities for which OTTI had been recognized prior to January 1, 2020. As a result, the amortized cost basis and the effective interest rate remain unchanged after the adoption of ASU 2016-13. Amortized cost will now be reflected as "amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses" or "amortized cost, net." The Company has not elected the fair value option for any financial assets recorded at amortized cost that would be in scope of this standard. Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (fixed maturities) : At the onset of the evaluation, the Company individually assesses each fixed maturity, on a quarterly basis, to determine whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria are met, the Company will write down the fixed maturity's amortized cost basis to fair value through "Realized gains (losses)". If neither of the aforementioned criteria are met, the Company will evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit event. The Company will evaluate many factors, as further described below, to determine the present value of the expected cash flows. A credit loss occurs when the present value of the expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis. This will result in the recording of an allowance for credit losses as a contra asset account to the amortized cost basis with an offsetting provision for credit losses in " Realized gains (losses)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Additionally, the CECL methodology includes a fair value floor where the allowance for credit loss for a security cannot exceed the difference between fair value and amortized cost. When it is determined that there is not a credit loss, the decline in fair value is recognized in Other comprehensive income . All changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses recorded to the allowance for credit losses are management's best estimate of the uncollectibility of principal and interest of a fixed maturity. The evaluation of Globe Life's securities for credit losses is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of investment and accounting professionals. The process for making this determination is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. The factors considered include, but are not limited to: • The Company’s lack of intent to sell the debt security before recovery; • Whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell prior to maturity; • The reason(s) for the credit related losses; • The financial condition of the issuer and the prospects for recovery in fair value of the security; • 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 The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows generally include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and estimated recovery rate. The discount rate utilized in the discounted cash flows is the effective interest rate, which is the rate of return implicit in the asset at acquisition. Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (commercial mortgage loans) : Effective January 1, 2020, the Company evaluates the performance and credit quality of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio at least on a quarterly basis, or as needed, by utilizing common metrics such as loan-to-value or debt-service ratios as well as covenants, local market conditions, borrower quality, and underlying collateral. The fair value of the underlying collateral is based on a third-party appraisal of the property at origination of the loan. The fair value is assessed on an annual basis or more frequently when a loan is materially underperforming, 30 days delinquent, or in technical default. The Company determines the probability of estimated losses for the commercial mortgage loan portfolio on a pool basis each quarter and records an allowance. The allowance for credit losses is based on estimates, historical experience, probability of loss, value of the underlying collateral, and macro factors that affect the collectability of the loan. Each loan within the pool is assigned a risk rating (credit quality indicator) of low, medium, and high based on risk and expected future performance. A loan that is assigned as high risk would have a higher probability of a potential principal loss. The assigned risk category and the estimated loss rate is adjusted each quarter for current and forecasted economic factors management believes are relevant. If management determines that foreclosure of a particular property is probable, the Company may elect the practical expedient for an individual mortgage loan to estimate the expected credit losses, which are based on the fair value of the property less amortized cost, adjusted for selling and other associated costs. See Note 4 for current activity. 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 which 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 related to the fixed maturities. "Accrued investment income" also consists of interest income earned on the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, but which is yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. Accrued investment income will be placed in nonaccrual status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent or otherwise deemed to be uncollectible by management. Any currently accrued investment income will subsequently be written off. As of December 31, 2020, the accrued interest receivable for commercial mortgage loans was $433 thousand. Commercial mortgage loans generally pay interest monthly, therefore accrued interest is typically for a period of less than 30 days. As a practical expedient, the Company excludes the accrued investment income from the amortized cost basis of the investment and separately reports it in another financial statement line item, "Accrued investment income." Additionally, the amount will be excluded from disclosures within Note 4 —Investments . Other Receivables : Agent debit balances primarily represent commissions advanced to insurance agents, a common industry practice. These balances are repaid to the Company over time, generally one year, as the premiums associated with the advanced commissions are collected by the Company and a portion of the agents' commissions on such premiums are retained in order to repay the balances. The balances were $456 million at December 31, 2020 and $424 million at December 31, 2019. When an agent sells a policy, commissions are advanced to the agent, and the collection of the advance is made as long as the policy stays in force. While there is a susceptibility to loss should an agent terminate or excessive policy lapses occur, the ability of the Company to continue to collect an agent's commission streams over time from prior sales of policies reduces the Company's exposure to loss. The Company has a very low inherent risk with regards to the collection of agent debit balances and views these balances as recoverable since they are, in aggregate, less than the estimated present value of future commissions discounted at a conservative rate which includes assumptions for lapses and mortality. The Company’s security, or collateral, is in the form of future commission streams collected over the life of the policies sold by the respective agents, which ultimately revert to the Company in the event an agent is terminated. The Company evaluated the agent debit balances on a pool basis to determine the allowance for credit losses, as the loans have similar characteristics. A provision for credit losses will be recorded in "Realized gains (losses)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the asset balance will be reflected in agent debit balances, net of allowance for credit losses ("Other receivables"). Based on factors considered by management, aside from the cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption described above, there were no additional credit losses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the allowance for credit losses was $1.2 million. 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 Acquisition 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 $9.8 million, $9.5 million, and $9.0 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Unamortized capitalized advertising costs included within DAC were $1.4 billion at December 31, 2020 and

Statutory Accounting

Statutory Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 441,589 $ 462,515 $ 437,549 $ 1,408,281 $ 1,398,274 The excess, if any, of shareholders' 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 $520 million at December 31, 2020. 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, 2020
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 2018 through 2020: Available for Sale Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Foreign Exchange Pension Adjustments Total For the year ended December 31, 2018: Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 1,569,289 $ (8,547) $ 16,302 $ (152,770) $ 1,424,274 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (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 For the year ended December 31, 2020: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 1,167,003 1,212 11,244 (34,103) 1,145,356 Reclassifications, net of tax 25,919 — — 13,139 39,058 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,192,922 1,212 11,244 (20,964) 1,184,414 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 3,175,572 $ (4,704) $ 23,302 $ (164,926) $ 3,029,244 Reclassification adjustments : Reclassification adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for the three years ended December 31, 2020. Year Ended December 31, Affected line items in the Statement of Operations Component Line Item 2020 2019 2018 Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ 26,345 $ (19,352) $ (5,715) Realized (gains) losses Amortization of (discount) premium 6,464 5,515 3,957 Net investment income Total before tax 32,809 (13,837) (1,758) Tax (6,890) 2,906 369 Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax 25,919 (10,931) (1,389) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 632 631 535 Other operating expense Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 16,000 7,843 14,560 Other operating expense Total before tax 16,632 8,474 15,095 Tax (3,493) (1,779) (3,170) Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax 13,139 6,695 11,925 Total reclassification (after-tax) $ 39,058 $ (4,236) $ 10,536

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Note 4—Investments Portfolio Composition : Summaries of fixed maturities available for sale by amortized cost, fair value, and allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows. Redeemable preferred stock is included within the corporates by sector. As noted in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , the Company prospectively adopted ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020 for the available-for-sale fixed maturities. Results after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASU 2016-13, while prior periods continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. See additional discussion of the allowance for credit losses later in this note. At December 31, 2020 Allowance for Credit Losses Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total Fixed Maturities (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 380,602 $ — $ 87,272 $ (43) $ 467,831 2 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,880,607 — 251,291 (315) 2,131,583 10 Foreign governments 52,913 — 2,635 (898) 54,650 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 4,404,203 — 1,016,813 (24,221) 5,396,795 26 Utilities 1,975,460 — 608,595 (108) 2,583,947 12 Energy 1,623,970 (3,346) 346,197 (3,083) 1,963,738 9 Other corporate sectors 6,687,644 — 1,727,366 (6,218) 8,408,792 40 Total corporates 14,691,277 (3,346) 3,698,971 (33,630) 18,353,272 87 Collateralized debt obligations 57,007 — 23,460 (8,869) 71,598 — Other asset-backed securities 134,739 — 3,614 (3,778) 134,575 1 Total fixed maturities $ 17,197,145 $ (3,346) $ 4,067,243 $ (47,533) $ 21,213,509 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. At December 31, 2019 Amortized 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. A schedule of fixed maturities available for sale by contractual maturity date at December 31, 2020 is shown below on an amortized cost basis, net of allowance for credit losses and on a fair value basis. Actual disposition dates could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions. At December 31, 2020 Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 70,732 $ 72,395 Due after one year through five years 781,183 866,408 Due after five years through ten years 1,870,527 2,260,011 Due after ten years through twenty years 6,109,815 7,884,526 Due after twenty years 8,169,528 9,923,706 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 192,014 206,463 $ 17,193,799 $ 21,213,509 Analysis of investment operations: "Net investment income" for the three years ended December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale $ 873,352 $ 864,280 $ 843,510 Policy loans 44,801 43,434 41,359 Other long-term investments (1) 26,196 16,198 10,638 Short-term investments 545 2,592 2,642 944,894 926,504 898,149 Less investment expense (17,832) (16,045) (15,637) Net investment income $ 927,062 $ 910,459 $ 882,512 (1) For the years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018, the investment funds, accounted for under the fair value option method, recorded $15.3 million, $5.6 million and $3.9 million, respectively in net investment income. An analysis of "realized gains (losses)" is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities available for sale: Sales and other (1) $ (22,999) $ 19,354 $ 5,715 Provision for credit losses (3,346) — — Investment funds—fair value option 1,045 1,256 2,650 Other investments 21,563 11 909 Realized gains (losses) from investments (3,737) 20,621 9,274 Realized loss on redemption of debt (2) (634) — (11,078) (4,371) 20,621 (1,804) Applicable tax 1,955 (4,330) 379 Realized gains (losses), net of tax $ (2,416) $ 16,291 $ (1,425) (1) For the years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $219.8 million, $243.2 million and $193.4 million of exchanges of fixed maturities (noncash transactions) that resulted in $7.9 million, $20.5 million, and $10.1 million, respectively in realized gains (losses). (2) Refer to Note 11—Debt for further discussion . Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Change in investment gains (losses) on: Fixed maturities available for sale $ 1,528,339 $ 1,946,910 $ (1,429,763) Selected information about sales of fixed maturities available for sale is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale: Proceeds from sales (1) $ 52,681 $ 79,108 $ 32,021 Gross realized gains 2,642 1,227 66 Gross realized losses (39,153) (3,674) (13,996) (1) There were no unsettled sales in the periods ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Fair value measurements: The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and 2019: Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2020: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 467,831 $ — $ 467,831 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 2,131,583 — 2,131,583 Foreign governments — 54,650 — 54,650 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 5,222,066 174,729 5,396,795 Utilities — 2,400,602 183,345 2,583,947 Energy — 1,925,549 38,189 1,963,738 Other corporate sectors — 8,090,550 318,242 8,408,792 Total corporates — 17,638,767 714,505 18,353,272 Collateralized debt obligations — — 71,598 71,598 Other asset-backed securities — 121,705 12,870 134,575 Total fixed maturities $ — $ 20,414,536 $ 798,973 $ 21,213,509 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % 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 % 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, 2018 $ 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 Included in realized gains/losses — — 1,579 1,579 Included in other comprehensive income (173) (2,523) 17,082 14,386 Acquisitions (1) — — 67,820 67,820 Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,551 12 4,563 Other (2) (134) (4,534) (44,116) (48,784) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 12,870 $ 71,598 $ 714,505 $ 798,973 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Asset- Collateralized Corporates Total 2018 $ (591) $ 3,170 $ (23,687) $ (21,108) 2019 708 1,514 30,378 32,600 2020 (173) (2,523) 17,082 14,386 (1) Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in each of the years 2018 through 2020 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, 2020 Fair Value Valuation Significant Unobservable Range Weighted- Average (1) Private placement fixed maturities 612,906 Determination of credit spread Credit rating A+ to BB- BBB Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 1.04% - 8.29% 2.29% Other corporate bonds 101,599 Present Value Techniques Market Quotes 100.05% 100.05% Collateralized debt obligations 71,598 Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 6.35% - 7.10% 6.98% Asset-backed securities $ 12,870 Determination of credit spread Credit rating BBB- BBB- Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 5.41% 5.41% $ 798,973 (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, 2020 54 24 78 As of December 31, 2019 82 51 133 Globe Life's entire fixed maturity portfolio consisted of 1,900 issues by 777 different issuers at December 31, 2020 and 1,633 issues by 656 different issuers at December 31, 2019. The weighted-average quality rating of all unrealized loss positions at amortized cost was BBB- as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The following table discloses unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded at December 31, 2020. Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At December 31, 2020 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 2,006 $ (43) $ — $ — $ 2,006 $ (43) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 32,910 (315) — — 32,910 (315) Foreign governments 19,532 (898) — — 19,532 (898) Corporates, by sector: Financial 117,762 (2,564) 6,333 (2,168) 124,095 (4,732) Utilities 2,726 (108) — — 2,726 (108) Energy 1,692 (8) 14,871 (106) 16,563 (114) Other corporate sectors 21,882 (720) — — 21,882 (720) Total corporates 144,062 (3,400) 21,204 (2,274) 165,266 (5,674) Collateralized debt obligations — — — — — — Other asset-backed securities 28,864 (1,051) 5 — 28,869 (1,051) Total investment grade securities 227,374 (5,707) 21,209 (2,274) 248,583 (7,981) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — — — — — Corporates, by sector: Financial 6,822 (36) 115,093 (19,453) 121,915 (19,489) Utilities — — — — — — Energy 18,432 (757) 38,720 (2,212) 57,152 (2,969) Other corporate sectors 25,711 (3,588) 19,516 (1,910) 45,227 (5,498) Total corporates 50,965 (4,381) 173,329 (23,575) 224,294 (27,956) Collateralized debt obligations — — 11,131 (8,869) 11,131 (8,869) Other asset-backed securities — — 11,223 (2,727) 11,223 (2,727) Total below investment grade securities 50,965 (4,381) 195,683 (35,171) 246,648 (39,552) Total fixed maturities $ 278,339 $ (10,088) $ 216,892 $ (37,445) $ 495,231 $ (47,533) Gross unrealized losses may fluctuate quarter over quarter due to adverse factors in the market that affect our holdings, such as changes in interest rates or credit spreads. As noted in Note 1 , the Company considers many factors when determining whether a credit loss exists. While the Company holds securities that may be in an unrealized loss position from time to time, Globe Life does not intend to sell and it is likely that management will not be required to sell the fixed maturities prior to their anticipated recovery due to the strong cash flows generated by its insurance operations. The following table discloses unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale at December 31, 2019. Globe Life considered 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) Collateralized debt obligations — — — — — — 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) Fixed Maturities, Allowance for Credit Losses : A summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows. Refer to Note 1 for factors considered in the recording of the allowance for credit losses. Twelve Months Ended 2020 2019 Allowance for credit losses beginning balance $ — $ — Additions to allowance for which credit losses were not previously recorded 36,065 — Additions (reductions) to allowance for fixed maturities that previously had an allowance — — Reduction of allowance for which the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell or sold during the period (32,719) — Allowance for credit losses ending balance $ 3,346 $ — Under previous applicable GAAP, the Company concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments for years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company did not have any fixed maturities in non-accrual status. Concentrations of Credit Risk : Globe Life maintains a diversified investment portfolio with limited concentration in any given issuer. At December 31, 2020, the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following: Investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 78 % States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 9 U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises 2 Other 1 Below investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 4 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises — Other — 94 Other Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values 3 Other investments 3 100 % As of December 31, 2020, state and municipal governments represented 9% of invested assets at fair value. Such investments are made throughout the U.S. At December 31, 2020, the state and municipal bond portfolio at fair value was invested in securities issued within the following states: Texas (18%), New York (10%), Michigan (8%), California (7%), Ohio (6%), and Florida (5%). Otherwise, there was no concentration within any given state greater than 5%. Corporate fixed maturities represent 82% 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, 2020, based on fair value: Insurance 15 % Electric utilities 10 Banks 7 Oil and natural gas pipelines 6 Chemicals 4 Transportation 4 Food 4 Oil and natural gas exploration and production 4 Real estate investment trusts 4 Telecommunications 3 At December 31, 2020, 4% of invested assets at fair value were represented by fixed maturities rated below investment grade. Par value of these investments was $931 million, amortized cost was $841 million, and fair value was $877 million. While these investments could be subject to additional credit risk, such risk should generally be reflected in their fair value. 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 $892 million and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2020 and $816 million and $956 million at December 31, 2019. Other Long-Term Investments : Other long-term investments consist of the following assets: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Investment funds $ 385,038 $ 185,851 Commercial mortgage loan participations 160,602 137,692 Other 1,341 2,804 Total $ 546,981 $ 326,347 The following table presents additional information about the Company's investment funds as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 at fair value: As of December 31, Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Investment Category 2020 2019 2020 Redemption Term/Notice Commercial mortgage loans $ 227,050 $ 26,145 $ 285,287 Portion non-redeemable and fully redeemable after 6 month period, subject to fund liquidity/discretion of General Partner. Expected life is 7 years for non-redeemable fund. Opportunistic credit 157,461 159,399 — Initial 2 year lock on each new investment/semi-annual withdrawals thereafter/full redemption within 36 month period. Other 527 307 149,715 Not redeemable. Expected life is approximately 12 years. Total investment funds $ 385,038 $ 185,851 $ 435,002 Commercial mortgage loan participations: Summaries of commercial mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: 2020 2019 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Property type: Mixed use $ 49,002 31 $ 27,501 20 Office 36,153 22 42,350 31 Hospitality 22,605 14 22,324 16 Retail 19,319 12 17,318 12 Multi-family 19,128 12 10,587 8 Industrial 17,900 11 17,612 13 Total recorded investment 164,107 102 137,692 100 Less allowance for credit losses (3,505) (2) — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 160,602 100 $ 137,692 100 2020 2019 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Geographic location: California $ 61,610 38 $ 35,412 26 Virginia 27,019 17 25,448 18 New York 16,602 10 21,117 15 Florida 12,420 8 11,910 9 Pennsylvania 11,314 7 4,211 3 Other 35,142 22 39,594 29 Total recorded investment 164,107 102 137,692 100 Less allowance for credit losses (3,505) (2) — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 160,602 100 $ 137,692 100 As noted in Note 1 , the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective method for commercial mortgage loans. On January 1, 2020, a cumulative effect adjustment was recorded to retained earnings of $335 thousand ($265 thousand, net of tax). As of December 31, 2020, the Company evaluated the commercial mortgage loan portfolio on a pool basis to determine the allowance for credit losses, except for individual loans where the practical expedient was elected. At the end of the period, the Company had 24 loans in the portfolio. Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Allowance for credit losses beginning balance $ — $ — Cumulative effect of adoption ASU 2016-13 335 — Provision (reversal) for credit losses 3,170 — Allowance for credit losses ending balance $ 3,505 $ — The following table is reflective of Management's internal risk ratings of the loan portfolio. Loans are rated low, moderate, and high. The risk categories consider many different factors such as quality of asset, borrower status, as well as macroeconomic factors including COVID-19. These loans, originated in 2017 to 2020, are transitional or under construction and may not yet be income producing. Certain ratios such as loan to value and debt service coverage ratios may not be evaluated as the value of the underlying transitional property significantly fluctuates based on completion of the project. Net Book Value of Commercial Mortgage Loans Receivable by Year of Origination As of December 31, 2020 Risk Rating: Number of Loans 2020 2019 2018 2017 Total Low 17 $ 20,176 $ 14,757 $ 33,132 $ 61,460 $ 129,525 Medium 4 — 10,640 7,796 — 18,436 High 3 — 4,554 11,592 — 16,146 Total commercial mortgage loans 24 20,176 29,951 52,520 61,460 164,107 Less allowance for credit losses on the investment pool (2,503) Less allowance for credit losses on individual loans (1,002) Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 160,602 As of December 31, 2020, the Company had one commercial mortgage loan in non-accrual status. As of December 31, 2019, the Company did not have any commercial mortgage loans in non-accrual status.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Note 5—Deferred Acquisition Costs An analysis of "DAC" is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of year $ 4,341,941 $ 4,137,925 $ 3,958,063 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 600,577 534,735 497,459 Other expenses 222,408 218,926 202,092 Total deferred 822,985 753,661 699,551 Foreign exchange adjustment 4,755 4,299 — Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) 1,533 — 5,549 Total additions 829,273 757,960 705,100 Deductions: Amortized during period (575,770) (551,726) (516,690) Foreign exchange adjustment — — (8,548) Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) — (2,218) — Total deductions (575,770) (553,944) (525,238) Balance at end of year $ 4,595,444 $ 4,341,941 $ 4,137,925 (1) Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. Current retention limits for new business written on ordinary life insurance range up to $500 thousand per life. Life insurance ceded represented 0.3% of total life insurance in force at December 31, 2020. Insurance ceded on life and accident and health products represented 0.2% of premium income for 2020. 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 1.2% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2020 and reinsurance assumed on life and accident and health products represented 0.5% of premium income for 2020. 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, 2020 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Rental expense $ 4,674 $ 3,831 $ 3,959 Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2020 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 5,307 $ 4,395 $ 3,321 $ 2,873 $ 1,896 $ 10,823 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, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Purchase commitments $ 66,439 $ 73,451 $ 24,823 $ 10,347 $ 9,797 $ 228,542 Investments : Globe Life is committed to invest under certain contracts related to investments in limited partnerships. See Note—4 Investments for unfunded commitment table. Guarantees : At December 31, 2020, 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, 2020, 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 2023. 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 November 25, 2020, the letters of credit were amended to reduce the current amount outstanding to $135 million from $150 million outstanding. As of December 31, 2020, the letters of credit outstanding were $135 million. Equipment leases: Globe Life has guaranteed performance of certain of its subsidiaries as lessees under two aviation leasing arrangements. At December 31, 2020, total remaining undiscounted payments under the leases were approximately $5 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. (formerly Torchmark Corporation) and its subsidiaries, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation, including putative class action litigation, alleged breaches of contract, torts, including bad faith and fraud claims based on alleged wrongful or fraudulent acts of agents of the Parent Company's insurance subsidiaries, employment discrimination, and miscellaneous other causes of action. Based upon information presently available, and in light of legal and other factual defenses available to the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, management does not believe that it is reasonably possible that such litigation will have a material adverse effect on Globe Life's financial condition, future operating results or liquidity; however, assessing the eventual outcome of litigation necessarily involves forward-looking speculation as to judgments to be made by judges, juries and appellate courts in the future. This bespeaks caution, particularly in states with reputations for high punitive damage verdicts. Globe Life's management recognizes that large punitive damage awards bearing little or no relation to actual damages continue to be awarded by juries in jurisdictions in which the Company has substantial business, creating the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments in any given punitive damage suit. On September 12, 2018, putative class action litigation was filed against American Income in California’s Contra Costa County Superior Court ( Joh v. American Income Life Insurance Company, Case No. C18-01863) ( Joh Action). An amended complaint was filed on October 18, 2018. American Income removed the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:18-cv-06364-TSH). A second amended complaint was filed on May 20, 2019. The plaintiffs, former insurance sales agents of American Income, sued on behalf of all current and former trainees and sales agents who sold insurance for American Income in the State of California for the four years prior to the filing of the complaint. The second amended complaint alleged that such individuals were employees and asserted claims under the California Labor Code, California Business and Professions Code, and California Private Attorney General Act. The complaint sought compensatory damages, penalties and attorney fees on claims for failure to pay wages/commissions, failure to appropriately pay agents at termination, failure to provide itemized wage statements, failure to reimburse expenses, misclassification and unfair business practices. On October 18, 2018, putative class action litigation was filed against Torchmark Corporation and American Income in California’s Los Angeles County Superior Court ( Golz v. American Income Life Insurance Company , et al., Case No. 18STCV01354) ( Golz Action). American Income removed the case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:18-cv-09879 R (SSx)). An amended complaint was filed on February 5, 2019. On February 6, 2019, Torchmark Corporation was dismissed without prejudice and the case proceeded with respect to American Income. On April 2, 2019, the District Court granted American Income’s motion to dismiss four of the five causes of action asserted. The amended complaint’s remaining claim alleges that plaintiff, as an American Income insurance agent trainee in California, was an employee who should have been compensated accordingly. The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of individuals in California who trained to contract as American Income agents and who subsequently worked as contracted agents. The class period is alleged to begin four years prior to the complaint’s filing. The complaint seeks restitution under the California Business and Professions Code for alleged unfair business practices such as failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, and failure to reimburse business expenses. The lawsuit is currently stayed. On December 14, 2018, putative class action litigation was filed against American Income in United States District Court for the Northern District of California ( Hamilton v. American Income Life Insurance Company , Case No. 4:18-cv-7535-KAW) ( Hamilton Action). An amended complaint was filed on January 23, 2019. The plaintiffs, former insurance sales agents of American Income, sued on behalf of all current and former trainees and sales agents who sold insurance for American Income in the State of California for the last four years prior to the filing of the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that putative class members were employees and asserted 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. With respect to the related cases above, on August 6, 2020, the plaintiffs in the Joh and 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 August 16, 2019.” Plaintiffs’ preliminary motion anticipated that the proposed settlement would resolve all claims in the Joh and Hamilton Actions, and in doing so, encompass pending claims asserted in the Golz Action for the settlement period. On August 21, 2020, 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. On January 7, 2021, plaintiff’s motion for final settlement approval was granted and a final judgment was entered on the same day. On December 19, 2019, putative collective action litigation was filed against American Income in 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). The plaintiff, a former insurance sales agent of American Income, 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 should have been classified as employees and asserts claims for minimum wage, overtime, liquidated damages and attorney’s fees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The plaintiff also asserts an individual claim under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. American Income filed a motion to compel arbitration of plaintiff’s individual claims. On October 30, 2020, the district court granted the motion and stayed the case pending the outcome of arbitration on plaintiff’s individual claims. On February 27, 2020, putative collective action litigation was filed against American Income in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania ( Berry, et al v. American Income Life Insurance Company, et al , Case No. 2:20-cv-00110-LPL). The plaintiffs, former insurance sales agents of American Income, are pursuing relief on behalf of “all individuals who trained to become and/or worked as sales agents/insurance producers for American Income Life Insurance” in the three years prior to the filing of the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that agent trainees and insurance agents should have been classified as employees. It asserts a national collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act seeking compensation for minimum wage, overtime, expense reimbursement, missed meal and rest breaks, recoupment of certain commissions and improper recordkeeping. In addition, the lawsuit asserts a class action under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act and Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law seeking similar relief. Plaintiffs also seek liquidated damages and attorney’s fees, and assert an unjust enrichment claim. On September 20, 2020, American Income’s motion to compel arbitration of the plaintiffs’ individual claims was granted. The litigation is stayed pending outcome of the individual arbitrations. On August 5, 2020, putative class and collective action litigation was filed against American Income and National Income Life Insurance Company (“National Income”) in United States District Court for the Central District of California ( Natalie Bell, Gisele Mobley, Ashly Rai, and John Turner v. American Income Life Insurance Company and National Income Life Insurance Company , Case No. 2:20-cv-07046). On December 18, 2020, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed Mr. Turner’s claims and all claims against defendant National Income. Following the dismissal, the complaint alleges that insurance agent trainees should have been classified as employees, and after contracting should have been classified as employees instead of independent contractors. Plaintiffs Bell and Rai are former California agents who also assert claims under California law on behalf of a putative California class, for the four years prior to February 13, 2020 through case conclusion. They make claims under (a) the California Labor Code for alleged meal and rest break violations, overtime, minimum wage, alleged failure to pay wages at the time of termination, expense reimbursement, and alleged failure to provide accurate wage statements; and (b) the California Business and Professions Code for alleged unfair business practices. They also seek liquidated damages, penalties and attorney’s fees under California law. Plaintiff Mobley is a former Florida agent who asserts a claim under Florida law on behalf of a putative Florida class for the five years prior to February 13, 2020 through case conclusion. She makes a claim under the Florida General Labor Regulations, including the Florida Minimum Wage Act, for alleged failure to pay all wages owed. The plaintiffs also assert a national collective action on behalf of all “similarly situated” individuals for minimum wage, overtime, liquidated damages, penalties, an accounting and attorney’s fees and costs under the Fair Labor Standards Act for the three years prior to February 13, 2020 through case conclusion. American Income has responded to the complaint with a motion to compel the named plaintiffs to arbitrate their individual claims and other procedural challenges. Those motions are currently scheduled to be heard in March, 2021. 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, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 163,808 $ 154,528 $ 146,865 Incurred related to: Current year 584,936 612,305 555,647 Prior years (14,829) (1,188) (3,017) Total incurred 570,107 611,117 552,630 Paid related to: Current year 442,127 470,426 424,633 Prior years 129,527 131,411 120,334 Total paid 571,654 601,837 544,967 Balance at end of period $ 162,261 $ 163,808 $ 154,528 Below is the reconciliation of the liability of " Policy claims and other benefits payable" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . December 31, December 31, Policy claims and other benefits payable: Life insurance $ 237,246 $ 201,594 Health insurance 162,261 163,808 Total $ 399,507 $ 365,402

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations: Current income tax expense (benefit) $ 129,647 $ 134,948 $ 134,626 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 35,264 35,449 27,535 164,911 170,397 162,161 Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) 314,845 405,472 (293,678) $ 479,756 $ 575,869 $ (131,517) In each of the years 2018 through 2020, 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. The effective income tax rate differed from the expected U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% as shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2020 % 2019 % 2018 % Expected federal income tax expense (benefit) $ 188,304 21.0 $ 195,569 21.0 $ 181,371 21.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Tax reform adjustment — — — — (798) (0.1) Low income housing investments (11,913) (1.3) (11,605) (1.2) (12,240) (1.4) Share-based awards (5,013) (0.6) (11,780) (1.3) (6,450) (0.7) Tax-exempt investment income (5,830) (0.6) (3,192) (0.3) (1,230) (0.1) Other (637) (0.1) 1,405 0.1 1,508 0.1 Income tax expense (benefit) $ 164,911 18.4 $ 170,397 18.3 $ 162,161 18.8 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, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 4,279 $ 6,161 Carryover of tax losses 5,534 7,827 Total gross deferred tax assets 9,813 13,988 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 808,071 493,174 Employee and agent compensation 88,012 81,174 Deferred acquisition costs 688,034 658,457 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 257,640 242,124 Other liabilities 7,209 26,271 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,848,966 1,501,200 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,839,153 $ 1,487,212 Income Tax Return : Globe Life Inc. and its subsidiaries file a life-nonlife consolidated federal income tax return for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. 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 2017 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 $26.4 million net operating loss (NOL) carryforward at December 31, 2020, of which $22.4 million was created prior to 2018 and will begin to expire in 2036 if not otherwise used to offset future taxable income. The remaining NOL carryforward of $4.0 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 2018 through 2020, 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 $0 thousand, $55 thousand, and $0 thousand, net of federal income tax expense, in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The Company had no accrued interest or penalties at December 31, 2020 or 2019.

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Postretirement Benefits	Note 9—Postretirement Benefits Globe Life has qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (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 officers. 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, 2020 2019 2018 Plan Type: Defined Contribution Plans (1) $ 4,855 $ 4,817 $ 4,068 Defined Benefit Pension Plans (2) 33,826 24,134 32,593 (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 an additional supplemental defined pension benefit to a limited number of officers. 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 Rabbi 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 $21.9 million in 2020, $21.6 million in 2019, and $52.8 million in 2018. In 2021, the Company expects to make a similar contribution to the plans as in 2020. 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, 2020 and 2019. Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2020 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 $ — $ 52,252 $ — $ 52,252 10 Utilities — 45,888 — 45,888 9 Energy — 22,480 — 22,480 4 Other corporates — 88,983 — 88,983 17 Total corporate bonds — 209,603 — 209,603 40 Exchange traded fund (1) 245,170 — — 245,170 46 Other bonds — 258 — 258 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 30,119 — 30,119 6 Short-term investments 20,960 — — 20,960 4 Other 7,109 — — 7,109 1 $ 273,239 $ 239,980 $ — 513,219 97 Other long-term investments (3) 16,313 3 Total pension assets $ 529,532 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life Inc.'s subsidiary, American Income 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 less than 1% of the investment fund. As of December 31, 2020, the expected term of the investment fund is approximately 4 years and the commitment of the investment is fully funded. The investment is non-redeemable. 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 Inc.'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, 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. 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 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, 2020, 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, 2020. SERP: The following tables include premiums paid for the company owned life insurance (COLI) for the three years ended December 31, 2020 and investments of the Rabbi Trust for the two years ended December 31, 2020. Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Premiums paid for insurance coverage $ 2,480 $ 2,394 $ 2,997 At December 31, 2020 2019 Total investments: COLI $ 51,361 $ 47,733 Exchange traded funds 75,390 65,585 $ 126,751 $ 113,318 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, 2020 and 2019. Pension Liability December 31, 2020 2019 PBO ABO PBO ABO Funded benefit pension plans $ 667,753 $ 594,510 $ 578,860 $ 520,264 SERP 95,560 89,069 86,347 81,046 Benefit Obligation $ 763,313 $ 683,579 $ 665,207 $ 601,310 The funded benefit pension plans have projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows: At December 31, 2020 2019 Funded benefit pension plans PBO $ 667,753 $ 578,860 Funded benefit pension plans fair value of plan assets 529,532 468,763 The funded benefit pension plans have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows: At December 31, 2020 2019 Funded benefit pension plans ABO $ 594,510 $ 520,264 Funded benefit pension plans fair value of plan assets 529,532 468,763 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: 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.92 % 3.49 % Rate of compensation increase 3.97 4.00 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.49 % 4.37 % 3.75 % Expected long-term returns 6.67 6.72 6.72 Rate of compensation increase 3.97 4.00 4.37 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 high 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, 2020 2019 2018 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 24,461 $ 19,929 $ 21,092 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 22,825 23,827 22,303 Expected return on assets (29,561) (27,862) (25,547) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 632 8,211 15,003 Recognition of actuarial gain (loss) 15,469 29 (258) Net periodic benefit cost $ 33,826 $ 24,134 $ 32,593 An analysis of the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) concerning pensions and other postretirement benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at January 1 $ (182,233) $ (150,071) $ (193,380) Amortization of: Prior service cost (credit) 632 631 535 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 16,000 7,843 14,560 Total amortization 16,632 8,474 15,095 Plan amendments — — (2,377) Experience gain (loss) (43,169) (40,636) 30,591 Balance at December 31 $ (208,770) $ (182,233) $ (150,071) (1) Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $302 thousand in 2020, $265 thousand in 2019, and $92 thousand in 2018. 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, 2020 2019 Changes in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 665,207 $ 556,199 Service cost 24,461 19,929 Interest cost 22,825 23,827 Actuarial loss (gain) 74,006 88,053 Benefits paid (23,186) (22,801) PBO at end of year 763,313 665,207 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 468,763 392,672 Return on assets 62,104 77,290 Contributions 21,851 21,602 Benefits paid (23,186) (22,801) Fair value at end of year 529,532 468,763 Funded status at year end $ (233,781) $ (196,444) Changes in the PBO related to actuarial losses (gains) are primarily attributed to changes in the discount rate. Year Ended December 31, Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: 2020 2019 Net loss (gain) $ 200,465 $ 174,470 Prior service cost 4,713 5,345 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 205,178 $ 179,815 Globe Life has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2020. These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2020, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s): 2021 $ 24,477 2022 26,494 2023 28,783 2024 30,960 2025 32,067 2026-2030 187,386

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 35,892 $ 44,843 $ 39,792 Commitments for low-income housing interests 161,503 51,978 50,883 Exchanges of fixed maturity investments 219,807 243,156 193,449 Net unsettled security trades 1,669 8,421 39,851 The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Interest paid $ 83,518 $ 81,723 $ 83,518 Income taxes paid 76,701 101,982 91,510

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 Instrument Issue Date Maturity Date Coupon Rate Par Unamortized Discount & Issuance Costs Book Fair Book Senior notes 5/27/1993 5/15/2023 7.875% $ 165,612 $ (658) $ 164,954 $ 192,020 $ 164,713 Senior notes (1) 9/24/2012 9/15/2022 3.800% 150,000 (586) 149,414 158,081 149,089 Senior notes 9/27/2018 9/15/2028 4.550% 550,000 (5,672) 544,328 659,599 543,735 Senior notes 8/21/2020 8/15/2030 2.150% 400,000 (4,843) 395,157 405,384 — Junior subordinated debentures 5/17/2016 6/15/2056 6.125% 300,000 (9,348) 290,652 325,800 290,584 Junior subordinated debentures 11/17/2017 11/17/2057 5.275% 125,000 (1,619) 123,381 130,870 123,367 Term loan — — — — 86,875 1,690,612 (22,726) 1,667,886 1,871,754 1,358,363 Less current maturity of term loan — — — — 9,375 Total long-term debt 1,690,612 (22,726) 1,667,886 1,871,754 1,348,988 Current maturity of term loan — — — — 9,375 Commercial paper 255,000 (82) 254,918 254,918 289,363 Total short-term debt 255,000 (82) 254,918 254,918 298,738 Total debt $ 1,945,612 $ (22,808) $ 1,922,804 $ 2,126,672 $ 1,647,726 (1) An additional $150 million par value and book value is held by insurance subsidiaries that eliminates in consolidation. The commercial paper has the highest priority of all the debt, followed by senior notes then junior subordinated debentures. The Senior Notes due 2023 are noncallable, the remaining senior notes are callable under a make-whole provision, and the junior subordinated debentures are callable upon special events. Interest on the 6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures is payable quarterly, all other long-term debt is payable semi-annually. Contractual Debt Obligations : The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 255,000 $ 150,000 $ 165,612 $ — $ — $ 1,375,000 Credit Facility : On August 24, 2020, Globe Life entered into a new credit agreement, replacing the prior agreement that was due on May 17, 2021, which provides for a $750 million revolving credit facility that may be increased to $1 billion. The new credit facility matures August 24, 2023 and may be extended up to two one-year periods upon the Company's request. Pursuant to this agreement, the participating lenders have agreed to make revolving loans to Globe Life and to issue secured or unsecured letters of credit. The Company has not drawn on any of the credit to date. 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. In accordance with the agreement, Globe Life is subject to certain covenants regarding capitalization. As of December 31, 2020, 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, 2020 2019 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 255,000 $ 290,000 Annualized interest rate 0.27 % 2.04 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 135,000 $ 150,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 360,000 310,000 Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Average balance outstanding during period $ 318,409 $ 288,684 $ 368,228 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 1.50 % 2.62 % 2.40 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period $ 482,000 $ 385,000 $ 525,990 Short-term debt : On July 31, 2020, the Company paid down the remaining principal of $82.5 million on the 5-year $100 million term loan (Term Loan I) with a maturity date of May 17, 2021. This term loan was associated with the prior credit facility that was replaced in August 2020. On April 9, 2020, Globe Life entered into a 364-Day Term Loan Agreement (Term Loan II). The Agreement provided the Company with access up to $300 million in unsecured term loans, all maturing on April 8, 2021. Globe Life borrowed the full amount on April 15, 2020 to utilize for general corporate purposes, including additional liquidity at the Parent Company. The net proceeds from the Term Loan II were $299.1 million. On August 17, 2020, the Company repaid $150 million of the Term Loan II with the remaining balance of $150 million repaid on August 26, 2020. The Company recorded a $634 thousand loss on redemption of debt from the write-off of unamortized issuance costs. Long-term debt : On August 21, 2020, Globe Life completed the issuance and sale of $350 million in aggregate principal amount of Globe Life's 2.15% unsecured Senior Notes due August 15, 2030. The net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes were $345.8 million. On September 3, 2020, Globe Life completed the issuance and sale of $50 million in aggregate principal of Globe Life's 2.15% unsecured Senior Notes also due August 15, 2030. These Senior Notes were issued as additional notes under a Second Supplemental Indenture governing the 2.15% Senior Notes issued on August 21, 2020. The Senior Notes are fully fungible and have the same terms as the first issuance. The net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes were $49.3 million, after giving effect to the underwriting expenses. Globe Life utilized the total net proceeds of $395 million to extinguish the Term Loan II and for general corporate purposes, which included additional capital investments in its insurance subsidiaries and additional holding company liquidity.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 2018: Balance at January 1, 2018 124,218,183 (9,625,104) 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) 2020: Grants of restricted stock — 4,548 Vesting of performance shares — 271,843 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 936,289 Treasury stock acquired — (5,135,439) Retirement of treasury stock (4,000,000) 4,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2020 113,218,183 (9,420,699) There was no activity related to the preferred stock in years 2018 through 2020. 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. This 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 2020 4,459 $ 380,112 $ 85.24 676 $ 63,754 $ 94.28 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 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 $486 million in 2020, $480 million in 2019, and $448 million in 2018. As of December 31, 2020, dividends from insurance subsidiaries to the Parent Company available to be paid in 2021 are limited to the amount of $435 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, 2020 were restricted by lenders’ covenants which require the Company to maintain and not distribute $4.2 billion from its total consolidated retained earnings of $5.9 billion. Earnings per Share : A reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 106,075,267 109,213,524 112,872,581 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 1,149,327 2,167,726 2,376,372 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 107,224,594 111,381,250 115,248,953 Antidilutive shares 2,476,019 21,556 1,161,521

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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-year or ten-year terms. 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% 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 2020 2019 2018 Balance at January 1, 7,167,718 9,422,760 2,964,320 Approval of Globe Life Inc. 2018 Incentive Plan. (1) — — 8,984,000 Cancellation of available shares from prior plans — — (184,000) Expired and forfeited during year (2,3) 38,820 20,800 41,317 Options granted during year (2) (1,127,610) (1,149,542) (1,262,037) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted (3) (94,510) (1,126,300) (1,120,840) Balance at December 31, 5,984,418 7,167,718 9,422,760 (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, 2020 is presented below: 2020 2019 2018 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 35,892 $ 44,843 $ 39,792 Tax benefit recognized 12,550 21,197 14,806 (1) No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period. Additional stock compensation information is as follows at December 31: 2020 2019 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 28,125 $ 34,723 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.65 0.78 (1) Includes restricted stock and performance shares. No equity awards were cash settled during the three years ended December 31, 2020. Options: The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020. Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- $29.59 - $76.37 1,736,807 2.77 $ 51.29 1,598,580 $ 51.34 77.26 1,372,680 4.11 77.26 1,142,879 77.26 82.56 - 83.17 1,327,447 5.15 82.56 33,217 82.69 87.60 - 90.21 1,347,698 5.24 87.64 573,454 87.70 100.74 - 105.56 1,326,599 6.16 100.85 41,269 104.39 $29.59 - $105.56 7,111,231 4.57 $ 78.28 3,389,399 $ 67.19 An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Outstanding—beginning of year 6,724,358 $ 70.07 7,203,765 $ 61.72 6,753,801 $ 53.59 Granted: 7-year term 1,326,599 100.85 1,352,402 82.43 845,773 87.63 10-year term — — — — 543,130 87.60 Exercised (936,289) 51.37 (1,810,559) 45.93 (897,622) 40.21 Expired and forfeited (3,437) 75.27 (21,250) 82.89 (41,317) 70.90 Outstanding—end of year 7,111,231 $ 78.28 6,724,358 $ 70.07 7,203,765 $ 61.72 Exercisable at end of year 3,389,399 $ 67.19 2,999,788 $ 57.27 3,393,090 $ 48.18 Additional information about Globe Life's stock option activity as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: 2020 2019 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.57 4.80 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 126,467 $ 236,546 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 3.42 3.27 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 94,527 $ 143,935 Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2020 is presented below: 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 14.64 $ 14.20 $ 15.65 Intrinsic value of options exercised 40,517 82,022 42,517 Cash received from options exercised 48,093 83,163 36,091 Actual tax benefit received 8,508 17,225 8,929 Additional information concerning Globe Life's unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2020 2019 Number of shares outstanding 3,721,832 3,724,570 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 88.37 $ 80.39 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 5.62 6.04 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 31,941 $ 92,611 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-year contract life and are not settled in shares until the termination of the three-year contract period. While the grant specifies a stated target number of shares, the determination of the actual settlement in shares will be based on the achievement of certain performance objectives of Globe Life over the respective three-year contract periods. Certain executive restricted stock and performance share grants contain terms related to age that could accelerate vesting. Following are the restricted stock units outstanding for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020. All restricted stock units were fully vested at the end of each year of grant. Year of grants Outstanding as of year end 2018 102,116 2019 71,006 2020 77,167 Below is the final determination of the performance share grants in 2016 to 2018: Year of grants Final settlement of shares Final settlement date 2016 311,399 February 28, 2019 2017 271,843 February 26, 2020 2018 210,155 February 24, 2021 For the 2019 and 2020 performance share grants, actual shares that could be distributed range from 0 to 313 thousand for the 2019 grants and 0 to 227 thousand shares for the 2020 grants. A summary of restricted stock grants for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 is presented in the table below. 2020 2019 2018 Directors restricted stock: Shares 4,548 8,840 10,805 Price per share $ 105.56 $ 76.37 $ 88.19 Aggregate value $ 480 $ 675 $ 953 Percent vested as of 12/31/2020 100 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 6,161 6,634 7,688 Price per share $ 103.32 $ 77.50 $ 89.15 Aggregate value $ 637 $ 514 $ 685 Percent vested as of 12/31/2020 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 151,200 156,500 159,000 Target price per share $ 100.74 $ 82.56 $ 87.60 Aggregate value $ 15,232 $ 12,921 $ 13,928 Percent vested as of 12/31/2020 — % — % — % 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 nonvested restricted stock is as follows: Executive Executive Directors Directors Total 2018: Balance at January 1, 2018 35,250 564,112 — — 599,362 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 2020: Grants — 151,200 4,548 6,161 161,909 Additional performance shares (1) — (65,473) — — (65,473) Restriction lapses — (271,843) (4,548) (6,161) (282,552) Forfeitures — (11,450) — — (11,450) Balance at December 31, 2020 — 518,976 — — 518,976 (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 nonvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2020: Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2020 $ — $ 75.05 $ — $ — Grants — 100.74 105.56 105.56 Estimated additional performance shares — (40.99) — — Restriction lapses — (77.26) (105.56) (105.56) Forfeitures — (77.26) — — Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2020 — 90.13 — —

Business Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 insurance 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 2020 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of American Income $ 1,257,726 47 $ 105,734 9 $ — — $ 1,363,460 36 Direct to Consumer 906,959 34 76,527 7 — — 983,486 26 Liberty National 293,897 11 188,835 16 — — 482,732 13 United American 9,688 — 452,980 40 4 100 462,672 12 Family Heritage 4,253 — 317,021 28 — — 321,274 8 Other 200,281 8 — — — — 200,281 5 $ 2,672,804 100 $ 1,141,097 100 $ 4 100 $ 3,813,905 100 For the Year 2019 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total 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 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 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. This measure 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. From time to time, investments are sold, called, or experience a credit loss event, each of which are reflected by the Company as realized gain (loss)—investments. 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, 2020 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,672,804 $ 1,141,097 $ 4 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,813,905 Net investment income — — — 927,062 — — 927,062 Other income — — — — 1,325 — 1,325 Total revenue 2,672,804 1,141,097 4 927,062 1,325 — 4,742,292 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,809,373 733,481 30,030 — — — 2,572,884 Required interest on reserves (698,112) (93,475) (41,413) 833,000 — — — Required interest on DAC 210,152 26,586 328 (237,066) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 463,586 110,177 2,007 — — — 575,770 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 212,859 91,959 23 — — — 304,841 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 250,947 3,985 (2,3) 254,932 Parent expense — — — — 9,891 323 (3) 10,214 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 35,892 — 35,892 Interest expense — — — 86,704 — — 86,704 Total expenses 1,997,858 868,728 (9,025) 682,638 296,730 4,308 3,841,237 Subtotal 674,946 272,369 9,029 244,424 (295,405) (4,308) 901,055 Non-operating items — — — — — 4,308 (2,3) 4,308 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 674,946 $ 272,369 $ 9,029 $ 244,424 $ (295,405) $ — 905,363 Realized gain (loss)—investments (3,737) Realized loss—redemption of debt (634) Legal proceedings (3,275) Non-operating expenses (1,033) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 896,684 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Legal proceedings. (3) Non-operating expenses. 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 expenses (643) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 931,279 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Administrative settlements. (3) Legal proceedings. (4) Non-operating expenses. 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 expenses (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) Administrative settlements. (4) Non-operating expenses. 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, 2020 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ — $ — $ — $ 22,547,498 $ — $ 22,547,498 Accrued investment income — — — 248,991 — 248,991 Deferred acquisition costs 3,982,158 610,071 3,215 — — 4,595,444 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 — — — 441,591 Other assets — — — — 1,213,207 1,213,207 Total assets $ 4,291,767 $ 742,053 $ 3,215 $ 22,796,489 $ 1,213,207 $ 29,046,731 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 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, 2020 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 12,008,396 $ 2,172,141 $ 1,062,999 $ — $ — $ 15,243,536 Unearned and advance premiums 18,968 42,760 — — — 61,728 Policy claims and other benefits payable 237,246 162,261 — — — 399,507 Debt — — — 1,922,804 — 1,922,804 Other — — — — 2,648,064 2,648,064 Total liabilities $ 12,264,610 $ 2,377,162 $ 1,062,999 $ 1,922,804 $ 2,648,064 $ 20,275,639 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

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudi

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020. 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, 2020: Premium income $ 929,835 $ 953,702 $ 961,817 $ 968,551 Net investment income 228,991 231,568 231,432 235,071 Realized gains (losses) (26,097) (4,790) 1,501 25,015 Total revenue 1,133,054 1,180,884 1,195,042 1,228,941 Policyholder benefits 607,969 650,816 650,976 663,123 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 143,837 146,160 140,843 144,930 Pretax income from continuing operations 202,921 212,241 231,538 249,984 Income from continuing operations 165,540 173,048 188,945 204,240 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — Net income 165,540 173,048 188,945 204,240 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.54 1.63 1.78 1.96 Discontinued operations — — — — Total basic net income per common share 1.54 1.63 1.78 1.96 Diluted net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.52 1.62 1.76 1.93 Discontinued operations — — — — Total diluted net income per common share 1.52 1.62 1.76 1.93 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

Schedule II. Condensed Financia

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	December 31, 2020 2019 Assets: Investments: Long-term investments $ 32,861 $ 28,728 Short-term investments 19,300 3,401 Total investments 52,161 32,129 Cash 1,644 873 Investment in affiliates 10,526,982 9,020,073 Due from affiliates 322,278 96,129 Taxes receivable from affiliates 51,041 50,302 Other assets 184,588 160,723 Total assets $ 11,138,694 $ 9,360,229 Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 254,918 $ 298,738 Long-term debt 1,817,798 1,498,851 Due to affiliates — 3,532 Other liabilities 294,886 264,801 Total liabilities 2,367,602 2,065,922 Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock 351 351 Common stock 113,218 117,218 Additional paid-in capital 877,946 882,065 Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,029,244 1,844,830 Retained earnings 5,874,109 5,551,329 Treasury stock (1,123,776) (1,101,486) Total shareholders’ equity 8,771,092 7,294,307 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 11,138,694 $ 9,360,229 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, 2020 2019 2018 Net investment income $ 30,199 $ 28,869 $ 28,077 Realized gains (losses) 12,792 — (11,078) Total revenue 42,991 28,869 16,999 General operating expenses 57,679 68,419 65,762 Reimbursements from affiliates (68,556) (65,928) (61,620) Interest expense 90,197 89,317 94,159 Total expenses 79,320 91,808 98,301 Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (36,329) (62,939) (81,302) Income taxes 7,773 13,133 15,262 Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates (28,556) (49,806) (66,040) Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax 760,329 810,596 767,506 Net income 731,773 760,790 701,466 Other comprehensive income (loss): Attributable to Parent Company (21,477) (11,379) 23,805 Attributable to affiliates 1,205,891 1,536,734 (1,128,604) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,916,187 $ 2,286,145 $ (403,333) 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, 2020 2019 2018 Net income $ 731,773 $ 760,790 $ 701,466 Equity in earnings of affiliates (760,329) (810,596) (767,506) Cash dividends from subsidiaries 485,871 479,988 448,142 Other, net 21,129 65,584 64,734 Cash provided from operations 478,444 495,766 446,836 Cash provided from (used for) investing activities: Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments (15,899) (3,380) 5,603 Investment in subsidiaries (7,875) — (140,000) Additions to properties — (32) (19,888) Loaned money to affiliates (1,008,860) (501,764) (584,000) Repayments from affiliates 782,860 501,764 584,000 Cash provided from (used for) investing activities (249,774) (3,412) (154,285) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities: Repayment of debt (386,875) (6,875) (327,762) Proceeds from issuance of debt 700,000 — 550,000 Payment for debt issuance costs (5,844) — (6,969) Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper (34,445) (11,610) (22,719) Issuance of stock 48,093 82,771 36,091 Acquisitions of treasury stock (443,866) (459,569) (421,749) Borrowed money from affiliate 76,000 277,000 197,690 Repayments to affiliates (79,500) (276,500) (202,690) Payment of dividends (101,462) (97,458) (94,691) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities (227,899) (492,241) (292,799) Net increase (decrease) in cash 771 113 (248) Cash balance at beginning of period 873 760 1,008 Cash balance at end of period $ 1,644 $ 873 $ 760 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, 2020 2019 2018 Dividends from subsidiaries $ 485,871 $ 479,988 $ 448,142 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, 2020 2019 2018 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 35,892 $ 44,843 $ 39,792 Investment in subsidiaries — — 11,899 Dividend of property to Parent — — 11,889 The following table summarizes certain amounts paid (received) during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Interest paid $ 86,504 $ 86,868 $ 86,982 Income taxes paid (received) (12,744) (16,617) (21,377) Note C—Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2020, 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, 2020
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, 2020 Life insurance in force $ 203,894,460 $ 669,063 $ 2,551,770 $ 205,777,167 1.2 Premiums (2) : Life insurance $ 2,642,555 $ 4,241 $ 19,775 $ 2,658,089 0.7 Health insurance 1,144,470 3,373 — 1,141,097 — Total premium $ 3,787,025 $ 7,614 $ 19,775 $ 3,799,186 0.5 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 (1) No amounts have been netted against ceded premium. (2) Excludes policy charges of $14.7 million, $15.6 million, and $16.4 million in each of the years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation : The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Globe Life 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	rinciples 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. 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's 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 total assets in low-income housing tax credits and certain limited partnerships (investment funds) that qualify as unconsolidated VIEs.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements ASU No. 2016-13/2019-04/2019-05 , Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, with clarification guidance issued in April 2019. This standard ("CECL") provides financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments that are recorded at amortized cost. Additionally, it changes the loss impairment methodology for available-for-sale fixed maturities by the use of an allowance rather than a direct write down. This standard became effective on January 1, 2020. The Company's available-for-sale fixed maturities and other financing receivables (commercial mortgage loans and agent debit balances) were concluded to be the relevant financial assets within the scope of the standard. See Note 1 for information on the adoption and revised accounting policies. 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 became effective on December 31, 2020, and was applied retrospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. See updated disclosures in Note 9. ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting This standard was issued primarily to provide optional expedients for simplifying the accounting for contract modifications to existing agreements, which is expected to arise from the market's transition from LIBOR to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) as a result of reference rate reform. This standard became effective upon issuance, or March 12, 2020, and will remain effective until December 31, 2022. The Company has limited assets and liabilities that utilize LIBOR as a benchmark rate. We will continue to monitor the progress towards the establishment of a new floating rate; however, we do not expect a material impact at this time. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements ASU No. 2018-12/2019-09/2020-11 , Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, with clarification guidance issued in November 2019 and 2020. 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. As a result of the issuance of ASU 2020-11 in November 2020, the effective date for this standard was changed to January 1, 2023. Early adoption is available. 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. ASU No. 2020-08 , Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs The standard was issued as an amendment to ASU 2017-08, and clarifies that callable debt securities with a premium should be amortized to the next call date. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021, and will be applied prospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
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). Income from investments is recorded in "Net investment income" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Gains and losses from sales, maturities, or other redemptions of investments are recorded in "Realized gains (losses)". Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective yield method. When amortized cost of a callable debt security exceeds the first call price, the premium is amortized to the earliest call date. Otherwise, the period of amortization or accretion generally extends from the purchase date to the maturity date. "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 ("commercial mortgage loans"), 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. Low-income housing tax credits are discussed further below. The investment funds consist of limited partnerships whereby the Company has a pro-rata 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 inception of the investment. Additionally, each investment is evaluated under applicable GAAP to determine if it is a variable interest entity and would qualify for consolidation; none of these investments qualify for consolidation as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The investments are reported at the Company's pro-rata share of the investment fund's net asset value or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. Operating results provided by the partnerships can be on a lag up to 3 months. Changes in the net asset value 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 distributions are recorded in net investment income until cumulative distributions exceed our pro-rata share of cumulative operating earnings at which point the distributions will reduce carrying value. Our maximum exposure to loss is equal to the outstanding carrying value and future funding commitments. The Company had $227 million of capital called during the year from existing investment funds, reducing our unfunded commitments. Our unfunded commitments were $435 million as of December 31, 2020. 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 loans are managed by a third-party. The Company purchased the legal rights to interests in commercial mortgage loans which are secured by transitional 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. Interest income, net of the amortization of origination fees, is recorded in "Net Investment Income" under the effective yield method. Our unfunded commitment balance to the commercial loan borrowers was $47 million as of December 31, 2020. "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.
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, 2020, the Company's investments in fixed maturities were primarily composed of the following significant security types: corporate securities, state and municipal securities, U.S. government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises securities. The remaining security types represented approximately 1% of the total in the aggregate. Approximately 97% of the fair value of "fixed maturities" reported at December 31, 2020 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. Refer to Note 4—Investments under the caption Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements . 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 cash 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 loans are determined based upon expected cash flows discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate and are classified as Level 3. The fair value of investments in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits is based on discounted projected cash flows and are classified as Level 3. 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, 2020, 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, 2020 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.
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (CECL adoption and fixed maturities)	Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (CECL adoption ) : On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, replacing the GAAP "incurred loss" model with a new methodology referred to as current expected credit losses (CECL). The previous methodology delayed recognition of credit losses until it was probable that a loss had incurred, ultimately resulting in fewer instances of losses being recorded in earnings. The new CECL methodology is forward looking—encompassing relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of a reported amount. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables. Upon adoption, the standard affected the Company's commercial mortgage loans ("Other long-term investments") and agent debit balances ("Other receivables"). The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method. The Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of $454 thousand to retained earnings, consisting of $265 thousand and $189 thousand for commercial mortgage loans and agent debit balances, respectively. Refer to the table below for pre-tax amounts and Note 4—Investments for additional details. As reported on December 31, 2019 Pre-tax impact of adoption As reported on January 1, 2020 Assets: Commercial mortgage loans $ 137,692 $ (335) $ 137,357 Agent debit balances 423,877 (240) 423,637 In addition, the standard made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities through the removal of "other-than-temporary-impairment" (OTTI) write downs and replaced them with an allowance for credit losses. The new methodology will allow the Company to record reversals of credit losses in situations where the estimate of credit losses declines through current period net income ("Realized gains (losses)"). The Company adopted the standard using the prospective transition approach for available-for-sale fixed maturities for which OTTI had been recognized prior to January 1, 2020. As a result, the amortized cost basis and the effective interest rate remain unchanged after the adoption of ASU 2016-13. Amortized cost will now be reflected as "amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses" or "amortized cost, net." The Company has not elected the fair value option for any financial assets recorded at amortized cost that would be in scope of this standard. Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (fixed maturities) : At the onset of the evaluation, the Company individually assesses each fixed maturity, on a quarterly basis, to determine whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria are met, the Company will write down the fixed maturity's amortized cost basis to fair value through "Realized gains (losses)". If neither of the aforementioned criteria are met, the Company will evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit event. The Company will evaluate many factors, as further described below, to determine the present value of the expected cash flows. A credit loss occurs when the present value of the expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis. This will result in the recording of an allowance for credit losses as a contra asset account to the amortized cost basis with an offsetting provision for credit losses in " Realized gains (losses)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations . Additionally, the CECL methodology includes a fair value floor where the allowance for credit loss for a security cannot exceed the difference between fair value and amortized cost. When it is determined that there is not a credit loss, the decline in fair value is recognized in Other comprehensive income . All changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses recorded to the allowance for credit losses are management's best estimate of the uncollectibility of principal and interest of a fixed maturity. The evaluation of Globe Life's securities for credit losses is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of investment and accounting professionals. The process for making this determination is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. The factors considered include, but are not limited to: • The Company’s lack of intent to sell the debt security before recovery; • Whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell prior to maturity; • The reason(s) for the credit related losses; • The financial condition of the issuer and the prospects for recovery in fair value of the security; • 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 The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows generally include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and estimated recovery rate. The discount rate utilized in the discounted cash flows is the effective interest rate, which is the rate of return implicit in the asset at acquisition. Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (commercial mortgage loans) : Effective January 1, 2020, the Company evaluates the performance and credit quality of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio at least on a quarterly basis, or as needed, by utilizing common metrics such as loan-to-value or debt-service ratios as well as covenants, local market conditions, borrower quality, and underlying collateral. The fair value of the underlying collateral is based on a third-party appraisal of the property at origination of the loan. The fair value is assessed on an annual basis or more frequently when a loan is materially underperforming, 30 days delinquent, or in technical default. The Company determines the probability of estimated losses for the commercial mortgage loan portfolio on a pool basis each quarter and records an allowance. The allowance for credit losses is based on estimates, historical experience, probability of loss, value of the underlying collateral, and macro factors that affect the collectability of the loan. Each loan within the pool is assigned a risk rating (credit quality indicator) of low, medium, and high based on risk and expected future performance. A loan that is assigned as high risk would have a higher probability of a potential principal loss. The assigned risk category and the estimated loss rate is adjusted each quarter for current and forecasted economic factors management believes are relevant.
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 which 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 related to the fixed maturities. "Accrued investment income" also consists of interest income earned on the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, but which is yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. Accrued investment income will be placed in nonaccrual status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent or otherwise deemed to be uncollectible by management. Any currently accrued investment income will subsequently be written off. As of December 31, 2020, the accrued interest receivable for commercial mortgage loans was $433 thousand. Commercial mortgage loans generally pay interest monthly, therefore accrued interest is typically for a period of less than 30 days. As a practical expedient, the Company excludes the accrued investment income from the amortized cost basis of the investment and separately reports it in another financial statement line item, "Accrued investment income." Additionally, the amount will be excluded from disclosures within Note 4 —Investments . Other Receivables : Agent debit balances primarily represent commissions advanced to insurance agents, a common industry practice. These balances are repaid to the Company over time, generally one year, as the premiums associated with the advanced commissions are collected by the Company and a portion of the agents' commissions on such premiums are retained in order to repay the balances. The balances were $456 million at December 31, 2020 and $424 million at December 31, 2019. When an agent sells a policy, commissions are advanced to the agent, and the collection of the advance is made as long as the policy stays in force. While there is a susceptibility to loss should an agent terminate or excessive policy lapses occur, the ability of the Company to continue to collect an agent's commission streams over time from prior sales of policies reduces the Company's exposure to loss. The Company has a very low inherent risk with regards to the collection of agent debit balances and views these balances as recoverable since they are, in aggregate, less than the estimated present value of future commissions discounted at a conservative rate which includes assumptions for lapses and mortality. The Company’s security, or collateral, is in the form of future commission streams collected over the life of the policies sold by the respective agents, which ultimately revert to the Company in the event an agent is terminated. The Company evaluated the agent debit balances on a pool basis to determine the allowance for credit losses, as the loans have similar characteristics. A provision for credit losses will be recorded in "Realized gains (losses)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the asset balance will be reflected in agent debit balances, net of allowance for credit losses ("Other receivables"). Based on factors considered by management, aside from the cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption described above, there were no additional credit losses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the allowance for credit losses was $1.2 million.
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. 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 capitalized are included as a component of DAC. Additionally, they are amortized in the same manner as other DAC.
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. 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. Globe Life tested its goodwill annually as of June 30th for each of the years 2018 through 2020. The Company's goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods.
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 $306 million and $206 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . As of December 31, 2020, Globe Life was obligated under future commitments of $162 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 Operations
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
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 90% 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 the amount of insurance 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 industry tables and reflect modifications of a variety of generally accepted actuarial tables based on Company experience. 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	Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable :
Income Taxes	Income Taxes : "
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 in accordance with accounting guidance. Periodic gains and losses attributable to changes in plan assets and liabilities that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs are recognized as components of other comprehensive income, net of tax. The supplemental executive retirement plan is accounted for consistent with the qualified noncontributory pension plan. The net assets are included in a Rabbi Trust and recorded in Other Assets on the
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 $14.7 million, $15.6 million, and $16.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Other premium consists of annuity policy charges in each year. For most insurance products, the related benefits and expenses are matched with revenues by means of the provision of future policy benefits and the amortization of DAC in a manner which recognizes profits as they are earned over the revenue recognition period. For limited-payment life insurance products, the profits are recognized over the contract period.
Stock-Based Compensation	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 2018 through 2020 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Volatility factor 15.7 % 15.7 % 13.7 % Dividend yield 0.7 % 0.8 % 0.7 % Expected term (in years) 5.12 5.10 5.76 Risk-free rate 1.2 % 2.5 % 2.7 % 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-year contractual term which vest over three years in addition to ten-year grants which vest over five years as permitted by the previous plans. Director grants vest over six months. The Company has sufficient experience with seven-year grants that vest in three years, but insufficient historical experience with five-year vesting. Therefore, the Company has used the simplified method to determine the expected term for the ten-year grants with five-year vesting and will do so until adequate experience is developed. Volatility and risk-free interest rates are assumed over a period of time consistent with the expected term of the option. Volatility is measured on a historical basis. Monthly data points are utilized to derive volatility for periods greater than three years. Expected dividend yield is based on current dividend yield held constant over the expected term. Once the fair value of an option has been determined, it is amortized on a straight-line basis over the employee’s service period for that grant (from the grant date to the date the grant is fully vested). Expenses for restricted stock and restricted stock units are based on the grant date fair value allocated on a straight-line basis over the service period. Performance share expense is recognized based on management’s estimate of the probability of meeting the metrics identified in the performance share award agreement, assigned to each service period as these estimates develop. 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

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements	The Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of $454 thousand to retained earnings, consisting of $265 thousand and $189 thousand for commercial mortgage loans and agent debit balances, respectively. Refer to the table below for pre-tax amounts and Note 4—Investments for additional details. As reported on December 31, 2019 Pre-tax impact of adoption As reported on January 1, 2020 Assets: Commercial mortgage loans $ 137,692 $ (335) $ 137,357 Agent debit balances 423,877 (240) 423,637 Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements ASU No. 2016-13/2019-04/2019-05 , Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, with clarification guidance issued in April 2019. This standard ("CECL") provides financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments that are recorded at amortized cost. Additionally, it changes the loss impairment methodology for available-for-sale fixed maturities by the use of an allowance rather than a direct write down. This standard became effective on January 1, 2020. The Company's available-for-sale fixed maturities and other financing receivables (commercial mortgage loans and agent debit balances) were concluded to be the relevant financial assets within the scope of the standard. See Note 1 for information on the adoption and revised accounting policies. 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 became effective on December 31, 2020, and was applied retrospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. See updated disclosures in Note 9. ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting This standard was issued primarily to provide optional expedients for simplifying the accounting for contract modifications to existing agreements, which is expected to arise from the market's transition from LIBOR to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) as a result of reference rate reform. This standard became effective upon issuance, or March 12, 2020, and will remain effective until December 31, 2022. The Company has limited assets and liabilities that utilize LIBOR as a benchmark rate. We will continue to monitor the progress towards the establishment of a new floating rate; however, we do not expect a material impact at this time. Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements ASU No. 2018-12/2019-09/2020-11 , Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, with clarification guidance issued in November 2019 and 2020. 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. As a result of the issuance of ASU 2020-11 in November 2020, the effective date for this standard was changed to January 1, 2023. Early adoption is available. 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. ASU No. 2020-08 , Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs The standard was issued as an amendment to ASU 2017-08, and clarifies that callable debt securities with a premium should be amortized to the next call date. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021, and will be applied prospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted	A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2018 through 2020 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Volatility factor 15.7 % 15.7 % 13.7 % Dividend yield 0.7 % 0.8 % 0.7 % Expected term (in years) 5.12 5.10 5.76 Risk-free rate 1.2 % 2.5 % 2.7 %

Statutory Accounting (Tables)

Statutory Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 Life insurance subsidiaries $ 441,589 $ 462,515 $ 437,549 $ 1,408,281 $ 1,398,274

Supplemental Information Abou_2

Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 2018 through 2020: Available for Sale Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Foreign Exchange Pension Adjustments Total For the year ended December 31, 2018: Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 1,569,289 $ (8,547) $ 16,302 $ (152,770) $ 1,424,274 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax (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 For the year ended December 31, 2020: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 1,167,003 1,212 11,244 (34,103) 1,145,356 Reclassifications, net of tax 25,919 — — 13,139 39,058 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,192,922 1,212 11,244 (20,964) 1,184,414 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 3,175,572 $ (4,704) $ 23,302 $ (164,926) $ 3,029,244
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, 2020. Year Ended December 31, Affected line items in the Statement of Operations Component Line Item 2020 2019 2018 Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets: Realized (gains) losses $ 26,345 $ (19,352) $ (5,715) Realized (gains) losses Amortization of (discount) premium 6,464 5,515 3,957 Net investment income Total before tax 32,809 (13,837) (1,758) Tax (6,890) 2,906 369 Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax 25,919 (10,931) (1,389) Pension adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost 632 631 535 Other operating expense Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 16,000 7,843 14,560 Other operating expense Total before tax 16,632 8,474 15,095 Tax (3,493) (1,779) (3,170) Income tax benefit (expense) Total after-tax 13,139 6,695 11,925 Total reclassification (after-tax) $ 39,058 $ (4,236) $ 10,536

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 amortized cost, fair value, and allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows. Redeemable preferred stock is included within the corporates by sector. As noted in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies , the Company prospectively adopted ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020 for the available-for-sale fixed maturities. Results after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASU 2016-13, while prior periods continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. See additional discussion of the allowance for credit losses later in this note. At December 31, 2020 Allowance for Credit Losses Gross Gross Fair Value (1) % of Total Fixed Maturities (2) Fixed maturities available for sale: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 380,602 $ — $ 87,272 $ (43) $ 467,831 2 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 1,880,607 — 251,291 (315) 2,131,583 10 Foreign governments 52,913 — 2,635 (898) 54,650 — Corporates, by sector: Financial 4,404,203 — 1,016,813 (24,221) 5,396,795 26 Utilities 1,975,460 — 608,595 (108) 2,583,947 12 Energy 1,623,970 (3,346) 346,197 (3,083) 1,963,738 9 Other corporate sectors 6,687,644 — 1,727,366 (6,218) 8,408,792 40 Total corporates 14,691,277 (3,346) 3,698,971 (33,630) 18,353,272 87 Collateralized debt obligations 57,007 — 23,460 (8,869) 71,598 — Other asset-backed securities 134,739 — 3,614 (3,778) 134,575 1 Total fixed maturities $ 17,197,145 $ (3,346) $ 4,067,243 $ (47,533) $ 21,213,509 100 (1) Amount reported in the balance sheet. (2) At fair value. At December 31, 2019 Amortized 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.
Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity	A schedule of fixed maturities available for sale by contractual maturity date at December 31, 2020 is shown below on an amortized cost basis, net of allowance for credit losses and on a fair value basis. Actual disposition dates could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions. At December 31, 2020 Amortized Fair Fixed maturities available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 70,732 $ 72,395 Due after one year through five years 781,183 866,408 Due after five years through ten years 1,870,527 2,260,011 Due after ten years through twenty years 6,109,815 7,884,526 Due after twenty years 8,169,528 9,923,706 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 192,014 206,463 $ 17,193,799 $ 21,213,509
Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations	"Net investment income" for the three years ended December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale $ 873,352 $ 864,280 $ 843,510 Policy loans 44,801 43,434 41,359 Other long-term investments (1) 26,196 16,198 10,638 Short-term investments 545 2,592 2,642 944,894 926,504 898,149 Less investment expense (17,832) (16,045) (15,637) Net investment income $ 927,062 $ 910,459 $ 882,512 (1) For the years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018, the investment funds, accounted for under the fair value option method, recorded $15.3 million, $5.6 million and $3.9 million, respectively in net investment income.
Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments	An analysis of "realized gains (losses)" is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturities available for sale: Sales and other (1) $ (22,999) $ 19,354 $ 5,715 Provision for credit losses (3,346) — — Investment funds—fair value option 1,045 1,256 2,650 Other investments 21,563 11 909 Realized gains (losses) from investments (3,737) 20,621 9,274 Realized loss on redemption of debt (2) (634) — (11,078) (4,371) 20,621 (1,804) Applicable tax 1,955 (4,330) 379 Realized gains (losses), net of tax $ (2,416) $ 16,291 $ (1,425) (1) For the years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $219.8 million, $243.2 million and $193.4 million of exchanges of fixed maturities (noncash transactions) that resulted in $7.9 million, $20.5 million, and $10.1 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, 2020 2019 2018 Change in investment gains (losses) on: Fixed maturities available for sale $ 1,528,339 $ 1,946,910 $ (1,429,763) Selected information about sales of fixed maturities available for sale is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Fixed maturities available for sale: Proceeds from sales (1) $ 52,681 $ 79,108 $ 32,021 Gross realized gains 2,642 1,227 66 Gross realized losses (39,153) (3,674) (13,996)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables represent the fair value of fixed maturities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and 2019: Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2020: Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Fair Fixed maturities available for sale U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ — $ 467,831 $ — $ 467,831 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — 2,131,583 — 2,131,583 Foreign governments — 54,650 — 54,650 Corporates, by sector: Financial — 5,222,066 174,729 5,396,795 Utilities — 2,400,602 183,345 2,583,947 Energy — 1,925,549 38,189 1,963,738 Other corporate sectors — 8,090,550 318,242 8,408,792 Total corporates — 17,638,767 714,505 18,353,272 Collateralized debt obligations — — 71,598 71,598 Other asset-backed securities — 121,705 12,870 134,575 Total fixed maturities $ — $ 20,414,536 $ 798,973 $ 21,213,509 Percentage of total — % 96 % 4 % 100 % 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 %
Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs, and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income	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, 2018 $ 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 Included in realized gains/losses — — 1,579 1,579 Included in other comprehensive income (173) (2,523) 17,082 14,386 Acquisitions (1) — — 67,820 67,820 Sales — — — — Amortization — 4,551 12 4,563 Other (2) (134) (4,534) (44,116) (48,784) Transfers into Level 3 (3) — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (3) — — — — Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 12,870 $ 71,598 $ 714,505 $ 798,973 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Asset- Collateralized Corporates Total 2018 $ (591) $ 3,170 $ (23,687) $ (21,108) 2019 708 1,514 30,378 32,600 2020 (173) (2,523) 17,082 14,386 (1) Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in each of the years 2018 through 2020 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, 2020 Fair Value Valuation Significant Unobservable Range Weighted- Average (1) Private placement fixed maturities 612,906 Determination of credit spread Credit rating A+ to BB- BBB Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 1.04% - 8.29% 2.29% Other corporate bonds 101,599 Present Value Techniques Market Quotes 100.05% 100.05% Collateralized debt obligations 71,598 Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 6.35% - 7.10% 6.98% Asset-backed securities $ 12,870 Determination of credit spread Credit rating BBB- BBB- Discounted Cash Flows Discount rate 5.41% 5.41% $ 798,973 (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, 2020 54 24 78 As of December 31, 2019 82 51 133
Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment	The following table discloses unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded at December 31, 2020. Analysis of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses At December 31, 2020 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities available for sale: Investment grade securities: U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises $ 2,006 $ (43) $ — $ — $ 2,006 $ (43) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 32,910 (315) — — 32,910 (315) Foreign governments 19,532 (898) — — 19,532 (898) Corporates, by sector: Financial 117,762 (2,564) 6,333 (2,168) 124,095 (4,732) Utilities 2,726 (108) — — 2,726 (108) Energy 1,692 (8) 14,871 (106) 16,563 (114) Other corporate sectors 21,882 (720) — — 21,882 (720) Total corporates 144,062 (3,400) 21,204 (2,274) 165,266 (5,674) Collateralized debt obligations — — — — — — Other asset-backed securities 28,864 (1,051) 5 — 28,869 (1,051) Total investment grade securities 227,374 (5,707) 21,209 (2,274) 248,583 (7,981) Below investment grade securities: States, municipalities and political subdivisions — — — — — — Corporates, by sector: Financial 6,822 (36) 115,093 (19,453) 121,915 (19,489) Utilities — — — — — — Energy 18,432 (757) 38,720 (2,212) 57,152 (2,969) Other corporate sectors 25,711 (3,588) 19,516 (1,910) 45,227 (5,498) Total corporates 50,965 (4,381) 173,329 (23,575) 224,294 (27,956) Collateralized debt obligations — — 11,131 (8,869) 11,131 (8,869) Other asset-backed securities — — 11,223 (2,727) 11,223 (2,727) Total below investment grade securities 50,965 (4,381) 195,683 (35,171) 246,648 (39,552) Total fixed maturities $ 278,339 $ (10,088) $ 216,892 $ (37,445) $ 495,231 $ (47,533) The following table discloses unrealized investment losses by class and major sector of fixed maturities available for sale at December 31, 2019. Globe Life considered 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) Collateralized debt obligations — — — — — — 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)
Fixed Maturities, Allowance for Credit Loss	A summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows. Refer to Note 1 for factors considered in the recording of the allowance for credit losses. Twelve Months Ended 2020 2019 Allowance for credit losses beginning balance $ — $ — Additions to allowance for which credit losses were not previously recorded 36,065 — Additions (reductions) to allowance for fixed maturities that previously had an allowance — — Reduction of allowance for which the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell or sold during the period (32,719) — Allowance for credit losses ending balance $ 3,346 $ —
Schedule of Percentages Of Investments By Major Components At Fair Value	At December 31, 2020, the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following: Investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 78 % States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 9 U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises 2 Other 1 Below investment grade fixed maturities: Corporates 4 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions — U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises — Other — 94 Other Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values 3 Other investments 3 100 %
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, 2020, based on fair value: Insurance 15 % Electric utilities 10 Banks 7 Oil and natural gas pipelines 6 Chemicals 4 Transportation 4 Food 4 Oil and natural gas exploration and production 4 Real estate investment trusts 4 Telecommunications 3
Other Long-Term Investments	Other long-term investments consist of the following assets: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Investment funds $ 385,038 $ 185,851 Commercial mortgage loan participations 160,602 137,692 Other 1,341 2,804 Total $ 546,981 $ 326,347
Schedule of Investment Funds	The following table presents additional information about the Company's investment funds as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 at fair value: As of December 31, Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Investment Category 2020 2019 2020 Redemption Term/Notice Commercial mortgage loans $ 227,050 $ 26,145 $ 285,287 Portion non-redeemable and fully redeemable after 6 month period, subject to fund liquidity/discretion of General Partner. Expected life is 7 years for non-redeemable fund. Opportunistic credit 157,461 159,399 — Initial 2 year lock on each new investment/semi-annual withdrawals thereafter/full redemption within 36 month period. Other 527 307 149,715 Not redeemable. Expected life is approximately 12 years. Total investment funds $ 385,038 $ 185,851 $ 435,002
Summary of Commercial Mortgage Loan Participations	Summaries of commercial mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: 2020 2019 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Property type: Mixed use $ 49,002 31 $ 27,501 20 Office 36,153 22 42,350 31 Hospitality 22,605 14 22,324 16 Retail 19,319 12 17,318 12 Multi-family 19,128 12 10,587 8 Industrial 17,900 11 17,612 13 Total recorded investment 164,107 102 137,692 100 Less allowance for credit losses (3,505) (2) — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 160,602 100 $ 137,692 100 2020 2019 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total Geographic location: California $ 61,610 38 $ 35,412 26 Virginia 27,019 17 25,448 18 New York 16,602 10 21,117 15 Florida 12,420 8 11,910 9 Pennsylvania 11,314 7 4,211 3 Other 35,142 22 39,594 29 Total recorded investment 164,107 102 137,692 100 Less allowance for credit losses (3,505) (2) — — Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 160,602 100 $ 137,692 100
Commercial Loan Participations, Allowance for Credit Loss	Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Allowance for credit losses beginning balance $ — $ — Cumulative effect of adoption ASU 2016-13 335 — Provision (reversal) for credit losses 3,170 — Allowance for credit losses ending balance $ 3,505 $ —
Commercial Loan Participations, Credit Quality Indicators	The following table is reflective of Management's internal risk ratings of the loan portfolio. Loans are rated low, moderate, and high. The risk categories consider many different factors such as quality of asset, borrower status, as well as macroeconomic factors including COVID-19. These loans, originated in 2017 to 2020, are transitional or under construction and may not yet be income producing. Certain ratios such as loan to value and debt service coverage ratios may not be evaluated as the value of the underlying transitional property significantly fluctuates based on completion of the project. Net Book Value of Commercial Mortgage Loans Receivable by Year of Origination As of December 31, 2020 Risk Rating: Number of Loans 2020 2019 2018 2017 Total Low 17 $ 20,176 $ 14,757 $ 33,132 $ 61,460 $ 129,525 Medium 4 — 10,640 7,796 — 18,436 High 3 — 4,554 11,592 — 16,146 Total commercial mortgage loans 24 20,176 29,951 52,520 61,460 164,107 Less allowance for credit losses on the investment pool (2,503) Less allowance for credit losses on individual loans (1,002) Carrying value, net of valuation allowance $ 160,602

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance [Abstract]
Analysis of Deferred Acquisition Costs	An analysis of "DAC" is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of year $ 4,341,941 $ 4,137,925 $ 3,958,063 Additions: Deferred during period: Commissions 600,577 534,735 497,459 Other expenses 222,408 218,926 202,092 Total deferred 822,985 753,661 699,551 Foreign exchange adjustment 4,755 4,299 — Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses (1) 1,533 — 5,549 Total additions 829,273 757,960 705,100 Deductions: Amortized during period (575,770) (551,726) (516,690) Foreign exchange adjustment — — (8,548) Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains (1) — (2,218) — Total deductions (575,770) (553,944) (525,238) Balance at end of year $ 4,595,444 $ 4,341,941 $ 4,137,925

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental Expense for Operating Leases	Rental expense for the three years ended December 31, 2020 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Rental expense $ 4,674 $ 3,831 $ 3,959
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, 2020 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Operating lease commitments $ 5,307 $ 4,395 $ 3,321 $ 2,873 $ 1,896 $ 10,823
Long-term Purchase Commitment	Year Ended December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Purchase commitments $ 66,439 $ 73,451 $ 24,823 $ 10,347 $ 9,797 $ 228,542

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Ta

Liability for Unpaid Claims (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 163,808 $ 154,528 $ 146,865 Incurred related to: Current year 584,936 612,305 555,647 Prior years (14,829) (1,188) (3,017) Total incurred 570,107 611,117 552,630 Paid related to: Current year 442,127 470,426 424,633 Prior years 129,527 131,411 120,334 Total paid 571,654 601,837 544,967 Balance at end of period $ 162,261 $ 163,808 $ 154,528
Reconciliation of Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable	Below is the reconciliation of the liability of " Policy claims and other benefits payable" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . December 31, December 31, Policy claims and other benefits payable: Life insurance $ 237,246 $ 201,594 Health insurance 162,261 163,808 Total $ 399,507 $ 365,402

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations: Current income tax expense (benefit) $ 129,647 $ 134,948 $ 134,626 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 35,264 35,449 27,535 164,911 170,397 162,161 Shareholders’ equity: Other comprehensive income (loss) 314,845 405,472 (293,678) $ 479,756 $ 575,869 $ (131,517)
Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate	The effective income tax rate differed from the expected U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% as shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2020 % 2019 % 2018 % Expected federal income tax expense (benefit) $ 188,304 21.0 $ 195,569 21.0 $ 181,371 21.0 Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Tax reform adjustment — — — — (798) (0.1) Low income housing investments (11,913) (1.3) (11,605) (1.2) (12,240) (1.4) Share-based awards (5,013) (0.6) (11,780) (1.3) (6,450) (0.7) Tax-exempt investment income (5,830) (0.6) (3,192) (0.3) (1,230) (0.1) Other (637) (0.1) 1,405 0.1 1,508 0.1 Income tax expense (benefit) $ 164,911 18.4 $ 170,397 18.3 $ 162,161 18.8
Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Fixed maturity investments $ 4,279 $ 6,161 Carryover of tax losses 5,534 7,827 Total gross deferred tax assets 9,813 13,988 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains 808,071 493,174 Employee and agent compensation 88,012 81,174 Deferred acquisition costs 688,034 658,457 Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims 257,640 242,124 Other liabilities 7,209 26,271 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,848,966 1,501,200 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,839,153 $ 1,487,212

Postretirement Benefits (Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The total cost of these retirement plans charged to operations was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Plan Type: Defined Contribution Plans (1) $ 4,855 $ 4,817 $ 4,068 Defined Benefit Pension Plans (2) 33,826 24,134 32,593 (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, 2020 and 2019. Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2020 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 $ — $ 52,252 $ — $ 52,252 10 Utilities — 45,888 — 45,888 9 Energy — 22,480 — 22,480 4 Other corporates — 88,983 — 88,983 17 Total corporate bonds — 209,603 — 209,603 40 Exchange traded fund (1) 245,170 — — 245,170 46 Other bonds — 258 — 258 — Guaranteed annuity contract (2) — 30,119 — 30,119 6 Short-term investments 20,960 — — 20,960 4 Other 7,109 — — 7,109 1 $ 273,239 $ 239,980 $ — 513,219 97 Other long-term investments (3) 16,313 3 Total pension assets $ 529,532 100 (1) A fund including marketable securities that mirror the S&P 500 index. (2) Representing a guaranteed annuity contract issued by Globe Life Inc.'s subsidiary, American Income 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 less than 1% of the investment fund. As of December 31, 2020, the expected term of the investment fund is approximately 4 years and the commitment of the investment is fully funded. The investment is non-redeemable. 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 Inc.'s subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company, to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan.
Information Regarding the SERP	The following tables include premiums paid for the company owned life insurance (COLI) for the three years ended December 31, 2020 and investments of the Rabbi Trust for the two years ended December 31, 2020. Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Premiums paid for insurance coverage $ 2,480 $ 2,394 $ 2,997 At December 31, 2020 2019 Total investments: COLI $ 51,361 $ 47,733 Exchange traded funds 75,390 65,585 $ 126,751 $ 113,318
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, 2020 and 2019. Pension Liability December 31, 2020 2019 PBO ABO PBO ABO Funded benefit pension plans $ 667,753 $ 594,510 $ 578,860 $ 520,264 SERP 95,560 89,069 86,347 81,046 Benefit Obligation $ 763,313 $ 683,579 $ 665,207 $ 601,310 The funded benefit pension plans have projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows: At December 31, 2020 2019 Funded benefit pension plans PBO $ 667,753 $ 578,860 Funded benefit pension plans fair value of plan assets 529,532 468,763 The funded benefit pension plans have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows: At December 31, 2020 2019 Funded benefit pension plans ABO $ 594,510 $ 520,264 Funded benefit pension plans fair value of plan assets 529,532 468,763
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: 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.92 % 3.49 % Rate of compensation increase 3.97 4.00 For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year: 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.49 % 4.37 % 3.75 % Expected long-term returns 6.67 6.72 6.72 Rate of compensation increase 3.97 4.00 4.37
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, 2020 2019 2018 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 24,461 $ 19,929 $ 21,092 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 22,825 23,827 22,303 Expected return on assets (29,561) (27,862) (25,547) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 632 8,211 15,003 Recognition of actuarial gain (loss) 15,469 29 (258) Net periodic benefit cost $ 33,826 $ 24,134 $ 32,593
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, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at January 1 $ (182,233) $ (150,071) $ (193,380) Amortization of: Prior service cost (credit) 632 631 535 Net actuarial (gain) loss (1) 16,000 7,843 14,560 Total amortization 16,632 8,474 15,095 Plan amendments — — (2,377) Experience gain (loss) (43,169) (40,636) 30,591 Balance at December 31 $ (208,770) $ (182,233) $ (150,071)
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, 2020 2019 Changes in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 665,207 $ 556,199 Service cost 24,461 19,929 Interest cost 22,825 23,827 Actuarial loss (gain) 74,006 88,053 Benefits paid (23,186) (22,801) PBO at end of year 763,313 665,207 Changes in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 468,763 392,672 Return on assets 62,104 77,290 Contributions 21,851 21,602 Benefits paid (23,186) (22,801) Fair value at end of year 529,532 468,763 Funded status at year end $ (233,781) $ (196,444)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Changes in the PBO related to actuarial losses (gains) are primarily attributed to changes in the discount rate. Year Ended December 31, Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: 2020 2019 Net loss (gain) $ 200,465 $ 174,470 Prior service cost 4,713 5,345 Net amounts recognized at year end $ 205,178 $ 179,815
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, 2020. These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2020, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows: For the year(s): 2021 $ 24,477 2022 26,494 2023 28,783 2024 30,960 2025 32,067 2026-2030 187,386

Supplemental Disclosures of C_2

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Stock-based compensation not involving cash $ 35,892 $ 44,843 $ 39,792 Commitments for low-income housing interests 161,503 51,978 50,883 Exchanges of fixed maturity investments 219,807 243,156 193,449 Net unsettled security trades 1,669 8,421 39,851
Summary of Amounts Paid	The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Interest paid $ 83,518 $ 81,723 $ 83,518 Income taxes paid 76,701 101,982 91,510

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 Instrument Issue Date Maturity Date Coupon Rate Par Unamortized Discount & Issuance Costs Book Fair Book Senior notes 5/27/1993 5/15/2023 7.875% $ 165,612 $ (658) $ 164,954 $ 192,020 $ 164,713 Senior notes (1) 9/24/2012 9/15/2022 3.800% 150,000 (586) 149,414 158,081 149,089 Senior notes 9/27/2018 9/15/2028 4.550% 550,000 (5,672) 544,328 659,599 543,735 Senior notes 8/21/2020 8/15/2030 2.150% 400,000 (4,843) 395,157 405,384 — Junior subordinated debentures 5/17/2016 6/15/2056 6.125% 300,000 (9,348) 290,652 325,800 290,584 Junior subordinated debentures 11/17/2017 11/17/2057 5.275% 125,000 (1,619) 123,381 130,870 123,367 Term loan — — — — 86,875 1,690,612 (22,726) 1,667,886 1,871,754 1,358,363 Less current maturity of term loan — — — — 9,375 Total long-term debt 1,690,612 (22,726) 1,667,886 1,871,754 1,348,988 Current maturity of term loan — — — — 9,375 Commercial paper 255,000 (82) 254,918 254,918 289,363 Total short-term debt 255,000 (82) 254,918 254,918 298,738 Total debt $ 1,945,612 $ (22,808) $ 1,922,804 $ 2,126,672 $ 1,647,726 (1) An additional $150 million par value and book value is held by insurance subsidiaries that eliminates in consolidation. Credit Facility - Commercial Paper At December 31, 2020 2019 Balance at end of period (at par value) $ 255,000 $ 290,000 Annualized interest rate 0.27 % 2.04 % Letters of credit outstanding $ 135,000 $ 150,000 Remaining amount available under credit line 360,000 310,000 Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Average balance outstanding during period $ 318,409 $ 288,684 $ 368,228 Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized) 1.50 % 2.62 % 2.40 % Maximum daily amount outstanding during period $ 482,000 $ 385,000 $ 525,990
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following table presents expected scheduled principal payments under our contractual debt obligations: Year Ended December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 255,000 $ 150,000 $ 165,612 $ — $ — $ 1,375,000

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Common Stock Activity	A summary of common share activity is presented in the following chart. Common Stock Issued Treasury 2018: Balance at January 1, 2018 124,218,183 (9,625,104) 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) 2020: Grants of restricted stock — 4,548 Vesting of performance shares — 271,843 Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options — 936,289 Treasury stock acquired — (5,135,439) Retirement of treasury stock (4,000,000) 4,000,000 Balance at December 31, 2020 113,218,183 (9,420,699)
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 2020 4,459 $ 380,112 $ 85.24 676 $ 63,754 $ 94.28 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
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, 2020 2019 2018 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 106,075,267 109,213,524 112,872,581 Weighted average dilutive options outstanding 1,149,327 2,167,726 2,376,372 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 107,224,594 111,381,250 115,248,953 Antidilutive shares 2,476,019 21,556 1,161,521

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 2020 2019 2018 Balance at January 1, 7,167,718 9,422,760 2,964,320 Approval of Globe Life Inc. 2018 Incentive Plan. (1) — — 8,984,000 Cancellation of available shares from prior plans — — (184,000) Expired and forfeited during year (2,3) 38,820 20,800 41,317 Options granted during year (2) (1,127,610) (1,149,542) (1,262,037) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted (3) (94,510) (1,126,300) (1,120,840) Balance at December 31, 5,984,418 7,167,718 9,422,760 (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, 2020 is presented below: 2020 2019 2018 Stock-based compensation expense recognized (1) $ 35,892 $ 44,843 $ 39,792 Tax benefit recognized 12,550 21,197 14,806 (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: 2020 2019 Unrecognized compensation (1) $ 28,125 $ 34,723 Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years) (1) 0.65 0.78
Summary of Options Outstanding	Options: The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020. Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- $29.59 - $76.37 1,736,807 2.77 $ 51.29 1,598,580 $ 51.34 77.26 1,372,680 4.11 77.26 1,142,879 77.26 82.56 - 83.17 1,327,447 5.15 82.56 33,217 82.69 87.60 - 90.21 1,347,698 5.24 87.64 573,454 87.70 100.74 - 105.56 1,326,599 6.16 100.85 41,269 104.39 $29.59 - $105.56 7,111,231 4.57 $ 78.28 3,389,399 $ 67.19
Analysis of Option Activity	An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Outstanding—beginning of year 6,724,358 $ 70.07 7,203,765 $ 61.72 6,753,801 $ 53.59 Granted: 7-year term 1,326,599 100.85 1,352,402 82.43 845,773 87.63 10-year term — — — — 543,130 87.60 Exercised (936,289) 51.37 (1,810,559) 45.93 (897,622) 40.21 Expired and forfeited (3,437) 75.27 (21,250) 82.89 (41,317) 70.90 Outstanding—end of year 7,111,231 $ 78.28 6,724,358 $ 70.07 7,203,765 $ 61.72 Exercisable at end of year 3,389,399 $ 67.19 2,999,788 $ 57.27 3,393,090 $ 48.18
Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options	Additional information about Globe Life's stock option activity as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: 2020 2019 Outstanding options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4.57 4.80 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 126,467 $ 236,546 Exercisable options: Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 3.42 3.27 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 94,527 $ 143,935 Selected stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2020 is presented below: 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 14.64 $ 14.20 $ 15.65 Intrinsic value of options exercised 40,517 82,022 42,517 Cash received from options exercised 48,093 83,163 36,091 Actual tax benefit received 8,508 17,225 8,929 Additional information concerning Globe Life's unvested options is as follows at December 31: 2020 2019 Number of shares outstanding 3,721,832 3,724,570 Weighted-average exercise price (per share) $ 88.37 $ 80.39 Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 5.62 6.04 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 31,941 $ 92,611
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Outstanding And Vested	Following are the restricted stock units outstanding for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020. All restricted stock units were fully vested at the end of each year of grant. Year of grants Outstanding as of year end 2018 102,116 2019 71,006 2020 77,167
Schedule of Performance Shares Settled	Below is the final determination of the performance share grants in 2016 to 2018: Year of grants Final settlement of shares Final settlement date 2016 311,399 February 28, 2019 2017 271,843 February 26, 2020 2018 210,155 February 24, 2021
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, 2020 is presented in the table below. 2020 2019 2018 Directors restricted stock: Shares 4,548 8,840 10,805 Price per share $ 105.56 $ 76.37 $ 88.19 Aggregate value $ 480 $ 675 $ 953 Percent vested as of 12/31/2020 100 % 100 % 100 % Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents): Shares 6,161 6,634 7,688 Price per share $ 103.32 $ 77.50 $ 89.15 Aggregate value $ 637 $ 514 $ 685 Percent vested as of 12/31/2020 100 % 100 % 100 % Performance shares: Target shares 151,200 156,500 159,000 Target price per share $ 100.74 $ 82.56 $ 87.60 Aggregate value $ 15,232 $ 12,921 $ 13,928 Percent vested as of 12/31/2020 — % — % — %
Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock	An analysis of nonvested restricted stock is as follows: Executive Executive Directors Directors Total 2018: Balance at January 1, 2018 35,250 564,112 — — 599,362 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 2020: Grants — 151,200 4,548 6,161 161,909 Additional performance shares (1) — (65,473) — — (65,473) Restriction lapses — (271,843) (4,548) (6,161) (282,552) Forfeitures — (11,450) — — (11,450) Balance at December 31, 2020 — 518,976 — — 518,976 (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 nonvested restricted stock is as follows for the year 2020: Executive Restricted Stock Executive Performance Shares Directors Restricted Stock Directors Restricted Stock Units Grant-date fair value per share at January 1, 2020 $ — $ 75.05 $ — $ — Grants — 100.74 105.56 105.56 Estimated additional performance shares — (40.99) — — Restriction lapses — (77.26) (105.56) (105.56) Forfeitures — (77.26) — — Grant-date fair value per share at December 31, 2020 — 90.13 — —

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Premium Income by Distribution Channel	Premium Income by Distribution Channel For the Year 2020 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of Amount % of American Income $ 1,257,726 47 $ 105,734 9 $ — — $ 1,363,460 36 Direct to Consumer 906,959 34 76,527 7 — — 983,486 26 Liberty National 293,897 11 188,835 16 — — 482,732 13 United American 9,688 — 452,980 40 4 100 462,672 12 Family Heritage 4,253 — 317,021 28 — — 321,274 8 Other 200,281 8 — — — — 200,281 5 $ 2,672,804 100 $ 1,141,097 100 $ 4 100 $ 3,813,905 100 For the Year 2019 Life Health Annuity Total Distribution Channel Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total 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 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
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Information to Consolidated Statement of Operations	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Adjustments Consolidated Revenue: Premium $ 2,672,804 $ 1,141,097 $ 4 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,813,905 Net investment income — — — 927,062 — — 927,062 Other income — — — — 1,325 — 1,325 Total revenue 2,672,804 1,141,097 4 927,062 1,325 — 4,742,292 Expenses: Policy benefits 1,809,373 733,481 30,030 — — — 2,572,884 Required interest on reserves (698,112) (93,475) (41,413) 833,000 — — — Required interest on DAC 210,152 26,586 328 (237,066) — — — Amortization of acquisition costs 463,586 110,177 2,007 — — — 575,770 Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs 212,859 91,959 23 — — — 304,841 Insurance administrative expense (1) — — — — 250,947 3,985 (2,3) 254,932 Parent expense — — — — 9,891 323 (3) 10,214 Stock-based compensation expense — — — — 35,892 — 35,892 Interest expense — — — 86,704 — — 86,704 Total expenses 1,997,858 868,728 (9,025) 682,638 296,730 4,308 3,841,237 Subtotal 674,946 272,369 9,029 244,424 (295,405) (4,308) 901,055 Non-operating items — — — — — 4,308 (2,3) 4,308 Measure of segment profitability (pretax) $ 674,946 $ 272,369 $ 9,029 $ 244,424 $ (295,405) $ — 905,363 Realized gain (loss)—investments (3,737) Realized loss—redemption of debt (634) Legal proceedings (3,275) Non-operating expenses (1,033) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 896,684 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Legal proceedings. (3) Non-operating expenses. 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 expenses (643) Income before income taxes per Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 931,279 (1) Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments. (2) Administrative settlements. (3) Legal proceedings. (4) Non-operating expenses. 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 expenses (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) Administrative settlements. (4) Non-operating expenses.
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, 2020 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Cash and invested assets $ — $ — $ — $ 22,547,498 $ — $ 22,547,498 Accrued investment income — — — 248,991 — 248,991 Deferred acquisition costs 3,982,158 610,071 3,215 — — 4,595,444 Goodwill 309,609 131,982 — — — 441,591 Other assets — — — — 1,213,207 1,213,207 Total assets $ 4,291,767 $ 742,053 $ 3,215 $ 22,796,489 $ 1,213,207 $ 29,046,731 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
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, 2020 Life Health Annuity Investment Corporate & Other Consolidated Future policy benefits $ 12,008,396 $ 2,172,141 $ 1,062,999 $ — $ — $ 15,243,536 Unearned and advance premiums 18,968 42,760 — — — 61,728 Policy claims and other benefits payable 237,246 162,261 — — — 399,507 Debt — — — 1,922,804 — 1,922,804 Other — — — — 2,648,064 2,648,064 Total liabilities $ 12,264,610 $ 2,377,162 $ 1,062,999 $ 1,922,804 $ 2,648,064 $ 20,275,639 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

Selected Quarterly Data (Unau_2

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020. 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, 2020: Premium income $ 929,835 $ 953,702 $ 961,817 $ 968,551 Net investment income 228,991 231,568 231,432 235,071 Realized gains (losses) (26,097) (4,790) 1,501 25,015 Total revenue 1,133,054 1,180,884 1,195,042 1,228,941 Policyholder benefits 607,969 650,816 650,976 663,123 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 143,837 146,160 140,843 144,930 Pretax income from continuing operations 202,921 212,241 231,538 249,984 Income from continuing operations 165,540 173,048 188,945 204,240 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — Net income 165,540 173,048 188,945 204,240 Basic net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.54 1.63 1.78 1.96 Discontinued operations — — — — Total basic net income per common share 1.54 1.63 1.78 1.96 Diluted net income per common share: Continuing operations 1.52 1.62 1.76 1.93 Discontinued operations — — — — Total diluted net income per common share 1.52 1.62 1.76 1.93 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

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016segment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	4
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Number of operating segments sold | segment					1
Capital called from investment funds	$ 227,000
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 435,000
Percentage of investment securities not classified as corporate securities, state and municipal securities, redeemable preferred stocks and U.S. government securities (less than)	1.00%
Fair value determined by third party	97.00%
Shareholders' equity	$ 8,771,092	$ 7,294,307		$ 5,415,177		$ 6,231,421
Commercial mortgage loan participations	546,981	326,347
Agent debit balances	456,000	423,877
Agent debit balances, allowance for credit losses	1,200
Advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating	9,800	9,500		9,000
Capitalized advertising costs	1,400,000	1,300,000
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	306,000	206,000
Obligations under future commitments for low-income housing interests	162,000
Original cost of property and equipment	350,000	298,000
Accumulated depreciation	164,000	137,000
Depreciation expense	$ 17,000	16,000		13,000
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%
Insurance policy charges	$ 14,700	15,600		16,400
Commercial loan participations
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Financing receivable, term	3 years
Financing receivable, extension term	2 years
Commercial loan participations, unfunded loan commitment
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 47,000
Commercial mortgage participations
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	160,602	137,692
Commercial mortgage loan participations	160,602	137,692
Accrued interest receivable	433
Investment in limited partnerships
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	435,002
Retained Earnings
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity	$ 5,874,109	5,551,329		5,213,468		4,806,208
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		(454)	[1]	(392)		4,896
Agent debit balances		(240)
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment | Commercial mortgage participations
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations		(335)
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		(454)	[1]	(392)		4,896
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Adjustment for Commercial Loan Participations
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		(265)
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Adjustment for Agent Debit Balances
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		(189)
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		7,293,853		5,414,785		6,236,317
Agent debit balances		423,637
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance | Commercial mortgage participations
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations		137,357
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjusted Balance | Retained Earnings
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		$ 5,550,875		$ 5,213,076		$ 4,811,104
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
Low-income housing credits and certain limited partnerships
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	1.00%
Life insurance
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Proportion of future policy reserves which are not universal life type	90.00%
Minimum | Investment in limited partnerships
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Investment funds ownership percentage	1.00%
Maximum | Investment in limited partnerships
Significant of Account Policies [Line Items]
Investment funds ownership percentage	20.00%
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
[1]	Adoption of Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, on January 1, 2020. See further discussion in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies .

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Assumptions for Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Volatility factor	15.70%	15.70%	13.70%
Dividend yield	0.70%	0.80%	0.70%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 1 month 13 days	5 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 9 months 3 days
Risk-free rate	1.20%	2.50%	2.70%

Statutory Accounting - Consolid

Statutory Accounting - Consolidated Net Income and Shareholders' Equity for Insurance Companies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Insurance [Abstract]
Life insurance subsidiaries, net income	$ 441,589	$ 462,515	$ 437,549
Life insurance subsidiaries, shareholders' equity	$ 1,408,281	$ 1,398,274

Statutory Accounting - Addition

Statutory Accounting - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Insurance [Abstract]
Surplus adequate to satisfy regulatory compliance	$ 520

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	$ 7,294,307	$ 5,415,177	$ 6,231,421
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,145,356	1,529,591	(1,115,335)
Reclassifications, net of tax	39,058	(4,236)	10,536
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,184,414	1,525,355	(1,104,799)
Ending balance	8,771,092	7,294,307	5,415,177
Total
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	1,844,830	319,475	1,424,274
Ending balance	3,029,244	1,844,830	319,475
Available for Sale Assets
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	1,982,650	435,698	1,569,289
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,167,003	1,557,883	(1,132,202)
Reclassifications, net of tax	25,919	(10,931)	(1,389)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,192,922	1,546,952	(1,133,591)
Ending balance	3,175,572	1,982,650	435,698
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(5,916)	(4,163)	(8,547)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,212	(1,753)	4,384
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,212	(1,753)	4,384
Ending balance	(4,704)	(5,916)	(4,163)
Foreign Exchange
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	12,058	6,495	16,302
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	11,244	5,563	(9,807)
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11,244	5,563	(9,807)
Ending balance	23,302	12,058	6,495
Pension Adjustments
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(143,962)	(118,555)	(152,770)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(34,103)	(32,102)	22,290
Reclassifications, net of tax	13,139	6,695	11,925
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(20,964)	(25,407)	34,215
Ending balance	$ (164,926)	$ (143,962)	$ (118,555)

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Realized (gains) losses									$ 3,737	$ (20,621)	$ (9,274)
Net investment income	$ (235,071)	$ (231,432)	$ (231,568)	$ (228,991)	$ (227,456)	$ (228,905)	$ (227,425)	$ (226,673)	(927,062)	(910,459)	(882,512)
Other operating expense									301,038	304,825	279,585
Total before tax									(896,684)	(931,279)	(863,671)
Tax									(164,911)	(170,397)	(162,161)
Total after-tax	$ (204,240)	$ (188,945)	$ (173,048)	$ (165,540)	$ (187,061)	$ (201,818)	$ (186,566)	$ (185,345)	(731,773)	(760,790)	(701,466)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Total after-tax									39,058	(4,236)	10,536
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									26,345	(19,352)	(5,715)
Net investment income									6,464	5,515	3,957
Total before tax									32,809	(13,837)	(1,758)
Tax									(6,890)	2,906	369
Total after-tax									25,919	(10,931)	(1,389)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Pension Adjustments
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Total before tax									16,632	8,474	15,095
Tax									(3,493)	(1,779)	(3,170)
Total after-tax									13,139	6,695	11,925
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of prior service cost
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Other operating expense									632	631	535
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss
Unrealized investment (gains) losses on available for sale assets:
Other operating expense									$ 16,000	$ 7,843	$ 14,560

Investments - Summary of Fixed

Investments - Summary of Fixed Maturities Available for Sale by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 17,197,145	$ 16,415,776
Allowance for Credit Losses	(3,346)	0
Fair Value	21,213,509	18,907,147
Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Allowance for Credit Losses	(3,346)	0	$ 0
Collateralized debt obligations
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value		74,104
Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value		148,519
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	17,197,145	16,415,776
Allowance for Credit Losses	(3,346)
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,067,243	2,574,606
Gross Unrealized Losses	(47,533)	(83,235)
Fair Value	$ 21,213,509	$ 18,907,147
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]
Amortized Cost	$ 380,602	$ 396,079
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	87,272	41,737
Gross Unrealized Losses	(43)	(296)
Fair Value	$ 467,831	$ 437,520
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]
Amortized Cost	$ 1,880,607	$ 1,559,736
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	251,291	158,546
Gross Unrealized Losses	(315)	(626)
Fair Value	$ 2,131,583	$ 1,717,656
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	10.00%	9.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Foreign governments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 52,913	$ 25,874
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,635	2,073
Gross Unrealized Losses	(898)	(396)
Fair Value	$ 54,650	$ 27,551
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 14,691,277	$ 14,233,301
Allowance for Credit Losses	(3,346)
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,698,971	2,342,858
Gross Unrealized Losses	(33,630)	(74,362)
Fair Value	$ 18,353,272	$ 16,501,797
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	87.00%	88.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Financial
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 4,404,203	$ 4,101,917
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,016,813	701,196
Gross Unrealized Losses	(24,221)	(22,307)
Fair Value	$ 5,396,795	$ 4,780,806
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	26.00%	25.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Utilities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 1,975,460	$ 1,937,738
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	608,595	416,114
Gross Unrealized Losses	(108)	(1,565)
Fair Value	$ 2,583,947	$ 2,352,287
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	12.00%	13.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Energy
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 1,623,970	$ 1,678,969
Allowance for Credit Losses	(3,346)
Gross Unrealized Gains	346,197	269,640
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,083)	(33,725)
Fair Value	$ 1,963,738	$ 1,914,884
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	9.00%	10.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 6,687,644	$ 6,514,677
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,727,366	955,908
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,218)	(16,765)
Fair Value	$ 8,408,792	$ 7,453,820
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]
Amortized Cost	$ 57,007	$ 56,990
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	23,460	24,298
Gross Unrealized Losses	(8,869)	(7,184)
Fair Value	$ 71,598	$ 74,104
Percentage of Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 134,739	$ 143,796
Allowance for Credit Losses	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,614	5,094
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,778)	(371)
Fair Value	$ 134,575	$ 148,519
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Amortized Cost, net
Due in one year or less	$ 70,732
Due after one year through five years	781,183
Due after five years through ten years	1,870,527
Due after ten years through twenty years	6,109,815
Due after twenty years	8,169,528
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	192,014
Fixed maturities, net of allowance for credit losses	17,193,799
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	72,395
Due after one year through five years	866,408
Due after five years through ten years	2,260,011
Due after ten years through twenty years	7,884,526
Due after twenty years	9,923,706
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	206,463
Fixed maturities, fair value	$ 21,213,509	$ 18,907,147

Investments - Schedule of Analy

Investments - Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									$ 944,894	$ 926,504	$ 898,149
Less investment expense									(17,832)	(16,045)	(15,637)
Net investment income	$ 235,071	$ 231,432	$ 231,568	$ 228,991	$ 227,456	$ 228,905	$ 227,425	$ 226,673	927,062	910,459	882,512
Fixed maturities available for sale
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									873,352	864,280	843,510
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									44,801	43,434	41,359
Other long-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									26,196	16,198	10,638
Short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income, gross									545	2,592	2,642
Fair value option
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									$ 15,300	$ 5,600	$ 3,900

Investments - Realized Gain (Lo

Investments - Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Realized investment gains (losses) - sales and other									$ (22,999)	$ 19,354	$ 5,715
Provision for credit losses									(3,346)	0	0
Fair value option—change in fair value									1,045	1,256	2,650
Other investments									21,563	11	909
Realized gains (losses) from investments									(3,737)	20,621	9,274
Realized loss on redemption of debt									(634)	0	(11,078)
Realized gains (losses)	$ 25,015	$ 1,501	$ (4,790)	$ (26,097)	$ 2,195	$ 11,943	$ 5,154	$ 1,329	(4,371)	20,621	(1,804)
Applicable tax									1,955	(4,330)	379
Realized gains (losses), net of tax									(2,416)	16,291	(1,425)
Exchanges of fixed maturities									219,800	243,200	193,400
Exchanges of fixed maturities, net realized gains									$ 7,900	$ 20,500	$ 10,100

Investments - Unrealized Gain (

Investments - Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Change in investment gains (losses) on	$ 1,510,033	$ 1,958,165	$ (1,434,918)
Fixed maturities available for sale
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Change in investment gains (losses) on	1,528,339	1,946,910	(1,429,763)
Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Change in investment gains (losses) on	$ (18,306)	$ 11,255	$ (5,155)

Investments - Schedule of Selec

Investments - Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	$ 52,681	$ 79,108	$ 32,021
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	52,681	79,108	32,021
Gross realized gains	2,642	1,227	66
Gross realized losses	$ (39,153)	$ (3,674)	$ (13,996)

Investments - Assets Measured a

Investments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 21,213,509	$ 18,907,147
Percentage of total		100.00%
Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 148,519
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value		74,104
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
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value		18,147,738
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	798,973	759,409
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	101,599
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	71,598
Fixed maturities available for sale
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 21,213,509	18,907,147
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	$ 467,831	437,520
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	2,131,583	1,717,656
Fixed maturities available for sale | Foreign governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	54,650	27,551
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	18,353,272	16,501,797
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	5,396,795	4,780,806
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Utilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,583,947	2,352,287
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Energy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,963,738	1,914,884
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Other corporate sectors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	8,408,792	7,453,820
Fixed maturities available for sale | Other asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	134,575	148,519
Fixed maturities available for sale | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	71,598	$ 74,104
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%	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) | 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 | 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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 20,414,536
Percentage of total	96.00%	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	$ 467,831	$ 437,520
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	2,131,583	1,717,656
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	54,650	27,551
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	17,638,767	15,829,669
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	5,222,066	4,628,875
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	2,400,602	2,195,539
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	1,925,549	1,873,482
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	8,090,550	7,131,773
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	121,705	135,342
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 Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 798,973
Percentage of total	4.00%	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	714,505	672,128
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	174,729	151,931
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	183,345	156,748
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	38,189	41,402
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	318,242	322,047
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	12,870	13,177
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	$ 71,598	$ 74,104

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	$ 759,409	$ 639,822	$ 668,440
Included in realized gains / losses	1,579	396	698
Included in other comprehensive income	14,386	32,600	(21,108)
Acquisitions	67,820	0	27,453
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	4,563	4,609	4,753
Other	(48,784)	(25,042)	(44,947)
Transfers into Level 3	0	107,024	4,533
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	798,973	759,409	639,822
Asset- backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	13,177	12,982	14,049
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	(173)	708	(591)
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	0	0	0
Other	(134)	(513)	(476)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	12,870	13,177	12,982
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	74,104	73,369	71,581
Included in realized gains / losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	(2,523)	1,514	3,170
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	4,551	4,596	4,737
Other	(4,534)	(5,375)	(6,119)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	71,598	74,104	73,369
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	672,128	553,471	582,810
Included in realized gains / losses	1,579	396	698
Included in other comprehensive income	17,082	30,378	(23,687)
Acquisitions	67,820	0	27,453
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	12	13	16
Other	(44,116)	(19,154)	(38,352)
Transfers into Level 3	0	107,024	4,533
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 714,505	$ 672,128	$ 553,471

Investments - Unrealized Gains

Investments - Unrealized Gains or (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Changes in Unrealized Gains/Losses included in Other Comprehensive Income for Assets Held at the End of the Period	$ 14,386	$ 32,600	$ (21,108)
Asset- backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Changes in Unrealized Gains/Losses included in Other Comprehensive Income for Assets Held at the End of the Period	(173)	708	(591)
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Changes in Unrealized Gains/Losses included in Other Comprehensive Income for Assets Held at the End of the Period	(2,523)	1,514	3,170
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Changes in Unrealized Gains/Losses included in Other Comprehensive Income for Assets Held at the End of the Period	$ 17,082	$ 30,378	$ (23,687)

Investments - Quantitative Info

Investments - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 21,213,509	$ 18,907,147
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value		74,104
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	798,973	$ 759,409
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Asset- backed Securities
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 12,870
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Asset- backed Securities | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0541
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	0.0541
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 71,598
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	0.0635
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	0.0710
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	0.0698
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private placement fixed maturities
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 612,906
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	0.0104
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	0.0829
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	0.0229
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 101,599
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Present value | Market Quotes
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	1.0005
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporates | Present value | Market Quotes | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Measurement input	1.0005

Investments - Information about

Investments - Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2020issuerIssue	Dec. 31, 2019issuerIssue
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Less than Twelve Months	54	82
Twelve Months or Longer	24	51
Total	78	133
Fixed maturity, portfolio issues	1,900	1,633
Fixed portfolio, number of issuers | issuer	777	656

Investments - Schedule of Unrea

Investments - Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	$ 278,339	$ 411,509
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(10,088)	(5,846)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	216,892	384,305
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(37,445)	(77,389)
Fair Value	495,231	795,814
Total	(47,533)	(83,235)
Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	227,374	389,012
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(5,707)	(5,565)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	21,209	91,533
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(2,274)	(4,986)
Fair Value	248,583	480,545
Total	(7,981)	(10,551)
Investment Grade | U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	2,006	1,255
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(43)	(2)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	21,044
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	(294)
Fair Value	2,006	22,299
Total	(43)	(296)
Investment Grade | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	32,910	66,774
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(315)	(626)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	32,910	66,774
Total	(315)	(626)
Investment Grade | Foreign governments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	19,532	6,496
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(898)	(396)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	19,532	6,496
Total	(898)	(396)
Investment Grade | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	144,062	314,487
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(3,400)	(4,541)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	21,204	70,489
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(2,274)	(4,692)
Fair Value	165,266	384,976
Total	(5,674)	(9,233)
Investment Grade | Other asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	28,864	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(1,051)	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	5	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	28,869	0
Total	(1,051)	0
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	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	0	0
Total	0	0
Investment Grade | Financial | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	117,762	117,389
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(2,564)	(1,733)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	6,333	7,183
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(2,168)	(1,317)
Fair Value	124,095	124,572
Total	(4,732)	(3,050)
Investment Grade | Utilities | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	2,726	8,400
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(108)	(166)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value	2,726	8,400
Total	(108)	(166)
Investment Grade | Energy | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	1,692	52,312
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(8)	(1,058)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	14,871	1,833
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(106)	(115)
Fair Value	16,563	54,145
Total	(114)	(1,173)
Investment Grade | Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	21,882	136,386
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(720)	(1,584)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	61,473
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	(3,260)
Fair Value	21,882	197,859
Total	(720)	(4,844)
Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	50,965	22,497
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(4,381)	(281)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	195,683	292,772
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(35,171)	(72,403)
Fair Value	246,648	315,269
Total	(39,552)	(72,684)
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	50,965	22,497
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(4,381)	(281)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	173,329	266,077
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(23,575)	(64,848)
Fair Value	224,294	288,574
Total	(27,956)	(65,129)
Below Investment Grade | Other asset-backed securities
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	11,223	13,879
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(2,727)	(371)
Fair Value	11,223	13,879
Total	(2,727)	(371)
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	11,131	12,816
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(8,869)	(7,184)
Fair Value	11,131	12,816
Total	(8,869)	(7,184)
Below Investment Grade | Financial | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	6,822	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(36)	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	115,093	113,481
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(19,453)	(19,257)
Fair Value	121,915	113,481
Total	(19,489)	(19,257)
Below Investment Grade | Utilities | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	7,529
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	0	(135)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	14,985
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	0	(1,264)
Fair Value	0	22,514
Total	0	(1,399)
Below Investment Grade | Energy | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	18,432	14,968
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(757)	(146)
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	38,720	69,956
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(2,212)	(32,406)
Fair Value	57,152	84,924
Total	(2,969)	(32,552)
Below Investment Grade | Other corporate sectors | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	25,711	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than Twelve Months	(3,588)	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	19,516	67,655
Unrealized Loss, Twelve Months or Longer	(1,910)	(11,921)
Fair Value	45,227	67,655
Total	$ (5,498)	$ (11,921)

Investments - Fixed Maturities,

Investments - Fixed Maturities, Allowance for Credit Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance for credit losses beginning balance	$ 0
Allowance for credit losses ending balance	3,346	$ 0
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance for credit losses ending balance	3,346
Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance for credit losses beginning balance	0	0
Additions to allowance for which credit losses were not previously recorded	36,065	0
Additions (reductions) to allowance for fixed maturities that previously had an allowance	0	0
Reduction of allowance for which the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell or sold during the period	(32,719)	0
Allowance for credit losses ending balance	3,346	$ 0
Corporates | Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance for credit losses ending balance	$ 3,346

Investments - Concentrations of

Investments - Concentrations of Credit Risk - Investment Portfolio (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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	94.00%
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	3.00%
Corporates | Fixed maturities available for sale | Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	78.00%
Corporates | Fixed maturities available for sale | Below Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	4.00%
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions | Fixed maturities available for sale | Investment Grade
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	9.00%
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	2.00%
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 - Concentrations _2

Investments - Concentrations of Credit Risk - Industry Concentrations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Insurance	15.00%
Electric utilities	10.00%
Banks	7.00%
Oil and natural gas pipelines	6.00%
Chemicals	4.00%
Transportation	4.00%
Food	4.00%
Oil and natural gas exploration and production	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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Long-Term Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations	$ 546,981	$ 326,347
Commercial mortgage participations
Long-Term Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations	160,602	137,692
Other
Long-Term Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations	1,341	2,804
Partnership Interest - Fair Value Option | Investment funds
Long-Term Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations	$ 385,038	$ 185,851

Investments - Schedule of Inves

Investments - Schedule of Investment Funds (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Alternative Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 435,000
Investment funds
Alternative Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	385,038	$ 185,851
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	435,002
Investment funds | Commercial mortgage loans
Alternative Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	227,050	26,145
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 285,287
Redemption period	6 months
Expected life of investment	7 years
Investment funds | Opportunistic credit
Alternative Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	$ 157,461	159,399
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 0
Redemption period	36 months
Initial lock period	2 years
Investment funds | Infrastructure equity
Alternative Investment [Line Items]
Investment funds, fair value	$ 527	$ 307
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 149,715
Expected life of investment	12 years

Investments - Commercial Mortga

Investments - Commercial Mortgage Loan Participations (Details) - Commercial mortgage participations $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 164,107	$ 137,692
Carrying value, gross, percent	102.00%	100.00%
Allowance for credit losses	$ (3,505)	$ 0	$ 0
Allowance for credit losses, percent	(2.00%)	0.00%
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 160,602	$ 137,692
Carrying value, net, percent	100.00%	100.00%
Number of loans | loan	24
California
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 61,610	$ 35,412
Carrying value, gross, percent	38.00%	26.00%
Virginia
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 27,019	$ 25,448
Carrying value, gross, percent	17.00%	18.00%
New York
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 16,602	$ 21,117
Carrying value, gross, percent	10.00%	15.00%
Florida
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 12,420	$ 11,910
Carrying value, gross, percent	8.00%	9.00%
Pennsylvania
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 11,314	$ 4,211
Carrying value, gross, percent	7.00%	3.00%
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 35,142	$ 39,594
Carrying value, gross, percent	22.00%	29.00%
Office
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 36,153	$ 42,350
Carrying value, gross, percent	22.00%	31.00%
Mixed use
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 49,002	$ 27,501
Carrying value, gross, percent	31.00%	20.00%
Hospitality
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 22,605	$ 22,324
Carrying value, gross, percent	14.00%	16.00%
Industrial
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 17,900	$ 17,612
Carrying value, gross, percent	11.00%	13.00%
Retail
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 19,319	$ 17,318
Carrying value, gross, percent	12.00%	12.00%
Multi-family
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	$ 19,128	$ 10,587
Carrying value, gross, percent	12.00%	8.00%

Investments - Commercial Mort_2

Investments - Commercial Mortgage Loan Participations, Allowance for Credit Loss (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations	$ 546,981	$ 326,347
Shareholders' equity	8,771,092	7,294,307		$ 5,415,177	$ 6,231,421
Retained Earnings
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity	5,874,109	5,551,329		5,213,468	4,806,208
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		(454)	[1]	(392)	4,896
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		(454)	[1]	$ (392)	$ 4,896
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Adjustment for Commercial Loan Participations | Retained Earnings
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		(265)
Commercial mortgage participations
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations	$ 160,602	137,692
Number of loans | loan	24
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance for credit losses beginning balance	$ 0	0
Provision (reversal) for credit losses	3,170	0
Allowance for credit losses ending balance	3,505	0
Commercial mortgage participations | Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loan participations		(335)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance for credit losses beginning balance	$ 335	0
Allowance for credit losses ending balance		$ 335
[1]	Adoption of Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, on January 1, 2020. See further discussion in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies .

Investments - Commercial Mort_3

Investments - Commercial Mortgage Loan Participations, Internal Credit Assessment (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Less allowance for credit losses on individual loans	$ (1,002)
Commercial mortgage participations
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Number of Loans | loan	24
2020	$ 20,176
2019	29,951
2018	52,520
2017	61,460
Total commercial mortgage loans	164,107	$ 137,692
Less allowance for credit losses on the investment pool	(2,503)
Carrying value, net of valuation allowance	$ 160,602	$ 137,692
Commercial mortgage participations | Low
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Number of Loans | loan	17
2020	$ 20,176
2019	14,757
2018	33,132
2017	61,460
Total commercial mortgage loans	$ 129,525
Commercial mortgage participations | Medium
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Number of Loans | loan	4
2020	$ 0
2019	10,640
2018	7,796
2017	0
Total commercial mortgage loans	$ 18,436
Commercial mortgage participations | High
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Number of Loans | loan	3
2020	$ 0
2019	4,554
2018	11,592
2017	0
Total commercial mortgage loans	$ 16,146

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)Issue	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Issue	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity, portfolio issues | Issue	1,900	1,633
Gross unrealized losses	$ (47,533)	$ (83,235)
Increase (decrease) in gross unrealized losses	(35,700)
Fixed maturities, available for sale, allowance for credit losses	3,346	0
Fixed maturities available for sale—sold	$ 52,681	79,108	$ 32,021
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	9.00%
Concentration risk percentage	100.00%
Percentage of invested assets rated below investment grade	4.00%
Par value of investments rated below investment grade	$ 931,000
Amortized cost of investments rated below investment grade	841,000
Fair value of investments rated below investment grade	877,000
Securities, cash, and short-term investments, amortized cost	892,000	816,000
Securities, cash, and short-term investments, fair value	1,100,000	956,000
Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale, allowance for credit losses	$ 3,346	0	0
Investment portfolio | Credit Concentration Risk | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	82.00%
TEXAS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	18.00%
New York
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	10.00%
Michigan
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	8.00%
California
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	7.00%
Ohio
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	6.00%
Florida
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
State and municipal governments, percent of invested assets at fair value	5.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale, allowance for credit losses	$ 3,346
Fixed maturities available for sale—sold	52,681	79,108	32,021
Gross realized losses	$ 39,153	$ 3,674	$ 13,996
Concentration risk percentage	94.00%
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale, allowance for credit losses	$ 3,346
Fixed maturities available for sale | Corporates | Energy
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale, allowance for credit losses	$ 3,346

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Det

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of year				$ 4,341,941				$ 4,137,925	$ 4,341,941	$ 4,137,925	$ 3,958,063
Deferred during period:
Commissions									600,577	534,735	497,459
Other expenses									222,408	218,926	202,092
Total deferred									822,985	753,661	699,551
Foreign exchange adjustment									4,755	4,299	0
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses									1,533	0	5,549
Total additions									829,273	757,960	705,100
Amortized during period	$ (144,930)	$ (140,843)	$ (146,160)	$ (143,837)	$ (139,290)	$ (138,449)	$ (138,165)	$ (135,822)	(575,770)	(551,726)	(516,690)
Foreign exchange adjustment									0	0	(8,548)
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains									0	(2,218)	0
Total deductions									(575,770)	(553,944)	(525,238)
Balance at end of year	$ 4,595,444				$ 4,341,941				$ 4,595,444	$ 4,341,941	$ 4,137,925

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)leasestateguarantee	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 25, 2020USD ($)	Nov. 24, 2020USD ($)
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Retention limits per life	$ 500,000
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	1.20%
Life and accident and health insurance assumed as a percent of premium income	0.50%	0.60%	0.60%
Number of guarantee agreements | guarantee	3
Guaranty liabilities	$ 0
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 135,000,000	$ 150,000,000		$ 135,000,000	$ 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 [Member]
Obligation with Joint and Several Liability Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of guaranteed leasing agreements | lease	2
Remaining undiscounted payments under guaranteed lease agreements	$ 5,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Rental Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 4,674	$ 3,831	$ 3,959

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 5,307
2022	4,395
2023	3,321
2024	2,873
2025	1,896
Thereafter	$ 10,823

Commitments and Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Low-Income Housing Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 66,439
2022	73,451
2023	24,823
2024	10,347
2025	9,797
Thereafter	$ 228,542

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Incurred related to:
Total incurred	$ 570,107	$ 611,117	$ 552,630
Health premium
Activity in the Liability for Unpaid Health Claims
Beginning balance	163,808	154,528	146,865
Incurred related to:
Current year	584,936	612,305	555,647
Prior years	(14,829)	(1,188)	(3,017)
Paid related to:
Current year	442,127	470,426	424,633
Prior year	129,527	131,411	120,334
Total paid	571,654	601,837	544,967
Ending balance	$ 162,261	$ 163,808	$ 154,528

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Policy claims and other benefits payable:
Policy claims and other benefits payable	$ 399,507	$ 365,402
Life insurance
Policy claims and other benefits payable:
Policy claims and other benefits payable	237,246	201,594
Health premium
Policy claims and other benefits payable:
Policy claims and other benefits payable	$ 162,261	$ 163,808

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current income tax expense (benefit)	$ 129,647	$ 134,948	$ 134,626
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	35,264	35,449	27,535
Income tax expense (benefit)	164,911	170,397	162,161
Shareholders’ equity:
Other comprehensive income (loss)	314,845	405,472	(293,678)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 479,756	$ 575,869	$ (131,517)

Income Taxes - Summary of Effec

Income Taxes - Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Expected federal income tax expense (benefit)	$ 188,304	$ 195,569	$ 181,371
Tax reform adjustment	0	0	(798)
Low income housing investments	(11,913)	(11,605)	(12,240)
Share-based awards	(5,013)	(11,780)	(6,450)
Tax-exempt investment income	(5,830)	(3,192)	(1,230)
Other	(637)	1,405	1,508
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 164,911	$ 170,397	$ 162,161
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Expected federal income tax expense (benefit)	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Tax reform adjustment	0	0	(0.001)
Low income housing investments	(1.30%)	(1.20%)	(1.40%)
Share-based awards	(0.60%)	(1.30%)	(0.70%)
Tax-exempt investment income	(0.60%)	(0.30%)	(0.10%)
Other	(0.10%)	0.10%	0.10%
Income tax expense (benefit)	18.40%	18.30%	18.80%

Income Taxes - Significant Port

Income Taxes - Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Fixed maturity investments	$ 4,279	$ 6,161
Carryover of tax losses	5,534	7,827
Total gross deferred tax assets	9,813	13,988
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gains	808,071	493,174
Employee and agent compensation	88,012	81,174
Deferred acquisition costs	688,034	658,457
Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims	257,640	242,124
Other liabilities	7,209	26,271
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	1,848,966	1,501,200
Net deferred tax liability	$ 1,839,153	$ 1,487,212

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 26,400,000
Operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration	22,400,000
Operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration	4,000,000
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	0
Uncertain tax positions	0	$ 0	$ 0
Penalties and interest expense (income)	0	55,000	$ 0
Amount of accrued interest or penalties	$ 0	$ 0

Postretirement Benefits - Total

Postretirement Benefits - Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plans	$ 4,855	$ 4,817	$ 4,068
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$ 33,826	$ 24,134	$ 32,593

Postretirement Benefits - Addit

Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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	$ 21.9	$ 21.6	$ 52.8
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	$ 21.9	$ 21.6	$ 52.8

Postretirement Benefits - Pensi

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Assets by Components at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment funds, unfunded commitments	$ 435,000
Pension plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 529,532	$ 468,763	$ 392,672
Percentage of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Investment funds, percentage ownership by pension plan	1.00%	1.00%
Expected life of investment	4 years	5 years
Investment funds, unfunded commitments		$ 4,100
Pension plan | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 513,219	$ 456,496
Percentage of plan assets	97.00%	97.00%
Pension plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 273,239	$ 222,466
Pension plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	239,980	234,030
Pension plan | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension plan | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 16,313	$ 12,267
Percentage of plan assets	3.00%	3.00%
Pension plan | Total corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 209,603	$ 205,501
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	40.00%	44.00%
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Total corporate bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	209,603	205,501
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Financial
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 52,252	$ 51,111
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	10.00%	11.00%
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Financial | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	52,252	51,111
Pension plan | Financial | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Pension plan | Utilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 45,888	$ 42,758
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	9.00%	9.00%
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Utilities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	45,888	42,758
Pension plan | Utilities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Pension plan | Energy
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 22,480	$ 21,907
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	4.00%	5.00%
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Energy | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	22,480	21,907
Pension plan | Energy | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Pension plan | Other corporates
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 88,983	$ 89,725
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	17.00%	19.00%
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Other corporates | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	88,983	89,725
Pension plan | Other corporates | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Pension plan | Exchange traded funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 245,170	$ 207,176
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	46.00%	44.00%
Pension plan | 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	$ 245,170	$ 207,176
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Other bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 258	$ 251
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	0.00%	0.00%
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Other bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	258	251
Pension plan | Other bonds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Pension plan | Guaranteed annuity contract
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 30,119	$ 28,278
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	6.00%	6.00%
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Guaranteed annuity contract | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	30,119	28,278
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 20,960	$ 8,414
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	4.00%	2.00%
Pension plan | 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	$ 20,960	$ 8,414
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | 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
Pension plan | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	$ 7,109	$ 6,876
Percentage of total plan assets, within plan asset category	1.00%	1.00%
Pension plan | 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	$ 7,109	$ 6,876
Pension plan | Other | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, within plan asset category	0	0
Pension plan | 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Premiums paid for insurance coverage	$ 2,480	$ 2,394	$ 2,997
Total investments:
COLI	51,361	47,733
Exchange traded funds	75,390	65,585
Total investments of SERP	$ 126,751	$ 113,318

Postretirement Benefits - Pen_2

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 763,313	$ 665,207
ABO	683,579	601,310
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Project Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Funded benefit pension plans PBO	667,753	578,860
Funded benefit pension plans fair value of plan assets	529,532	468,763
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Funded benefit pension plans ABO	594,510	520,264
Funded benefit pension plans fair value of plan assets	529,532	468,763
Funded benefit pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	763,313	665,207	$ 556,199
Qualified Plan | Funded benefit pension plans | Funded defined benefit pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	667,753	578,860
ABO	594,510	520,264
Nonqualified Plan | SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	95,560	86,347
ABO	$ 89,069	$ 81,046

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.92%	3.49%
Rate of compensation increase	3.97%	4.00%
Discount rate	3.49%	4.37%	3.75%
Expected long-term returns	6.67%	6.72%	6.72%
Rate of compensation increase	3.97%	4.00%	4.37%

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 33,826	$ 24,134	$ 32,593
Funded benefit pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	24,461	19,929	21,092
Interest cost	22,825	23,827	22,303
Expected return on assets	(29,561)	(27,862)	(25,547)
Prior service cost	632	8,211	15,003
Recognition of actuarial gain (loss)	15,469	29	(258)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 33,826	$ 24,134	$ 32,593

Postretirement Benefits - Analy

Postretirement Benefits - Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at January 1	$ (182,233)	$ (150,071)	$ (193,380)
Prior service cost (credit)	632	631	535
Net actuarial (gain) loss	16,000	7,843	14,560
Total amortization	16,632	8,474	15,095
Plan amendments	0	0	(2,377)
Experience gain (loss)	(43,169)	(40,636)	30,591
Balance at December 31	(208,770)	(182,233)	(150,071)
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Impact on Other Comprehensive Income
Total amortization	$ 302	$ 265	$ 92

Postretirement Benefits - Recon

Postretirement Benefits - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Pension Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Changes in PBO:
PBO at beginning of year	$ 665,207
PBO at end of year	763,313	$ 665,207
Pension plan
Changes in PBO:
PBO at beginning of year	665,207	556,199
Service cost	24,461	19,929	$ 21,092
Interest cost	22,825	23,827	22,303
Actuarial loss (gain)	74,006	88,053
Benefits paid	(23,186)	(22,801)
PBO at end of year	763,313	665,207	556,199
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	468,763	392,672
Return on assets	62,104	77,290
Contributions	21,851	21,602
Benefits paid	(23,186)	(22,801)
Fair value at end of year	529,532	468,763	$ 392,672
Funded status at year end	$ (233,781)	$ (196,444)

Postretirement Benefits - Sched

Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ (208,770)	$ (182,233)	$ (150,071)	$ (193,380)
Pension plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net loss (gain)	200,465	174,470
Prior service cost	4,713	5,345
Net amounts recognized at year end	$ 205,178	$ 179,815

Postretirement Benefits - Estim

Postretirement Benefits - Estimated Future Payments for Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) - Pension plan $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	$ 24,477
2022	26,494
2023	28,783
2024	30,960
2025	32,067
2026-2030	$ 187,386

Supplemental Disclosures of C_3

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Noncash Transactions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$ 35,892	$ 44,843	$ 39,792
Commitments for low-income housing interests	161,503	51,978	50,883
Exchanges of fixed maturity investments	219,807	243,156	193,449
Net unsettled security trades	$ 1,669	$ 8,421	$ 39,851

Supplemental Disclosures of C_4

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Amount Paid (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 83,518	$ 81,723	$ 83,518
Income taxes paid	$ 76,701	$ 101,982	$ 91,510

Debt - Selected Information abo

Debt - Selected Information about Debt Issues (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	$ 1,690,612,000
Less current maturity of term loan, par value	0
Total short-term debt, par value	255,000,000
Total debt, par value	1,945,612,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	(22,726,000)
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, current	(82,000)
Total debt, unamortized discount & issuance costs,	(22,808,000)
Book Value	1,667,886,000	$ 1,358,363,000
Less current maturity of term loan, book value	0	9,375,000
Total long-term debt, book value	1,667,886,000	1,348,988,000
Total short-term debt, book value	254,918,000	298,738,000
Total debt, book value	1,922,804,000	1,647,726,000
Fair Value	1,871,754,000
Less current maturity of term loan, fair value	0
Total long-term debt, fair value	1,871,754,000	1,473,364,000
Total short-term debt, fair value	254,918,000
Total debt, fair value	2,126,672,000
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt, par value	255,000,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, current	(82,000)
Total short-term debt, book value	254,918,000	289,363,000
Total short-term debt, fair value	$ 254,918,000
Notes, Due 5/15/23
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	7.875%
Par Value	$ 165,612,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	(658,000)
Book Value	164,954,000	164,713,000
Fair Value	$ 192,020,000
Senior Notes Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	3.80%
Par Value	$ 150,000,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	(586,000)
Book Value	149,414,000	149,089,000
Fair Value	158,081,000
Senior Notes Due 2022 | Consolidation eliminations | Subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	150,000,000
Book Value	$ 150,000,000
Senior Notes, Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.55%
Par Value	$ 550,000,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	(5,672,000)
Book Value	544,328,000	543,735,000
Fair Value	$ 659,599,000
Senior Notes, Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	2.15%
Par Value	$ 400,000,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	(4,843,000)
Book Value	395,157,000	0
Fair Value	$ 405,384,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2056
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	6.125%
Par Value	$ 300,000,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	(9,348,000)
Book Value	290,652,000	290,584,000
Fair Value	$ 325,800,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2057
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	5.275%
Par Value	$ 125,000,000
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	(1,619,000)
Book Value	123,381,000	123,367,000
Fair Value	130,870,000
Term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	0
Less current maturity of term loan, par value	0
Unamortized discount & issuance costs, noncurrent	0
Book Value	0	86,875,000
Less current maturity of term loan, book value	0	$ 9,375,000
Fair Value	0
Less current maturity of term loan, fair value	$ 0

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Ne

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Next Five Years (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 255,000
2022	150,000
2023	165,612
2024	0
2025	0
Thereafter	$ 1,375,000

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail)

Sep. 03, 2020USD ($)

Aug. 26, 2020USD ($)

Aug. 24, 2020USD ($)extensionOption

Aug. 21, 2020USD ($)

Aug. 17, 2020USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2020USD ($)

Apr. 15, 2020USD ($)

Apr. 09, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from issuance of debt

$ 700,000,000

$ 0

$ 550,000,000

Repayment of notes

$ 386,875,000

$ 6,875,000

$ 327,762,000

Write off of unamortized issue expenses

$ 634,000

Senior notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from issuance of debt

$ 395,000,000

Line of Credit

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity

$ 750,000,000

Potential maximum borrowing capacity

$ 1,000,000,000

Number of extension options | extensionOption

2

Extension term

1 year

Term loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from issuance of debt

$ 299,100,000

Maximum borrowing capacity

$ 300,000,000

Repayment of notes

$ 150,000,000

$ 150,000,000

Debt instrument term

364 days

Senior Notes due August 15, 2030 | Senior notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, face amount

$ 50,000,000

$ 350,000,000

Interest rate

2.15%

Proceeds from issuance of debt

$ 49,300,000

$ 345,800,000

Term loan due 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, face amount

$ 100,000,000

Repayment of notes

$ 82,500,000

Debt instrument term

5 years

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (D

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 24, 2020
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Annualized interest rate	0.27%	2.04%
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 135,000	$ 150,000		$ 135,000	$ 150,000
Remaining amount available under credit line	360,000	310,000
Average balance outstanding during period	$ 318,409	$ 288,684	$ 368,228
Daily-weighted average interest rate (annualized)	1.50%	2.62%	2.40%
Maximum daily amount outstanding during period	$ 482,000	$ 385,000	$ 525,990
Short-term Debt
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$ 255,000	$ 290,000

Shareholders' Equity - Common S

Shareholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, issued, beginning balance (in shares)	117,218,183
Treasury stock, beginning balance (in shares)	(9,497,940)
Grants of restricted stock (in shares)	161,909	171,974	177,493
Vesting of performance shares (in shares)	282,552	338,873	191,641
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options (in shares)	936,289	1,810,559	897,622
Common stock, issued, ending balance (in shares)	113,218,183	117,218,183
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares)	(9,420,699)	(9,497,940)
Performance Shares
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants of restricted stock (in shares)	151,200	156,500	159,000
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, issued, beginning balance (in shares)	117,218,183	121,218,183	124,218,183
Treasury stock, beginning balance (in shares)	(9,497,940)	(10,525,147)	(9,625,104)
Grants of restricted stock (in shares)	4,548	8,840	10,805
Forfeitures of restricted stock (in shares)			(7,500)
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options (in shares)	936,289	1,810,559	897,622
Treasury stock acquired (in shares)	(5,135,439)	(5,103,591)	(4,950,868)
Retirement of treasury stock (in shares)	4,000,000	4,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, issued, ending balance (in shares)	113,218,183	117,218,183	121,218,183
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares)	(9,420,699)	(9,497,940)	(10,525,147)
Common Stock | Performance Shares
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Vesting of performance shares (in shares)	271,843	311,399	149,898

Shareholders' Equity - Share Re

Shareholders' Equity - Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Globe Life Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares Acquired (in shares)	4,459	3,932	4,406
Total Cost	$ 380,112	$ 350,080	$ 371,794
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 85.24	$ 89.04	$ 84.38
Share Repurchase for Dilution Purposes
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares Acquired (in shares)	676	1,209	571
Total Cost	$ 63,754	$ 109,489	$ 49,955
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 94.28	$ 90.52	$ 87.54

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to parent company	$ 486,000	$ 480,000	$ 448,000
Maximum amount of dividends expected to be available from subsidiaries without regulatory approval during next year	435,000
Restricted net assets	1,000,000
Retained earnings restricted by lenders' covenants	4,200,000
Retained earnings	$ 5,874,109	$ 5,551,329

Shareholders' Equity - Reconcil

Shareholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	106,075,267	109,213,524	112,872,581
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding (in shares)	1,149,327	2,167,726	2,376,372
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	107,224,594	111,381,250	115,248,953
Antidilutive shares (in shares)	2,476,019	21,556	1,161,521

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	Feb. 24, 2021	Feb. 26, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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)				77,167	71,006	102,116
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				3 years
Final settlement of shares		271,843	311,399
Performance Shares | Subsequent Event
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Final settlement of shares	210,155
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				227,000	313,000
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, 2020
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 | 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 | 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, 2020shares	Dec. 31, 2019shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Balance at January 1 (in shares)	7,167,718	9,422,760	2,964,320
Approval of Globe Life Inc. 2018 Incentive Plan (in shares)	0	0	8,984,000
Cancellation of available shares from prior plans (in shares)	0	0	(184,000)
Expired and forfeited during year (in shares)	38,820	20,800	41,317
Balance at December 31 (in shares)	5,984,418	7,167,718	9,422,760
Stock Options
Activity by Share-based Payment Award
Options granted during year (in shares)	(1,127,610)	(1,149,542)	(1,262,037)
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)	(94,510)	(1,126,300)	(1,120,840)
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 35,892,000	$ 44,843,000	$ 39,792,000
Tax benefit recognized	12,550,000	21,197,000	14,806,000
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation	$ 28,125	$ 34,723
Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years)	7 months 24 days	9 months 10 days

Stock-Based Compensation - Su_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Options Outstanding (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	7,111,231	6,724,358	7,203,765	6,753,801
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 6 months 25 days	4 years 9 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 78.28	$ 70.07	$ 61.72	$ 53.59
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	3,389,399	2,999,788	3,393,090
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 67.19	$ 57.27	$ 48.18
$29.59 - $76.37
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)	$ 76.37
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,736,807
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 9 months 7 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 51.29
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	1,598,580
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 51.34
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)	1,372,680
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 1 month 9 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 77.26
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	1,142,879
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)	1,327,447
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	5 years 1 month 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 82.56
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	33,217
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 82.69
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)	1,347,698
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	5 years 2 months 26 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 87.64
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	573,454
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 87.70
100.74 - 105.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	100.74
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 105.56
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,326,599
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	6 years 1 month 28 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 100.85
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	41,269
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 104.39
$29.59 - $105.56
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)	$ 105.56
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	7,111,231
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 6 months 25 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 78.28
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares)	3,389,399
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 67.19

Stock-Based Compensation - An_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Option Activity (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Options
Options Outstanding-beginning of year (in shares)	6,724,358	7,203,765	6,753,801
Options Exercised (in shares)	(936,289)	(1,810,559)	(897,622)
Options Expired and forfeited (in shares)	(3,437)	(21,250)	(41,317)
Options Outstanding-end of year (in shares)	7,111,231	6,724,358	7,203,765
Options Exercisable at end of year (in shares)	3,389,399	2,999,788	3,393,090
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding-beginning of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 70.07	$ 61.72	$ 53.59
Options exercised in the period - weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	51.37	45.93	40.21
Options expired and forfeited in the period - weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	75.27	82.89	70.90
Outstanding-end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	78.28	70.07	61.72
Exercisable at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 67.19	$ 57.27	$ 48.18
7-year term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	7 years
Options
Options Granted (in shares)	1,326,599	1,352,402	845,773
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 100.85	$ 82.43	$ 87.63
10-year term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contract Period	10 years
Options
Options Granted (in shares)	0	0	543,130
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 87.60

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 6 months 25 days	4 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 126,467	$ 236,546
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	3 years 5 months 1 day	3 years 3 months 7 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 94,527	$ 143,935

Stock-Based Compensation - Sele

Stock-Based Compensation - Selected Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 14.64	$ 14.20	$ 15.65
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 40,517	$ 82,022	$ 42,517
Cash received from options exercised	48,093	83,163	36,091
Actual tax benefit received	$ 8,508	$ 17,225	$ 8,929

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 6 months 25 days	4 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 126,467	$ 236,546
Unvested Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	3,721,832	3,724,570
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 88.37	$ 80.39
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	5 years 7 months 13 days	6 years 14 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 31,941	$ 92,611

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants (in shares)	161,909	171,974	177,493
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants (in shares)	4,548	8,840	10,805
Price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 105.56	$ 76.37	$ 88.19
Aggregate value	$ 480	$ 675	$ 953
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)	6,161	6,634	7,688
Price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 103.32	$ 77.50	$ 89.15
Aggregate value	$ 637	$ 514	$ 685
Percent vested	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants (in shares)	151,200	156,500	159,000
Price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 100.74	$ 82.56	$ 87.60
Aggregate value	$ 15,232	$ 12,921	$ 13,928
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	716,542	764,629	599,362
Grants (in shares)	161,909	171,974	177,493
Additional performance shares	(65,473)	118,812	179,415
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(282,552)	(338,873)	(191,641)
Forfeitures (in shares)	(11,450)	0	0
Ending Balance (in shares)	518,976	716,542	764,629
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)	0	12,000	35,250
Grants (in shares)	0	0	0
Additional performance shares	0	0	0
Restriction lapses (in shares)	0	(12,000)	(23,250)
Forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	0
Ending Balance (in shares)	0	0	12,000
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)	716,542	752,629	564,112
Grants (in shares)	151,200	156,500	159,000
Additional performance shares	(65,473)	118,812	179,415
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(271,843)	(311,399)	(149,898)
Forfeitures (in shares)	(11,450)	0	0
Ending Balance (in shares)	518,976	716,542	752,629
Directors Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)	0	0	0
Grants (in shares)	4,548	8,840	10,805
Additional performance shares	0	0	0
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(4,548)	(8,840)	(10,805)
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)	6,161	6,634	7,688
Additional performance shares	0	0	0
Restriction lapses (in shares)	(6,161)	(6,634)	(7,688)
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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)	$ 0
Grants (in dollars per share)	0
Estimated additional performance shares (in dollars per share)	0
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	0
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	0
Grant-date fair value per share, end of year (in dollars per share)	0	$ 0
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)	75.05
Grants (in dollars per share)	100.74
Estimated additional performance shares (in dollars per share)	(40.99)
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(77.26)
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	(77.26)
Grant-date fair value per share, end of year (in dollars per share)	90.13	75.05
Directors 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)	0
Grants (in dollars per share)	105.56	76.37	$ 88.19
Estimated additional performance shares (in dollars per share)	0
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(105.56)
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	0
Grant-date fair value per share, end of year (in dollars per share)	0	0
Directors Restricted Stock Units
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)	0
Grants (in dollars per share)	105.56
Estimated additional performance shares (in dollars per share)	0
Restriction lapses (in dollars per share)	(105.56)
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	0
Grant-date fair value per share, end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0

Business Segments - Segment Pre

Business Segments - Segment Premium Income by Distribution Channel and Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments | segment									4
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount	$ 968,551	$ 961,817	$ 953,702	$ 929,835	$ 906,684	$ 899,993	$ 897,484	$ 890,973	$ 3,813,905	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906
% of Total									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 2,672,804	$ 2,517,784	$ 2,406,555
% of Total									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 1,141,097	$ 1,077,346	$ 1,015,339
% of Total									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 4	$ 4	$ 12
% of Total									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
American Income
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 1,363,460	$ 1,259,942	$ 1,174,646
% of Total									36.00%	35.00%	34.00%
American Income | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 1,257,726	$ 1,160,495	$ 1,081,333
% of Total									47.00%	46.00%	45.00%
American Income | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 105,734	$ 99,447	$ 93,313
% of Total									9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
American Income | Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
% of Total									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Direct to Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 983,486	$ 933,100	$ 905,232
% of Total									26.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Direct to Consumer | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 906,959	$ 855,543	$ 828,935
% of Total									34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Direct to Consumer | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 76,527	$ 77,557	$ 76,297
% of Total									7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Direct to Consumer | Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
% of Total									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Liberty National
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 482,732	$ 475,129	$ 470,256
% of Total									13.00%	13.00%	14.00%
Liberty National | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 293,897	$ 285,551	$ 278,878
% of Total									11.00%	11.00%	12.00%
Liberty National | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 188,835	$ 189,578	$ 191,378
% of Total									16.00%	18.00%	19.00%
Liberty National | Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
% of Total									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
United American
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 462,672	$ 427,157	$ 392,539
% of Total									12.00%	12.00%	12.00%
United American | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 9,688	$ 10,571	$ 11,451
% of Total									0.00%	1.00%	1.00%
United American | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 452,980	$ 416,582	$ 381,076
% of Total									40.00%	39.00%	38.00%
United American | Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 4	$ 4	$ 12
% of Total									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Family Heritage
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 321,274	$ 298,012	$ 276,776
% of Total									8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Family Heritage | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 4,253	$ 3,830	$ 3,501
% of Total									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Family Heritage | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 317,021	$ 294,182	$ 273,275
% of Total									28.00%	27.00%	27.00%
Family Heritage | Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
% of Total									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 200,281	$ 201,794	$ 202,457
% of Total									5.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Other | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 200,281	$ 201,794	$ 202,457
% of Total									8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Other | Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
% of Total									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Other | Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
% of Total									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue:
Premium	$ 968,551	$ 961,817	$ 953,702	$ 929,835	$ 906,684	$ 899,993	$ 897,484	$ 890,973	$ 3,813,905	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906
Net investment income	235,071	231,432	231,568	228,991	227,456	228,905	227,425	226,673	927,062	910,459	882,512
Other income									1,325	1,318	1,137
Total revenue									4,742,292	4,506,911	4,305,555
Expenses:
Policy benefits	663,123	650,976	650,816	607,969	594,538	585,692	589,362	587,757	2,572,884	2,357,349	2,275,242
Required interest on reserves									0	0	0
Required interest on DAC									0	0	0
Amortization of acquisition costs	144,930	140,843	146,160	143,837	139,290	138,449	138,165	135,822	575,770	551,726	516,690
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									304,841	298,047	278,487
Insurance administrative expense									254,932	249,079	227,531
Parent expense									10,214	10,903	12,262
Stock-based compensation expense									35,892	44,843	39,792
Interest expense									86,704	84,306	90,076
Total benefits and expenses									3,841,237	3,596,253	3,440,080
Subtotal									901,055	910,658	865,475
Non-operating items									4,308	9,401	5,168
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									905,363	920,059	870,643
Realized gain (loss)—investments									(3,737)	20,621	9,274
Realized loss on redemption of debt									(634)	0	(11,078)
Administrative settlements										(400)	(3,590)
Legal proceedings									(3,275)	(8,358)
Non-operating expenses									(1,033)	(643)	(1,578)
Income before income taxes	$ 249,984	$ 231,538	$ 212,241	$ 202,921	$ 227,088	$ 247,330	$ 228,760	$ 228,101	896,684	931,279	863,671
American Income
Revenue:
Premium									1,363,460	1,259,942	1,174,646
Direct to Consumer
Revenue:
Premium									983,486	933,100	905,232
Liberty National
Revenue:
Premium									482,732	475,129	470,256
United American
Revenue:
Premium									462,672	427,157	392,539
Other
Revenue:
Premium									200,281	201,794	202,457
Family Heritage
Revenue:
Premium									321,274	298,012	276,776
Life
Revenue:
Premium									2,672,804	2,517,784	2,406,555
Life | American Income
Revenue:
Premium									1,257,726	1,160,495	1,081,333
Life | Direct to Consumer
Revenue:
Premium									906,959	855,543	828,935
Life | Liberty National
Revenue:
Premium									293,897	285,551	278,878
Life | United American
Revenue:
Premium									9,688	10,571	11,451
Life | Other
Revenue:
Premium									200,281	201,794	202,457
Life | Family Heritage
Revenue:
Premium									4,253	3,830	3,501
Health
Revenue:
Premium									1,141,097	1,077,346	1,015,339
Health | American Income
Revenue:
Premium									105,734	99,447	93,313
Health | Direct to Consumer
Revenue:
Premium									76,527	77,557	76,297
Health | Liberty National
Revenue:
Premium									188,835	189,578	191,378
Health | United American
Revenue:
Premium									452,980	416,582	381,076
Health | Other
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Health | Family Heritage
Revenue:
Premium									317,021	294,182	273,275
Annuity
Revenue:
Premium									4	4	12
Annuity | American Income
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Annuity | Direct to Consumer
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Annuity | Liberty National
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Annuity | United American
Revenue:
Premium									4	4	12
Annuity | Other
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Annuity | Family Heritage
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Operating Segments | Life
Revenue:
Premium									2,672,804	2,517,784	2,406,555
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									2,672,804	2,517,784	2,406,555
Expenses:
Policy benefits									1,809,373	1,638,053	1,591,790
Required interest on reserves									(698,112)	(666,168)	(636,040)
Required interest on DAC									210,152	202,502	194,297
Amortization of acquisition costs									463,586	436,881	414,200
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									212,859	203,052	190,007
Insurance administrative expense									0	0	0
Parent expense									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total benefits and expenses									1,997,858	1,814,320	1,754,254
Subtotal									674,946	703,464	652,301
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									674,946	703,464	652,301
Operating Segments | Health
Revenue:
Premium									1,141,097	1,077,346	1,015,339
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									1,141,097	1,077,346	1,015,339
Expenses:
Policy benefits									733,481	687,764	649,188
Required interest on reserves									(93,475)	(87,289)	(83,243)
Required interest on DAC									26,586	25,435	24,412
Amortization of acquisition costs									110,177	112,825	100,376
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									91,959	94,973	88,553
Insurance administrative expense									0	0	0
Parent expense									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total benefits and expenses									868,728	833,708	779,286
Subtotal									272,369	243,638	236,053
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									272,369	243,638	236,053
Operating Segments | Annuity
Revenue:
Premium									4	4	12
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									4	4	12
Expenses:
Policy benefits									30,030	31,532	34,264
Required interest on reserves									(41,413)	(43,522)	(47,357)
Required interest on DAC									328	494	589
Amortization of acquisition costs									2,007	2,020	2,114
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs									23	22	26
Insurance administrative expense									0	0	0
Parent expense									0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total benefits and expenses									(9,025)	(9,454)	(10,364)
Subtotal									9,029	9,458	10,376
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									9,029	9,458	10,376
Operating Segments | Investment
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Net investment income									927,062	910,459	882,512
Other income									0	0	0
Total revenue									927,062	910,459	882,512
Expenses:
Policy benefits									0	0	0
Required interest on reserves									833,000	796,979	766,640
Required interest on DAC									(237,066)	(228,431)	(219,298)
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									86,704	84,306	90,076
Total benefits and expenses									682,638	652,854	637,418
Subtotal									244,424	257,605	245,094
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									244,424	257,605	245,094
Corporate & Other
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									1,325	1,318	1,236
Total revenue									1,325	1,318	1,236
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									250,947	240,321	223,941
Parent expense									9,891	10,260	10,684
Stock-based compensation expense									35,892	44,843	39,792
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total benefits and expenses									296,730	295,424	274,417
Subtotal									(295,405)	(294,106)	(273,181)
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									(295,405)	(294,106)	(273,181)
Adjustments
Revenue:
Premium									0	0	0
Net investment income									0	0	0
Other income									0	0	(99)
Total revenue									0	0	(99)
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	(99)
Insurance administrative expense									3,985	8,758	3,590
Parent expense									323	643	1,578
Stock-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Total benefits and expenses									4,308	9,401	5,069
Subtotal									(4,308)	(9,401)	(5,168)
Non-operating items									4,308	9,401	5,168
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Business Segments - Assets by S

Business Segments - Assets by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	$ 22,547,498	$ 19,923,204
Accrued investment income	248,991	245,129
Deferred acquisition costs	4,595,444	4,341,941	$ 4,137,925	$ 3,958,063
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	1,213,207	1,025,595
Total assets	29,046,731	25,977,460
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	1,213,207	1,025,595
Total assets	1,213,207	1,025,595
Life | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	3,982,158	3,768,797
Goodwill	309,609	309,609
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	4,291,767	4,078,406
Health | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	610,071	569,126
Goodwill	131,982	131,982
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	742,053	701,108
Annuity | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	3,215	4,018
Goodwill	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	3,215	4,018
Investment | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash and invested assets	22,547,498	19,923,204
Accrued investment income	248,991	245,129
Deferred acquisition costs	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	$ 22,796,489	$ 20,168,333

Business Segments - Liabilities

Business Segments - Liabilities by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 15,243,536	$ 14,508,134
Unearned and advance premiums	61,728	63,709
Policy claims and other benefits payable	399,507	365,402
Debt	1,922,804	1,647,726
Other	2,648,064	2,098,182
Total	20,275,639	18,683,153
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	2,648,064	2,098,182
Total	2,648,064	2,098,182
Life | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	12,008,396	11,403,078
Unearned and advance premiums	18,968	17,701
Policy claims and other benefits payable	237,246	201,594
Debt	0	0
Other	0	0
Total	12,264,610	11,622,373
Health | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	2,172,141	2,006,424
Unearned and advance premiums	42,760	46,008
Policy claims and other benefits payable	162,261	163,808
Debt	0	0
Other	0	0
Total	2,377,162	2,216,240
Annuity | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,062,999	1,098,632
Unearned and advance premiums	0	0
Policy claims and other benefits payable	0	0
Debt	0	0
Other	0	0
Total	1,062,999	1,098,632
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	1,922,804	1,647,726
Other	0	0
Total	$ 1,922,804	$ 1,647,726

Selected Quarterly Data (Unau_3

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Premium income	$ 968,551	$ 961,817	$ 953,702	$ 929,835	$ 906,684	$ 899,993	$ 897,484	$ 890,973	$ 3,813,905	$ 3,595,134	$ 3,421,906
Net investment income	235,071	231,432	231,568	228,991	227,456	228,905	227,425	226,673	927,062	910,459	882,512
Realized gains (losses)	25,015	1,501	(4,790)	(26,097)	2,195	11,943	5,154	1,329	(4,371)	20,621	(1,804)
Total revenue	1,228,941	1,195,042	1,180,884	1,133,054	1,136,576	1,141,279	1,130,461	1,119,216	4,737,921	4,527,532	4,303,751
Policyholder benefits	663,123	650,976	650,816	607,969	594,538	585,692	589,362	587,757	2,572,884	2,357,349	2,275,242
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	144,930	140,843	146,160	143,837	139,290	138,449	138,165	135,822	575,770	551,726	516,690
Pretax income from continuing operations	249,984	231,538	212,241	202,921	227,088	247,330	228,760	228,101	896,684	931,279	863,671
Income from continuing operations	204,240	188,945	173,048	165,540	187,061	201,818	186,609	185,394	731,773	760,882	701,510
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0	0	0	(43)	(49)	0	(92)	(44)
Net income	$ 204,240	$ 188,945	$ 173,048	$ 165,540	$ 187,061	$ 201,818	$ 186,566	$ 185,345	$ 731,773	$ 760,790	$ 701,466
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.96	$ 1.78	$ 1.63	$ 1.54	$ 1.73	$ 1.85	$ 1.70	$ 1.68	$ 6.90	$ 6.97	$ 6.22
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	1.96	1.78	1.63	1.54	1.73	1.85	1.70	1.68	6.90	6.97	6.22
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	1.93	1.76	1.62	1.52	1.69	1.82	1.67	1.65	6.82	6.83	6.09
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.93	$ 1.76	$ 1.62	$ 1.52	$ 1.69	$ 1.82	$ 1.67	$ 1.65	$ 6.82	$ 6.83	$ 6.09

Schedule II. Condensed Financ_2

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Short-term investments	$ 107,782	$ 38,285
Total investments	22,452,651	19,847,271
Cash	94,847	75,933
Other assets	739,027	583,933
Total assets	29,046,731	25,977,460
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	254,918	298,738
Long-term debt	1,667,886	1,348,988
Other liabilities	716,373	525,068
Total liabilities	20,275,639	18,683,153
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	113,218	117,218
Additional paid-in-capital	527,435	531,554
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,029,244	1,844,830
Retained earnings	5,874,109	5,551,329
Treasury stock	(772,914)	(750,624)
Total shareholders' equity	8,771,092	7,294,307	$ 5,415,177	$ 6,231,421
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	29,046,731	25,977,460
Parent Company
Assets:
Long-term investments	32,861	28,728
Short-term investments	19,300	3,401
Total investments	52,161	32,129
Cash	1,644	873
Investment in affiliates	10,526,982	9,020,073
Due from affiliates	322,278	96,129
Taxes receivable from affiliates	51,041	50,302
Other assets	184,588	160,723
Total assets	11,138,694	9,360,229
Liabilities:
Short-term debt	254,918	298,738
Long-term debt	1,817,798	1,498,851
Due to affiliates	0	3,532
Other liabilities	294,886	264,801
Total liabilities	2,367,602	2,065,922
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	351	351
Common stock	113,218	117,218
Additional paid-in-capital	877,946	882,065
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,029,244	1,844,830
Retained earnings	5,874,109	5,551,329
Treasury stock	(1,123,776)	(1,101,486)
Total shareholders' equity	8,771,092	7,294,307
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 11,138,694	$ 9,360,229

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income	$ 235,071	$ 231,432	$ 231,568	$ 228,991	$ 227,456	$ 228,905	$ 227,425	$ 226,673	$ 927,062	$ 910,459	$ 882,512
Realized gains (losses)	25,015	1,501	(4,790)	(26,097)	2,195	11,943	5,154	1,329	(4,371)	20,621	(1,804)
Total revenue	1,228,941	1,195,042	1,180,884	1,133,054	1,136,576	1,141,279	1,130,461	1,119,216	4,737,921	4,527,532	4,303,751
Other operating expense									301,038	304,825	279,585
Interest expense									86,704	84,306	90,076
Total benefits and expenses									3,841,237	3,596,253	3,440,080
Income before income taxes	249,984	231,538	212,241	202,921	227,088	247,330	228,760	228,101	896,684	931,279	863,671
Income tax benefit (expense)									(164,911)	(170,397)	(162,161)
Net income	$ 204,240	$ 188,945	$ 173,048	$ 165,540	$ 187,061	$ 201,818	$ 186,566	$ 185,345	731,773	760,790	701,466
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Attributable to Parent Company									1,184,414	1,525,355	(1,104,799)
Comprehensive income (loss)									1,916,187	2,286,145	(403,333)
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income									30,199	28,869	28,077
Realized gains (losses)									12,792	0	(11,078)
Total revenue									42,991	28,869	16,999
Other operating expense									57,679	68,419	65,762
Reimbursements from affiliates									(68,556)	(65,928)	(61,620)
Interest expense									90,197	89,317	94,159
Total benefits and expenses									79,320	91,808	98,301
Income before income taxes									(36,329)	(62,939)	(81,302)
Income tax benefit (expense)									7,773	13,133	15,262
Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates									(28,556)	(49,806)	(66,040)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax									760,329	810,596	767,506
Net income									731,773	760,790	701,466
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Attributable to Parent Company									(21,477)	(11,379)	23,805
Attributable to affiliates									1,205,891	1,536,734	(1,128,604)
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ 1,916,187	$ 2,286,145	$ (403,333)

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 204,240	$ 188,945	$ 173,048	$ 165,540	$ 187,061	$ 201,818	$ 186,566	$ 185,345	$ 731,773	$ 760,790	$ 701,466
Other, net									66,602	62,194	4,463
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities									1,476,434	1,363,874	1,277,647
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments									(69,497)	34,003	63,783
Additions to properties									(41,756)	(42,203)	(45,092)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities									(1,181,730)	(809,311)	(896,223)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of debt									(386,875)	(6,875)	(327,762)
Payment for debt issuance costs									(5,844)	0	(6,969)
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper									(34,445)	(11,610)	(22,719)
Issuance of stock									48,093	83,163	36,091
Acquisitions of treasury stock									(443,866)	(459,569)	(421,749)
Payment of dividends									(78,192)	(74,188)	(71,421)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities									(274,057)	(590,508)	(391,520)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									18,914	(45,093)	2,463
Cash at beginning of year				75,933				121,026	75,933	121,026	118,563
Cash at end of year	94,847				75,933				94,847	75,933	121,026
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									731,773	760,790	701,466
Equity in earnings of affiliates									(760,329)	(810,596)	(767,506)
Cash dividends from subsidiaries									485,871	479,988	448,142
Other, net									21,129	65,584	64,734
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities									478,444	495,766	446,836
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments									(15,899)	(3,380)	5,603
Investment in subsidiaries									(7,875)	0	(140,000)
Additions to properties									0	(32)	(19,888)
Loaned money to affiliates									(1,008,860)	(501,764)	(584,000)
Repayments from affiliates									782,860	501,764	584,000
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities									(249,774)	(3,412)	(154,285)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Repayment of debt									(386,875)	(6,875)	(327,762)
Proceeds from issuance of debt									700,000	0	550,000
Payment for debt issuance costs									(5,844)	0	(6,969)
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper									(34,445)	(11,610)	(22,719)
Issuance of stock									48,093	82,771	36,091
Acquisitions of treasury stock									(443,866)	(459,569)	(421,749)
Borrowed money from affiliate									76,000	277,000	197,690
Repayments to affiliates									(79,500)	(276,500)	(202,690)
Payment of dividends									(101,462)	(97,458)	(94,691)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities									(227,899)	(492,241)	(292,799)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									771	113	(248)
Cash at beginning of year				$ 873				$ 760	873	760	1,008
Cash at end of year	$ 1,644				$ 873				$ 1,644	$ 873	$ 760

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$ 35,892	$ 44,843	$ 39,792
Interest paid	83,518	81,723	83,518
Income taxes paid (received)	$ 76,701	$ 101,982	91,510
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends from subsidiaries	$ 485,871	$ 479,988	448,142
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	35,892	44,843	39,792
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	11,899
Dividend of property to Parent	0	0	11,889
Interest paid	86,504	86,868	86,982
Income taxes paid (received)	$ (12,744)	$ (16,617)	$ (21,377)
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Life insurance in force, gross amount	$ 203,894,460	$ 191,249,516	$ 185,212,195
Life insurance in force, ceded to other companies	669,063	676,988	688,384
Life insurance in force, assumed from other companies	2,551,770	2,774,388	3,019,737
Life insurance in force, net amount	$ 205,777,167	$ 193,346,916	$ 187,543,548
Life insurance in force, percentage of amount assumed to net	1.20%	1.40%	1.60%
Premium, gross amount	$ 3,787,025	$ 3,566,996	$ 3,392,430
Premium, ceded to other companies	7,614	7,880	8,249
Premium, assumed from other companies	19,775	20,384	21,305
Premium, net amount	$ 3,799,186	$ 3,579,500	$ 3,405,486
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.50%	0.60%	0.60%
Policy charges	$ 14,700	$ 15,600	$ 16,400
Life insurance
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	2,642,555	2,486,127	2,373,423
Premium, ceded to other companies	4,241	4,357	4,581
Premium, assumed from other companies	19,775	20,384	21,305
Premium, net amount	$ 2,658,089	$ 2,502,154	$ 2,390,147
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.70%	0.80%	0.90%
Health insurance
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Premium, gross amount	$ 1,144,470	$ 1,080,869	$ 1,019,007
Premium, ceded to other companies	3,373	3,523	3,668
Premium, assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Premium, net amount	$ 1,141,097	$ 1,077,346	$ 1,015,339
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Uncategorized Items - gl-202012

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member