Globe Life (GL) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'TMK	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'TORCHMARK CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000320335	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	88,555,738	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$5,966,271,678

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Fixed maturities-available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013-$12,488,875; 2012-$11,963,406)	$12,879,133	$13,541,193
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2013-$875; 2012-$14,875)	1,884	15,567
Policy loans	448,887	424,050
Other long-term investments	13,207	18,539
Short-term investments	76,890	94,860
Total investments	13,420,001	14,094,209
Cash	36,943	61,710
Accrued investment income	200,038	195,497
Other receivables	331,103	383,709
Deferred acquisition costs	3,337,649	3,198,431
Goodwill	441,591	441,591
Other assets	424,419	401,763
Total assets	18,191,744	18,776,910
Liabilities:	'	'
Future policy benefits	11,256,155	10,706,219
Unearned and advance premiums	74,174	76,088
Policy claims and other benefits payable	223,380	228,470
Other policyholders' funds	94,286	93,288
Total policy liabilities	11,647,995	11,104,065
Current and deferred income taxes payable	1,285,574	1,609,828
Other liabilities	261,898	392,502
Short-term debt	229,070	319,043
Long-term debt (estimated fair value: 2013-$1,360,461; 2012-$1,191,320)	990,865	989,686
Total liabilities	14,415,402	14,415,124
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share-Authorized 5,000,000 shares; outstanding: 0 in 2013 and in 2012	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share-Authorized 320,000,000 shares; outstanding: (2013-100,812,123 issued, less 11,310,536 held in treasury and 2012-105,812,123 issued, less 11,576,487 held in treasury)	100,812	105,812
Additional paid-in capital	462,058	439,782
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	210,981	925,275
Retained earnings	3,545,939	3,403,338
Treasury stock	-543,448	-512,421
Total shareholders' equity	3,776,342	4,361,786
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$18,191,744	$18,776,910

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$12,488,875	$11,963,406
Equity securities, cost	875	14,875
Long-term debt, fair value	$1,360,461	$1,191,320
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	320,000,000	320,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	100,812,123	105,812,123
Common stock, shares held in treasury	11,310,536	11,576,487

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue:	'	'	'
Life premium	$1,885,332	$1,808,524	$1,726,244
Health premium	1,166,410	1,047,379	929,466
Other premium	532	559	608
Total premium	3,052,274	2,856,462	2,656,318
Net investment income	709,743	693,644	693,028
Realized investment gains (losses)	10,668	43,433	25,924
Other-than-temporary impairments	-2,678	-5,600	-20
Other income	1,931	1,577	2,151
Total revenue	3,771,938	3,589,516	3,377,401
Benefits and expenses:	'	'	'
Life policyholder benefits	1,227,857	1,172,020	1,118,909
Health policyholder benefits	817,687	739,541	631,820
Other policyholder benefits	43,302	44,121	42,547
Total policyholder benefits	2,088,846	1,955,682	1,793,276
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	403,389	385,167	364,583
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition expenses	221,426	203,986	216,216
Other operating expense	214,690	198,176	201,636
Interest expense	80,461	80,512	77,908
Total benefits and expenses	3,008,812	2,823,523	2,653,619
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	763,126	765,993	723,782
Income taxes	-234,654	-236,669	-226,166
Income from continuing operations	528,472	529,324	497,616
Discontinued operations-loss on disposal, net of tax benefit of $467 in 2011	0	0	-455
Net income	$528,472	$529,324	$497,161
Basic net income per share:	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$5.76	$5.48	$4.60
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	($0.01)
Total basic net income per share	$5.76	$5.48	$4.59
Diluted net income per share:	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$5.68	$5.41	$4.53
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0
Total diluted net income per share	$5.68	$5.41	$4.53
Dividends declared per common share	$0.68	$0.60	$0.46

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'
Loss on disposal, tax benefit	$467

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$528,472	$529,324	$497,161
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:	'	'	'
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	-1,183,652	614,854	856,692
Less applicable taxes	415,481	-215,194	-299,843
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	-768,171	399,660	556,849
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs	14,906	7,234	-28,292
Less applicable taxes	-5,217	-2,532	9,902
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	9,689	4,702	-18,390
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities	-2,962	3,487	-3,261
Less applicable taxes	1,220	-1,118	699
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, other than securities, net of tax	-1,742	2,369	-2,562
Pension adjustments:	'	'	'
Amortization of pension costs	18,366	14,799	12,146
Plan amendments	0	-3,452	0
Experience gain (loss)	52,296	-59,613	-26,106
Pension adjustments	70,662	-48,266	-13,960
Less applicable taxes	-24,732	16,894	4,887
Pension adjustments, net of tax	45,930	-31,372	-9,073
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-714,294	375,359	526,824
Comprehensive income (loss)	-185,822	904,683	1,023,985
Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	-1,166,332	657,954	882,467
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	-13,138	-41,745	-27,771
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of (discount) premium	-6,569	462	-1,880
Foreign exchange adjustment on securities recorded at fair value	-1,173	-4,334	3,510
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	-1,187,212	612,337	856,326
Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	28	2,517	366
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	3,532	0	0
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	$3,560	$2,517	$366

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sha

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$3,667,329	$0	$119,812	$432,608	$23,092	$3,124,436	($32,619)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,023,985	'	'	'	526,824	497,161	'
Common dividends declared ($0.46 in 2011, $.60 in 2012 and $.68 in 2013 a share)	-49,815	'	'	'	'	-49,815	'
Acquisition of treasury stock	-972,556	'	'	'	'	'	-972,556
Stock-based compensation	14,954	'	'	7,631	'	'	7,323
Exercise of stock options	175,734	'	'	13,121	'	-29,328	191,941
Retirement of treasury stock	0	'	-7,500	-28,029	'	-277,743	313,272
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,859,631	0	112,312	425,331	549,916	3,264,711	-492,639
Comprehensive income (loss)	904,683	'	'	'	375,359	529,324	'
Common dividends declared ($0.46 in 2011, $.60 in 2012 and $.68 in 2013 a share)	-57,592	'	'	'	'	-57,592	'
Acquisition of treasury stock	-570,165	'	'	'	'	'	-570,165
Stock-based compensation	21,605	'	'	18,413	'	'	3,192
Exercise of stock options	203,624	'	'	22,602	'	-51,322	232,344
Retirement of treasury stock	0	'	-6,500	-26,564	'	-281,783	314,847
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	4,361,786	0	105,812	439,782	925,275	3,403,338	-512,421
Comprehensive income (loss)	-185,822	'	'	'	-714,294	528,472	'
Common dividends declared ($0.46 in 2011, $.60 in 2012 and $.68 in 2013 a share)	-61,991	'	'	'	'	-61,991	'
Acquisition of treasury stock	-482,264	'	'	'	'	'	-482,264
Stock-based compensation	25,642	'	'	23,464	'	563	1,615
Exercise of stock options	118,991	'	'	21,315	'	-25,195	122,871
Retirement of treasury stock	0	'	-5,000	-22,503	'	-299,248	326,751
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$3,776,342	$0	$100,812	$462,058	$210,981	$3,545,939	($543,448)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common dividends declared, per share	$0.68	$0.60	$0.46

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$528,472	$529,324	$497,161
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided from operations:	'	'	'
Increase in future policy benefits	578,217	497,306	431,362
Increase (decrease) in other policy benefits	-6,006	-8,115	-2,776
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	-524,263	-480,818	-441,825
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	403,389	385,167	364,583
Change in current and deferred income taxes	76,121	122,538	30,899
Realized (gains) losses on sale of investments and properties	-7,990	-37,833	-25,904
Change in other receivables	50,900	-89,677	-22,565
Loss on disposal of subsidiary	0	0	455
Other, net	20,440	24,947	28,074
Cash provided from operations	1,119,280	942,839	859,464
Investments sold or matured:	'	'	'
Fixed maturities available for sale-sold	133,463	345,601	224,335
Fixed maturities available for sale-matured, called, and repaid	493,885	736,900	410,356
Equity securities	14,000	0	28,700
Other long-term investments	1,333	9,458	18,937
Total investments sold or matured	642,681	1,091,959	682,328
Acquisition of investments:	'	'	'
Fixed maturities-available for sale	-1,143,840	-1,431,690	-1,104,231
Equity securities	0	0	-28,772
Other long-term investments	-591	-1,786	-6,246
Total investments acquired	-1,144,431	-1,433,476	-1,139,249
Acquisition of Family Heritage, net of cash acquired	0	-186,424	0
Net increase in policy loans	-24,837	-23,130	-22,790
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments	17,970	-73,616	195,435
Net change in payable or receivable for securities	-43,987	3,647	2,664
Additions to properties	-11,168	-4,667	-5,386
Sales of properties	570	56	3,089
Investments in low-income housing interests	-51,176	-72,388	-49,812
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	0	0	21,588
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	-614,378	-698,039	-312,133
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	97,816	181,022	162,613
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	-60,911	-55,527	-49,125
Issue expenses of debt offerings	0	-7,101	0
Net borrowing (repayment) of commercial paper	3,983	245	25,967
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	21,315	22,602	13,121
Acquisition of treasury stock	-482,264	-570,165	-972,556
Net receipts (payments) from deposit-type product	-21,808	8,523	-4,505
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	-535,919	-269,112	-824,485
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	6,250	1,909	-4,412
Increase (decrease) in cash	-24,767	-22,403	-281,566
Cash at beginning of year	61,710	84,113	365,679
Cash at end of year	36,943	61,710	84,113
3.80% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	150,000	0
5.875% Junior subordinated debentures due 2052 [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	125,000	0
7.375% Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayment of Notes	-94,050	0	0
7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Redemption of Junior Subordinated Debentures	$0	($123,711)	$0

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies
	Business:    Torchmark Corporation (Torchmark or alternatively, the Company) through its subsidiaries provides a variety of life and health insurance products and annuities to a broad base of customers.
	Basis of Presentation:    The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Principles of Consolidation:    The consolidated financial statements include the results of Torchmark and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When Torchmark acquires a subsidiary or a block of business, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets is recorded as goodwill. Expenses incurred to effect the acquisition are charged to earnings as of the acquisition date. Upon acquisition, the accounts and results of operations are consolidated as of and subsequent to the acquisition date.
	Torchmark accounts for its variable interest entities (VIE’s) under accounting guidance which clarifies the definition of a variable interest and the instructions for consolidating VIE’s. Only primary beneficiaries are required or allowed to consolidate VIE’s. Therefore, a company may have voting control of a VIE, but if it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, it is not permitted to consolidate the VIE. The trust that was liable for Torchmark’s Trust Preferred Securities met the definition of a VIE. However, Torchmark was not the primary beneficiary of this entity because its interest was not variable. Therefore, Torchmark was not permitted to consolidate its interest, even though it owned 100% of the voting equity of the trust and guaranteed its performance. For this reason, Torchmark reported its 7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures due to the trust as “Due to affiliates” each period at its carrying value. However, Torchmark viewed the Trust Preferred Securities as it does any other debt offering and consolidated the trust in its segment analysis because GAAP requires that the segment analysis be reported as management views its operations and financial condition. These Securities were redeemed in October, 2012, as disclosed in Note 11—Debt.
	Additionally, as further described under the caption Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests below in this note, Torchmark holds passive interests in limited partnerships which provide investment returns through the provision of tax benefits (principally from the transfer of Federal or state tax credits related to federal low-income housing). These interests are also considered to be VIEs. They are not consolidated because the Company has no power to control the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of these entities and therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these interests. Torchmark’s involvement is limited to its limited partnership interest in the entities. Torchmark has not provided any other financial support to the entities beyond its commitments to fund its limited partnership interests, and there are no arrangements or agreements with any of the interests to provide other financial support. The maximum loss exposure relative to these interests is limited to their carrying value.
	When a component of Torchmark’s business is sold or expected to be sold during the ensuing year, Torchmark reports the assets and liabilities of the component as assets and liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale. Assets or liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale are segregated and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the lower of the carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. Torchmark reports the results of operations of a business as discontinued operations when the component is sold or expected to be sold, the operations and cash flows of the business have been or will be eliminated from the ongoing operations as a result of the disposal transaction, and Torchmark will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the business after the disposal transaction. The results of discontinued operations are reported in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for current and prior periods commencing in the period in which the business is either disposed of or is accounted for as a disposal group, including any gain or loss recognized on the sale or adjustment of the carrying amount to fair value less cost to sell.
	Investments:    Torchmark classifies all of its fixed-maturity investments, which include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in equity securities, which include common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Mortgage loans, included in “Other long-term investments,” are carried at amortized cost. Investments in real estate, included in “Other long-term investments,” are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method. Short-term investments include investments in interest-bearing time deposits with original maturities of twelve months or less.
	Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Income attributable to investments is included in Torchmark’s net investment income. Net investment income and realized investment gains and losses are not allocated to insurance policyholders’ liabilities.
	Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities:    Torchmark measures the fair value of its fixed maturities and equity securities based on a hierarchy consisting of three levels which indicate the quality of the fair value measurements as described below:
		•		Level 1 – fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
		•		Level 2 – fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that can otherwise be corroborated by observable market data.
		•		Level 3 – fair values are based on inputs that are considered unobservable where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability as of the measurement date. In this circumstance, the Company has to rely on values derived by independent brokers or internally-developed assumptions. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available to the Company which may include the Company’s own data or bid and ask prices in the dealer market.
	The great majority of the Company’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 and independent broker/dealers. Over 99% of the fair value reported at December 31, 2013 was determined using data provided by third-party pricing services. Prices provided by third-party pricing services are not binding offers but are estimated exit values. They are based on observable market data inputs which can vary by security type. Such inputs include benchmark yields, available trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and other market data. Management reviews and analyzes all prices obtained to insure the reasonableness of the values, taking all available information into account. In addition, management corroborates the prices obtained from third-party sources against other independent sources. When corroborated prices produce small variations, the close correlation indicates observable inputs, and the median value is used. When corroborated prices present greater variations, additional analysis is required to determine which value is the most appropriate. When only one price is available, management evaluates observable inputs and performs additional analysis to confirm that the price is appropriate. All fair value measurements based on prices determined with observable market data are reported as Level 1 or Level 2 measurements.
	When third-party vendor prices are not available, the Company attempts to obtain at least three quotes from broker/dealers for each security. When at least three quotes are obtained, and the standard deviation of such quotes is less than 3%, (suggesting that the independent quotes were likely derived using similar observable inputs), the Company uses the median quote and classifies the measurement as Level 2. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no assets valued as Level 2 in this manner with broker quotes.
	When the standard deviation is 3% or greater, or the Company cannot obtain three quotes, then additional information and management judgment are required to establish the fair value. Further review is performed on the available quotes to determine if they can be corroborated within reasonable tolerance to any other observable evidence. If one of the quotes or the median of the available quotes can be corroborated with other observable evidence, then the value is reported as Level 2. Otherwise, the value is classified as Level 3. The Company uses information and valuation 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. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, fair value measurements classified as Level 3 represented 2.8% and 2.1%, respectively, of total fixed maturities and equity securities. Transfers between levels are recognized as of the end of the period of transfer.
	Beginning in 2012, Torchmark began investing in a portfolio of private placement bonds which are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by a third party and was $313 million at amortized cost on December 31, 2013, compared with $184 million a year earlier. The portfolio manager provides valuations for the bonds based on a pricing matrix utilizing observable inputs, such as the benchmark treasury rate and published sector indices, and unobservable inputs such as an internally-developed credit rating. If the unobservable inputs can be closely corroborated with publicly available information, the fair values are classified as Level 2. If they cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, all private placements were classified as Level 3.
	The fair values for each class of security and by valuation hierarchy level are indicated in Note 4—Investments under the caption Fair value measurements.
	Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments:    Fair values for cash, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables and payables approximate carrying value. The fair values of Torchmark’s long-term debt issues are based on the same methodology as investments in fixed maturities. Because observable inputs were available for these debt securities at December 31, 2013, they were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2013 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt. Mortgage loans are valued using discounted cash flows and are considered to be Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair values for these loans are presented in Note 4—Investments under the caption Other investment information. As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits, Torchmark maintains an unqualified supplemental retirement plan. Because this plan is unfunded, the assets which support the liability for this plan are considered general assets of the Company. These assets consist of the cash value of corporate-owned life insurance policies and exchange traded funds (ETF’s). The fair value of the insurance cash values approximates carrying value. Fair values for the ETF’s are derived from direct quotes and are considered Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy.
	Impairment of Investments:    Torchmark’s portfolio of fixed maturities fluctuates in value due to changes in interest rates in the financial markets as well as other factors. Fluctuations caused by market interest rate changes have little bearing on whether or not the investment will be ultimately recoverable. Therefore, Torchmark considers these declines in value resulting from changes in market interest rates to be temporary. In certain circumstances, however, Torchmark determines that the decline in the value of a security is other-than-temporary and writes the book value of the security down to its fair value, realizing an investment loss. The evaluation of Torchmark’s securities for other-than-temporary impairments is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of Company investment and accounting professionals. Each security which is impaired because the fair value is less than the cost or amortized cost is identified and evaluated. The determination that an impairment is other-than-temporary is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. Among the factors considered are:
		•		The length of time and extent to which the security has been impaired
		•		The reason(s) for the impairment
		•		The financial condition of the issuer and the near-term prospects for recovery in fair value of the security
		•		The Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery
		•		Expected future cash flows
	The relative weight given to each of these factors can change over time as facts and circumstances change. In many cases, management believes it is appropriate to give relatively more weight to prospective factors than to retrospective factors. Prospective factors that are given more weight include prospects for recovery, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery, and expected future cash flows.
	Among the facts and information considered in the process are:
		•		Default on a required payment
		•		Issuer bankruptcy filings
		•		Financial statements of the issuer
		•		Changes in credit ratings of the issuer
		•		The value of underlying collateral
		•		News and information included in press releases issued by the issuer
		•		News and information reported in the media concerning the issuer
		•		News and information published by or otherwise provided by credit analysts
		•		Recent cash flows
	While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimately recoverable amount of a distressed or impaired security. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and is treated as a realized loss in the period the determination is made. The written-down security will be amortized and revenue recognized in accordance with estimated future cash flows.
	Current accounting guidance is such that if an entity intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is to be considered other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of impairment must be charged to earnings. Otherwise, losses on fixed maturities which are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into two categories, the portion of loss which is considered credit loss and the portion of loss which is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is charged to earnings while the loss due to other factors is charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss portion of an impairment is determined as the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s original effective yield rate. The temporary portion is the difference between this present value of expected future cash flows and fair value (as discounted by a market yield). The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and loan-to-collateral value ratios. Management believes that the present value of future cash flows at the original effective yield is a better measure of valuation, because fair value determined by a discounted market yield is often based on limited observable market data, and the market for these securities is generally neither active nor orderly.
	Cash:    Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions. Overdrafts arising from the overnight investment of funds offset cash balances on hand and on deposit.
	Recognition of Premium Revenue and Related Expenses:    Premium income for traditional long-duration life and health insurance products is recognized when due from the policyholder. Premiums for short-duration health contracts are recognized as revenue over the contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Profits for limited-payment life insurance contracts are recognized over the contract period. Premiums for universal life-type and annuity contracts are added to the policy account value, and revenues for such products are recognized as charges to the policy account value for mortality, administration, and surrenders (retrospective deposit method). Life premium includes policy charges of $22 million, $23 million, and $25 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Other premium consists of annuity policy charges in each year. Profits are also earned to the extent that investment income exceeds policy liability interest requirements. The related benefits and expenses are matched with revenues by means of the provision of future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred acquisition costs in a manner which recognizes profits as they are earned over the same period.
	Future Policy Benefits:    The liability for future policy benefits for universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 83% of total future policy benefits, is determined on the net level premium method. This method provides for the present value of expected future benefit payments less the present value of expected future net premiums, based on estimated investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and other assumptions which were considered appropriate at the time the policies were issued. For limited-payment contracts, a deferred profit liability is also recorded which causes profits to emerge over the life of the contract in proportion to policies in force. Assumptions used for traditional life and health insurance products are based primarily on Company experience. Assumptions for interest rates range from 2.5% to 7% for Torchmark’s insurance companies with an overall weighted average assumed rate of 5.8%. Mortality tables used for individual life insurance include various statutory tables and modifications of a variety of generally accepted actuarial tables. Morbidity assumptions for individual health are based on either Company experience or the assumptions used in determining statutory reserves. Withdrawal and termination assumptions are based on Torchmark’s experience. Once established, assumptions for these products are generally not changed. An additional provision is made on most products to allow for possible adverse deviation from the assumptions. These estimates are periodically reviewed 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 the revised assumptions.
	Deferred Acquisition Costs: Certain costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and recorded as an asset. These costs are essential for the acquisition of new insurance business and are directly related to the successful issuance of an insurance contract including sales commissions, policy issue costs, and underwriting costs. Additionally, deferred acquisition costs include the value of insurance purchased, which are the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies. These costs represent the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed compared against the assets and liabilities for insurance contracts that the Company issues or holds measured in accordance with GAAP. Deferred acquisition costs and the value of insurance purchased are amortized in a systematic manner which matches these costs with the associated revenues. Policies other than universal life-type policies are amortized with interest over the estimated premium-paying period of the policies in a manner which charges each year’s operations in proportion to the receipt of premium income. Universal life-type policies are amortized with interest in proportion to estimated gross profits. The assumptions used to amortize acquisition costs with regard to interest, mortality, morbidity, and persistency are consistent with those used to estimate the liability for future policy benefits. For interest-sensitive and deposit-balance type products, these assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and are revised if actual experience differs significantly from original expectations. For all other products, amortization assumptions are generally not revised once established. Deferred acquisition costs are subject to periodic recoverability and loss recognition testing to determine if there is a premium deficiency. These tests ensure that the present value of future contract-related cash flows will support the capitalized deferred acquisition cost asset. These cash flows consist primarily of premium income, less benefits and expenses taking inflation into account. The present value of these cash flows, less the benefit reserve, is then compared with the unamortized deferred acquisition cost balance. In the event the estimated present value of net cash flows is less, the deficiency would be recognized by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits, as described under the caption Future Policy Benefits.
	Advertising Costs: Costs related to advertising are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain direct response advertising costs are capitalized when there is a reliable and demonstrated relationship between total costs and future benefits that is a direct result of incurring these costs. Torchmark’s Direct Response advertising costs consist primarily of the production and distribution costs of direct mail advertising materials, and when capitalized are included as a component of deferred acquisition costs. They are amortized in the same manner as other deferred acquisition costs. Direct response advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating expense were $6 million, $16 million, and $16 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Capitalized advertising costs included within deferred acquisition costs were $1.09 billion at December 31, 2013 and $1.04 billion at December 31, 2012.
	Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable:    Torchmark establishes a liability for known policy benefits payable and an estimate of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to the Company. The estimate of unreported claims is based on prior experience. Torchmark makes an estimate after careful evaluation of all information available to the Company. However, there is no certainty the stated liability for claims and other benefits, including the estimate of unsubmitted claims, will be Torchmark’s ultimate obligation.
	Income Taxes:    Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. More information concerning income taxes is provided in Note 8—Income Taxes.
	Property and Equipment:    Property and equipment, included in “Other assets,” is reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is recorded primarily on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from three to ten years for equipment and five to forty years for buildings and improvements. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Impairments, if any, are recorded when, based on events and circumstances, it becomes evident that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. Original cost of property and equipment was $136 million at December 31, 2013 and $125 million at December 31, 2012. Accumulated depreciation was $85 million at year end 2013 and $79 million at the end of 2012. Depreciation expense was $6.4 million in 2013, $7.1 million in 2012, and $6.8 million in 2011. During 2013, Liberty National Life Insurance Company (Liberty National), a Torchmark subsidiary, sold real estate for a loss of $265 thousand after a previous write-down for other-than-temporary impairment of $2.7 million earlier in the year. The sale of this property eliminated substantially all asbestos-related liability for Torchmark.
	Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests:    As of December 31, 2013, Torchmark had $290 million invested in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits and other related Federal income tax and state premium tax benefits to Torchmark. The carrying value of Torchmark’s investment in these entities was $285 million at December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2013, Torchmark was obligated under future commitments of $58 million, which is included in the above carrying value. Interests for which the return has been guaranteed by unrelated third-parties are accounted for using the effective-yield method. The remaining interests are accounted for using the amortized-cost method.
	The Federal income benefits accrued during each of the years presented, net of the amortization associated with guaranteed interests, were recorded in “Income taxes.” Amortization associated with non-guaranteed interests and interests providing for state premium tax benefits was reflected as a component of “Net investment income.” All state premium tax benefits, net of the related amortization, were recorded in “Net investment income.” At December 31, 2013, $283 million associated with the Federal interests was included in “Other assets” with the remaining $7 million state-related interests included in “Other invested assets.” At December 31, 2012, the comparable amounts were $275 million and $10 million, respectively. Any unpaid commitments to invest are recorded in “Other liabilities.” In the segment analysis, the amortization associated with the non-guaranteed interests is reflected as a component of “Income tax expenses,” and not “Net investment income,” consistent with the treatment of the guaranteed interests. Management views this presentation as a more accurate matching of costs with the associated revenues with respect to the low-income housing interests.
	Goodwill:    The excess cost of business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing based on certain procedures outlined by GAAP. These procedures include a qualitative assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, and they also require consideration of a change in relevant events or circumstances that could possibly affect the valuation of a goodwill reporting unit. If it is determined that an impairment is likely, the procedures then involve measuring the carrying value of each reporting unit of Torchmark’s segments, including the goodwill of that unit, against the estimated fair value of the corresponding unit. If the carrying value of a unit including goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, then the goodwill in that unit could potentially be impaired. In that event, further testing is required under the accounting guidance to determine the amount of impairment, if any. If there is an impairment in the goodwill of any reporting unit, it is written down and charged to earnings in the period of test.
	Torchmark has tested its goodwill annually in each of the years 2011 through 2013. These tests, performed in the third quarter each year, involved assigning carrying value by allocating the Company’s net assets to each of the reporting units of Torchmark’s segments, including the portion of goodwill assigned to the unit. In 2012, the qualitative assessment was employed as permitted by accounting guidance. Based on the analyses as outlined in the guidance, it was determined that an impairment of goodwill was not likely. In 2013 and 2011, the fair values of the various reporting units were developed. The fair value of each reporting unit was determined using discounted expected cash flows associated with that unit. Judgment and assumptions are used in developing the projected cash flows for the reporting units, and such estimates are subject to change. The Company also exercises judgment in the determination of the discount rate, which management believes to be appropriate for the risk associated with the cash flow expectations. The fair value of each reporting unit is then measured against that reporting unit’s corresponding carrying value. Because the estimated fair value substantially exceeded the carrying value, including goodwill, of each reporting unit in each period, Torchmark’s goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods.
	Treasury Stock:    Torchmark accounts for purchases of treasury stock on the cost method. Issuance of treasury stock is accounted for using the weighted-average cost method.
	Settlements and Assessments:    During 2011, Torchmark settled a state administrative matter involving issues arising over a period of many years. The settlement resulted in a pre-tax charge of $6.9 million ($4.5 million after tax). Additionally in 2011, the Company accrued a liability for settlement of an insurance litigation matter which was settled in 2012. The liability for this litigation, which arose many years ago, was $12.0 million pretax ($7.8 million after tax). During 2013, Torchmark incurred three non-operating charges: (1) a state guaranty fund assessment in the amount of $1.2 million ($751 thousand after tax), resulting from events in years prior to 2012, (2) a legal settlement related to a non-insurance matter in the amount of $500 thousand ($325 thousand after tax), and (3) the settlement of a litigation matter related to prior years in the amount of $8.6 million ($5.6 million after tax). Management removes items that are related to prior periods when evaluating the operating results of current periods. Management also removes items unrelated to its core insurance activities when evaluating those results. Therefore, these items are excluded in its presentation of segment results as disclosed in Note 14—Business Segments, because accounting guidance requires that operating segment results be presented as management views its business.
	Postretirement Benefits:    Torchmark accounts for its postretirement defined benefit plans by recognizing the funded status of those plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with accounting guidance. Periodic gains and losses attributable to changes in plan assets and liabilities that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs are recognized as components of other comprehensive income, net of tax. More information concerning the accounting and disclosures for postretirement benefits is found in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits.
	Stock Compensation:    Torchmark accounts for stock-based compensation by recognizing an expense in the financial statements based on the “fair value method.” The fair value method requires that a fair value be assigned to a stock option or other stock grant on its grant date and that this value be amortized over the grantees’ service period.
	The fair value method requires the use of an option valuation model to value employee stock options. Torchmark has elected to use the Black-Scholes valuation model for option expensing. A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2011 through 2013 is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Volatility factor			38.5	%		39.4	%		42.3	%
	Dividend yield			1.1	%		1	%		1	%
	Expected term (in years)			5.62			5.55			4.66
	Risk-free rate			1.1	%		1.3	%		2	%
	The expected term is generally derived from Company experience. However, expected terms are determined based on the simplified method as permitted by Staff Accounting Bulletins 107 and 110 when company experience is insufficient.
	The Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan replaced all previous plans and allows for option grants with a ten-year contractual term which vest over five years in addition to seven-year grants which vest over three years as permitted by the previous plans. The Company has sufficient experience with seven-year grants that vest in three years, but no historical experience with five-year vesting. Therefore, Torchmark has used the simplified method to determine the expected term for the ten-year grants with five-year vesting and will do so until such 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).
	Torchmark management views all stock-based compensation expense as a corporate or Parent Company expense and, therefore, presents it as such in its segment analysis (See Note 14—Business Segments). It is included in “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Earnings Per Share:    Torchmark presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adding to shares outstanding the additional net effect of potentially dilutive securities or contracts, such as stock options, which could be exercised or converted into common shares. For more information on earnings per share, see Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity.

Statutory_Accounting

Statutory Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Statutory Accounting	'
	Note 2—Statutory Accounting
	Life insurance subsidiaries of Torchmark are required to file statutory financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities. Accounting principles used to prepare these statutory financial statements differ from GAAP. Consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity (capital and surplus) on a statutory basis for the insurance subsidiaries were as follows:
		Net Income						Shareholders’ Equity
		Year Ended December 31,						At December 31,
		2013		2012		2011		2013		2012
	Life insurance subsidiaries	$	572,509	$	484,327	$	424,738	$	1,328,803	$	1,358,047
	The excess, if any, of shareholder’s equity of the insurance subsidiaries on a GAAP basis over that determined on a statutory basis is not available for distribution by the insurance subsidiaries to Torchmark without regulatory approval. Insurance subsidiaries’ statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements in the aggregate was $437 million at December 31, 2013. More information on the restrictions on the payment of dividends can be found in Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity.
	Torchmark’s statutory financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed by the insurance department of the state of domicile of each insurance subsidiary. All states have adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) statutory accounting practices (NAIC SAP) as the basis for statutory accounting. However, certain states have retained the prescribed practices of their respective insurance code or administrative code which can differ from NAIC SAP. There are no significant differences between NAIC SAP and the accounting practices prescribed by the states of domicile for Torchmark’s life insurance companies that affect statutory surplus.

Supplemental_Information_About

Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 3—Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Effective during 2013, Torchmark adopted prospectively Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This statement requires an analysis of the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income as well as supplemental information about the amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income.
	An analysis in the change in balance by component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income is as follows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013
		Available			Deferred			Foreign			Pension			Total
		for Sale			Acquisition			Exchange			Adjustments
		Assets			Costs
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	1,024,367		$	(16,417	)	$	26,608		$	(109,283	)	$	925,275
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax		(758,857	)		9,689			(1,742	)		33,992			(716,918	)
	Reclassifications, net of tax		(9,314	)		0			0			11,938			2,624
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(768,171	)		9,689			(1,742	)		45,930			(714,294	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	256,196		$	(6,728	)	$	24,866		$	(63,353	)	$	210,981
	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
	Reclassification Adjustments
	Component Line Item	Twelve months			Affected line items in the
		ended			Statement of Operations
		December  31,
		2013
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
	Realized (gains) losses	$	(9,606	)	Realized investment gains (losses)
	Amortization of (discount) premium		(6,569	)	Net investment income
	Total before tax		(16,175	)
	Tax		6,861		Income Taxes
	Total after tax		(9,314	)
	Pension adjustments:
	Amortization of prior service cost		2,276		Other operating expenses
	Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss		16,090		Other operating expenses
	Total before tax		18,366
	Tax		(6,428	)	Income Taxes
	Total after tax		11,938
	Total reclassifications (after tax)	$	2,624

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Schedule [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Note 4—Investments
	Portfolio Composition:
	A summary of fixed maturities available for sale and equity securities by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	2013:00:00	Cost or			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Amount per			% of Total
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized						the Balance			Fixed
		Cost			Gains			Losses						Sheet			Maturities*
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	428,106		$	362		$	(75,295	)	$	353,173		$	353,173			3	%
	States, municipalities, and political subdivisions		1,278,434			69,817			(12,947	)		1,335,304			1,335,304			10
	Foreign governments		43,811			411			(67	)		44,155			44,155			0
	Corporates		10,133,868			702,867			(300,389	)		10,536,346			10,536,346			82
	Collateralized debt obligations		66,173			0			(7,968	)		58,205			58,205			1
	Other asset-backed securities		35,568			2,699			(98	)		38,169			38,169			0
	Redeemable preferred stocks		502,915			25,064			(14,198	)		513,781			513,781			4
	Total fixed maturities		12,488,875			801,220			(410,962	)		12,879,133			12,879,133			100	%
	Equity securities		875			1,009			0			1,884			1,884
	Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	12,489,750		$	802,229		$	(410,962	)	$	12,881,017		$	12,881,017
	2012:00:00	Cost or			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Amount per			% of Total
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized						the Balance			Fixed
		Cost			Gains			Losses						Sheet			Maturities*
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	492,928		$	1,948		$	(4,773	)	$	490,103		$	490,103			4	%
	States, municipalities, and political subdivisions		1,283,883			173,649			(189	)		1,457,343			1,457,343			11
	Foreign governments		33,577			988			0			34,565			34,565			0
	Corporates		9,309,408			1,442,638			(55,023	)		10,697,023			10,697,023			79
	Collateralized debt obligations		64,622			0			(18,051	)		46,571			46,571			0
	Other asset-backed securities		43,560			3,708			(401	)		46,867			46,867			0
	Redeemable preferred stocks		735,428			43,897			(10,604	)		768,721			768,721			6
	Total fixed maturities		11,963,406			1,666,828			(89,041	)		13,541,193			13,541,193			100	%
	Equity securities		14,875			692			0			15,567			15,567
	Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	11,978,281		$	1,667,520		$	(89,041	)	$	13,556,760		$	13,556,760
	*	At fair value
	A schedule of fixed maturities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2013 is shown below on an amortized cost basis and on a fair value basis. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.
		Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Due in one year or less	$	102,473		$	104,065
	Due from one to five years		494,066			538,995
	Due from five to ten years		911,559			979,502
	Due from ten to twenty years		3,109,054			3,303,084
	Due after twenty years		7,766,780			7,853,621
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		104,943			99,866
		$	12,488,875		$	12,879,133
	Analysis of investment operations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net investment income is summarized as follows:
	Fixed maturities	$	709,756		$	691,229		$	683,101
	Equity securities		323			1,178			1,558
	Policy loans		33,471			30,717			29,293
	Other long-term investments		1,281			2,320			2,439
	Short-term investments		138			311			165
			744,969			725,755			716,556
	Less investment expense		(35,226	)		(32,111	)		(23,528	)
	Net investment income	$	709,743		$	693,644		$	693,028
	An analysis of realized gains (losses) from investments is as follows:
	Realized investment gains (losses):
	Fixed maturities:
	Sales and other	$	13,138		$	47,345		$	27,790
	Other-than-temporary impairments		0			(5,600	)		(20	)
	Equity securities		0			0			0
Loss on redemption of debt		0			(4,109	)		0
Other		(5,148	)		197			(1,866	)
		7,990			37,833			25,904
Applicable tax		(4,025	)		(13,242	)		(9,066	)
Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax	$	3,965		$	24,591		$	16,838
An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows:
Equity securities	$	317		$	(1,489	)	$	(98	)
Fixed maturities available for sale		(1,187,529	)		613,826			856,424
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		(1,187,212	)		612,337			856,326
Other investments		3,560			2,517			366
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	$	(1,183,652	)	$	614,854		$	856,692
Additional information about securities sold is as follows:
	At December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Fixed maturities:
Proceeds from sales	$	133,463		$	345,601		$	236,662	*
Gross realized gains		5,948			40,851			28,249
Gross realized losses		(1,310	)		(2,477	)		(24,323	)
*	Includes $12.3 million of unsettled trades
Fair value measurements: The following tables represent the fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using:
Description	Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant			Total Fair
	Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable			Value
	for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets (Level 1)
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Bonds:
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	0		$	353,173		$	0		$	353,173
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions		0			1,335,304			0			1,335,304
Foreign governments		0			44,155			0			44,155
Corporates		47,058			10,188,988			300,300			10,536,346
Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			58,205			58,205
Other asset-backed securities		0			38,169			0			38,169
Redeemable preferred stocks		22,220			491,561			0			513,781
Total fixed maturities		69,278			12,451,350			358,505			12,879,133
Equity securities		1,108			0			776			1,884
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	70,386		$	12,451,350		$	359,281		$	12,881,017
Percentage of total		0.5	%		96.7	%		2.8	%		100	%
Description	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012 Using:
	Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant			Total Fair
	Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable			Value
	for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets (Level 1)
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Bonds:
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	0		$	490,103		$	0		$	490,103
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		0			1,457,343			0			1,457,343
Foreign governments		0			34,565			0			34,565
Corporates		31,976			10,443,526			221,521			10,697,023
Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			46,571			46,571
Other asset-backed securities		0			38,886			7,981			46,867
Redeemable preferred stocks		128,473			630,697			9,551			768,721
Total fixed maturities		160,449			13,095,120			285,624			13,541,193
Equity securities		14,828			0			739			15,567
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	175,277		$	13,095,120		$	286,363		$	13,556,760
Percent of total		1.3	%		96.6	%		2.1	%		100	%
The following table represents changes in assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
	Analysis of Changes in Fair Value Measurements Using
	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Asset-			Collateralized			Corporates*			Equities			Total
	backed			debt
	securities			Obligations
Balance at January 1, 2011	$	8,042		$	22,456		$	73,673		$	670		$	104,841
Total gains or losses:
Included in realized gains/losses		0			0			(12,542	)		0			(12,542	)
Included in other comprehensive income		(714	)		3,952			14,578			40			17,856
Sales		0			0			(13,875	)		0			(13,875	)
Amortization		(206	)		2,470			1,302			0			3,566
Other **		0			1,442			0			0			1,442
Transfers out of Level 3		0			0			(51,886	)		0			(51,886	)
Balance at December 31, 2011		7,122			30,320			11,250			710			49,402
Total gains or losses:
Included in realized gains/losses		0			0			1,482			0			1,482
Included in other comprehensive income		1,078			12,067			3,600			29			16,774
Acquisitions		0			0			183,676			0			183,676
Sales		0			0			(13,429	)		0			(13,429	)
Amortization		(219	)		2,648			699			0			3,128
Other **		0			1,536			0			0			1,536
Transfers into Level 3		0			0			43,794			0			43,794
Balance at December 31, 2012		7,981			46,571			231,072			739			286,363
Total gains or losses:
Included in realized gains/losses		0			0			0			0			0
Included in other comprehensive income		426			10,083			(17,243	)		37			(6,697	)
Acquisitions		0			0			129,755			0			129,755
Sales		0			0			0			0			0
Amortization		(57	)		2,838			5			0			2,786
Other **		0			(1,287	)		(834	)		0			(2,121	)
Transfers out of Level 3		(8,350	)		0			(42,455	)		0			(50,805	)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0		$	58,205		$	300,300		$	776		$	359,281
*	Includes redeemable preferred stocks
**	Includes capitalized interest and foreign exchange adjustments.
Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in 2013 and 2012 are comprised of private-placement fixed maturities managed by an unaffiliated third-party.
Quantitative Information about Level 3
Fair Value Measurements
As of December 31, 2013
	Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range		Weighted
				Techniques		Input			Average
Collateralized debt obligations	$	58,205		Discounted		Discount	15%		15%
				cash flows		rate
Private placement fixed maturities		300,300		Discounted		Credit	BBB- to A+		BBB
				cash flows		rating
Other investments		776		Third-party		N/A	N/A		N/A
				pricing without
				adjustment
	$	359,281
The collateral underlying collateralized debt obligations for which fair values are reported as Level 3 consists primarily of trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurance companies. None of the collateral is subprime or Alt-A mortgages (loans for which the typical documentation was not provided by the borrower). Collateralized debt obligations are valued at the present value of expected future cash flows using an unobservable discount rate. Expected cash flows are determined by scheduling the projected repayment of the collateral assuming no future defaults, deferrals, or recoveries. The discount rate is risk-adjusted to take these items into account. A significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate will produce a significant decrease (increase) in fair value. Additionally, a significant increase (decrease) in the cash flow expectations would result in a significant increase (decrease) in fair value.
The private placements are also valued based on discounted cash flows, resulting from the contractual cash flows discounted by a yield determined as a treasury benchmark adjusted for a credit spread. The credit spread is developed from observable indices for similar public fixed maturities and unobservable indices for private fixed maturities for corresponding credit ratings. However, the credit ratings for the private placements are considered unobservable inputs, as they are assigned by the third party investment manager based on a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the credit underwritten. A higher (lower) credit rating would result in a higher (lower) valuation. For more information regarding valuation procedures, please refer to Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies under the caption Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities.
The following table presents transfers in and out of each of the valuation levels of fair values.
	2013									2012									2011
	In			Out			Net			In			Out			Net			In		Out			Net
Level 1	$	19,416		$	0		$	19,416		$	48,536		$	0		$	48,536		$	0	$	0		$	0
Level 2		50,805			(19,416	)		31,389			0			(92,330	)		(92,330	)		51,886		0			51,886
Level 3		0			(50,805	)		(50,805	)		43,794			0			43,794			0		(51,886	)		(51,886	)
Transfers into Level 2 from Level 3 result from the availability of observable market data when a security is valued at the end of a period. Transfers into Level 3 occur when there is a lack of observable market information. Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 occur when direct quotes are available; transfers from Level 1 into Level 2 result when only observable market data and no direct quotes are available.
Other-than-temporary impairments: Torchmark has determined that certain of its holdings in fixed maturity investments were other-than-temporarily impaired during the three years ended December 31, 2013. The following table presents the writedowns recorded due to these impairments in accordance with accounting guidance and whether the writedown was charged to earnings or other comprehensive income.
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
	2013						2012						2011
	Net			Other			Net			Other			Net			Other
	Income			Comprehensive			Income			Comprehensive			Income			Comprehensive
				Income						Income						Income
Collateralized debt obligations	$	0		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	0
Corporate bonds		0			0			5,600			0			20			0
Total pre-tax	$	0		$	0		$	5,600		$	0		$	20		$	0
After tax	$	0		$	0		$	3,640		$	0		$	13		$	0
As of year end 2013, previously written down securities remaining in the portfolio were carried at a fair value of $42 million. Otherwise, as of December 31, 2013, Torchmark has no information available to cause it to believe that any of its investments are other-than-temporarily impaired. Torchmark has the ability and intent to hold these investments to recovery, and does not intend to sell nor expects to be required to sell its other impaired securities.
Bifurcated credit losses result when there is an other-than-temporary impairment for which a portion of the loss is recognized in other comprehensive income. Torchmark’s balances related to bifurcated credit loss positions included in other comprehensive income were $22 million at December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011. There was no change in this balance since January 1, 2011.
Unrealized gains/loss analysis.    Conditions in financial markets improved during 2011 and 2012, resulting in increases in net unrealized gains in the portfolio in both years. In 2011, net unrealized gains rose from $108 million in the beginning of the year to $964 million at December 31, and then further increased to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2012. In 2013, however, increases in interest rates in financial markets caused the net unrealized gain balances to decline to $390 million at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, investments in securities in the financial sector were in a $180 million net unrealized gain position. These investments in the financial sector represented 25% of the portfolio at amortized cost and 26% at fair value. This is compared with a net unrealized gain position of $339 million at the end of the prior year. Investments and securities in the other sectors had net unrealized gains of $210 million at year end 2013 and $1.2 billion at year end 2012. The following tables disclose gross unrealized investment losses by class of investment at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for the period of time in a loss position. Torchmark considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired.
ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES
At December 31, 2013
	Less than						Twelve Months						Total
	Twelve Months						or Longer
Description of Securities	Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized
				Loss			Value			Loss						Loss
Fixed maturities available for sale:
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	242,144		$	(42,885	)	$	87,977		$	(32,410	)	$	330,121		$	(75,295	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		167,660			(12,807	)		1,619			(140	)		169,279			(12,947	)
Foreign governments		11,966			(67	)		0			0			11,966			(67	)
Corporates		2,692,494			(196,139	)		600,350			(104,250	)		3,292,844			(300,389	)
Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			58,080			(7,968	)		58,080			(7,968	)
Other asset-backed securities		6,974			(26	)		3,873			(72	)		10,847			(98	)
Redeemable preferred stocks		106,229			(3,694	)		82,287			(10,504	)		188,516			(14,198	)
Total fixed maturities	$	3,227,467		$	(255,618	)	$	834,186		$	(155,344	)	$	4,061,653		$	(410,962	)
ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES
At December 31, 2012
	Less than						Twelve Months						Total
	Twelve Months						or Longer
Description of Securities	Fair			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized
	Value			Loss						Loss						Loss
Fixed maturities available for sale:
U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	316,596		$	(4,770	)	$	199		$	(3	)	$	316,795		$	(4,773	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		26,206			(189	)		0			0			26,206			(189	)
Foreign governments		0			0			0			0			0			0
Corporates		761,477			(15,339	)		343,987			(39,684	)		1,105,464			(55,023	)
Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			46,446			(18,051	)		46,446			(18,051	)
Other asset-backed securities		7,940			(88	)		7,981			(313	)		15,921			(401	)
Redeemable preferred stocks		44,132			(310	)		171,852			(10,294	)		215,984			(10,604	)
Total fixed maturities	$	1,156,351		$	(20,696	)	$	570,465		$	(68,345	)	$	1,726,816		$	(89,041	)
Additional information about investments in an unrealized loss position is as follows:
	Less than			Twelve			Total
	Twelve			Months
	Months			or Longer
Number of issues (Cusip numbers) held:
As of December 31, 2013		462			130			592
As of December 31, 2012		195			95			290
Torchmark’s entire fixed-maturity and equity portfolio consisted of 1,619 issues at December 31, 2013 and 1,630 issues at December 31, 2012. The weighted-average quality rating of all unrealized loss positions as of December 31, 2013 was BBB+, compared with BBB+ a year earlier. The weighted-average quality ratings are based on amortized cost.
Other investment information:
Other long-term investments consist of the following:
	December 31,
	2013			2012
Mortgage loans, at cost	$	0		$	514
Investment real estate, at depreciated cost		203			2,816
Low-income housing interests		7,589			9,875
Other		5,415			5,334
Total	$	13,207		$	18,539
The fair value for mortgages was approximately $0.5 million at December 31, 2012. Accumulated depreciation on investment real estate was $1.7 million at December 31, 2013 and $2.1 million at December 31, 2012.
Torchmark had $125 thousand in fixed maturities at book value ($126 thousand at fair value) that were non-income producing during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. Torchmark did not have any other invested assets that were non-income producing during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

Deferred_Acquisition_Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Deferred Acquisition Costs	'
	Note 5—Deferred Acquisition Costs
	An analysis of deferred acquisition costs is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,198,431		$	2,916,732		$	2,869,546
	Additions:
	Deferred during period:
	Commissions		331,060			312,581			283,961
	Other expenses		193,203			168,237			157,864
	Total deferred		524,263			480,818			441,825
	Value of insurance purchased during year		8,489			175,257			0
	Foreign exchange adjustment		0			3,557			0
	Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses(1)		14,906			7,234			0
	Total additions		547,658			666,866			441,825
	Deductions:
	Amortized during period		(403,389	)		(385,167	)		(364,583	)
	Foreign exchange adjustment		(5,051	)		0			(1,765	)
	Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains(1)		0			0			(28,291	)
	Total deductions		(408,440	)		(385,167	)		(394,639	)
	Balance at end of year	$	3,337,649		$	3,198,431		$	2,916,732
	-1	Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition	'
	Note 6—Acquisition
	On November 1, 2012, Torchmark acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Family Heritage Life Insurance Company of America (Family Heritage), a privately-held supplemental health insurance provider. The purchase price was approximately $234 million, including post-closing adjustments and the assumption of $20 million par value of debt in the form of trust preferred securities issued by Family Heritage’s previous parent company ($20 million fair value at the purchase date). The balance of the purchase price of approximately $214 million was funded primarily with cash provided from borrowings as described in Note 11—Debt.
	Family Heritage was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It is a specialty insurer focused primarily on selling protection-oriented individual supplemental health insurance products through a captive agency force. Torchmark believes that Family Heritage is an excellent fit with Torchmark’s existing insurance business, given that Family Heritage’s operations are consistent with Torchmark’s strategy of selling basic protection products in relatively non-competitive markets through controlled distribution channels. Acquisition expenses in connection with the transaction charged to Torchmark’s earnings in 2012 were $2.9 million ($1.9 million after tax). These costs were included as “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2012. In 2013, a one-time adjustment for the finalization of accounting for the insurance assets and liabilities for the Family Heritage acquisition was completed. The result of this adjustment was a $1.5 million increase in pretax income ($522 thousand after tax), due to the net effect of an increase in the policyholder benefit reserve of $8.5 million and a greater increase in the deferred acquisition asset of $10.0 million.
	The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting as required by accounting guidance. This guidance requires that the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of operations since the acquisition date have been consolidated. A summary of the net assets acquired is as follows:
		Fair Value as of
		November 1, 2012
	Assets acquired:
	Investments	$	591,947
	Cash		27,323
	Value of insurance purchased		175,257
	Goodwill		44,700
	Other assets		45,573
	Total assets		884,800
	Liabilities assumed:
	Policy liabilities		643,306
	Other liabilities		7,747
	Total liabilities		651,053
	Total net assets acquired	$	233,747
	The amount recorded as the value of insurance purchased at November 1, 2012, represents the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed compared against the assets and liabilities measured in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies for insurance contracts that it issues or holds in accordance with GAAP. The fair value of this asset was determined based on an actuarial analysis performed by management. The value of insurance purchased is included with “Deferred acquisition costs” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized in proportion with the premium income of the acquired insurance business in accordance with accounting guidance.
	No goodwill related to the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes. Because the operations of Family Heritage are considered a part of Torchmark’s health segment, goodwill arising from the transition has been assigned to that reporting unit.
	During the two-month period commencing on the purchase date of November 1, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012, Family Heritage had revenues of $33 million and net income of $3.1 million included in Torchmark’s 2012 Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	The table below presents supplemental unaudited pro forma information for 2012 and 2011 as if the Family Heritage acquisition were completed on January 1, 2011, based on estimates and assumptions considered appropriate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2011
	Revenues	$	197,174	$	180,155
	Net income		13,220		12,107
	Net income per diluted share		0.14		0.11
	The supplemental unaudited pro forma information above is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated as of that time, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results.

Liability_for_Unpaid_Health_Cl

Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	'
	Note 7—Liability for Unpaid Health Claims
	Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	104,870		$	103,517		$	100,598
	Acquisition of Family Heritage		0			11,700			0
	Incurred related to:
	Current year		720,490			704,934			628,137
	Prior years		(11,594	)		(17,531	)		(10,644	)
	Total incurred		708,896			687,403			617,493
	Paid related to:
	Current year		636,150			627,495			538,910
	Prior years		75,897			70,255			75,664
	Total paid		712,047			697,750			614,574
	Balance at end of year	$	101,719		$	104,870		$	103,517
	At the end of each period, the liability for unpaid health claims includes an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported to the Company. Such estimates are updated regularly based upon the Company’s most recent claims data with recognition of emerging experience trends. Because of the nature of the Company’s health business, the payment lags are relatively short and most claims are fully paid within a year from the time incurred. Fluctuations in claims experience can lead to either over- or under-estimation of the liability for any given year. The difference between the estimate made at the end of the prior period and the actual experience during the period is reflected above under the caption “Incurred related to: Prior years.”
	Claims paid in each of the years 2011 through 2013 were settled for amounts less than anticipated when estimated at the previous year end. The most significant components of these favorable variances were in Torchmark’s UA Independent, Liberty National Branch, and Medicare Part D distribution channels. The Company’s estimates at each point have reflected the emerging data and trends. In the Medicare Part D channel, the Company is required to estimate claim discounts that will be received from drug manufacturers. In each of the years 2011 through 2013, the discounts from the drug manufacturers received in the current year but related to prior year claims were higher than anticipated when the claim liability was determined.
	The liability for unpaid health claims is included with “Policy claims and other benefits payable” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 8—Income Taxes
	The components of income taxes were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax expense from continuing operations	$	234,654		$	236,669		$	226,166
	Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations		0			0			(467	)
	Shareholders’ equity:
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(386,752	)		201,950			284,355
	Tax basis compensation expense (from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards) in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes		(21,314	)		(22,602	)		(13,121	)
		$	(173,412	)	$	416,017		$	496,933
	Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax expense	$	176,427		$	161,332		$	169,500
	Deferred income tax expense		58,227			75,337			56,666
		$	234,654		$	236,669		$	226,166
	In each of the years 2011 through 2013, deferred income tax expense was incurred because of certain differences between net income before income taxes as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and taxable income as reported on Torchmark’s income tax returns. As explained in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies, these differences caused the financial statement book values of some assets and liabilities to be different from their respective tax bases.
	The effective income tax rate differed from the expected 35% rate as shown below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			%			2012			%			2011			%
	Expected income taxes	$	267,094			35	%	$	268,098			35	%	$	253,324			35	%
	Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
	Tax-exempt investment income	$	(3,107	)		(.4	)		(3,506	)		(.4	)		(3,468	)		(.5	)
	Low income housing investments		(32,417	)		(4.2	)		(28,877	)		(3.8	)		(24,258	)		(3.4	)
	Other		3,084			0.4			954			0.1			568			0.1
	Income tax expense	$	234,654			30.8	%	$	236,669			30.9	%	$	226,166			31.2	%
	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,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Fixed maturity investments	$	16,868		$	22,387
	Carryover of tax losses		11,415			14,177
	Other assets		0			4,084
	Total gross deferred tax assets		28,283			40,648
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Unrealized gains		92,772			481,804
	Employee and agent compensation		68,911			65,877
	Deferred acquisition costs		829,032			791,254
	Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims		315,291			311,366
	Other liabilities		1,126			0
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities		1,307,132			1,650,301
	Net deferred tax liability	$	1,278,849		$	1,609,653
	Torchmark and its subsidiaries, excluding Family Heritage, file a life-nonlife consolidated Federal income tax return. Family Heritage files its Federal income tax return on a separate company basis. Torchmark’s consolidated Federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS is currently examining Torchmark’s 2008-2011 consolidated income tax returns. The statutes of limitations for the assessment of additional tax are closed for all tax years prior to 2008 with respect to Torchmark’s consolidated Federal income tax returns and are closed for all tax years prior to 2010 with respect to Family Heritage’s Federal income tax returns. Management believes that adequate provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for any potential assessments that may result from current or future tax examinations and other tax-related matters for all open years.
	Torchmark has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $32.6 million at December 31, 2013 which will begin to expire in 2025 if not otherwise used to offset future taxable income. A valuation allowance is to be provided when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized by the Company. No valuation allowance has been recorded relating to Torchmark’s deferred tax assets since, in management’s judgment, Torchmark will more likely than not have sufficient taxable income in future periods to fully realize its existing deferred tax assets.
	Torchmark’s tax liability is adjusted to include the provision for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding effects of accrued interest, net of Federal tax benefits) for the years 2011 through 2013 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at January 1,	$	0		$	0		$	875
	Increase based on tax positions taken in current period		0			0			0
	Increase related to tax positions taken in prior periods		0			0			0
	Decrease related to tax positions taken in prior periods		0			0			(875	)
	Decrease due to settlements		0			0			0
	Balance at December 31,	$	0		$	0		$	0
	Torchmark’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company recognized interest income of $0, $56 thousand, and $0, net of Federal income tax benefits, in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The Company had no accrued interest or penalties at December 31, 2013 or 2012.

Postretirement_Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Postretirement Benefits	'
	Note 9—Postretirement Benefits
	Pension Plans:    Torchmark has noncontributory retirement benefit plans and contributory savings plans which cover substantially all employees. There are also two nonqualified, noncontributory supplemental benefit pension plans which cover a limited number of employees. The total cost of these retirement plans charged to operations was as follows:
	Year Ended	Defined Contribution			Defined Benefit
	December 31,	Plans			Pension Plans
	2013	$	3,373		$	33,122
	2012		3,668			26,007
	2011		3,552			20,952
	Torchmark accrues expense for the defined contribution plans based on a percentage of the employees’ contributions. The plans are funded by the employee contributions and a Torchmark contribution equal to the amount of accrued expense. Plan contributions are both mandatory and discretionary, depending on the terms of the plan.
	Cost for the defined benefit pension plans has been calculated on the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. All plan measurements for the defined benefit plans are as of December 31 of the respective year. The defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of employees are funded. Contributions are made to funded pension plans subject to minimums required by regulation and maximums allowed for tax purposes. Defined benefit plan contributions were $10.3 million in 2013, $8.2 million in 2012, and $8.6 million in 2011. Torchmark estimates as of December 31, 2013 that it will contribute an amount not to exceed $20 million to these plans in 2014. The actual amount of contribution may be different from this estimate.
	Torchmark has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), which provides to a limited number of executives an additional supplemental defined pension benefit. The supplemental benefit is based on the participant’s qualified plan benefit without consideration to the regulatory limits on compensation and benefit payments applicable to qualified plans, except that eligible compensation is capped at $1 million. The SERP is unfunded. However, life insurance policies on the lives of plan participants have been established for this plan with an unaffiliated insurance carrier. The premiums for this coverage paid were $2.9 million in 2013, $1.7 million in 2012, and $3.9 million in 2011. The cash value of these policies at December 31, 2013 was $22 million and was $18 million a year earlier. Additionally, a Rabbi Trust which involves an investment account has been established to support the liability for this plan. Deposits of $6 million in 2013, $5 million in 2012, and $5 million in 2011 were added to the investment account in this trust. Investments consist of exchange traded funds. As of December 31, 2013, the combined value of the insurance policies and the trust investments was $66 million, compared with $54 million a year earlier. Because this plan is unqualified, the Rabbi Trust and the policyholder value of these policies are not included as defined benefit plan assets but as assets of the Company. They are included with “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liability for this SERP at December 31, 2013 was $58 million and was $59 million a year earlier.
	The other supplemental benefit pension plan is limited to a very select group of employees and was closed as of December 31, 1994. It provides the full benefits that an employee would have otherwise received from a defined benefit plan in the absence of the limitation on benefits payable under a qualified plan. This plan is unfunded. Liability for this closed plan was $3 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Pension cost for both supplemental defined benefit plans is determined in the same manner as for the qualified defined benefit plans.
	Plan assets in the funded plans consist primarily of investments in marketable fixed maturities and equity securities and are valued at fair value. Torchmark measures the fair value of its financial assets, including the assets in its benefit plans, in accordance with accounting guidance which establishes a hierarchy for asset values and provides a methodology for the measurement of value. Please refer to Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies under the caption Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities for a complete discussion of valuation procedures. The following table presents the assets of Torchmark’s defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2013
		Fair Value Determined by:
		Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant			Total		% to
		Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable			Amount		Total
		for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)
	Equity securities:
	Financial	$	35,807								$	35,807		12	%
	Consumer, Cyclical		17,915									17,915		6
	Energy		13,816									13,816		5
	Consumer, Non-Cyclical		13,187									13,187		4
	Technology		13,055									13,055		4
	Depository Institutions		10,523									10,523		3
	Other		10,153		$	831						10,984		4
	Total equity securities		114,456			831						115,287		38
	Corporate bonds		0			147,445						147,445		51
	Other bonds					267						267		0
	Guaranteed annuity contract*					13,769						13,769		5
	Short-term investments		13,318									13,318		5
	Other		1,667									1,667		1
	Grand Total	$	129,441		$	162,312		$	0		$	291,753		100	%
	*	Annuity contract issued by a Torchmark subsidiary
	Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2012
		Fair Value Determined by:
		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total		% to
		in Active			Observable			Unobservable			Amount		Total
		Markets for			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
		Identical
		Assets (Level 1)
	Equity securities:
	Financial	$	26,174								$	26,174		9	%
	Consumer, Non-Cyclical		15,894									15,894		6
	Technology		13,332									13,332		5
	Industrial		10,353									10,353		4
	General merchandise stores		11,197									11,197		4
	Other		12,883									12,883		4
	Total equity securities		89,833									89,833		32
	Corporate bonds		4,292		$	165,525						169,817		61
	Other bonds					327						327		0
	Guaranteed annuity contract*					13,277						13,277		5
	Short-term investments		2,218									2,218		1
	Other		2,169									2,169		1
	Grand Total	$	98,512		$	179,129		$	0		$	277,641		100	%
	*	Annuity contract issued by a Torchmark subsidiary
	Torchmark’s investment objectives for its plan assets include preservation of capital, preservation of purchasing power, and long-term growth. Torchmark seeks to preserve capital through investments made in high quality securities with adequate diversification by issuer and industry sector to minimize risk. The portfolio is monitored continuously for changes in quality and diversification mix. The preservation of purchasing power is intended to be accomplished through asset growth, exclusive of contributions and withdrawals, in excess of the rate of inflation. Torchmark intends to maintain investments that when combined with future plan contributions will produce adequate long-term growth to provide for all plan obligations. The Company’s expectation for the portfolio is to achieve a compound total rate of return of 3% in excess of the inflation rate, to be reviewed on a three-year basis. It is also Torchmark’s objective that the portfolio’s investment return will meet or exceed the return of a balanced market index.
	The majority of the securities in the portfolio are highly marketable so that there will be adequate liquidity to meet projected payments. There are no specific policies calling for asset durations to match those of benefit obligations.
	Allowed investments are limited to equities, fixed maturities, and short-term investments (invested cash). There is also a guaranteed annuity contract issued by American Income Life Insurance Company to fund the obligations of the American Income Pension Plan. The assets are to be invested in a mix of equity and fixed income investments that best serve the objectives of the pension plan. Factors to be considered in determining the asset mix include funded status, annual pension expense, annual pension contributions, and balance sheet liability. Equities include common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into equities, mutual funds that invest in equities, and other equity-related investments. Equities must be listed on major exchanges and adequate market liquidity is required. Fixed maturities consist of marketable debt securities rated investment grade at purchase by a major rating agency. Short-term investments include fixed maturities with maturities less than one year and invested cash. Short-term investments in commercial paper must be rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s with the issuer rated investment grade. Invested cash is limited to banks rated A or higher. Investments outside of the aforementioned list are not permitted, except by prior approval of the Plan’s Trustees. At December 31, 2013, there were no restricted investments contained in the portfolio. Plan contributions have been invested primarily in fixed maturities during the three years ending December 31, 2013.
	The investment portfolio is to be well diversified to avoid undue exposure to a single sector, industry, business, or security. The equity and fixed-maturity portfolios are not permitted to invest in any single issuer that would exceed 10% of total plan assets at the time of purchase. Torchmark does not employ any other special risk management techniques, such as derivatives, in managing the pension investment portfolio.
	The following table discloses the assumptions used to determine Torchmark’s pension liabilities and costs for the appropriate periods. The discount and compensation increase rates are used to determine current year projected benefit obligations and subsequent year pension expense. The long-term rate of return is used to determine current year expense. Differences between assumptions and actual experience are included in actuarial gain or loss.
	Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions
	For Benefit Obligations at December 31:
	2013			2012
Discount Rate		5.12	%		4.18	%
Rate of Compensation Increase		4.35			4.4
For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year:	2013			2012			2011
Discount Rate		4.18	%		5.09	%		5.77	%
Expected Long-Term Returns		6.96			7.2			7.24
Rate of Compensation Increase		4.4			4.04			4
The discount rate is determined based on the expected duration of plan liabilities. A yield is then derived based on the current market yield of a hypothetical portfolio of higher-quality corporate bonds which match the liability duration. The rate of compensation increase is projected based on Company experience, modified as appropriate for future expectations. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is management’s best estimate of the average rate of earnings expected to be received on the assets invested in the plan over the benefit period. In determining this assumption, consideration is given to the historical rate of return earned on the assets, the projected returns over future periods, and the spread between the long-term rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate used to compute benefit obligations.
Net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit plans by expense component was as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	$	14,984		$	11,215		$	9,277
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		17,043			16,796			16,106
Expected return on assets		(17,429	)		(17,114	)		(16,068	)
Net amortization		18,143			14,799			11,331
Recognition of actuarial loss		381			311			306
Net periodic pension cost	$	33,122		$	26,007		$	20,952
An analysis of the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) concerning pensions and other postretirement benefits is as follows:
	2013			2012			2011
Balance at January 1	$	(168,129	)	$	(119,863	)	$	(105,903	)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		2,276			2,146			2,080
Net actuarial (gain) loss*		16,090			12,653			10,071
Transition obligation		0			0			(5	)
Total amortization*		18,366			14,799			12,146
Plan amendments		0			(3,452	)		0
Experience gain(loss)		52,296			(59,613	)		(26,106	)
Balance at December 31	$	(97,467	)	$	(168,129	)	$	(119,863	)
*	Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $224 thousand in 2013.
The following table presents a reconciliation from the beginning to the end of the year of the projected benefit obligation and plan assets for pensions. This table also presents the amounts previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Pension Benefits
	For the year ended
	December 31,
	2013			2012
Changes in benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	$	414,921		$	331,609
Service cost		14,984			11,215
Interest cost		17,043			16,796
Actuarial loss (gain)		(45,258	)		67,949
Plan amendments		0			3,452
Benefits paid		(17,831	)		(16,100	)
Obligation at end of year		383,859			414,921
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year		277,641			258,067
Return on assets		21,613			27,493
Contributions		10,330			8,181
Benefits paid		(17,831	)		(16,100	)
Fair value at end of year		291,753			277,641
Funded status at year end	$	(92,106	)	$	(137,280	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss (gain)	$	90,878		$	156,567
Prior service cost		5,476			7,752
Transition obligation		0			0
Net amounts recognized at year end	$	96,354		$	164,319
The portion of other comprehensive income that is expected to be reflected in pension expense in 2014 is as follows:
Amortization of prior service cost	$	2,113
Amortization of net loss (gain)		8,172
Amortization of transition obligation		0
Total	$	10,285
The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for Torchmark’s funded defined benefit pension plans was $295 million and $321 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In the unfunded plans, the ABO was $52 million and $52 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Torchmark has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2013. These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2013, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows:
For the year(s)
2014	$	14,973
2015		16,759
2016		18,048
2017		19,847
2018		21,183
2019-2023		129,331
Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions:    Torchmark provides a small postretirement life insurance benefit for most retired employees, and also provides additional postretirement life insurance benefits for certain key employees. The majority of the life insurance benefits are accrued over the working lives of active employees. Otherwise, Torchmark does not provide postretirement benefits other than pensions and the life insurance benefits described above.
Torchmark’s post-retirement defined benefit plans other than pensions are not funded. Liabilities for these plans are measured as of December 31 for the appropriate year.
The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for plans other than pensions are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Service cost	$	354		$	392		$	919
Interest cost on benefit obligation		1,030			1,020			999
Expected return on plan assets		0			0			0
Net amortization		224			0			0
Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss		0			0			(815	)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	1,608		$	1,412		$	1,103
The following table presents a reconciliation of the benefit obligation and plan assets from the beginning to the end of the year. As these plans are unfunded, funded status is equivalent to the accrued benefit liability.
	Benefits Other Than Pensions
	For  the year ended December 31,
	2013			2012
Changes in benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	$	22,367		$	19,008
Service cost		354			392
Interest cost		1,030			1,020
Actuarial loss (gain)		(2,475	)		2,358
Benefits paid		(416	)		(411	)
Obligation at end of year		20,860			22,367
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year		0			0
Return on assets		0			0
Contributions		416			411
Benefits paid		(416	)		(411	)
Fair value at end of year		0			0
Funded status at year end	$	(20,860	)	$	(22,367	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Net loss*	$	1,113		$	3,812
Net amounts recognized at year end	$	1,113		$	3,812
*	The net loss for benefit plans other than pensions reduces other comprehensive income.
The table below presents the assumptions used to determine the liabilities and costs of Torchmark’s post-retirement benefit plans other than pensions.
Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions
For Benefit Obligations at December 31:
	2013			2012
Discount Rate		5.12	%		4.18	%
For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year:
	2013			2012			2011
Discount Rate		4.18	%		5.09	%		5.77	%
Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions
For the year(s)
2014	$	899
2015		1,007
2016		1,130
2017		1,313
2018		1,516
2019-2023		8,227

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 10—Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
	The following table summarizes Torchmark’s noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$	25,642	$	21,605	$	14,954
	Commitments for low-income housing interests		42,525		29,759		36,722
	Capitalized investment income		806		1,537		5,321
	Debt assumed to acquire Family Heritage		0		20,000		0
	The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Interest paid	$	81,322	$	77,686	$	75,653
	Income taxes paid		139,091		89,061		188,510

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 11—Debt
	The following table presents information about the terms and outstanding balances of Torchmark’s debt.
	Selected Information about Debt Issues
									As of December 31,
									2013							2012
	Description		Annual			Issue		Periodic	Outstanding			Outstanding		Outstanding		Outstanding
			Percentage			Date		Interest	Principal			Principal		Principal		Principal
			Rate					Payments	(Par Value)			(Book Value)		(Fair Value)		(Book Value)
								Due
	Notes, due 5/15/23(1)(2)			7.875	%	May-93		5/15 & 11/15	$	165,612		$	163,609	$	204,489	$	163,471
	Notes, due 8/1/13(1)(3)			7.375	%	Jul-93		2/1 & 8/1		0			0		0		93,956
	Senior Notes, due 6/15/16(1)(6)			6.375	%	6-Jun		6/15 & 12/15		250,000			248,753		277,185		248,300
	Senior Notes, due 6/15/19(1)(6)			9.25	%	9-Jun		6/15 & 12/15		292,647			290,268		376,089		289,950
	Senior Notes, due 9/15/22(1)(6)			3.8	%	12-Sep		3/15 & 9/15		150,000			147,392		145,178		147,148
	Junior Subordinated
	Debentures due 12/15/52(4)(8)			5.875	%	12-Sep		quarterly		125,000			120,843		108,450		120,817
	Junior Subordinated
	Debentures due 3/15/36(4)(5)			3.543	%(9)	-10		quarterly		20,000			20,000		20,000		20,000
	Total funded debt									1,003,259			990,865		1,131,391		1,083,642
	Less current maturity of long-term debt									0			0		0		(93,956	)
	Total long-term debt									1,003,259			990,865		1,131,391		989,686
	Current maturity of long-term debt(7)									0			0		0		93,956
	Commercial Paper(7)									229,140			229,070		229,070		225,087
	Total short-term debt									229,140			229,070		229,070		319,043
	Total debt								$	1,232,399		$	1,219,935	$	1,360,461	$	1,308,729
	-1	All securities other than the Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority with one another.
	-2	Not callable.
	-3	Repaid August 1, 2013.
	-4	Quarterly payments on the 15th of March, June, Sept., and Dec.
	-5	Callable anytime.
	-6	Callable subject to “make-whole” premium.
	-7	Classified as short-term debt.
	-8	Callable as of December 15, 2017.
	-9	Interest paid at 3 month LIBOR plus 330 basis points, resets each quarter.
	-10	Assumed upon November 1, 2012 acquisition of Family Heritage.
	The amount of debt that becomes due during each of the next five years is: 2014—$229 million; 2015—$0; 2016—$250 million; 2017—$0; 2018—$0 and thereafter—$753 million.
	Funded debt:    On September 24, 2012, Torchmark issued $300 million principal amount of 3.80% Senior Notes due 2022. Interest on the Senior Notes will be payable semi-annually and will commence on March 15, 2013. As part of the offering, two of Torchmark’s insurance subsidiaries acquired a combined amount of $150 million par value of the Senior Notes. Proceeds from the issuance of this debt, net of underwriters’ discount and expenses, were $147 million with total proceeds to the Parent Company of approximately $297 million. The Senior Notes are redeemable by Torchmark in whole or in part at any time subject to a “make-whole” premium, whereby the Company would be required to pay the greater of the full principal amount of the notes or otherwise the present value of the remaining payment schedule of the notes discounted at a rate of interest equivalent to the rate of a United States Treasury security of comparable term plus a spread of 30 basis points. Torchmark used a portion of the net proceeds from the new Senior Note offering to fund the acquisition of Family Heritage as described in Note 6 - Acquisition. The Parent Company used the remaining proceeds to repay its $94 million principal amount 7 3/8% Notes that matured on August 1, 2013.
	Additionally, on September 24, 2012, Torchmark completed the public offering of its 5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2052 for an aggregate principal amount of $125 million. Proceeds from this offering were $121 million, net of underwriters’ discount and issue expenses. These debentures pay interest quarterly commencing December 15, 2012. The securities are redeemable on December 15, 2052, and are first callable in whole or in part by Torchmark on or after December 15, 2017. Expenses of $4.2 million related to the offering have been netted against long-term debt and will be amortized over the forty-year redemption period. Net proceeds were used to fund the redemption of Torchmark’s 7.1% Trust Preferred Securities discussed below.
	On October 24, 2012, Torchmark’s 7.1% Trust Originated Preferred Securities were redeemed in the amount of $120 million plus accrued dividends at a total cost of $121 million. These securities were originally issued in 2006 as preferred securities of Torchmark’s Capital Trust III, a deconsolidated variable interest entity. Upon redemption of these securities, Capital Trust III as well as the 7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures due to that Trust in the amount of $124 million were liquidated. An after-tax loss of $2.7 million was recorded on this redemption in the fourth quarter of 2012 within “Realized investment gains (losses),” representing the write-off of the unamortized issue expenses.
	Capital Trust III, which held the Trust Preferred Securities, was a variable interest entity in which Torchmark was not the primary beneficiary. Therefore, Torchmark was prohibited by accounting rules from consolidating Capital Trust III even though it had 100% ownership, complete voting control, and had guaranteed the performance of the trust. Accordingly, prior to redemption, Torchmark carried its 7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures due to Capital Trust III as a liability under the caption “Due to Affiliates” on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Expenses related to the original offering reduced long-term debt and were amortized over the forty-year redemption period.
	In connection with the purchase of Family Heritage, Torchmark assumed $20 million par amount of Trust Preferred Securities that were liabilities of Family Heritage’s former parent. These securities, which are due March 15, 2036, had a fair value of $20 million on the November 1, 2012 purchase date and were carried at an amortized cost of $20 million at December 31, 2012. They bear interest at a variable rate paid quarterly, determined as the three-month LIBOR plus 330 basis points which is reset each quarter. They are callable by Torchmark at any time.
	Commercial Paper:    In December, 2010, Torchmark entered into a credit facility with a group of lenders allowing unsecured borrowings and stand-by letters of credit up to $600 million. The facility includes a provision which allows Torchmark to increase the facility limit by $200 million if certain conditions are met. The Company also has the ability to request up to $250 million in letters of credit to be issued against the facility. The agreement is set to terminate on January 7, 2015. The credit facility is further designated as a back-up credit line for a commercial paper program, where Torchmark may borrow from either the credit line or issue commercial paper at any time, with total commercial paper outstanding not to exceed the facility limit less any letters of credit issued. Interest is charged at variable rates. The facility does not have a ratings-based acceleration trigger which would require early payment. A facility fee is charged for the entire facility. There is also an issuance fee for letters of credit issued. Torchmark is subject to certain covenants for the agreements regarding capitalization and earnings, with which it was in compliance at December 31, 2013 and throughout the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. Borrowings on the credit facilities are reported as short-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A table presenting selected information concerning Torchmark’s short-term borrowings is presented below.
	Short-Term Borrowings
			At December 31,
			2013			2012
	Balance at end of period (at par value)		$	229,140		$	225,180
	Annualized interest rate			0.3	%		0.36	%
	Letters of credit outstanding		$	198,000		$	198,000
	Remaining amount available under credit line			172,860			176,820
			For the Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Average balance outstanding during period		$	274,435		$	250,401		$	206,148
	Daily-weighted average interest rate*			0.31	%		0.41	%		0.39	%
	Maximum daily amount outstanding during period		$	340,140		$	385,000		$	271,761
		*		Annualized

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity
	Share Data: A summary of preferred and common share activity is as follows:
		Preferred Stock				Common Stock
		Issued		Treasury		Issued			Treasury
				Stock					Stock
	2011:00:00
	Balance at January 1, 2011		0		0		119,812,123			(947,497	)
	Grants of restricted stock									173,553
	Forfeitures of restricted stock									(7,153	)
	Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options									4,829,892
	Treasury stock acquired									(23,281,453	)
	Retirement of treasury stock						(7,500,000	)		7,500,000
	Balance at December 31, 2011		0		0		112,312,123			(11,732,658	)
	2012:00:00
	Grants of restricted stock									69,720
	Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options									5,357,490
	Treasury stock acquired									(11,771,039	)
	Retirement of treasury stock						(6,500,000	)		6,500,000
	Balance at December 31, 2012		0		0		105,812,123			(11,576,487	)
	2013:00:00
	Grants of restricted stock									50,943
	Forfeitures and surrenders of restricted stock									(24,906	)
	Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options									2,611,838
	Issuance of common stock due to settlement of restricted stock units									7,460
	Treasury stock acquired									(7,379,384	)
	Retirement of treasury stock						(5,000,000	)		5,000,000
	Balance at December 31, 2013		0		0		100,812,123			(11,310,536	)
	Acquisition of Common Shares:    Torchmark shares are acquired from time to time through open market purchases under the Torchmark stock repurchase program when it is believed to be the best use of Torchmark’s excess cash flows. Share repurchases under this program were 5.5 million shares at a cost of $360 million in 2013, 7.5 million shares at a cost of $360 million in 2012, and 18.9 million shares at a cost of $788 million in 2011. When stock options are exercised, proceeds from the exercises are generally used to repurchase approximately the number of shares available with those funds in order to reduce dilution. Shares repurchased for dilution purposes were 1.9 million shares at a cost of $122 million in 2013, 4.3 million shares at a cost of $210 million in 2012, and 4.4 million shares at a cost of $185 million in 2011.
	Retirement of Treasury Stock:    Torchmark retired 5 million shares of treasury stock in 2013, 6.5 million in 2012, and 7.5 million in 2011.
	Restrictions:    Restrictions exist on the flow of funds to Torchmark from its insurance subsidiaries. Statutory regulations require life insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum amounts of capital and surplus. Dividends from insurance subsidiaries of Torchmark are limited to the greater of prior year statutory net income excluding realized capital gains on an annual noncumulative basis, or 10% of prior year surplus, in the absence of special regulatory approval. Additionally, insurance company distributions are generally not permitted in excess of statutory surplus. Subsidiaries are also subject to certain minimum capital requirements. Subsidiaries of Torchmark paid dividends to the parent company in the amount of $488 million in 2013 and $437 million in 2012. In 2011, subsidiaries of Torchmark paid $769 million in dividends to the parent company, including $305 million available from the proceeds from the sale of United Investors completed in 2010. As of December 31, 2013, dividends and transfers from insurance subsidiaries to parent available to be paid in 2014 were limited to the amount of $451 million without regulatory approval, such that $878 million was considered restricted net assets of the subsidiaries. The Company believes that total dividends and transfers of $471 million will be available to the parent in 2014. Please refer to Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant for more information about Torchmark’s transactions with its subsidiaries. While there are no legal restrictions on the payment of dividends to shareholders from Torchmark’s retained earnings, retained earnings as of December 31, 2013 were restricted by lenders’ covenants which require the Company to maintain and not distribute $3.18 billion from its total consolidated retained earnings of $3.55 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:
		2013		2012		2011
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		91,764,590		96,614,199		108,278,113
	Weighted average dilutive options outstanding		1,277,933		1,284,189		1,537,277
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		93,042,523		97,898,388		109,815,390
	Stock options to purchase 3.5 million shares during the years 2011 were considered to be anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. There were no anti-dilutive shares in 2013 and 2012. Income available to common shareholders for basic earnings per share is equivalent to income available to common shareholders for diluted earnings per share.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Note 13—Stock-Based Compensation
	Torchmark’s stock-based compensation consists of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares. Certain employees, directors, and consultants have been granted fixed equity options to buy shares of Torchmark stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant, under the provisions of the Torchmark stock option plans. The options are exercisable during the period commencing from the date they vest until expiring according to the terms of the grant. Options generally expire the earlier of employee termination or option contract term, which ranges from seven to ten years. Options generally vest in accordance with the following schedule:
	Grants under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan:
	Directors – vest in six months.
	Employees:
	Seven year grants – vest one half in two years, and one half in three years.
	Ten year grants – vest one fourth in two years, and one fourth in each of the next three years.
	Grants under all previous compensation plans:
	Directors – vest in six months.
	Employees – vest one half in two years, and one half in three years.
	All employee options vest immediately upon retirement on or after the attainment of age 65, upon death, or disability. Torchmark generally issues shares for the exercise of stock options from treasury stock. The Company generally uses the proceeds from option exercises to buy shares of Torchmark common stock in the open market to reduce the dilution from option exercises.
	An analysis of shares available for grant is as follows:
			Available for Grant
			2013			2012			2011
	Balance at January 1			4,536,301			6,099,342			255,263
	Approval of Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan*			0			0			7,950,000
	Cancellation of available shares from prior plans			0			0			(229,333	)
	Options expired and forfeited during year			85,406			5,850			0
	Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (counted as 3.1 options)*			6,417			0			0
	Options granted during year			(1,084,575	)		(1,072,725	)		(1,338,013	)
	Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (counted as 3.1 options per grant)*			(631,047	)		(496,166	)		(519,558	)
	Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during the year under previous plans			0			0			(19,017	)
	Balance at December 31			2,912,502			4,536,301			6,099,342
	*   Plan allows for grant of restricted stock such that each stock grant reduces 3.1 options available for grant
	A summary of stock compensation activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:
			2013			2012			2011
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized*		$	25,642		$	21,605		$	14,954
	Tax benefit recognized			8,975			7,562			5,234
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted			18.55			15.7			15.48
	Intrinsic value of options exercised			72,793			80,781			40,991
	Cash received from options exercised			97,815			181,022			162,613
	Actual tax benefit received from exercises			25,478			28,086			14,347
	*   No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period.
	An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
			2013						2012						2011
			Options			Weighted Average			Options			Weighted Average			Options			Weighted Average
						Exercise Price						Exercise Price						Exercise Price
	Outstanding-beginning of year			7,332,137		$	38.14			11,620,393		$	35.42			15,185,729		$	34.09
	Granted:
	7-year term			907,800			56.43			846,300			46.1			1,129,663			44.37
	10-year term			176,775			56.1			226,425			45.49			208,350			44.4
	Exercised			(2,611,838	)		37.45			(5,354,381	)		33.82			(4,829,892	)		33.67
	Expired and forfeited			(85,406	)		48.49			(6,600	)		44.63			(73,425	)		39.17
	Adjustment due to 7/1/11 stock split			0			0			0			0			(32	)		32.96
	Outstanding-end of year			5,719,468		$	41.76			7,332,137		$	38.14			11,620,393		$	35.42
	Exercisable at end of year			2,930,368		$	34.42			4,261,817		$	35.37			8,265,818		$	36.28
	A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2013 is presented in the table below. Restricted stock holders are entitled to dividends on the stock and holders of restricted stock units are entitled to dividend equivalents. Executive grants vest over five years and director grants vest over six months.
			2013			2012			2011
	Executives restricted stock:
	Shares			39,130			60,000			167,250
	Price per share		$	60.14		$	46.12		$	44.39
	Aggregate value		$	2,353		$	2,767		$	7,424
	Percent vested as of 12/31/13			0	%		20	%		30	%
	Directors restricted stock:
	Shares			10,030			9,720			6,303
	Price per share		$	53.18		$	43.74		$	40.45
	Aggregate value		$	533		$	425		$	255
	Percent vested as of 12/31/13			100	%		100	%		100	%
	Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents):
	Shares			11,332			10,331			13,063
	Price per share		$	53.98		$	44.03		$	40.49
	Aggregate value		$	612		$	455		$	529
	Percent vested as of 12/31/13			100	%		100	%		100	%
Certain senior executives of the Company have been granted performance shares. On February 27, 2013, a grant was made of 99 thousand performance shares at a price of $56.10 per share for an aggregate grant price of $5.5 million. On February 21 and 22, 2012 grants were made of 80 thousand performance shares with grant prices ranging from $48.72 to $49.09 per share for an aggregate grant price of $3.9 million. Performance grants have a three year contract life, and they do not vest prior to the termination of the contract period. While the target distribution is 99 thousand shares and 80 thousand shares for the 2013 and 2012 grants, respectively, the determination of the actual settlement in shares will be based on the achievement of certain performance objectives of Torchmark over the respective three-year contract periods. The actual shares could be distributed in a range from 0 to 197 thousand shares for the 2013 grants, and 0 to 160 thousand shares for the 2012 grants. The performance shareholders are not entitled to dividend equivalents, and are not entitled to dividend payments until vested and settled.
An analysis of unvested restricted stock is as follows:
		Executives			Executive			Directors			Total
		Restricted Stock			Performance			Restricted
					Shares			Stock
2011:00:00
Balance at January 1, 2011			237,150			0			0			237,150
Grants			167,250			0			6,303			173,553
Restriction lapses			(72,600	)		0			(6,303	)		(78,903	)
Forfeitures			(4,800	)		0			0			(4,800	)
Balance at December 31, 2011			327,000			0			0			327,000
2012:00:00
Grants			60,000			80,000			9,720			149,720
Restriction lapses			(75,300	)		0			(9,720	)		(85,020	)
Forfeitures			0			0			0			0
Balance at December 31, 2012			311,700			80,000			0			391,700
2013:00:00
Grants			39,130			98,500			10,030			147,660
Estimated additional performance shares*			0			63,200			0			63,200
Restriction lapses			(100,500	)		0			(10,030	)		(110,530	)
Forfeitures			(20,700	)		0			0			(20,700	)
Balance at December 31, 2013			229,630			241,700			0			471,330
*Additional share grants expected due to achievement of performance criteria.
Restricted stock units outstanding at each of the year ends 2013, 2012, and 2011 were 57,145, 53,272, and 42,938, respectively. Restricted stock units are only available to directors, and are not converted to shares until the director’s retirement, death, or disability. There were no unvested director restricted shares outstanding at the end of any of the years 2011 through 2013. Director restricted stock and restricted stock units are generally granted on the first working day of the year and vest in six months. Dividend equivalents are earned on restricted stock units only. They are granted in the form of additional restricted stock units and vest immediately upon grant.
Additional information about Torchmark’s stock-based compensation as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2013			2012
Outstanding options:
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)			4.11			3.72
Aggregate intrinsic value		$	208,152		$	99,212
Exercisable options:
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)			2.49			2.29
Aggregate intrinsic value		$	128,150		$	69,472
Unrecognized compensation*		$	37,397		$	32,808
Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years)*			0.96			0.74
	*		Includes restricted stock
Additional information concerning Torchmark’s unvested options is as follows at December 31:
		2013			2012
Number of shares outstanding			2,789,100			3,070,320
Weighted-average exercise price (per share)		$	49.47		$	41.98
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)			5.81			5.7
Aggregate intrinsic value		$	80,002		$	29,740
Torchmark expects that substantially all unvested options will vest.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013.
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
Range of		Number			Weighted-			Weighted-			Number			Weighted-
Exercise Prices		Outstanding			Average			Average			Exercisable			Average
					Remaining			Exercise						Exercise
					Contractual			Price						Price
					Life (Years)
$15.67 - $30.40			461,983			2.11		$	17.69			457,386		$	17.57
30.87 -   30.87			962,124			3.03			30.87			962,124			30.87
35.93 -   42.92			986,616			1.12			40.35			979,202			40.37
43.06 -   44.39			1,228,295			4.68			44.37			526,806			44.35
44.79 -   48.72			1,004,375			5.72			45.78			4,850			45.49
56.10 -   64.59			1,076,075			6.54			56.38			0			0
$15.67 - $64.59			5,719,468			4.11		$	41.76			2,930,368		$	34.42
No equity awards were cash settled during the three years ended December 31, 2013.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	Note 14—Business Segments
	Torchmark’s reportable segments are based on the insurance product lines it markets and administers: life insurance, health insurance, and annuities. These major product lines are set out as reportable segments because of the common characteristics of products within these categories, comparability of margins, and the similarity in regulatory environment and management techniques. There is also an investment segment which manages the investment portfolio, debt, and cash flow for the insurance segments and the corporate function. Torchmark’s chief operating decision maker evaluates the overall performance of the operations of the Company in accordance with these segments.
	Life insurance products include traditional and interest-sensitive whole life insurance as well as term life insurance. Health products are generally guaranteed-renewable and include Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D, cancer, accident, long-term care, and limited-benefit hospital and surgical coverages. Annuities include fixed-benefit contracts.
	Torchmark markets its insurance products through a number of distribution channels, each of which sells the products of one or more of Torchmark’s insurance segments. The tables below present segment premium revenue by each of Torchmark’s marketing groups.
	Torchmark Corporation
	Premium Income By Distribution Channel
		For the Year 2013
		Life						Health						Annuity						Total
	Distribution Channel	Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
					Total						Total						Total						Total
	United American Independent	$	19,742			1		$	298,298			25		$	532			100		$	318,572			10
	Liberty National Exclusive		275,980			15			241,264			21									517,244			17
	American Income Exclusive		715,366			38			79,435			7									794,801			26
	Family Heritage Exclusive		1,006			0			190,923			16									191,929			6
	Direct Response		663,544			35			53,898			5									717,442			24
	Medicare Part D								300,008			26									300,008			10
	Other		209,694			11															209,694			7
		$	1,885,332			100		$	1,163,826			100		$	532			100		$	3,049,690			100
		For the Year 2012
		Life						Health						Annuity						Total
	Distribution Channel	Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
					Total						Total						Total						Total
	United American Independent	$	21,127			1		$	298,759			28		$	559			100		$	320,445			11
	Liberty National Exclusive		281,723			15			263,535			25									545,258			19
	American Income Exclusive		663,696			37			79,640			8									743,336			26
	Family Heritage Exclusive		130			0			30,119			3									30,249			1
	Direct Response		630,111			35			57,966			6									688,077			24
	Medicare Part D								317,764			30									317,764			11
	Other		211,737			12															211,737			8
		$	1,808,524			100		$	1,047,783			100		$	559			100		$	2,856,866			100
		For the Year 2011
		Life						Health						Annuity						Total
	Distribution Channel	Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
					Total						Total						Total						Total
	United American Independent	$	22,846			1		$	306,490			33		$	608			100		$	329,944			12
	Liberty National Exclusive		288,308			17			290,107			31									578,415			22
	American Income Exclusive		607,914			35			80,119			9									688,033			26
	Direct Response		593,650			35			57,067			6									650,717			25
	Medicare Part D								196,710			21									196,710			7
	Other		213,526			12															213,526			8
		$	1,726,244			100		$	930,493			100		$	608			100		$	2,657,345			100
	Because of the nature of the life insurance industry, Torchmark has no individual or group which would be considered a major customer. Substantially all of Torchmark’s business is conducted in the United States, primarily in the Southeastern and Southwestern regions.
	The measure of profitability established by the chief operating decision maker for insurance segments is underwriting margin before other income and administrative expenses, in accordance with the manner the segments are managed. It essentially represents gross profit margin on insurance products before insurance administrative expenses and consists of premium, less net policy obligations, acquisition expenses, and commissions. Interest credited to net policy liabilities (reserves less deferred acquisition costs) is reflected as a component of the Investment segment in order to match this cost to the investment earnings from the assets supporting the net policy liabilities.
	The measure of profitability for the Investment segment is excess investment income, which represents the income earned on the investment portfolio in excess of net policy requirements and financing costs associated with Torchmark’s debt. Other than the above-mentioned interest allocations and an intersegment commission, there are no other intersegment revenues or expenses. Expenses directly attributable to corporate operations are included in the “Corporate” category. Stock-based compensation expense is considered a corporate expense by Torchmark management and is included in this category. All other unallocated revenues and expenses on a pretax basis, including insurance administrative expense, are included in the “Other” segment category.
	Torchmark holds a sizeable investment portfolio to support its insurance liabilities, the yield from which is used to offset policy benefit, acquisition, administrative and tax expenses. This yield or investment income is taken into account when establishing premium rates and profitability expectations of its insurance products. In holding such a portfolio, investments are sold, called, or written down from time to time, resulting in a realized gain or loss. These gains or losses generally occur as a result of disposition due to issuer calls, a downgrade in credit quality, 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.
	The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Torchmark’s revenues and operations by segment to its major income statement line items.
		For the year 2013
		Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Corporate			Adjustments					Consolidated
	Revenue:
	Premium	$	1,885,332		$	1,163,826		$	532											$	2,584	(1)			$	3,052,274
	Net investment income										$	734,650									(24,907	)(4)				709,743
	Other income													$	2,208						(277	)(3)				1,931
	Total revenue		1,885,332			1,163,826			532			734,650			2,208						(22,600	)				3,763,948
	Expenses:
	Policy benefits		1,227,857			806,478			43,302												11,209	(1,6)				2,088,846
	Required interest on:
	Policy reserves		(508,236	)		(59,858	)		(57,294	)		625,388														0
	Deferred acquisition costs		164,981			23,233			1,811			(190,025	)													0
	Amortization of acquisition costs		323,950			72,244			8,714												(1,519	)(7)				403,389
	Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs		131,721			89,922			60												(277	)(3)				221,426
	Insurance administrative expense(2)														178,898						1,155	(5)				180,053
	Parent expense																$	8,495			500	(6)				8,995
	Stock-based compensation expense																	25,642								25,642
Interest expense											80,461														80,461
Total expenses		1,340,273			932,019			(3,407	)		515,824			178,898			34,137			11,068					3,008,812
Subtotal		545,059			231,807			3,939			218,826			(176,690	)		(34,137	)		(33,668	)				755,136
Non-operating items																				8,761	(5,6,7)				8,761
Amortization of low-income housing interests																				24,907	(4)				24,907
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	$	545,059		$	231,807		$	3,939		$	218,826		$	(176,690	)	$	(34,137	)	$	0					788,804
Deduct applicable income taxes																									(258,137	)
Segment profits after tax																									530,667
Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability																									258,137
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)																									7,990
Deduct amortization of low-income housing(4)																									(24,907	)
Deduct Guaranty Fund Assessment(5)																									(1,155	)
Deduct legal settlement expenses(6)																									(9,125	)
Add Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments(7)																									1,519
Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations																								$	763,126
-1	Medicare Part D items adjusted to GAAP from the segment analysis, which matches expected benefits with policy premium.
-2	Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments.
-3	Elimination of intersegment commission.
-4	Amortization of low-income housing interests.
-5	Guaranty Fund Assessment.
-6	Legal settlement expenses.
-7	Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments.
	For the Year 2012
	Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Corporate			Adjustments					Consolidated
Revenue:
Premium	$	1,808,524		$	1,047,783		$	559											$	(404	)(1)			$	2,856,462
Net investment income										$	715,918									(22,274	)(2)(5)				693,644
Other income													$	1,898						(321	)(4)				1,577
Total revenue		1,808,524			1,047,783			559			715,918			1,898						(22,999	)				3,551,683
Expenses:
Policy benefits		1,172,020			739,945			44,121												(404	)(1)				1,955,682
Required interest on:		(483,892	)		(40,963	)		(59,293	)		584,148														0
Policy reserves
Deferred acquisition costs		163,875			19,059			2,238			(185,172	)													0
Amortization of acquisition costs		309,930			65,278			9,959																	385,167
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs		137,115			67,123			69												(321	)(4)				203,986
Insurance administrative expense(3)														165,405											165,405
Parent expense																$	8,222			2,944	(6)				11,166
Stock-based compensation expense																	21,605								21,605
Interest expense											80,298									214	(2)				80,512
Total expenses		1,299,048			850,442			(2,906	)		479,274			165,405			29,827			2,433					2,823,523
Sub total		509,476			197,341			3,465			236,644			(163,507	)		(29,827	)		(25,432	)				728,160
Non operating items																				2,944	(6)				2,944
Amortization of low-income housing interests																				22,488	(5)				22,488
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	$	509,476		$	197,341		$	3,465		$	236,644		$	(163,507	)	$	(29,827	)	$	0					753,592
Deduct applicable income taxes																									(246,945	)
Segment profits after tax																									506,647
Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability																									246,945
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)																									37,833
Deduct amortization of low-income housing(5)																									(22,488	)
Deduct Family Heritage Life acquisition expense(6)																									(2,944	)
Pretax income per the Consolidated Statement of Operations																								$	765,993
-1	Medicare Part D items adjusted to GAAP from the segment analysis, which matches expected benefits with policy premium.
-2	Reclassification of interest amount due to accounting rule requiring deconsolidation of Trust Preferred Securities.
-3	Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments.
-4	Elimination of intersegment commission.
-5	Amortization of low-income housing interests.
-6	Family Heritage Life acquisition expense.
	For the Year 2011
	Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Corporate			Adjustments					Consolidated
Revenue:
Premium	$	1,726,244		$	930,493		$	608											$	(1,027	)(1)			$	2,656,318
Net investment income										$	707,041									(14,013	)(2,5)				693,028
Other income													$	2,507						(356	)(4)				2,151
Total revenue		1,726,244			930,493			608			707,041			2,507						(15,396	)				3,351,497
Expenses:
Policy benefits		1,118,909			632,847			42,547												(1,027	)(1)				1,793,276
Required interest on:		(458,029	)		(36,729	)		(57,040	)		551,798														0
Policy reserves
Deferred acquisition costs		159,886			18,883			2,618			(181,387	)													0
Amortization of acquisition costs		292,168			62,345			10,070																	364,583
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs		152,347			64,157			68												(356	)(4)				216,216
Insurance administrative expense(3)														159,109						19,880	(6,7,8)				178,989
Parent expense																$	7,693								7,693
Stock-based compensation expense																	14,954								14,954
Interest expense											77,644									264	(2)				77,908
Total expenses		1,265,281			741,503			(1,737	)		448,055			159,109			22,647			18,761					2,653,619
Sub total		460,963			188,990			2,345			258,986			(156,602	)		(22,647	)		(34,157	)				697,878
Non operating items																				19,880	(6,7,8)				19,880
Amortization of low-income housing interests																				14,277	(5)				14,277
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	$	460,963		$	188,990		$	2,345		$	258,986		$	(156,602	)	$	(22,647	)	$	0					732,035
Deduct applicable income taxes																									(238,335	)
Segment profits after tax																									493,700
Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability																									238,335
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)																									25,904
Deduct amortization of low-income housing(5)																									(14,277	)
Deduct state administrative settlement expense(6)																									(6,901	)
Deduct loss on sale of equipment(7)																									(979	)
Deduct litigation expense(8)																									(12,000	)
Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations																								$	723,782
-1	Medicare Part D items adjusted to GAAP from the segment analysis, which matches expected benefits with policy premium.
-2	Reclassification of interest amount due to accounting rule requiring deconsolidation of Trust Preferred Securities.
-3	Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments.
-4	Elimination of intersegment commission.
-5	Amortization of low-income housing interests.
-6	State administrative settlement expense.
-7	Loss on sale of equipment.
-8	Litigation expense.
The following table summarizes the measures of segment profitability as determined in the three preceding tables for comparison with prior periods. The table also reconciles segment profits to net income.
Analysis of Profitability by Segment
	2013			2012			2011			2013			%			2012			%
										Change						Change
Life insurance underwriting margin	$	545,059		$	509,476		$	460,963		$	35,583			7		$	48,513			11
Health insurance underwriting margin		231,807			197,341			188,990			34,466			17			8,351			4
Annuity underwriting margin		3,939			3,465			2,345			474			14			1,120			48
Excess investment income		218,826			236,644			258,986			(17,818	)		(8	)		(22,342	)		(9	)
Other insurance:
Other income		2,208			1,898			2,507			310			16			(609	)		(24	)
Administrative expense		(178,898	)		(165,405	)		(159,109	)		(13,493	)		8			(6,296	)		4
Corporate and adjustments		(34,137	)		(29,827	)		(22,647	)		(4,310	)		14			(7,180	)		32
Pre-tax total		788,804			753,592			732,035			35,212			5			21,557			3
Applicable taxes		(258,137	)		(246,945	)		(238,335	)		(11,192	)		5			(8,610	)		4
Total		530,667			506,647			493,700			24,020			5			12,947			3
Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax)*		3,965			24,591			16,838			(20,626	)					7,753
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (after tax)		0			0			(455	)		0						455
Acquisition expense and adjustments—Family Heritage (after tax)		522			(1,914	)		0			2,436						(1,914	)
Legal settlement expenses (after tax)		(5,931	)		0			(7,800	)		(5,931	)					7,800
Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax)		(751	)		0			0			(751	)					0
State administrative settlement (after tax)		0			0			(4,486	)		0						4,486
Loss on sale of equipment (after tax)		0			0			(636	)		0						636
Net income	$	528,472		$	529,324		$	497,161		$	-852			0		$	32,163			6
Assets for each segment are reported based on a specific identification basis. The insurance segments’ assets contain deferred acquisition costs (including the value of insurance purchased). The investment segment includes the investment portfolio, cash, and accrued investment income. Goodwill is assigned to the insurance segments at the time of purchase based on the excess of cost over the fair value of assets acquired for the benefit of that segment. All other assets, representing approximately 4% of total assets, are included in the other category. The table below reconciles segment assets to total assets as reported in the consolidated financial statements.
Assets by Segment
	At December 31, 2013
	Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Consolidated
Cash and invested assets										$	13,456,944					$	13,456,944
Accrued investment income											200,038						200,038
Deferred acquisition costs	$	2,809,199		$	497,743		$	30,707									3,337,649
Goodwill		309,609			131,982												441,591
Other assets													$	755,522			755,522
Total assets	$	3,118,808		$	629,725		$	30,707		$	13,656,982		$	755,522		$	18,191,744
	At December 31, 2012
	Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Consolidated
Cash and invested assets										$	14,155,919					$	14,155,919
Accrued investment income											195,497						195,497
Deferred acquisition costs	$	2,688,876		$	481,725		$	27,830									3,198,431
Goodwill		309,609			131,982												441,591
Other assets													$	785,472			785,472
Total assets	$	2,998,485		$	613,707		$	27,830		$	14,351,416		$	785,472		$	18,776,910
Other Balances by Segment
	At December 31, 2013
	Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Consolidated
Future policy benefits	$	8,493,972		$	1,384,365		$	1,377,818					$	11,256,155
Unearned and advance premium		16,970			57,204									74,174
Policy claims and other benefits payable		121,661			101,719									223,380
Debt										$	1,219,935			1,219,935
Total	$	8,632,603		$	1,543,288		$	1,377,818		$	1,219,935		$	12,773,644
	At December 31, 2012
	Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Consolidated
Future policy benefits	$	8,093,618		$	1,264,540		$	1,348,061					$	10,706,219
Unearned and advance premium		16,856			59,232									76,088
Policy claims and other benefits payable		123,600			104,870									228,470
Debt										$	1,308,729			1,308,729
Total	$	8,234,074		$	1,428,642		$	1,348,061		$	1,308,729		$	12,319,506

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies
	Reinsurance:    Insurance affiliates of Torchmark reinsure that portion of insurance risk which is in excess of their retention limits. Retention limits for ordinary life insurance range up to $2.0 million per life. Life insurance ceded represented .5% of total life insurance in force at December 31, 2013. Insurance ceded on life and accident and health products represented .3% of premium income for 2013. Torchmark would be liable for the reinsured risks ceded to other companies to the extent that such reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations.
	Insurance affiliates also assume insurance risks of other companies. Life reinsurance assumed represented 2.5% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2013 and reinsurance assumed on life and accident and health products represented .9% of premium income for 2013.
	Leases:    Torchmark leases office space and office equipment under a variety of operating lease arrangements. Rental expense for operating leases was $4.1 million in 2013, $3.6 million in 2012, and $4.8 million in 2011. Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2013 were as follows: 2014, $3.4 million; 2015, $3.3 million; 2016, $1.9 million; 2017, $1.1 million; 2018, $1.0 million and in the aggregate, $11.4 million.
	Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests:    As described in Note 1, Torchmark had $290 million invested in entities which provide certain tax benefits at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, Torchmark remained obligated under these commitments for $58 million, of which $41 million is due in 2014, $8 million in 2015, $0 million in 2016, and $9 million thereafter.
	Investment Commitment:    As of December 31, 2013, Torchmark had committed to purchase $33.8 million of private placement investments.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk:    Torchmark maintains a diversified investment portfolio with limited concentration in any given issuer. At December 31, 2013, the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following:
	Investment-grade corporate securities	79	%
	Securities of state and municipal governments	10
	Below-investment-grade securities	4
	Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values	3
	Government-sponsored enterprises	2
	Other fixed maturities, equity securities, mortgages, real estate, other long-term investments, and short-term investments	2
		100	%
	As of December 31, 2013, securities of state and municipal governments represented 10% of invested assets at fair value. Such investments are made throughout the U.S. At year-end 2013, 5% or more of the state and municipal bond portfolio at fair value was invested in securities issued within the following states: Texas (31%), Ohio (7%), Washington (7%), Illinois (6%), and Alabama (5%). Otherwise, there was no significant concentration within any given state.
	Corporate debt and equity investments are made in a wide range of industries. Below are the ten largest industry concentrations held in the corporate portfolio at December 31, 2013, based on fair value:
	Insurance	17	%
	Electric utilities and services	17	%
	Pipelines	7	%
	Banks	6	%
	Oil and gas extraction	6	%
	Transportation	5	%
	Mining	4	%
	Chemicals	4	%
	Telecommunications	3	%
	REITs	3	%
	At year-end 2013, 4% of invested assets at fair value was represented by fixed maturities rated below investment grade (BB or lower as determined by the weighted average of available ratings from rating services). Par value of these investments was $681 million, amortized cost was $566 million, and fair value was $523 million. While these investments could be subject to additional credit risk, such risk should generally be reflected in their fair value.
	Collateral Requirements:    Torchmark requires collateral for investments in instruments where collateral is available and is typically required because of the nature of the investment. Torchmark’s mortgages are secured by the underlying real estate.
	Guarantees:    At December 31, 2013, Torchmark 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, 2013, Torchmark had no liability with respect to these guarantees.
	Letters of Credit:    Torchmark has guaranteed letters of credit in connection with its credit facility with a group of banks. The letters of credit were issued by TMK Re, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, to secure TMK Re, Ltd.’s obligation for claims on certain policies reinsured by TMK Re, Ltd. that were sold by other Torchmark insurance companies. These letters of credit facilitate TMK Re, Ltd.’s ability to reinsure the business of Torchmark’s insurance carriers. The agreement expires in 2015. The maximum amount of letters of credit available is $250 million. Torchmark (parent company) would be liable to the extent that TMK Re, Ltd. does not pay the reinsured party. At December 31, 2013, $198 million of letters of credit were outstanding.
	Equipment leases:    Torchmark has guaranteed performance of a subsidiary as lessee under two leasing arrangements for aviation equipment. One of the leases expires in January, 2017 and the other expires in August, 2019. At December 31, 2013, total remaining undiscounted payments under the leases were approximately $6.5 million. Torchmark (parent company) would be responsible for any subsidiary obligation in the event the subsidiary did not make payments or otherwise perform under the terms of the lease.
	Unclaimed Property Audits.    Torchmark subsidiaries are currently the subject of audits regarding the identification, reporting, and escheatment of unclaimed property arising from life insurance policies and a limited number of annuity contracts. These audits are being conducted by private entities that have contracted with forty seven states through their respective Departments of Revenue, and have not resulted in any financial assessment from any state nor indicated any Company liability. These audits are wide-ranging, and seek large amounts of data regarding claims handling, procedures, and payments of contract benefits arising from unreported death claims. Additionally, the Torchmark subsidiary companies are the subject of multiple regulatory departments’ inquiries and examinations with similar focus on abandoned property and unreported claims, but also which deal with the accounting for general expenses, commissions, and other payments. These audits and examinations could result in additional payments to insurance beneficiaries, the escheatment of abandoned property to various states, and/or possible administrative penalties. Amounts that could be payable to insurance beneficiaries and to the states for the escheatment of abandoned property represent insurance liabilities and are included in the Company’s estimate of policy benefits under the caption “Total policy liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. No estimate of range can be made for loss contingencies related to possible administrative penalties at this time.
	Litigation:     Torchmark and its subsidiaries, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation, including claims involving tax matters, alleged breaches of contract, torts, including bad faith and fraud claims based on alleged wrongful or fraudulent acts of agents of Torchmark’s subsidiaries, employment discrimination, and miscellaneous other causes of action. Based upon information presently available, and in light of legal and other factual defenses available to Torchmark and its subsidiaries, management does not believe that such litigation will have a material adverse effect on Torchmark’s financial condition, future operating results or liquidity; however, assessing the eventual outcome of litigation necessarily involves forward-looking speculation as to judgments to be made by judges, juries and appellate courts in the future. This bespeaks caution, particularly in states with reputations for high punitive damage verdicts. Torchmark’s management recognizes that large punitive damage awards bearing little or no relation to actual damages continue to be awarded by juries in jurisdictions in which Torchmark and its subsidiaries have substantial business, creating the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments in any given punitive damage suit.
	In January 2013, the West Virginia Treasurer filed actions against Torchmark subsidiaries, United American, Globe and American Income in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia (State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. United American Insurance Company, et al, Civil Action No. 12-C-439). The actions, which also name numerous other unaffiliated insurance companies, allege violations of the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act and seek to compel compliance with that Act through the reporting and remittance of unclaimed life insurance proceeds to the State Treasurer as administrator of the West Virginia Unclaimed Property Fund. This litigation was stayed as to these Torchmark subsidiaries pending completion of the unclaimed property audits being conducted by various State Departments of Revenue, discussed more fully under the caption Unclaimed Property Audits in this footnote, and a motion to dismiss the West Virginia litigation was subsequently granted as to all defendants in the case by the Court in January 2014. West Virginia has filed an appeal of this decision and thus, the stay of the litigation against the Torchmark subsidiaries has been reinstated.
	With respect to its current litigation, at this time management believes that the possibility of a material judgment adverse to Torchmark is remote, and no estimate of range can be made for loss contingencies that are at least reasonably possible but not accrued.

Selected_Quarterly_Data_Unaudi

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	'
	Note 16—Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2013. The information is unaudited but 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,
	2013:00:00
	Premium and policy charges	$	784,814		$	765,851	$	750,998	$	750,611
	Net investment income		176,839			177,964		176,656		178,284
	Realized investment gains(losses)		(3,907	)		5,913		4,459		1,525
	Total revenues		958,216			950,339		932,789		930,594
	Policy benefits		552,003			524,499		516,783		495,561
	Amortization of acquisition expenses		101,714			102,488		98,444		100,743
	Pretax income		173,063			192,784		190,850		206,429
	Net income		119,632			133,901		132,122		142,817
	Basic net income per common share*		1.28			1.45		1.45		1.59
	Diluted net income per common share*		1.27			1.44		1.43		1.56
	2012:00:00
	Premium and policy charges	$	718,475		$	705,582	$	699,860	$	732,545
	Net investment income		174,121			175,176		169,400		174,947
	Realized investment gains(losses)		5,006			4,661		7,283		20,883
	Total revenues		897,923			885,795		877,100		928,698
	Policy benefits		512,647			484,807		479,119		479,109
	Amortization of acquisition expenses		96,498			96,601		94,016		98,052
	Pretax income		170,235			186,380		188,791		220,587
	Net income		118,677			128,988		130,672		150,987
	Basic net income per common share*		1.19			1.33		1.37		1.6
	Diluted net income per common share*		1.17			1.32		1.36		1.58
	*	Basic and diluted net income per share by quarter may not add to per share income on a year-to-date basis due to share weighting and rounding.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	'
	TORCHMARK CORPORATION
	(PARENT COMPANY)
	SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	(Amounts in thousands)
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	Investments:
	Long-term investments	$	34,816		$	31,060
	Short-term investments		8,415			1,610
	Total investments		43,231			32,670
	Cash		0			0
	Investment in affiliates		5,074,326			5,780,762
	Due from affiliates		50,766			156,995
	Taxes receivable		66,168			86,391
	Other assets		45,533			27,635
	Total assets	$	5,280,024		$	6,084,453
	Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
	Liabilities:
	Short-term debt	$	229,070		$	319,043
	Long-term debt		1,140,469			1,139,253
	Due to affiliates		652			59,358
	Other liabilities		133,491			205,013
	Total liabilities		1,503,682			1,722,667
	Shareholders’ equity:
	Preferred stock		351			351
	Common stock		100,812			105,812
	Additional paid-in capital		812,569			790,293
	Accumulated other comprehensive income		210,981			925,275
	Retained earnings		3,545,939			3,403,338
	Treasury stock		(894,310	)		(863,283	)
	Total shareholders’ equity		3,776,342			4,361,786
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	5,280,024		$	6,084,453
	See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered
	Public Accounting Firm.
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net investment income	$	24,268		$	22,968		$	23,542
	Realized investment gains (losses)		0			(3,534	)		508
	Total revenue		24,268			19,434			24,050
	General operating expenses		53,255			49,549			30,945
	Reimbursements from affiliates		(46,855	)		(31,184	)		(19,335	)
	Interest expense		84,273			81,145			75,426
	Total expenses		90,673			99,510			87,036
	Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates		(66,405	)		(80,076	)		(62,986	)
	Income taxes		17,390			24,916			14,380
	Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates		(49,015	)		(55,160	)		(48,606	)
	Equity in earnings of affiliates		577,487			584,484			545,767
	Net income		528,472			529,324			497,161
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Attributable to Parent Company		38,557			(31,388	)		(5,410	)
	Attributable to affiliates		(752,851	)		406,747			532,234
	Comprehensive income	$	(185,822	)	$	904,683		$	1,023,985
	See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered
	Public Accounting Firm.
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cash provided from (used for) operations before dividends from subsidiaries	$	(54,213	)	$	(5,652	)	$	(33,042	)
Cash dividends from subsidiaries		488,376			436,814			769,139
Cash provided from operations		434,163			431,162			736,097
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:
Disposition of investments		514			3,955			11,828
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments		(6,805	)		(17,524	)		62,524
Acquisition of Family Heritage		0			(213,747	)		0
Investment in other subsidiaries		0			(205	)		(25,000	)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities		(6,291	)		(227,521	)		49,352
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:
Issuance of 3.8% Senior Notes		0			296,646			0
Issuance of 5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures		0			120,811			0
Repayment of 7.375% Notes		(94,050	)		0			0
Redemption of 7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures		0			(123,711	)		0
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper		3,983			245			25,967
Issuance of stock		97,677			181,022			162,613
Acquisitions of treasury stock		(482,264	)		(570,165	)		(972,556	)
Net borrowings (to)/from subsidiaries		120,000			(69,000	)		96,000
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises		10,963			12,209			2,021
Payment of dividends		(84,181	)		(78,797	)		(72,395	)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities		(427,872	)		(230,740	)		(758,350	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		0			(27,099	)		27,099
Cash balance at beginning of period		0			27,099			0
Cash balance at end of period	$	0		$	0		$	27,099
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm.
TORCHMARK CORPORATION
(PARENT COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands)
Note A—Dividends from Subsidiaries
Cash dividends paid to Torchmark from the subsidiaries were as follows:
	2013			2012			2011
Dividends from subsidiaries	$	488,376		$	436,814		$	769,139
Note B—Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
The following table summarizes noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$	25,642		$	21,605		$	14,954
Debt assumed to acquire Family Heritage		0			20,000			0
Dividend of subsidiary to Parent		1,246,557			0			0
Dividend of subsidiary applied to loan balance		72,000			0			0
The following table summarizes certain amounts paid (received) during the period:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Interest paid	$	85,443		$	76,833		$	74,569
Income taxes received		27,820			29,251			22,893
Note C—Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2013, Torchmark had 351 thousand shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, issued and outstanding, of which 280 thousand shares were 6.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, and 71 thousand shares were 7.15% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (collectively, the “Series A Preferred Stock”). All issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were held by wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock at the time outstanding would be entitled to receive a liquidating distribution out of the assets legally available to stockholders in the amount of $1 thousand per share or $351 million in the aggregate, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, before any distribution is made to holders of Torchmark common stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights nor have rights to convert such shares into shares of any other class of Torchmark capital stock.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule Of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	'
	TORCHMARK CORPORATION
	SCHEDULE IV. REINSURANCE (CONSOLIDATED)
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Gross		Ceded		Assumed		Net		Percentage
		Amount		to Other		from Other		Amount		of Amount
				Companies(1)		Companies				Assumed
										to Net
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2013:00:00
	Life insurance in force	$	154,488,511	$	782,125	$	3,882,237	$	157,588,623		2.5	%
	Premiums:(2)
	Life insurance	$	1,841,425	$	4,645	$	26,960	$	1,863,740		1.4	%
	Health insurance		1,169,534		3,124		0		1,166,410		0	%
	Total premium	$	3,010,959	$	7,769	$	26,960	$	3,030,150		0.9	%
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012:00:00
	Life insurance in force	$	150,107,614	$	800,905	$	4,138,180	$	153,444,889		2.7	%
	Premiums:(2)
	Life insurance	$	1,762,640	$	7,592	$	30,725	$	1,785,773		1.7	%
	Health insurance		1,049,608		2,229		0		1,047,379		0	%
	Total premium	$	2,812,248	$	9,821	$	30,725	$	2,833,152		1.1	%
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2011:00:00
	Life insurance in force	$	144,778,793	$	738,935	$	4,414,247	$	148,454,105		3	%
	Premiums:(2)
	Life insurance	$	1,675,307	$	4,716	$	31,311	$	1,701,902		1.8	%
	Health insurance		931,751		2,285		0		929,466		0	%
	Total premium	$	2,607,058	$	7,001	$	31,311	$	2,631,368		1.2	%
	-1	No amounts have been netted against ceded premium
	-2	Excludes policy charges of $22,124, $23,310, and $24,950 in each of the years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business	'
	Business:    Torchmark Corporation (Torchmark or alternatively, the Company) through its subsidiaries provides a variety of life and health insurance products and annuities to a broad base of customers.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation:    The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation:    The consolidated financial statements include the results of Torchmark and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When Torchmark acquires a subsidiary or a block of business, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets is recorded as goodwill. Expenses incurred to effect the acquisition are charged to earnings as of the acquisition date. Upon acquisition, the accounts and results of operations are consolidated as of and subsequent to the acquisition date.
	Torchmark accounts for its variable interest entities (VIE’s) under accounting guidance which clarifies the definition of a variable interest and the instructions for consolidating VIE’s. Only primary beneficiaries are required or allowed to consolidate VIE’s. Therefore, a company may have voting control of a VIE, but if it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, it is not permitted to consolidate the VIE. The trust that was liable for Torchmark’s Trust Preferred Securities met the definition of a VIE. However, Torchmark was not the primary beneficiary of this entity because its interest was not variable. Therefore, Torchmark was not permitted to consolidate its interest, even though it owned 100% of the voting equity of the trust and guaranteed its performance. For this reason, Torchmark reported its 7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures due to the trust as “Due to affiliates” each period at its carrying value. However, Torchmark viewed the Trust Preferred Securities as it does any other debt offering and consolidated the trust in its segment analysis because GAAP requires that the segment analysis be reported as management views its operations and financial condition. These Securities were redeemed in October, 2012, as disclosed in Note 11—Debt.
	Additionally, as further described under the caption Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests below in this note, Torchmark holds passive interests in limited partnerships which provide investment returns through the provision of tax benefits (principally from the transfer of Federal or state tax credits related to federal low-income housing). These interests are also considered to be VIEs. They are not consolidated because the Company has no power to control the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of these entities and therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these interests. Torchmark’s involvement is limited to its limited partnership interest in the entities. Torchmark has not provided any other financial support to the entities beyond its commitments to fund its limited partnership interests, and there are no arrangements or agreements with any of the interests to provide other financial support. The maximum loss exposure relative to these interests is limited to their carrying value.
	When a component of Torchmark’s business is sold or expected to be sold during the ensuing year, Torchmark reports the assets and liabilities of the component as assets and liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale. Assets or liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale are segregated and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the lower of the carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. Torchmark reports the results of operations of a business as discontinued operations when the component is sold or expected to be sold, the operations and cash flows of the business have been or will be eliminated from the ongoing operations as a result of the disposal transaction, and Torchmark will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the business after the disposal transaction. The results of discontinued operations are reported in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for current and prior periods commencing in the period in which the business is either disposed of or is accounted for as a disposal group, including any gain or loss recognized on the sale or adjustment of the carrying amount to fair value less cost to sell.
Investments	'
	Investments:    Torchmark classifies all of its fixed-maturity investments, which include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in equity securities, which include common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Mortgage loans, included in “Other long-term investments,” are carried at amortized cost. Investments in real estate, included in “Other long-term investments,” are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method. Short-term investments include investments in interest-bearing time deposits with original maturities of twelve months or less.
	Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Income attributable to investments is included in Torchmark’s net investment income. Net investment income and realized investment gains and losses are not allocated to insurance policyholders’ liabilities.
Impairment of Investments	'
	Impairment of Investments:    Torchmark’s portfolio of fixed maturities fluctuates in value due to changes in interest rates in the financial markets as well as other factors. Fluctuations caused by market interest rate changes have little bearing on whether or not the investment will be ultimately recoverable. Therefore, Torchmark considers these declines in value resulting from changes in market interest rates to be temporary. In certain circumstances, however, Torchmark determines that the decline in the value of a security is other-than-temporary and writes the book value of the security down to its fair value, realizing an investment loss. The evaluation of Torchmark’s securities for other-than-temporary impairments is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of Company investment and accounting professionals. Each security which is impaired because the fair value is less than the cost or amortized cost is identified and evaluated. The determination that an impairment is other-than-temporary is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. Among the factors considered are:
		•		The length of time and extent to which the security has been impaired
		•		The reason(s) for the impairment
		•		The financial condition of the issuer and the near-term prospects for recovery in fair value of the security
		•		The Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery
		•		Expected future cash flows
	The relative weight given to each of these factors can change over time as facts and circumstances change. In many cases, management believes it is appropriate to give relatively more weight to prospective factors than to retrospective factors. Prospective factors that are given more weight include prospects for recovery, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery, and expected future cash flows.
	Among the facts and information considered in the process are:
		•		Default on a required payment
		•		Issuer bankruptcy filings
		•		Financial statements of the issuer
		•		Changes in credit ratings of the issuer
		•		The value of underlying collateral
		•		News and information included in press releases issued by the issuer
		•		News and information reported in the media concerning the issuer
		•		News and information published by or otherwise provided by credit analysts
		•		Recent cash flows
	While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimately recoverable amount of a distressed or impaired security. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and is treated as a realized loss in the period the determination is made. The written-down security will be amortized and revenue recognized in accordance with estimated future cash flows.
	Current accounting guidance is such that if an entity intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is to be considered other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of impairment must be charged to earnings. Otherwise, losses on fixed maturities which are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into two categories, the portion of loss which is considered credit loss and the portion of loss which is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is charged to earnings while the loss due to other factors is charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss portion of an impairment is determined as the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s original effective yield rate. The temporary portion is the difference between this present value of expected future cash flows and fair value (as discounted by a market yield). The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and loan-to-collateral value ratios. Management believes that the present value of future cash flows at the original effective yield is a better measure of valuation, because fair value determined by a discounted market yield is often based on limited observable market data, and the market for these securities is generally neither active nor orderly.
Cash	'
	Cash:    Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions. Overdrafts arising from the overnight investment of funds offset cash balances on hand and on deposit.
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 when due from the policyholder. Premiums for short-duration health contracts are recognized as revenue over the contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Profits for limited-payment life insurance contracts are recognized over the contract period. Premiums for universal life-type and annuity contracts are added to the policy account value, and revenues for such products are recognized as charges to the policy account value for mortality, administration, and surrenders (retrospective deposit method). Life premium includes policy charges of $22 million, $23 million, and $25 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Other premium consists of annuity policy charges in each year. Profits are also earned to the extent that investment income exceeds policy liability interest requirements. The related benefits and expenses are matched with revenues by means of the provision of future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred acquisition costs in a manner which recognizes profits as they are earned over the same period.
Future Policy Benefits	'
	Future Policy Benefits:    The liability for future policy benefits for universal life-type products is represented by policy account value. The liability for future policy benefits for all other life and health products, approximately 83% of total future policy benefits, is determined on the net level premium method. This method provides for the present value of expected future benefit payments less the present value of expected future net premiums, based on estimated investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and other assumptions which were considered appropriate at the time the policies were issued. For limited-payment contracts, a deferred profit liability is also recorded which causes profits to emerge over the life of the contract in proportion to policies in force. Assumptions used for traditional life and health insurance products are based primarily on Company experience. Assumptions for interest rates range from 2.5% to 7% for Torchmark’s insurance companies with an overall weighted average assumed rate of 5.8%. Mortality tables used for individual life insurance include various statutory tables and modifications of a variety of generally accepted actuarial tables. Morbidity assumptions for individual health are based on either Company experience or the assumptions used in determining statutory reserves. Withdrawal and termination assumptions are based on Torchmark’s experience. Once established, assumptions for these products are generally not changed. An additional provision is made on most products to allow for possible adverse deviation from the assumptions. These estimates are periodically reviewed 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 the revised assumptions.
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 include the value of insurance purchased, which are the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies. These costs represent the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed compared against the assets and liabilities for insurance contracts that the Company issues or holds measured in accordance with GAAP. Deferred acquisition costs and the value of insurance purchased are amortized in a systematic manner which matches these costs with the associated revenues. Policies other than universal life-type policies are amortized with interest over the estimated premium-paying period of the policies in a manner which charges each year’s operations in proportion to the receipt of premium income. Universal life-type policies are amortized with interest in proportion to estimated gross profits. The assumptions used to amortize acquisition costs with regard to interest, mortality, morbidity, and persistency are consistent with those used to estimate the liability for future policy benefits. For interest-sensitive and deposit-balance type products, these assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and are revised if actual experience differs significantly from original expectations. For all other products, amortization assumptions are generally not revised once established. Deferred acquisition costs are subject to periodic recoverability and loss recognition testing to determine if there is a premium deficiency. These tests ensure that the present value of future contract-related cash flows will support the capitalized deferred acquisition cost asset. These cash flows consist primarily of premium income, less benefits and expenses taking inflation into account. The present value of these cash flows, less the benefit reserve, is then compared with the unamortized deferred acquisition cost balance. In the event the estimated present value of net cash flows is less, the deficiency would be recognized by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits, as described under the caption Future Policy Benefits.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs: Costs related to advertising are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain direct response advertising costs are capitalized when there is a reliable and demonstrated relationship between total costs and future benefits that is a direct result of incurring these costs. Torchmark’s Direct Response advertising costs consist primarily of the production and distribution costs of direct mail advertising materials, and when capitalized are included as a component of deferred acquisition costs. They are amortized in the same manner as other deferred acquisition costs. Direct response advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating expense were $6 million, $16 million, and $16 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Capitalized advertising costs included within deferred acquisition costs were $1.09 billion at December 31, 2013 and $1.04 billion at December 31, 2012.
Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable	'
	Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable:    Torchmark establishes a liability for known policy benefits payable and an estimate of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to the Company. The estimate of unreported claims is based on prior experience. Torchmark makes an estimate after careful evaluation of all information available to the Company. However, there is no certainty the stated liability for claims and other benefits, including the estimate of unsubmitted claims, will be Torchmark’s ultimate obligation.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes:    Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. More information concerning income taxes is provided in Note 8—Income Taxes.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment:    Property and equipment, included in “Other assets,” is reported at cost less allowances for depreciation. Depreciation is recorded primarily on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from three to ten years for equipment and five to forty years for buildings and improvements. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Impairments, if any, are recorded when, based on events and circumstances, it becomes evident that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. Original cost of property and equipment was $136 million at December 31, 2013 and $125 million at December 31, 2012. Accumulated depreciation was $85 million at year end 2013 and $79 million at the end of 2012. Depreciation expense was $6.4 million in 2013, $7.1 million in 2012, and $6.8 million in 2011. During 2013, Liberty National Life Insurance Company (Liberty National), a Torchmark subsidiary, sold real estate for a loss of $265 thousand after a previous write-down for other-than-temporary impairment of $2.7 million earlier in the year. The sale of this property eliminated substantially all asbestos-related liability for Torchmark.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests	'
	Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests:    As of December 31, 2013, Torchmark had $290 million invested in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits and other related Federal income tax and state premium tax benefits to Torchmark. The carrying value of Torchmark’s investment in these entities was $285 million at December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2013, Torchmark was obligated under future commitments of $58 million, which is included in the above carrying value. Interests for which the return has been guaranteed by unrelated third-parties are accounted for using the effective-yield method. The remaining interests are accounted for using the amortized-cost method.
	The Federal income benefits accrued during each of the years presented, net of the amortization associated with guaranteed interests, were recorded in “Income taxes.” Amortization associated with non-guaranteed interests and interests providing for state premium tax benefits was reflected as a component of “Net investment income.” All state premium tax benefits, net of the related amortization, were recorded in “Net investment income.” At December 31, 2013, $283 million associated with the Federal interests was included in “Other assets” with the remaining $7 million state-related interests included in “Other invested assets.” At December 31, 2012, the comparable amounts were $275 million and $10 million, respectively. Any unpaid commitments to invest are recorded in “Other liabilities.” In the segment analysis, the amortization associated with the non-guaranteed interests is reflected as a component of “Income tax expenses,” and not “Net investment income,” consistent with the treatment of the guaranteed interests. Management views this presentation as a more accurate matching of costs with the associated revenues with respect to the low-income housing interests.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill:    The excess cost of business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing based on certain procedures outlined by GAAP. These procedures include a qualitative assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, and they also require consideration of a change in relevant events or circumstances that could possibly affect the valuation of a goodwill reporting unit. If it is determined that an impairment is likely, the procedures then involve measuring the carrying value of each reporting unit of Torchmark’s segments, including the goodwill of that unit, against the estimated fair value of the corresponding unit. If the carrying value of a unit including goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, then the goodwill in that unit could potentially be impaired. In that event, further testing is required under the accounting guidance to determine the amount of impairment, if any. If there is an impairment in the goodwill of any reporting unit, it is written down and charged to earnings in the period of test.
	Torchmark has tested its goodwill annually in each of the years 2011 through 2013. These tests, performed in the third quarter each year, involved assigning carrying value by allocating the Company’s net assets to each of the reporting units of Torchmark’s segments, including the portion of goodwill assigned to the unit. In 2012, the qualitative assessment was employed as permitted by accounting guidance. Based on the analyses as outlined in the guidance, it was determined that an impairment of goodwill was not likely. In 2013 and 2011, the fair values of the various reporting units were developed. The fair value of each reporting unit was determined using discounted expected cash flows associated with that unit. Judgment and assumptions are used in developing the projected cash flows for the reporting units, and such estimates are subject to change. The Company also exercises judgment in the determination of the discount rate, which management believes to be appropriate for the risk associated with the cash flow expectations. The fair value of each reporting unit is then measured against that reporting unit’s corresponding carrying value. Because the estimated fair value substantially exceeded the carrying value, including goodwill, of each reporting unit in each period, Torchmark’s goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods.
Treasury Stock	'
	Treasury Stock:    Torchmark accounts for purchases of treasury stock on the cost method. Issuance of treasury stock is accounted for using the weighted-average cost method.
Settlements and Assessments	'
	Settlements and Assessments:    During 2011, Torchmark settled a state administrative matter involving issues arising over a period of many years. The settlement resulted in a pre-tax charge of $6.9 million ($4.5 million after tax). Additionally in 2011, the Company accrued a liability for settlement of an insurance litigation matter which was settled in 2012. The liability for this litigation, which arose many years ago, was $12.0 million pretax ($7.8 million after tax). During 2013, Torchmark incurred three non-operating charges: (1) a state guaranty fund assessment in the amount of $1.2 million ($751 thousand after tax), resulting from events in years prior to 2012, (2) a legal settlement related to a non-insurance matter in the amount of $500 thousand ($325 thousand after tax), and (3) the settlement of a litigation matter related to prior years in the amount of $8.6 million ($5.6 million after tax). Management removes items that are related to prior periods when evaluating the operating results of current periods. Management also removes items unrelated to its core insurance activities when evaluating those results. Therefore, these items are excluded in its presentation of segment results as disclosed in Note 14—Business Segments, because accounting guidance requires that operating segment results be presented as management views its business.
Postretirement Benefits	'
	Postretirement Benefits:    Torchmark accounts for its postretirement defined benefit plans by recognizing the funded status of those plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with accounting guidance. Periodic gains and losses attributable to changes in plan assets and liabilities that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs are recognized as components of other comprehensive income, net of tax. More information concerning the accounting and disclosures for postretirement benefits is found in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits.
Stock Compensation	'
	Stock Compensation:    Torchmark accounts for stock-based compensation by recognizing an expense in the financial statements based on the “fair value method.” The fair value method requires that a fair value be assigned to a stock option or other stock grant on its grant date and that this value be amortized over the grantees’ service period.
	The fair value method requires the use of an option valuation model to value employee stock options. Torchmark has elected to use the Black-Scholes valuation model for option expensing. A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2011 through 2013 is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Volatility factor			38.4	%		39.4	%		42.3	%
	Dividend yield			1.1	%		1	%		1	%
	Expected term (in years)			5.62			5.55			4.66
	Risk-free rate			1.1	%		1.3	%		2	%
	The expected term is generally derived from Company experience. However, expected terms are determined based on the simplified method as permitted by Staff Accounting Bulletins 107 and 110 when company experience is insufficient.
	The Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan replaced all previous plans and allows for option grants with a ten-year contractual term which vest over five years in addition to seven-year grants which vest over three years as permitted by the previous plans. The Company has sufficient experience with seven-year grants that vest in three years, but no historical experience with five-year vesting. Therefore, Torchmark has used the simplified method to determine the expected term for the ten-year grants with five-year vesting and will do so until such 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).
	Torchmark management views all stock-based compensation expense as a corporate or Parent Company expense and, therefore, presents it as such in its segment analysis (See Note 14—Business Segments). It is included in “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share:    Torchmark presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adding to shares outstanding the additional net effect of potentially dilutive securities or contracts, such as stock options, which could be exercised or converted into common shares. For more information on earnings per share, see Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity.
Other Financial Instruments [Member]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities	'
	Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments:    Fair values for cash, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables and payables approximate carrying value. The fair values of Torchmark’s long-term debt issues are based on the same methodology as investments in fixed maturities. Because observable inputs were available for these debt securities at December 31, 2013, they were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2013 is disclosed in Note 11—Debt. Mortgage loans are valued using discounted cash flows and are considered to be Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair values for these loans are presented in Note 4—Investments under the caption Other investment information. As described in Note 9—Postretirement Benefits, Torchmark maintains an unqualified supplemental retirement plan. Because this plan is unfunded, the assets which support the liability for this plan are considered general assets of the Company. These assets consist of the cash value of corporate-owned life insurance policies and exchange traded funds (ETF’s). The fair value of the insurance cash values approximates carrying value. Fair values for the ETF’s are derived from direct quotes and are considered Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy.
Equity Securities [Member]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities	'
	Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities:    Torchmark measures the fair value of its fixed maturities and equity securities based on a hierarchy consisting of three levels which indicate the quality of the fair value measurements as described below:
		•		Level 1 – fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
		•		Level 2 – fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that can otherwise be corroborated by observable market data.
		•		Level 3 – fair values are based on inputs that are considered unobservable where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability as of the measurement date. In this circumstance, the Company has to rely on values derived by independent brokers or internally-developed assumptions. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available to the Company which may include the Company’s own data or bid and ask prices in the dealer market.
	The great majority of the Company’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 and independent broker/dealers. Over 99% of the fair value reported at December 31, 2013 was determined using data provided by third-party pricing services. Prices provided by third-party pricing services are not binding offers but are estimated exit values. They are based on observable market data inputs which can vary by security type. Such inputs include benchmark yields, available trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and other market data. Management reviews and analyzes all prices obtained to insure the reasonableness of the values, taking all available information into account. In addition, management corroborates the prices obtained from third-party sources against other independent sources. When corroborated prices produce small variations, the close correlation indicates observable inputs, and the median value is used. When corroborated prices present greater variations, additional analysis is required to determine which value is the most appropriate. When only one price is available, management evaluates observable inputs and performs additional analysis to confirm that the price is appropriate. All fair value measurements based on prices determined with observable market data are reported as Level 1 or Level 2 measurements.
	When third-party vendor prices are not available, the Company attempts to obtain at least three quotes from broker/dealers for each security. When at least three quotes are obtained, and the standard deviation of such quotes is less than 3%, (suggesting that the independent quotes were likely derived using similar observable inputs), the Company uses the median quote and classifies the measurement as Level 2. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no assets valued as Level 2 in this manner with broker quotes.
	When the standard deviation is 3% or greater, or the Company cannot obtain three quotes, then additional information and management judgment are required to establish the fair value. Further review is performed on the available quotes to determine if they can be corroborated within reasonable tolerance to any other observable evidence. If one of the quotes or the median of the available quotes can be corroborated with other observable evidence, then the value is reported as Level 2. Otherwise, the value is classified as Level 3. The Company uses information and valuation 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. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, fair value measurements classified as Level 3 represented 2.8% and 2.1%, respectively, of total fixed maturities and equity securities. Transfers between levels are recognized as of the end of the period of transfer.
	Beginning in 2012, Torchmark began investing in a portfolio of private placement bonds which are not actively traded. This portfolio is managed by a third party and was $313 million at amortized cost on December 31, 2013, compared with $184 million a year earlier. The portfolio manager provides valuations for the bonds based on a pricing matrix utilizing observable inputs, such as the benchmark treasury rate and published sector indices, and unobservable inputs such as an internally-developed credit rating. If the unobservable inputs can be closely corroborated with publicly available information, the fair values are classified as Level 2. If they cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, all private placements were classified as Level 3.
	The fair values for each class of security and by valuation hierarchy level are indicated in Note 4—Investments under the caption Fair value measurements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Assumptions for Options Granted	'
	A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2011 through 2013 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Volatility factor		38.5	%		39.4	%		42.3	%
	Dividend yield		1.1	%		1	%		1	%
	Expected term (in years)		5.62			5.55			4.66
	Risk-free rate		1.1	%		1.3	%		2	%

Statutory_Accounting_Tables

Statutory Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [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,
		2013		2012		2011		2013		2012
	Life insurance subsidiaries	$	572,509	$	484,327	$	424,738	$	1,328,803	$	1,358,047

Supplemental_Information_About1

Supplemental Information About Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Change in Balance by Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	An analysis in the change in balance by component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income is as follows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013
		Available			Deferred			Foreign			Pension			Total
		for Sale			Acquisition			Exchange			Adjustments
		Assets			Costs
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	1,024,367		$	(16,417	)	$	26,608		$	(109,283	)	$	925,275
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax		(758,857	)		9,689			(1,742	)		33,992			(716,918	)
	Reclassifications, net of tax		(9,314	)		0			0			11,938			2,624
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(768,171	)		9,689			(1,742	)		45,930			(714,294	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	256,196		$	(6,728	)	$	24,866		$	(63,353	)	$	210,981
Summary of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are presented below for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
	Reclassification Adjustments
	Component Line Item	Twelve months			Affected line items in the
		ended			Statement of Operations
		December  31,
		2013
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets:
	Realized (gains) losses	$	(9,606	)	Realized investment gains (losses)
	Amortization of (discount) premium		(6,569	)	Net investment income
	Total before tax		(16,175	)
	Tax		6,861		Income Taxes
	Total after tax		(9,314	)
	Pension adjustments:
	Amortization of prior service cost		2,276		Other operating expenses
	Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss		16,090		Other operating expenses
	Total before tax		18,366
	Tax		(6,428	)	Income Taxes
	Total after tax		11,938
	Total reclassifications (after tax)	$	2,624

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Schedule [Abstract]	'
Summary of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Available for Sale by Component	'
	A summary of fixed maturities available for sale and equity securities by cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	2013:00:00	Cost or			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Amount per			% of Total
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized						the Balance			Fixed
		Cost			Gains			Losses						Sheet			Maturities*
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	428,106		$	362		$	(75,295	)	$	353,173		$	353,173			3	%
	States, municipalities, and political subdivisions		1,278,434			69,817			(12,947	)		1,335,304			1,335,304			10
	Foreign governments		43,811			411			(67	)		44,155			44,155			0
	Corporates		10,133,868			702,867			(300,389	)		10,536,346			10,536,346			82
	Collateralized debt obligations		66,173			0			(7,968	)		58,205			58,205			1
	Other asset-backed securities		35,568			2,699			(98	)		38,169			38,169			0
	Redeemable preferred stocks		502,915			25,064			(14,198	)		513,781			513,781			4
	Total fixed maturities		12,488,875			801,220			(410,962	)		12,879,133			12,879,133			100	%
	Equity securities		875			1,009			0			1,884			1,884
	Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	12,489,750		$	802,229		$	(410,962	)	$	12,881,017		$	12,881,017
	2012:00:00	Cost or			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Amount per			% of Total
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized						the Balance			Fixed
		Cost			Gains			Losses						Sheet			Maturities*
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	492,928		$	1,948		$	(4,773	)	$	490,103		$	490,103			4	%
	States, municipalities, and political subdivisions		1,283,883			173,649			(189	)		1,457,343			1,457,343			11
	Foreign governments		33,577			988			0			34,565			34,565			0
	Corporates		9,309,408			1,442,638			(55,023	)		10,697,023			10,697,023			79
	Collateralized debt obligations		64,622			0			(18,051	)		46,571			46,571			0
	Other asset-backed securities		43,560			3,708			(401	)		46,867			46,867			0
	Redeemable preferred stocks		735,428			43,897			(10,604	)		768,721			768,721			6
	Total fixed maturities		11,963,406			1,666,828			(89,041	)		13,541,193			13,541,193			100	%
	Equity securities		14,875			692			0			15,567			15,567
	Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	11,978,281		$	1,667,520		$	(89,041	)	$	13,556,760		$	13,556,760
	*	At fair value
Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity	'
	A schedule of fixed maturities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2013 is shown below on an amortized cost basis and on a fair value basis. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.
		Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Due in one year or less	$	102,473		$	104,065
	Due from one to five years		494,066			538,995
	Due from five to ten years		911,559			979,502
	Due from ten to twenty years		3,109,054			3,303,084
	Due after twenty years		7,766,780			7,853,621
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		104,943			99,866
		$	12,488,875		$	12,879,133
Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations	'
	Analysis of investment operations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net investment income is summarized as follows:
	Fixed maturities	$	709,756		$	691,229		$	683,101
	Equity securities		323			1,178			1,558
	Policy loans		33,471			30,717			29,293
	Other long-term investments		1,281			2,320			2,439
	Short-term investments		138			311			165
			744,969			725,755			716,556
	Less investment expense		(35,226	)		(32,111	)		(23,528	)
	Net investment income	$	709,743		$	693,644		$	693,028
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	'
	Analysis of investment operations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	An analysis of realized gains (losses) from investments is as follows:
	Realized investment gains (losses):
	Fixed maturities:
	Sales and other	$	13,138		$	47,345		$	27,790
	Other-than-temporary impairments		0			(5,600	)		(20	)
	Equity securities		0			0			0
	Loss on redemption of debt		0			(4,109	)		0
	Other		(5,148	)		197			(1,866	)
			7,990			37,833			25,904
	Applicable tax		(4,025	)		(13,242	)		(9,066	)
	Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax	$	3,965		$	24,591		$	16,838
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	'
	Analysis of investment operations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	An analysis of the net change in unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows:
	Equity securities	$	317		$	(1,489	)	$	(98	)
	Fixed maturities available for sale		(1,187,529	)		613,826			856,424
	Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		(1,187,212	)		612,337			856,326
	Other investments		3,560			2,517			366
	Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	$	(1,183,652	)	$	614,854		$	856,692
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables represent the fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using:
	Description	Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant			Total Fair
		Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable			Value
		for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	0		$	353,173		$	0		$	353,173
	States, municipalities, and political subdivisions		0			1,335,304			0			1,335,304
	Foreign governments		0			44,155			0			44,155
	Corporates		47,058			10,188,988			300,300			10,536,346
	Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			58,205			58,205
	Other asset-backed securities		0			38,169			0			38,169
	Redeemable preferred stocks		22,220			491,561			0			513,781
	Total fixed maturities		69,278			12,451,350			358,505			12,879,133
	Equity securities		1,108			0			776			1,884
	Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	70,386		$	12,451,350		$	359,281		$	12,881,017
	Percentage of total		0.5	%		96.7	%		2.8	%		100	%
	Description	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012 Using:
		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant			Total Fair
		Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable			Value
		for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	0		$	490,103		$	0		$	490,103
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		0			1,457,343			0			1,457,343
	Foreign governments		0			34,565			0			34,565
	Corporates		31,976			10,443,526			221,521			10,697,023
	Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			46,571			46,571
	Other asset-backed securities		0			38,886			7,981			46,867
	Redeemable preferred stocks		128,473			630,697			9,551			768,721
	Total fixed maturities		160,449			13,095,120			285,624			13,541,193
	Equity securities		14,828			0			739			15,567
	Total fixed maturities and equity securities	$	175,277		$	13,095,120		$	286,363		$	13,556,760
	Percent of total		1.3	%		96.6	%		2.1	%		100	%
Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	'
	The following table represents changes in assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
		Analysis of Changes in Fair Value Measurements Using
		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Asset-			Collateralized			Corporates*			Equities			Total
		backed			debt
		securities			Obligations
	Balance at January 1, 2011	$	8,042		$	22,456		$	73,673		$	670		$	104,841
	Total gains or losses:
	Included in realized gains/losses		0			0			(12,542	)		0			(12,542	)
	Included in other comprehensive income		(714	)		3,952			14,578			40			17,856
	Sales		0			0			(13,875	)		0			(13,875	)
	Amortization		(206	)		2,470			1,302			0			3,566
	Other **		0			1,442			0			0			1,442
	Transfers out of Level 3		0			0			(51,886	)		0			(51,886	)
	Balance at December 31, 2011		7,122			30,320			11,250			710			49,402
	Total gains or losses:
	Included in realized gains/losses		0			0			1,482			0			1,482
	Included in other comprehensive income		1,078			12,067			3,600			29			16,774
	Acquisitions		0			0			183,676			0			183,676
	Sales		0			0			(13,429	)		0			(13,429	)
	Amortization		(219	)		2,648			699			0			3,128
	Other **		0			1,536			0			0			1,536
	Transfers into Level 3		0			0			43,794			0			43,794
	Balance at December 31, 2012		7,981			46,571			231,072			739			286,363
	Total gains or losses:
	Included in realized gains/losses		0			0			0			0			0
	Included in other comprehensive income		426			10,083			(17,243	)		37			(6,697	)
	Acquisitions		0			0			129,755			0			129,755
	Sales		0			0			0			0			0
	Amortization		(57	)		2,838			5			0			2,786
	Other **		0			(1,287	)		(834	)		0			(2,121	)
	Transfers out of Level 3		(8,350	)		0			(42,455	)		0			(50,805	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0		$	58,205		$	300,300		$	776		$	359,281
	*	Includes redeemable preferred stocks
	**	Includes capitalized interest and foreign exchange adjustments.
Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities	'
	Additional information about securities sold is as follows:
		At December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Fixed maturities:
	Proceeds from sales	$	133,463		$	345,601		$	236,662	*
	Gross realized gains		5,948			40,851			28,249
	Gross realized losses		(1,310	)		(2,477	)		(24,323	)
	*	Includes $12.3 million of unsettled trades
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	'
	Acquisitions of Level 3 investments in 2013 and 2012 are comprised of private-placement fixed maturities managed by an unaffiliated third-party.
	Quantitative Information about Level 3
	Fair Value Measurements
	As of December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range		Weighted
					Techniques		Input			Average
	Collateralized debt obligations	$	58,205		Discounted		Discount	15%		15%
					cash flows		rate
	Private placement fixed maturities		300,300		Discounted		Credit	BBB- to A+		BBB
					cash flows		rating
	Other investments		776		Third-party		N/A	N/A		N/A
					pricing without
					adjustment
		$	359,281
Transfers in and Out of Each of the Valuation Levels of Fair Values	'
	The following table presents transfers in and out of each of the valuation levels of fair values.
		2013									2012									2011
		In			Out			Net			In			Out			Net			In		Out			Net
	Level 1	$	19,416		$	0		$	19,416		$	48,536		$	0		$	48,536		$	0	$	0		$	0
	Level 2		50,805			(19,416	)		31,389			0			(92,330	)		(92,330	)		51,886		0			51,886
	Level 3		0			(50,805	)		(50,805	)		43,794			0			43,794			0		(51,886	)		(51,886	)
Writedowns for Other-than-Temporary Impairments	'
	The following table presents the writedowns recorded due to these impairments in accordance with accounting guidance and whether the writedown was charged to earnings or other comprehensive income.
	Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
		2013						2012						2011
		Net			Other			Net			Other			Net			Other
		Income			Comprehensive			Income			Comprehensive			Income			Comprehensive
					Income						Income						Income
	Collateralized debt obligations	$	0		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	0
	Corporate bonds		0			0			5,600			0			20			0
	Total pre-tax	$	0		$	0		$	5,600		$	0		$	20		$	0
	After tax	$	0		$	0		$	3,640		$	0		$	13		$	0
Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment	'
	The following tables disclose gross unrealized investment losses by class of investment at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for the period of time in a loss position. Torchmark considers these investments to be only temporarily impaired.
	ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES
	At December 31, 2013
		Less than						Twelve Months						Total
		Twelve Months						or Longer
	Description of Securities	Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized
					Loss			Value			Loss						Loss
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	242,144		$	(42,885	)	$	87,977		$	(32,410	)	$	330,121		$	(75,295	)
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		167,660			(12,807	)		1,619			(140	)		169,279			(12,947	)
	Foreign governments		11,966			(67	)		0			0			11,966			(67	)
	Corporates		2,692,494			(196,139	)		600,350			(104,250	)		3,292,844			(300,389	)
	Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			58,080			(7,968	)		58,080			(7,968	)
	Other asset-backed securities		6,974			(26	)		3,873			(72	)		10,847			(98	)
	Redeemable preferred stocks		106,229			(3,694	)		82,287			(10,504	)		188,516			(14,198	)
	Total fixed maturities	$	3,227,467		$	(255,618	)	$	834,186		$	(155,344	)	$	4,061,653		$	(410,962	)
	ANALYSIS OF GROSS UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES
	At December 31, 2012
		Less than						Twelve Months						Total
		Twelve Months						or Longer
	Description of Securities	Fair			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized
		Value			Loss						Loss						Loss
	Fixed maturities available for sale:
	U.S. Government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises	$	316,596		$	(4,770	)	$	199		$	(3	)	$	316,795		$	(4,773	)
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		26,206			(189	)		0			0			26,206			(189	)
	Foreign governments		0			0			0			0			0			0
	Corporates		761,477			(15,339	)		343,987			(39,684	)		1,105,464			(55,023	)
	Collateralized debt obligations		0			0			46,446			(18,051	)		46,446			(18,051	)
	Other asset-backed securities		7,940			(88	)		7,981			(313	)		15,921			(401	)
	Redeemable preferred stocks		44,132			(310	)		171,852			(10,294	)		215,984			(10,604	)
	Total fixed maturities	$	1,156,351		$	(20,696	)	$	570,465		$	(68,345	)	$	1,726,816		$	(89,041	)
Schedule of Additional Information About Investments in Unrealized Loss Position	'
	Additional information about investments in an unrealized loss position is as follows:
		Less than			Twelve			Total
		Twelve			Months
		Months			or Longer
	Number of issues (Cusip numbers) held:
	As of December 31, 2013		462			130			592
	As of December 31, 2012		195			95			290
Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments	'
	Other long-term investments consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Mortgage loans, at cost	$	0		$	514
	Investment real estate, at depreciated cost		203			2,816
	Low-income housing interests		7,589			9,875
	Other		5,415			5,334
	Total	$	13,207		$	18,539

Deferred_Acquisition_Costs_Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Analysis Deferred Acquisition Costs	'
	An analysis of deferred acquisition costs is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,198,431		$	2,916,732		$	2,869,546
	Additions:
	Deferred during period:
	Commissions		331,060			312,581			283,961
	Other expenses		193,203			168,237			157,864
	Total deferred		524,263			480,818			441,825
	Value of insurance purchased during year		8,489			175,257			0
	Foreign exchange adjustment		0			3,557			0
	Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses(1)		14,906			7,234			0
	Total additions		547,658			666,866			441,825
	Deductions:
	Amortized during period		(403,389	)		(385,167	)		(364,583	)
	Foreign exchange adjustment		(5,051	)		0			(1,765	)
	Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains(1)		0			0			(28,291	)
	Total deductions		(408,440	)		(385,167	)		(394,639	)
	Balance at end of year	$	3,337,649		$	3,198,431		$	2,916,732
	-1	Represents amounts pertaining to investments relating to universal life-type products.

Acquisition_Tables

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Net Assets Acquired	'
	A summary of the net assets acquired is as follows:
		Fair Value as of
		November 1, 2012
	Assets acquired:
	Investments	$	591,947
	Cash		27,323
	Value of insurance purchased		175,257
	Goodwill		44,700
	Other assets		45,573
	Total assets		884,800
	Liabilities assumed:
	Policy liabilities		643,306
	Other liabilities		7,747
	Total liabilities		651,053
	Total net assets acquired	$	233,747
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Adjustments	'
	The table below presents supplemental unaudited pro forma information for 2012 and 2011 as if the Family Heritage acquisition were completed on January 1, 2011, based on estimates and assumptions considered appropriate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2011
	Revenues	$	197,174	$	180,155
	Net income		13,220		12,107
	Net income per diluted share		0.14		0.11

Liability_for_Unpaid_Health_Cl1

Liability for Unpaid Health Claims (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims	'
	Activity in the liability for unpaid health claims is summarized as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	104,870		$	103,517		$	100,598
	Acquisition of Family Heritage		0			11,700			0
	Incurred related to:
	Current year		720,490			704,934			628,137
	Prior years		(11,594	)		(17,531	)		(10,644	)
	Total incurred		708,896			687,403			617,493
	Paid related to:
	Current year		636,150			627,495			538,910
	Prior years		75,897			70,255			75,664
	Total paid		712,047			697,750			614,574
	Balance at end of year	$	101,719		$	104,870		$	103,517

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Income Taxes	'
	The components of income taxes were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax expense from continuing operations	$	234,654		$	236,669		$	226,166
	Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations		0			0			(467	)
	Shareholders’ equity:
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(386,752	)		201,950			284,355
	Tax basis compensation expense (from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards) in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes		(21,314	)		(22,602	)		(13,121	)
		$	(173,412	)	$	416,017		$	496,933
Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations	'
	Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax expense	$	176,427		$	161,332		$	169,500
	Deferred income tax expense		58,227			75,337			56,666
		$	234,654		$	236,669		$	226,166
Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate	'
	The effective income tax rate differed from the expected 35% rate as shown below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			%			2012			%			2011			%
	Expected income taxes	$	267,094			35	%	$	268,098			35	%	$	253,324			35	%
	Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
	Tax-exempt investment income	$	(3,107	)		(.4	)		(3,506	)		(.4	)		(3,468	)		(.5	)
	Low income housing investments		(32,417	)		(4.2	)		(28,877	)		(3.8	)		(24,258	)		(3.4	)
	Other		3,084			0.4			954			0.1			568			0.1
	Income tax expense	$	234,654			30.8	%	$	236,669			30.9	%	$	226,166			31.2	%
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,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Fixed maturity investments	$	16,868		$	22,387
	Carryover of tax losses		11,415			14,177
	Other assets		0			4,084
	Total gross deferred tax assets		28,283			40,648
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Unrealized gains		92,772			481,804
	Employee and agent compensation		68,911			65,877
	Deferred acquisition costs		829,032			791,254
	Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims		315,291			311,366
	Other liabilities		1,126			0
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities		1,307,132			1,650,301
	Net deferred tax liability	$	1,278,849		$	1,609,653
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding effects of accrued interest, net of Federal tax benefits) for the years 2011 through 2013 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at January 1,	$	0		$	0		$	875
	Increase based on tax positions taken in current period		0			0			0
	Increase related to tax positions taken in prior periods		0			0			0
	Decrease related to tax positions taken in prior periods		0			0			(875	)
	Decrease due to settlements		0			0			0
	Balance at December 31,	$	0		$	0		$	0

Postretirement_Benefits_Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations	'
	The total cost of these retirement plans charged to operations was as follows:
	Year Ended	Defined Contribution			Defined Benefit
	December 31,	Plans			Pension Plans
	2013	$	3,373		$	33,122
	2012		3,668			26,007
	2011		3,552			20,952
Pension Assets by Component at Fair Value	'
	The following table presents the assets of Torchmark’s defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2013
		Fair Value Determined by:
		Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant			Total		% to
		Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable			Amount		Total
		for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)
	Equity securities:
	Financial	$	35,807								$	35,807		12	%
	Consumer, Cyclical		17,915									17,915		6
	Energy		13,816									13,816		5
	Consumer, Non-Cyclical		13,187									13,187		4
	Technology		13,055									13,055		4
	Depository Institutions		10,523									10,523		3
	Other		10,153		$	831						10,984		4
	Total equity securities		114,456			831						115,287		38
	Corporate bonds		0			147,445						147,445		51
	Other bonds					267						267		0
	Guaranteed annuity contract*					13,769						13,769		5
	Short-term investments		13,318									13,318		5
	Other		1,667									1,667		1
	Grand Total	$	129,441		$	162,312		$	0		$	291,753		100	%
	*	Annuity contract issued by a Torchmark subsidiary
	Pension Assets by Component at December 31, 2012
		Fair Value Determined by:
		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total		% to
		in Active			Observable			Unobservable			Amount		Total
		Markets for			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
		Identical
		Assets (Level 1)
	Equity securities:
	Financial	$	26,174								$	26,174		9	%
	Consumer, Non-Cyclical		15,894									15,894		6
	Technology		13,332									13,332		5
	Industrial		10,353									10,353		4
	General merchandise stores		11,197									11,197		4
	Other		12,883									12,883		4
	Total equity securities		89,833									89,833		32
	Corporate bonds		4,292		$	165,525						169,817		61
	Other bonds					327						327		0
	Guaranteed annuity contract*					13,277						13,277		5
	Short-term investments		2,218									2,218		1
	Other		2,169									2,169		1
	Grand Total	$	98,512		$	179,129		$	0		$	277,641		100	%
	*	Annuity contract issued by a Torchmark subsidiary
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:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at January 1	$	(168,129	)	$	(119,863	)	$	(105,903	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		2,276			2,146			2,080
	Net actuarial (gain) loss*		16,090			12,653			10,071
	Transition obligation		0			0			(5	)
	Total amortization*		18,366			14,799			12,146
	Plan amendments		0			(3,452	)		0
	Experience gain(loss)		52,296			(59,613	)		(26,106	)
	Balance at December 31	$	97,467		$	(168,129	)	$	(119,863	)
	*	Includes amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions of $224 thousand in 2013.
Portion of Other Comprehensive Income Expected to Be Reflected in Pension Expense in Next Year	'
	The portion of other comprehensive income that is expected to be reflected in pension expense in 2014 is as follows:
	Amortization of prior service cost	$	2,113
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		8,172
	Amortization of transition obligation		0
	Total	$	10,285
Pension Benefits [Member]	'
Weighted Average Assumptions	'
	Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions
	For Benefit Obligations at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Discount Rate		5.12	%		4.18	%
	Rate of Compensation Increase		4.35			4.4
	For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year:	2013			2012			2011
	Discount Rate		4.18	%		5.09	%		5.77	%
	Expected Long-Term Returns		6.96			7.2			7.24
	Rate of Compensation Increase		4.4			4.04			4
Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs	'
	Net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit plans by expense component was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Service cost—benefits earned during the period	$	14,984		$	11,215		$	9,277
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		17,043			16,796			16,106
	Expected return on assets		(17,429	)		(17,114	)		(16,068	)
	Net amortization		18,143			14,799			11,331
	Recognition of actuarial loss		381			311			306
	Net periodic pension cost	$	33,122		$	26,007		$	20,952
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation from the beginning to the end of the year of the projected benefit obligation and plan assets for pensions. This table also presents the amounts previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
		Pension Benefits
		For the year ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Changes in benefit obligation:
	Obligation at beginning of year	$	414,921		$	331,609
	Service cost		14,984			11,215
	Interest cost		17,043			16,796
	Actuarial loss (gain)		(45,258	)		67,949
	Plan amendments		0			3,452
	Benefits paid		(17,831	)		(16,100	)
	Obligation at end of year		383,859			414,921
	Changes in plan assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year		277,641			258,067
	Return on assets		21,613			27,493
	Contributions		10,330			8,181
	Benefits paid		(17,831	)		(16,100	)
	Fair value at end of year		291,753			277,641
	Funded status at year end	$	(92,106	)	$	(137,280	)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	Net loss (gain)	$	90,878		$	156,567
	Prior service cost		5,476			7,752
	Transition obligation		0			0
	Net amounts recognized at year end	$	96,354		$	164,319
Estimated Expected Pension Benefits to Be Paid Over Next Ten Years	'
	Torchmark has estimated its expected pension benefits to be paid over the next ten years as of December 31, 2013. These estimates use the same assumptions that measure the benefit obligation at December 31, 2013, taking estimated future employee service into account. Those estimated benefits are as follows:
	For the year(s)
	2014	$	14,973
	2015		16,759
	2016		18,048
	2017		19,847
	2018		21,183
	2019-2023		129,331
Other Benefits [Member]	'
Weighted Average Assumptions	'
	Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement
	Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions
	For Benefit Obligations at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Discount Rate		5.12	%		4.18	%
	For Periodic Benefit Cost for the Year:
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount Rate		4.18	%		5.09	%		5.77	%
Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs	'
	The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for plans other than pensions are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Service cost	$	354		$	392		$	919
	Interest cost on benefit obligation		1,030			1,020			999
	Expected return on plan assets		0			0			0
	Net amortization		224			0			0
	Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss		0			0			(815	)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	1,608		$	1,412		$	1,103
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the benefit obligation and plan assets from the beginning to the end of the year. As these plans are unfunded, funded status is equivalent to the accrued benefit liability.
		Benefits Other Than Pensions
		For  the year ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Changes in benefit obligation:
	Obligation at beginning of year	$	22,367		$	19,008
	Service cost		354			392
	Interest cost		1,030			1,020
	Actuarial loss (gain)		(2,475	)		2,358
	Benefits paid		(416	)		(411	)
	Obligation at end of year		20,860			22,367
	Changes in plan assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year		0			0
	Return on assets		0			0
	Contributions		416			411
	Benefits paid		(416	)		(411	)
	Fair value at end of year		0			0
	Funded status at year end	$	(20,860	)	$	(22,367	)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized as Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net loss*	$	1,113		$	3,812
	Net amounts recognized at year end	$	1,113		$	3,812
	*	The net loss for benefit plans other than pensions reduces other comprehensive income.
Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions	'
	Estimated Future Payments for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions
	For the year(s)
	2014	$	899
	2015		1,007
	2016		1,130
	2017		1,313
	2018		1,516
	2019-2023		8,227

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca1

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Summary of Noncash Transactions	'
	The following table summarizes Torchmark’s noncash transactions, which are not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$	25,642	$	21,605	$	14,954
	Commitments for low-income housing interests		42,525		29,759		36,722
	Capitalized investment income		806		1,537		5,321
	Debt assumed to acquire Family Heritage		0		20,000		0
Summary of Amounts Paid	'
	The following table summarizes certain amounts paid during the period:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Interest paid	$	81,322	$	77,686	$	75,653
	Income taxes paid		139,091		89,061		188,510

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Selected Information about Debt Issues	'
	The following table presents information about the terms and outstanding balances of Torchmark’s debt.
	Selected Information about Debt Issues
									As of December 31,
									2013							2012
	Description		Annual			Issue		Periodic	Outstanding			Outstanding		Outstanding		Outstanding
			Percentage			Date		Interest	Principal			Principal		Principal		Principal
			Rate					Payments	(Par Value)			(Book Value)		(Fair Value)		(Book Value)
								Due
	Notes, due 5/15/23(1)(2)			7.875	%	May-93		5/15 & 11/15	$	165,612		$	163,609	$	204,489	$	163,471
	Notes, due 8/1/13(1)(3)			7.375	%	Jul-93		2/1 & 8/1		0			0		0		93,956
	Senior Notes, due 6/15/16(1)(6)			6.375	%	6-Jun		6/15 & 12/15		250,000			248,753		277,185		248,300
	Senior Notes, due 6/15/19(1)(6)			9.25	%	9-Jun		6/15 & 12/15		292,647			290,268		376,089		289,950
	Senior Notes, due 9/15/22(1)(6)			3.8	%	12-Sep		3/15 & 9/15		150,000			147,392		145,178		147,148
	Junior Subordinated
	Debentures due 12/15/52(4)(8)			5.875	%	12-Sep		quarterly		125,000			120,843		108,450		120,817
	Junior Subordinated
	Debentures due 3/15/36(4)(5)			3.543	%(9)	-10		quarterly		20,000			20,000		20,000		20,000
	Total funded debt									1,003,259			990,865		1,131,391		1,083,642
	Less current maturity of long-term debt									0			0		0		(93,956	)
	Total long-term debt									1,003,259			990,865		1,131,391		989,686
	Current maturity of long-term debt(7)									0			0		0		93,956
	Commercial Paper(7)									229,140			229,070		229,070		225,087
	Total short-term debt									229,140			229,070		229,070		319,043
	Total debt								$	1,232,399		$	1,219,935	$	1,360,461	$	1,308,729
	-1	All securities other than the Junior Subordinated Debentures have equal priority with one another.
	-2	Not callable.
	-3	Repaid August 1, 2013.
	-4	Quarterly payments on the 15th of March, June, Sept., and Dec.
	-5	Callable anytime.
	-6	Callable subject to “make-whole” premium.
	-7	Classified as short-term debt.
	-8	Callable as of December 15, 2017.
	-9	Interest paid at 3 month LIBOR plus 330 basis points, resets each quarter.
	-10	Assumed upon November 1, 2012 acquisition of Family Heritage.
Short Term Borrowing	'
	A table presenting selected information concerning Torchmark’s short-term borrowings is presented below.
	Short-Term Borrowings
			At December 31,
			2013			2012
	Balance at end of period (at par value)		$	229,140		$	225,180
	Annualized interest rate			0.3	%		0.36	%
	Letters of credit outstanding		$	198,000		$	198,000
	Remaining amount available under credit line			172,860			176,820
			For the Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Average balance outstanding during period		$	274,435		$	250,401		$	206,148
	Daily-weighted average interest rate*			0.31	%		0.41	%		0.39	%
	Maximum daily amount outstanding during period		$	340,140		$	385,000		$	271,761
		*		Annualized

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Preferred and Common Share Activity	'
	A summary of preferred and common share activity is as follows:
		Preferred Stock				Common Stock
		Issued		Treasury		Issued			Treasury
				Stock					Stock
	2011:00:00
	Balance at January 1, 2011		0		0		119,812,123			(947,497	)
	Grants of restricted stock									173,553
	Forfeitures of restricted stock									(7,153	)
	Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options									4,829,892
	Treasury stock acquired									(23,281,453	)
	Retirement of treasury stock						(7,500,000	)		7,500,000
	Balance at December 31, 2011		0		0		112,312,123			(11,732,658	)
	2012:00:00
	Grants of restricted stock									69,720
	Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options									5,357,490
	Treasury stock acquired									(11,771,039	)
	Retirement of treasury stock						(6,500,000	)		6,500,000
	Balance at December 31, 2012		0		0		105,812,123			(11,576,487	)
	2013:00:00
	Grants of restricted stock									50,943
	Forfeitures and surrenders of restricted stock									(24,906	)
	Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options									2,611,838
	Issuance of common stock due to settlement of restricted stock units									7,460
	Treasury stock acquired									(7,379,384	)
	Retirement of treasury stock						(5,000,000	)		5,000,000
	Balance at December 31, 2013		0		0		100,812,123			(11,310,536	)
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:
		2013		2012		2011
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		91,764,590		96,614,199		108,278,113
	Weighted average dilutive options outstanding		1,277,933		1,284,189		1,537,277
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		93,042,523		97,898,388		109,815,390

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Analysis of Shares Available for Grant	'
	An analysis of shares available for grant is as follows:
			Available for Grant
			2013			2012			2011
	Balance at January 1			4,536,301			6,099,342			255,263
	Approval of Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan*			0			0			7,950,000
	Cancellation of available shares from prior plans			0			0			(229,333	)
	Options expired and forfeited during year			85,406			5,850			0
	Restricted stock expired and forfeited during year (counted as 3.1 options)*			6,417			0			0
	Options granted during year			(1,084,575	)		(1,072,725	)		(1,338,013	)
	Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares granted under the Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan (counted as 3.1 options per grant)*			(631,047	)		(496,166	)		(519,558	)
	Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during the year under previous plans			0			0			(19,017	)
	Balance at December 31			2,912,502			4,536,301			6,099,342
	*   Plan allows for grant of restricted stock such that each stock grant reduces 3.1 options available for grant
Summary of Stock Compensation Activity	'
	A summary of stock compensation activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:
			2013			2012			2011
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized*		$	25,642		$	21,605		$	14,954
	Tax benefit recognized			8,975			7,562			5,234
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted			18.55			15.7			15.48
	Intrinsic value of options exercised			72,793			80,781			40,991
	Cash received from options exercised			97,815			181,022			162,613
	Actual tax benefit received from exercises			25,478			28,086			14,347
	*   No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any period.
Analysis of Option Activity	'
	An analysis of option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
			2013						2012						2011
			Options			Weighted Average			Options			Weighted Average			Options			Weighted Average
						Exercise Price						Exercise Price						Exercise Price
	Outstanding-beginning of year			7,332,137		$	38.14			11,620,393		$	35.42			15,185,729		$	34.09
	Granted:
	7-year term			907,800			56.43			846,300			46.1			1,129,663			44.37
	10-year term			176,775			56.1			226,425			45.49			208,350			44.4
	Exercised			(2,611,838	)		37.45			(5,354,381	)		33.82			(4,829,892	)		33.67
	Expired and forfeited			(85,406	)		48.49			(6,600	)		44.63			(73,425	)		39.17
	Adjustment due to 7/1/11 stock split			0			0			0			0			(32	)		32.96
	Outstanding-end of year			5,719,468		$	41.76			7,332,137		$	38.14			11,620,393		$	35.42
	Exercisable at end of year			2,930,368		$	34.42			4,261,817		$	35.37			8,265,818		$	36.28
Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Granted	'
	A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2013 is presented in the table below. Restricted stock holders are entitled to dividends on the stock and holders of restricted stock units are entitled to dividend equivalents. Executive grants vest over five years and director grants vest over six months.
			2013			2012			2011
	Executives restricted stock:
	Shares			39,130			60,000			167,250
	Price per share		$	60.14		$	46.12		$	44.39
	Aggregate value		$	2,353		$	2,767		$	7,424
	Percent vested as of 12/31/13			0	%		20	%		30	%
	Directors restricted stock:
	Shares			10,030			9,720			6,303
	Price per share		$	53.18		$	43.74		$	40.45
	Aggregate value		$	533		$	425		$	255
	Percent vested as of 12/31/13			100	%		100	%		100	%
	Directors restricted stock units (including dividend equivalents):
	Shares			11,332			10,331			13,063
	Price per share		$	53.98		$	44.03		$	40.49
	Aggregate value		$	612		$	455		$	529
	Percent vested as of 12/31/13			100	%		100	%		100	%
Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock	'
	An analysis of unvested restricted stock is as follows:
			Executives			Executive			Directors			Total
			Restricted Stock			Performance			Restricted
						Shares			Stock
	2011:00:00
	Balance at January 1, 2011			237,150			0			0			237,150
	Grants			167,250			0			6,303			173,553
	Restriction lapses			(72,600	)		0			(6,303	)		(78,903	)
	Forfeitures			(4,800	)		0			0			(4,800	)
	Balance at December 31, 2011			327,000			0			0			327,000
	2012:00:00
	Grants			60,000			80,000			9,720			149,720
	Restriction lapses			(75,300	)		0			(9,720	)		(85,020	)
	Forfeitures			0			0			0			0
	Balance at December 31, 2012			311,700			80,000			0			391,700
	2013:00:00
	Grants			39,130			98,500			10,030			147,660
	Estimated additional performance shares*			0			63,200			0			63,200
	Restriction lapses			(100,500	)		0			(10,030	)		(110,530	)
	Forfeitures			(20,700	)		0			0			(20,700	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013			229,630			241,700			0			471,330
	*Additional share grants expected due to achievement of performance criteria.
Schedule of Additional Information of Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Additional information about Torchmark’s stock-based compensation as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			2013			2012
	Outstanding options:
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)			4.11			3.72
	Aggregate intrinsic value		$	208,152		$	99,212
	Exercisable options:
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)			2.49			2.29
	Aggregate intrinsic value		$	128,150		$	69,472
	Unrecognized compensation*		$	37,397		$	32,808
	Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years)*			0.96			0.74
		*		Includes restricted stock
Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options	'
	Additional information concerning Torchmark’s unvested options is as follows at December 31:
			2013			2012
	Number of shares outstanding			2,789,100			3,070,320
	Weighted-average exercise price (per share)		$	49.47		$	41.98
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)			5.81			5.7
	Aggregate intrinsic value		$	80,002		$	29,740
Summary of Options Outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013.
			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of		Number			Weighted-			Weighted-			Number			Weighted-
	Exercise Prices		Outstanding			Average			Average			Exercisable			Average
						Remaining			Exercise						Exercise
						Contractual			Price						Price
						Life (Years)
	$15.67 - $30.40			461,983			2.11		$	17.69			457,386		$	17.57
	30.87 -   30.87			962,124			3.03			30.87			962,124			30.87
	35.93 -   42.92			986,616			1.12			40.35			979,202			40.37
	43.06 -   44.39			1,228,295			4.68			44.37			526,806			44.35
	44.79 -   48.72			1,004,375			5.72			45.78			4,850			45.49
	56.10 -   64.59			1,076,075			6.54			56.38			0			0
	$15.67 - $64.59			5,719,468			4.11		$	41.76			2,930,368		$	34.42

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Premium Revenue by Each Marketing Group	'
	The tables below present segment premium revenue by each of Torchmark’s marketing groups.
	Torchmark Corporation
	Premium Income By Distribution Channel
		For the Year 2013
		Life						Health						Annuity						Total
	Distribution Channel	Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
					Total						Total						Total						Total
	United American Independent	$	19,742			1		$	298,298			25		$	532			100		$	318,572			10
	Liberty National Exclusive		275,980			15			241,264			21									517,244			17
	American Income Exclusive		715,366			38			79,435			7									794,801			26
	Family Heritage Exclusive		1,006			0			190,923			16									191,929			6
	Direct Response		663,544			35			53,898			5									717,442			24
	Medicare Part D								300,008			26									300,008			10
	Other		209,694			11															209,694			7
		$	1,885,332			100		$	1,163,826			100		$	532			100		$	3,049,690			100
		For the Year 2012
		Life						Health						Annuity						Total
	Distribution Channel	Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
					Total						Total						Total						Total
	United American Independent	$	21,127			1		$	298,759			28		$	559			100		$	320,445			11
	Liberty National Exclusive		281,723			15			263,535			25									545,258			19
	American Income Exclusive		663,696			37			79,640			8									743,336			26
	Family Heritage Exclusive		130			0			30,119			3									30,249			1
	Direct Response		630,111			35			57,966			6									688,077			24
	Medicare Part D								317,764			30									317,764			11
	Other		211,737			12															211,737			8
		$	1,808,524			100		$	1,047,783			100		$	559			100		$	2,856,866			100
		For the Year 2011
		Life						Health						Annuity						Total
	Distribution Channel	Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
					Total						Total						Total						Total
	United American Independent	$	22,846			1		$	306,490			33		$	608			100		$	329,944			12
	Liberty National Exclusive		288,308			17			290,107			31									578,415			22
	American Income Exclusive		607,914			35			80,119			9									688,033			26
	Direct Response		593,650			35			57,067			6									650,717			25
	Medicare Part D								196,710			21									196,710			7
	Other		213,526			12															213,526			8
		$	1,726,244			100		$	930,493			100		$	608			100		$	2,657,345			100
Reconciliation of Revenues and Operations by Segment to Major Income Statement Line Items	'
	The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Torchmark’s revenues and operations by segment to its major income statement line items.
		For the year 2013
		Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Corporate			Adjustments					Consolidated
	Revenue:
	Premium	$	1,885,332		$	1,163,826		$	532											$	2,584	(1)			$	3,052,274
	Net investment income										$	734,650									(24,907	)(4)				709,743
	Other income													$	2,208						(277	)(3)				1,931
	Total revenue		1,885,332			1,163,826			532			734,650			2,208						(22,600	)				3,763,948
	Expenses:
	Policy benefits		1,227,857			806,478			43,302												11,209	(1,6)				2,088,846
	Required interest on:
	Policy reserves		(508,236	)		(59,858	)		(57,294	)		625,388														0
	Deferred acquisition costs		164,981			23,233			1,811			(190,025	)													0
	Amortization of acquisition costs		323,950			72,244			8,714												(1,519	)(7)				403,389
	Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs		131,721			89,922			60												(277	)(3)				221,426
	Insurance administrative expense(2)														178,898						1,155	(5)				180,053
	Parent expense																$	8,495			500	(6)				8,995
	Stock-based compensation expense																	25,642								25,642
	Interest expense											80,461														80,461
	Total expenses		1,340,273			932,019			(3,407	)		515,824			178,898			34,137			11,068					3,008,812
	Subtotal		545,059			231,807			3,939			218,826			(176,690	)		(34,137	)		(33,668	)				755,136
	Non-operating items																				8,761	(5,6,7)				8,761
	Amortization of low-income housing interests																				24,907	(4)				24,907
	Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	$	545,059		$	231,807		$	3,939		$	218,826		$	(176,690	)	$	(34,137	)	$	0					788,804
	Deduct applicable income taxes																									(258,137	)
	Segment profits after tax																									530,667
	Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability																									258,137
	Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)																									7,990
	Deduct amortization of low-income housing(4)																									(24,907	)
	Deduct Guaranty Fund Assessment(5)																									(1,155	)
	Deduct legal settlement expenses(6)																									(9,125	)
	Add Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments(7)																									1,519
	Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations																								$	763,126
	-1	Medicare Part D items adjusted to GAAP from the segment analysis, which matches expected benefits with policy premium.
	-2	Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments.
	-3	Elimination of intersegment commission.
	-4	Amortization of low-income housing interests.
	-5	Guaranty Fund Assessment.
	-6	Legal settlement expenses.
	-7	Family Heritage Life acquisition adjustments.
		For the Year 2012
		Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Corporate			Adjustments					Consolidated
	Revenue:
	Premium	$	1,808,524		$	1,047,783		$	559											$	(404	)(1)			$	2,856,462
	Net investment income										$	715,918									(22,274	)(2)(5)				693,644
	Other income													$	1,898						(321	)(4)				1,577
	Total revenue		1,808,524			1,047,783			559			715,918			1,898						(22,999	)				3,551,683
	Expenses:
	Policy benefits		1,172,020			739,945			44,121												(404	)(1)				1,955,682
	Required interest on:		(483,892	)		(40,963	)		(59,293	)		584,148														0
	Policy reserves
	Deferred acquisition costs		163,875			19,059			2,238			(185,172	)													0
	Amortization of acquisition costs		309,930			65,278			9,959																	385,167
	Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs		137,115			67,123			69												(321	)(4)				203,986
	Insurance administrative expense(3)														165,405											165,405
	Parent expense																$	8,222			2,944	(6)				11,166
	Stock-based compensation expense																	21,605								21,605
	Interest expense											80,298									214	(2)				80,512
	Total expenses		1,299,048			850,442			(2,906	)		479,274			165,405			29,827			2,433					2,823,523
	Sub total		509,476			197,341			3,465			236,644			(163,507	)		(29,827	)		(25,432	)				728,160
	Non operating items																				2,944	(6)				2,944
	Amortization of low-income housing interests																				22,488	(5)				22,488
	Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	$	509,476		$	197,341		$	3,465		$	236,644		$	(163,507	)	$	(29,827	)	$	0					753,592
Deduct applicable income taxes																									(246,945	)
Segment profits after tax																									506,647
Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability																									246,945
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)																									37,833
Deduct amortization of low-income housing(5)																									(22,488	)
Deduct Family Heritage Life acquisition expense(6)																									(2,944	)
Pretax income per the Consolidated Statement of Operations																								$	765,993
-1	Medicare Part D items adjusted to GAAP from the segment analysis, which matches expected benefits with policy premium.
-2	Reclassification of interest amount due to accounting rule requiring deconsolidation of Trust Preferred Securities.
-3	Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments.
-4	Elimination of intersegment commission.
-5	Amortization of low-income housing interests.
-6	Family Heritage Life acquisition expense.
	For the Year 2011
	Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Corporate			Adjustments					Consolidated
Revenue:
Premium	$	1,726,244		$	930,493		$	608											$	(1,027	)(1)			$	2,656,318
Net investment income										$	707,041									(14,013	)(2,5)				693,028
Other income													$	2,507						(356	)(4)				2,151
Total revenue		1,726,244			930,493			608			707,041			2,507						(15,396	)				3,351,497
Expenses:
Policy benefits		1,118,909			632,847			42,547												(1,027	)(1)				1,793,276
Required interest on:		(458,029	)		(36,729	)		(57,040	)		551,798														0
Policy reserves
Deferred acquisition costs		159,886			18,883			2,618			(181,387	)													0
Amortization of acquisition costs		292,168			62,345			10,070																	364,583
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs		152,347			64,157			68												(356	)(4)				216,216
Insurance administrative expense(3)														159,109						19,880	(6,7,8)				178,989
Parent expense																$	7,693								7,693
Stock-based compensation expense																	14,954								14,954
Interest expense											77,644									264	(2)				77,908
Total expenses		1,265,281			741,503			(1,737	)		448,055			159,109			22,647			18,761					2,653,619
Sub total		460,963			188,990			2,345			258,986			(156,602	)		(22,647	)		(34,157	)				697,878
Non operating items																				19,880	(6,7,8)				19,880
Amortization of low-income housing interests																				14,277	(5)				14,277
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	$	460,963		$	188,990		$	2,345		$	258,986		$	(156,602	)	$	(22,647	)	$	0					732,035
Deduct applicable income taxes																									(238,335	)
Segment profits after tax																									493,700
Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability																									238,335
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)																									25,904
Deduct amortization of low-income housing(5)																									(14,277	)
Deduct state administrative settlement expense(6)																									(6,901	)
Deduct loss on sale of equipment(7)																									(979	)
Deduct litigation expense(8)																									(12,000	)
Pretax income per Consolidated Statement of Operations																								$	723,782
-1	Medicare Part D items adjusted to GAAP from the segment analysis, which matches expected benefits with policy premium.
-2	Reclassification of interest amount due to accounting rule requiring deconsolidation of Trust Preferred Securities.
-3	Administrative expense is not allocated to insurance segments.
-4	Elimination of intersegment commission.
-5	Amortization of low-income housing interests.
-6	State administrative settlement expense.
-7	Loss on sale of equipment.
-8	Litigation expense.
Analysis of Profitability by Segment	'
	The following table summarizes the measures of segment profitability as determined in the three preceding tables for comparison with prior periods. The table also reconciles segment profits to net income.
	Analysis of Profitability by Segment
		2013			2012			2011			2013			%			2012			%
											Change						Change
	Life insurance underwriting margin	$	545,059		$	509,476		$	460,963		$	35,583			7		$	48,513			11
	Health insurance underwriting margin		231,807			197,341			188,990			34,466			17			8,351			4
	Annuity underwriting margin		3,939			3,465			2,345			474			14			1,120			48
	Excess investment income		218,826			236,644			258,986			(17,818	)		(8	)		(22,342	)		(9	)
	Other insurance:
	Other income		2,208			1,898			2,507			310			16			(609	)		(24	)
	Administrative expense		(178,898	)		(165,405	)		(159,109	)		(13,493	)		8			(6,296	)		4
	Corporate and adjustments		(34,137	)		(29,827	)		(22,647	)		(4,310	)		14			(7,180	)		32
	Pre-tax total		788,804			753,592			732,035			35,212			5			21,557			3
	Applicable taxes		(258,137	)		(246,945	)		(238,335	)		(11,192	)		5			(8,610	)		4
	Total		530,667			506,647			493,700			24,020			5			12,947			3
	Realized gains (losses)—investments (after tax)*		3,965			24,591			16,838			(20,626	)					7,753
	Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (after tax)		0			0			(455	)		0						455
	Acquisition expense and adjustments—Family Heritage (after tax)		522			(1,914	)		0			2,436						(1,914	)
	Legal settlement expenses (after tax)		(5,931	)		0			(7,800	)		(5,931	)					7,800
	Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax)		(751	)		0			0			(751	)					0
	State administrative settlement (after tax)		0			0			(4,486	)		0						4,486
	Loss on sale of equipment (after tax)		0			0			(636	)		0						636
	Net income	$	528,472		$	529,324		$	497,161		$	-852			0		$	32,163			6
Assets by Segment	'
	The table below reconciles segment assets to total assets as reported in the consolidated financial statements.
	Assets by Segment
		At December 31, 2013
		Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Consolidated
	Cash and invested assets										$	13,456,944					$	13,456,944
	Accrued investment income											200,038						200,038
	Deferred acquisition costs	$	2,809,199		$	497,743		$	30,707									3,337,649
	Goodwill		309,609			131,982												441,591
	Other assets													$	755,522			755,522
	Total assets	$	3,118,808		$	629,725		$	30,707		$	13,656,982		$	755,522		$	18,191,744
		At December 31, 2012
		Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Other			Consolidated
	Cash and invested assets										$	14,155,919					$	14,155,919
	Accrued investment income											195,497						195,497
	Deferred acquisition costs	$	2,688,876		$	481,725		$	27,830									3,198,431
	Goodwill		309,609			131,982												441,591
	Other assets													$	785,472			785,472
	Total assets	$	2,998,485		$	613,707		$	27,830		$	14,351,416		$	785,472		$	18,776,910
Other Balances by Segment	'
	Other Balances by Segment
		At December 31, 2013
		Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Consolidated
	Future policy benefits	$	8,493,972		$	1,384,365		$	1,377,818					$	11,256,155
	Unearned and advance premium		16,970			57,204									74,174
	Policy claims and other benefits payable		121,661			101,719									223,380
	Debt										$	1,219,935			1,219,935
	Total	$	8,632,603		$	1,543,288		$	1,377,818		$	1,219,935		$	12,773,644
		At December 31, 2012
		Life			Health			Annuity			Investment			Consolidated
	Future policy benefits	$	8,093,618		$	1,264,540		$	1,348,061					$	10,706,219
	Unearned and advance premium		16,856			59,232									76,088
	Policy claims and other benefits payable		123,600			104,870									228,470
	Debt										$	1,308,729			1,308,729
	Total	$	8,234,074		$	1,428,642		$	1,348,061		$	1,308,729		$	12,319,506

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Percentages Of Investments By Major Components At Fair Value	'
	At December 31, 2013, the investment portfolio, at fair value, consisted of the following:
	Investment-grade corporate securities	79	%
	Securities of state and municipal governments	10
	Below-investment-grade securities	4
	Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values	3
	Government-sponsored enterprises	2
	Other fixed maturities, equity securities, mortgages, real estate, other long-term investments, and short-term investments	2
		100	%
Schedule Of Industry Concentrations Held In The Corporate Portfolio Based On Fair Value	'
	Below are the ten largest industry concentrations held in the corporate portfolio at December 31, 2013, based on fair value:
	Insurance	17	%
	Electric utilities and services	17	%
	Pipelines	7	%
	Banks	6	%
	Oil and gas extraction	6	%
	Transportation	5	%
	Mining	4	%
	Chemicals	4	%
	Telecommunications	3	%
	REITs	3	%

Selected_Quarterly_Data_Unaudi1

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Data	'
	The following is a summary of quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2013. The information is unaudited but 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,
	2013:00:00
	Premium and policy charges	$	784,814		$	765,851	$	750,998	$	750,611
	Net investment income		176,839			177,964		176,656		178,284
	Realized investment gains(losses)		(3,907	)		5,913		4,459		1,525
	Total revenues		958,216			950,339		932,789		930,594
	Policy benefits		552,003			524,499		516,783		495,561
	Amortization of acquisition expenses		101,714			102,488		98,444		100,743
	Pretax income		173,063			192,784		190,850		206,429
	Net income		119,632			133,901		132,122		142,817
	Basic net income per common share*		1.28			1.45		1.45		1.59
	Diluted net income per common share*		1.27			1.44		1.43		1.56
	2012:00:00
	Premium and policy charges	$	718,475		$	705,582	$	699,860	$	732,545
	Net investment income		174,121			175,176		169,400		174,947
	Realized investment gains(losses)		5,006			4,661		7,283		20,883
	Total revenues		897,923			885,795		877,100		928,698
	Policy benefits		512,647			484,807		479,119		479,109
	Amortization of acquisition expenses		96,498			96,601		94,016		98,052
	Pretax income		170,235			186,380		188,791		220,587
	Net income		118,677			128,988		130,672		150,987
	Basic net income per common share*		1.19			1.33		1.37		1.6
	Diluted net income per common share*		1.17			1.32		1.36		1.58
	*	Basic and diluted net income per share by quarter may not add to per share income on a year-to-date basis due to share weighting and rounding.

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Level 3 Proportion to fixed maturities and equity securities	2.80%	2.10%	'
Private placement corporate bonds managed by a third party	$313,000,000	$184,000,000	'
Insurance policy charges	22,124,000	23,310,000	24,950,000
Advertising costs charged to earnings and included in other operating expense	6,000,000	16,000,000	16,000,000
Capitalized advertising costs	1,090,000,000	1,040,000,000	'
Original cost of property and equipment	136,000,000	125,000,000	'
Accumulated depreciation	85,000,000	79,000,000	'
Depreciation expense	6,400,000	7,100,000	6,800,000
Loss on sale of real estate	265,000	'	'
Write-down of real estate	2,700,000	'	'
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	290,000,000	285,000,000	'
Obligations under future commitments for low-income housing interests	58,000,000	'	'
Pretax state administrative issue expense	'	'	6,900,000
After tax state administrative issue expense	'	'	4,500,000
Litigation settlement expense	9,125,000	'	12,000,000
State guaranty fund assessment expense	1,200,000	'	'
State guaranty fund assessment expense, After tax	751,000	'	'
Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proportion of future policy reserves which are not universal life type	0.83	'	'
Liability for future policy benefits, interest rate assumptions, low end	2.50%	'	'
Liability for future policy benefits, interest rate assumptions, high end	7.00%	'	'
Liability for future policy benefits, interest rate assumptions	5.80%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option grants contractual term	'7 years	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	'3 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	'5 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option grants contractual term	'10 years	'	'
Vesting period	'5 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	'10 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	'40 years	'	'
Other Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	283,000,000	275,000,000	'
Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying value of investment in low-income housing interests	7,000,000	10,000,000	'
Pre Tax [Member] | Prior Year Litigation Matter [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Litigation settlement expense	8,600,000	'	12,000,000
Pre Tax [Member] | Non-Insurance Matter [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Litigation settlement expense	500,000	'	'
After Tax [Member] | Prior Year Litigation Matter [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Litigation settlement expense	5,600,000	'	7,800,000
After Tax [Member] | Non-Insurance Matter [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Litigation settlement expense	$325,000	'	'
Third Party [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value determined by third party	99.00%	'	'
7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage rate of junior subordinated debentures	7.10%	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Summary Of Assumptions For Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Volatility factor	38.50%	39.40%	42.30%
Dividend yield	1.10%	1.00%	1.00%
Expected term (in years)	'5 years 7 months 13 days	'5 years 6 months 18 days	'4 years 7 months 28 days
Risk-free rate	1.10%	1.30%	2.00%

Statutory_Accounting_Consolida

Statutory Accounting - Consolidated Net Income And Shareholders' Equity for Insurance Companies (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory Accounting Consolidated Net Income And Shareholders Equity For Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Life insurance subsidiaries, Net Income	$572,509	$484,327	$424,738
Life insurance subsidiaries, Shareholders' Equity	$1,328,803	$1,358,047	'

Statutory_Accounting_Additiona

Statutory Accounting - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Statutory Accounting [Abstract]	'
Surplus adequate to satisfy regulatory compliance	$437

Recovered_Sheet1

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Change in Balance by Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning Balance	$925,275	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	-716,918	'	'
Reclassifications, net of tax	2,624	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-714,294	375,359	526,824
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending Balance	210,981	925,275	'
Pension Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning Balance	-109,283	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	33,992	'	'
Reclassifications, net of tax	11,938	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	45,930	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending Balance	-63,353	'	'
Foreign Exchange [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning Balance	26,608	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	-1,742	'	'
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,742	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending Balance	24,866	'	'
Deferred Acquisition Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning Balance	-16,417	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	9,689	'	'
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	9,689	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending Balance	-6,728	'	'
Available for Sale Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning Balance	1,024,367	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	-758,857	'	'
Reclassifications, net of tax	-9,314	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-768,171	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending Balance	$256,196	'	'

Recovered_Sheet2

Supplemental Information about Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Summary of Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of Prior service cost	$2,276	$2,146	$2,080
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	16,090	12,653	10,071
Total amortization	18,366	14,799	12,146
Tax	-234,654	-236,669	-226,166
Tax	-24,732	16,894	4,887
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total after tax	2,624	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale assets [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Realized (gains) losses	-9,606	'	'
Amortization of (discount) premium	-6,569	'	'
Total before tax	-16,175	'	'
Tax	6,861	'	'
Total after tax	-9,314	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Pension adjustments [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of Prior service cost	2,276	'	'
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	16,090	'	'
Total amortization	18,366	'	'
Tax	-6,428	'	'
Total after tax	$11,938	'	'

Investments_Summary_of_Fixed_M

Investments - Summary of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Available for Sale by Component (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	$12,488,875	$11,963,406	'
Total Available for Sale Securities Cost	12,489,750	'	11,978,281
Gross Unrealized Gains	802,229	'	1,667,520
Gross Unrealized Losses	-410,962	'	-89,041
Debt Securities Fair Value	12,879,133	13,541,193	'
Total Available for Sale Securities Fair Value	12,881,017	13,556,760	13,556,760
Total Available for Sale Amount per the Balance Sheet	12,881,017	'	13,556,760
Equity Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	875	14,875	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,009	692	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0	'
Equity Securities Fair Value	1,884	15,567	'
Equity Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	1,884	15,567	'
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	12,488,875	11,963,406	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	801,220	1,666,828	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-410,962	-89,041	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	12,879,133	13,541,193	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	12,879,133	13,541,193	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	100.00%	100.00%	'
U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	428,106	492,928	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	362	1,948	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-75,295	-4,773	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	353,173	490,103	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	353,173	490,103	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	3.00%	4.00%	'
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	1,278,434	1,283,883	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	69,817	173,649	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-12,947	-189	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	1,335,304	1,457,343	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	1,335,304	1,457,343	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	10.00%	11.00%	'
Foreign Governments [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	43,811	33,577	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	411	988	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-67	0	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	44,155	34,565	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	44,155	34,565	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%	'
Corporates [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	10,133,868	9,309,408	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	702,867	1,442,638	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-300,389	-55,023	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	10,536,346	10,697,023	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	10,536,346	10,697,023	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	82.00%	79.00%	'
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	66,173	64,622	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-7,968	-18,051	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	58,205	46,571	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	58,205	46,571	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	1.00%	0.00%	'
Other Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	35,568	43,560	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,699	3,708	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-98	-401	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	38,169	46,867	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	38,169	46,867	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	0.00%	0.00%	'
Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Securities Cost or Amortized Cost	502,915	735,428	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	25,064	43,897	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-14,198	-10,604	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	513,781	768,721	'
Debt Securities Amount per the Balance Sheet	$513,781	$768,721	'
% of Total Fixed Maturities At Fair Value	4.00%	6.00%	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Fixed_

Investments - Schedule of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Amortized Cost - Due in one year or less	$102,473	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Amortized Cost - Due from one to five years	494,066	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Amortized Cost - Due from five to ten years	911,559	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Amortized Cost - Due from ten to twenty years	3,109,054	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Amortized Cost - Due after twenty years	7,766,780	'
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, Amortized Cost	104,943	'
Total fixed maturities available for sale, Amortized Cost	12,488,875	11,963,406
Fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value - Due in one year or less	104,065	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value - Due from one to five years	538,995	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value - Due from five to ten years	979,502	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value - Due from ten to twenty years	3,303,084	'
Fixed maturities available for sale, Fair Value - Due after twenty years	7,853,621	'
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, Fair Value	99,866	'
Debt Securities Fair Value	$12,879,133	$13,541,193

Investments_Schedule_of_Analys

Investments - Schedule of Analysis of Investment Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$744,969	$725,755	$716,556
Less investment expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-35,226	-32,111	-23,528
Net investment income	178,284	176,656	177,964	176,839	174,947	169,400	175,176	174,121	709,743	693,644	693,028
Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,281	2,320	2,439
Short-term Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	138	311	165
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	709,756	691,229	683,101
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	323	1,178	1,558
Policy Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$33,471	$30,717	$29,293

Investments_Realized_Gain_Loss

Investments - Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	$1,525	$4,459	$5,913	($3,907)	$20,883	$7,283	$4,661	$5,006	$7,990	$37,833	$25,904
Applicable tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,025	-13,242	-9,066
Realized gains (losses) from investments, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,965	24,591	16,838
Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,148	197	-1,866
Loss On Redemption Of Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-4,109	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Sales And Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,138	47,345	27,790
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Writedowns [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-5,600	-20
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0

Investments_Unrealized_Gain_Lo

Investments - Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	($1,183,652)	$614,854	$856,692
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	317	-1,489	-98
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	-1,187,529	613,826	856,424
Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	-1,187,212	612,337	856,326
Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total unrealized investment gains (losses)	$3,560	$2,517	$366

Investments_Assets_Measured_at

Investments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	$12,879,133	$13,541,193	'
Equity securities	1,884	15,567	'
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	12,881,017	13,556,760	13,556,760
Percent of total	100.00%	100.00%	'
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	12,879,133	13,541,193	'
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	353,173	490,103	'
Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	1,335,304	1,457,343	'
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	44,155	34,565	'
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	10,536,346	10,697,023	'
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	58,205	46,571	'
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	38,169	46,867	'
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	513,781	768,721	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity securities	1,884	15,567	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	70,386	175,277	'
Percent of total	0.50%	1.30%	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	69,278	160,449	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	47,058	31,976	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	22,220	128,473	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity securities	1,108	14,828	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	12,451,350	13,095,120	'
Percent of total	96.70%	96.60%	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	12,451,350	13,095,120	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	353,173	490,103	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	1,335,304	1,457,343	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	44,155	34,565	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	10,188,988	10,443,526	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	38,169	38,886	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	491,561	630,697	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity securities	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	359,281	'	'
Total fixed maturities and equity securities	359,281	286,363	'
Percent of total	2.80%	2.10%	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	358,505	285,624	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	300,300	221,521	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	58,205	46,571	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	7,981	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	0	9,551	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity securities	$776	$739	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Change

Investments - Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$286,363	$49,402	$104,841
Included in realized gains/losses	0	1,482	-12,542
Included in other comprehensive income	-6,697	16,774	17,856
Acquisitions	129,755	183,676	'
Sales	0	-13,429	-13,875
Amortization	2,786	3,128	3,566
Other	-2,121	1,536	1,442
Transfers out of Level 3	-50,805	'	-51,886
Transfers into Level 3	'	43,794	'
Ending Balance	359,281	286,363	49,402
Equities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	739	710	670
Included in realized gains/losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	37	29	40
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	'	0
Transfers into Level 3	'	0	'
Ending Balance	776	739	710
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	7,981	7,122	8,042
Included in realized gains/losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	426	1,078	-714
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	-57	-219	-206
Other	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-8,350	'	0
Transfers into Level 3	'	0	'
Ending Balance	0	7,981	7,122
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	46,571	30,320	22,456
Included in realized gains/losses	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	10,083	12,067	3,952
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Sales	0	0	0
Amortization	2,838	2,648	2,470
Other	-1,287	1,536	1,442
Transfers out of Level 3	0	'	0
Transfers into Level 3	'	0	'
Ending Balance	58,205	46,571	30,320
Corporates [Member]	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	231,072	11,250	73,673
Included in realized gains/losses	0	1,482	-12,542
Included in other comprehensive income	-17,243	3,600	14,578
Acquisitions	129,755	183,676	'
Sales	0	-13,429	-13,875
Amortization	5	699	1,302
Other	-834	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-42,455	'	-51,886
Transfers into Level 3	'	43,794	'
Ending Balance	$300,300	$231,072	$11,250

Investments_Schedule_of_Select

Investments - Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales	$133,463	$345,601	$224,335
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales	133,463	345,601	236,662
Gross realized gains	5,948	40,851	28,249
Gross realized losses	($1,310)	($2,477)	($24,323)

Investments_Schedule_of_Select1

Investments - Schedule of Selected Information about Sales of Fixed Maturities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Proceeds from unsettled trades	$12.30

Investments_Quantitative_Infor

Investments - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Weighted Average [Member]	Weighted Average [Member]
				Other Investments [Member]	Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	Private Placement Bonds [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
				Third-party Pricing Without Adjustment [Member]	Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]	Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]	Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	Private Placement Bonds [Member]
							Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]	Discounted Cash Flows Valuation Technique [Member]
Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value fixed maturities measured on recurring basis	$12,879,133	$13,541,193	$359,281	$776	$58,205	$300,300	'	'
Discount rate	'	'	'	'	15.00%	'	15.00%	'
Credit rating	'	'	'	'	'	'BBB- to A+	'	'BBB

Investments_Transfers_in_and_O

Investments - Transfers in and Out of Each of Valuation Levels of Fair Values (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers In	$19,416	$48,536	$0
Transfers Out	0	0	0
Transfers Net	19,416	48,536	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers In	50,805	0	51,886
Transfers Out	-19,416	-92,330	0
Transfers Net	31,389	-92,330	51,886
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Transfers In And Out Of Each Of The Valuation Levels Of Fair Values Of Investments[Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers In	0	43,794	0
Transfers Out	-50,805	0	-51,886
Transfers Net	($50,805)	$43,794	($51,886)

Investments_Writedowns_for_Oth

Investments - Writedowns for Other-than-Temporary Impairments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized [Line Items]	'	'	'
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Net Income, Pre-tax	$0	$5,600	$20
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Net Income, After tax	0	3,640	13
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Other Comprehensive Income, Pre-tax	0	0	0
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Other Comprehensive Income, After tax	0	0	0
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized [Line Items]	'	'	'
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Net Income, Pre-tax	0	0	0
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Other Comprehensive Income, Pre-tax	0	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized [Line Items]	'	'	'
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Net Income, Pre-tax	0	5,600	20
Writedowns for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, Other Comprehensive Income, Pre-tax	$0	$0	$0

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Written down securities carried at fair value	$42,000,000	'	'	'
Balances related to bifurcated credit loss positions included in other comprehensive income	22,000,000	22,000,000	22,000,000	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	390,000,000	1,600,000,000	964,000,000	108,000,000
Percentage of portfolio in financial assets at fair value	26.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of portfolio in financial assets at amortized cost	25.00%	'	'	'
Total issues of fixed-maturities and equities	1,619	1,630	'	'
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans	'	500,000	'	'
Accumulated depreciation on investment real estate	1,700,000	2,100,000	'	'
Non-income producing fixed maturities at book value	125,000	'	'	'
Non-income producing fixed maturities at fair value	126,000	'	'	'
Financial Sector [Member]	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	180,000,000	339,000,000	'	'
Other Sectors [Member]	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	$210,000,000	$1,200,000,000	'	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Unreal

Investments - Schedule of Unrealized Investment Losses by Class of Investment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	$3,227,467	$1,156,351
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	834,186	570,465
Fair Value, Total	4,061,653	1,726,816
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	-255,618	-20,696
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	-155,344	-68,345
Unrealized Loss Total	-410,962	-89,041
U.S. Government Direct, Guaranteed, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	242,144	316,596
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	87,977	199
Fair Value, Total	330,121	316,795
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	-42,885	-4,770
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	-32,410	-3
Unrealized Loss Total	-75,295	-4,773
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	167,660	26,206
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	1,619	0
Fair Value, Total	169,279	26,206
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	-12,807	-189
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	-140	0
Unrealized Loss Total	-12,947	-189
Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	11,966	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Fair Value, Total	11,966	0
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	-67	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	0	0
Unrealized Loss Total	-67	0
Corporates [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	2,692,494	761,477
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	600,350	343,987
Fair Value, Total	3,292,844	1,105,464
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	-196,139	-15,339
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	-104,250	-39,684
Unrealized Loss Total	-300,389	-55,023
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	0	0
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	58,080	46,446
Fair Value, Total	58,080	46,446
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	0	0
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	-7,968	-18,051
Unrealized Loss Total	-7,968	-18,051
Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	6,974	7,940
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	3,873	7,981
Fair Value, Total	10,847	15,921
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	-26	-88
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	-72	-313
Unrealized Loss Total	-98	-401
Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Less than Twelve Months	106,229	44,132
Fair Value, Twelve Months or Longer	82,287	171,852
Fair Value, Total	188,516	215,984
Unrealized Loss Less Than Twelve Months	-3,694	-310
Unrealized Loss Twelve Months or Longer	-10,504	-10,294
Unrealized Loss Total	($14,198)	($10,604)

Investments_Schedule_of_Additi

Investments - Schedule of Additional Information about Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Number of issues (Cusip numbers) held, Less than Twelve Months	462	195
Number of issues (Cusip numbers) held, Twelve Months or Longer	130	95
Number of issues (Cusip numbers) held, Total	592	290

Investments_Schedule_of_Other_

Investments - Schedule of Other Long-Term Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Other long-term investments	$13,207	$18,539
Mortgage Loans, At Cost [Member]	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Other long-term investments	0	514
Investment Real Estate, At Depreciated Cost [Member]	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Other long-term investments	203	2,816
Low-Income Housing Interests [Member]	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Other long-term investments	7,589	9,875
Other [Member]	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Other long-term investments	$5,415	$5,334

Deferred_Acquisition_Costs_Sch

Deferred Acquisition Costs - Schedule of Analysis Deferred Acquisition Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Insurance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Balance at beginning of year	'	'	'	$3,198,431	'	'	'	$2,916,732	$3,198,431	$2,916,732	$2,869,546
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Commissions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	331,060	312,581	283,961
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Other expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	193,203	168,237	157,864
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Total deferred costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	524,263	480,818	441,825
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Value of insurance purchased during year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,489	175,257	0
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Foreign exchange adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	3,557	0
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,906	7,234	0
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Total additions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-547,658	-666,866	-441,825
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Amortized during period	-100,743	-98,444	-102,488	-101,714	-98,052	-94,016	-96,601	-96,498	-403,389	-385,167	-364,583
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Foreign exchange adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,051	0	-1,765
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-28,291
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Total deductions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-408,440	-385,167	-394,639
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Balance at end of period	$3,337,649	'	'	'	$3,198,431	'	'	'	$3,337,649	$3,198,431	$2,916,732

Acquisition_Additional_Informa

Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Nov. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Family Heritage [Member]

Family Heritage [Member]

Family Heritage [Member]

Family Heritage [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$234,000,000

'

'

'

Debt assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

Fair value of debt securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

Purchase price funded with cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

214,000,000

'

'

'

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,944,000

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

Acquisition expenses net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-522,000

1,914,000

0

'

'

'

1,900,000

Adjustment for finalization of accounting for a business combination pretax

100,743,000

98,444,000

102,488,000

101,714,000

98,052,000

94,016,000

96,601,000

96,498,000

403,389,000

385,167,000

364,583,000

'

'

1,519,000

'

Adjustment for finalization of accounting for a business combination after tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

522,000

'

Increase in policy holder benefit reserve

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

578,217,000

497,306,000

431,362,000

'

'

8,500,000

'

Increase in deferred acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,000,000

'

'

Net Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,100,000

'

'

Acquisition_Summary_of_Net_Ass

Acquisition - Summary of Net Assets Acquired (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 01, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets acquired:	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	$591,947
Cash	'	'	27,323
Value of insurance purchased	'	'	175,257
Goodwill	441,591	441,591	44,700
Other assets	'	'	45,573
Total assets	'	'	884,800
Liabilities assumed:	'	'	'
Policy liabilities	'	'	643,306
Other liabilities	'	'	7,747
Total liabilities	'	'	651,053
Total net assets acquired	'	'	$233,747

Acquisition_Supplemental_Unaud

Acquisition - Supplemental Unaudited Pro Forma Information (Detail) (Family Heritage [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Family Heritage [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	$197,174	$180,155
Net income	$13,220	$12,107
Net income per diluted share	$0.14	$0.11

Liability_for_Unpaid_Health_Cl2

Liability for Unpaid Health Claims - Summary of Liability for Unpaid Health Claims (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Insurance [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$104,870	$103,517	$100,598
Acquisition of Family Heritage	0	11,700	0
Incurred related to Current year	720,490	704,934	628,137
Incurred related to Prior years	-11,594	-17,531	-10,644
Total incurred	708,896	687,403	617,493
Paid related to Current year	636,150	627,495	538,910
Paid related to Prior years	75,897	70,255	75,664
Total paid	712,047	697,750	614,574
Balance at end of year	$101,719	$104,870	$103,517

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income tax expense from continuing operations	$234,654	$236,669	$226,166
Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	0	0	-467
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-386,752	201,950	284,355
Tax basis compensation expense (from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards) in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	-21,314	-22,602	-13,121
Income tax expense, Total	($173,412)	$416,017	$496,933

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Expe

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current income tax expense	$176,427	$161,332	$169,500
Deferred income tax expense	58,227	75,337	56,666
Income tax expense	$234,654	$236,669	$226,166

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Effect

Income Taxes - Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected income taxes	$267,094	$268,098	$253,324
Tax-exempt investment income	-3,107	-3,506	-3,468
Low income housing investments	-32,417	-28,877	-24,258
Other	3,084	954	568
Income tax expense	$234,654	$236,669	$226,166
Expected income taxes	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax-exempt investment income	-0.40%	-0.40%	-0.50%
Low income housing investments	-4.20%	-3.80%	-3.40%
Other	0.40%	0.10%	0.10%
Income tax expense	30.80%	30.90%	31.20%

Income_Taxes_Significant_Porti

Income Taxes - Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments	$16,868	$22,387
Carryover of tax losses	11,415	14,177
Other assets	0	4,084
Total gross deferred tax assets	28,283	40,648
Unrealized gains	92,772	481,804
Employee and agent compensation	68,911	65,877
Deferred acquisition costs	829,032	791,254
Future policy benefits, unearned and advance premiums, and policy claims	315,291	311,366
Other Liabilities	1,126	0
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	1,307,132	1,650,301
Net deferred tax liability	$1,278,849	$1,609,653

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	$32,600,000	'	'
Recognized interest income, net of Federal income tax expense	0	56,000	0
Amount of accrued interest or penalties	$0	$0	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at January 1,	$0	$0	$875
Increase based on tax positions taken in current period	0	0	0
Increase related to tax positions taken in prior periods	0	0	0
Decrease related to tax positions taken in prior periods	0	0	-875
Decrease due to settlements	0	0	0
Balance at December 31,	$0	$0	$0

Postretirement_Benefits_Total_

Postretirement Benefits - Total Cost of Retirement Plans Charged to Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans	$3,373	$3,668	$3,552
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$33,122	$26,007	$20,952

Postretirement_Benefits_Additi

Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan contributions	$10,300,000	$8,200,000	$8,600,000
Insurance premium paid for supplemental pension plan	2,900,000	1,700,000	3,900,000
Insurance cash value of supplemental pension plan	22,000,000	18,000,000	'
Cash deposited into Rabbi Trust	6,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Insurance cash value and Rabbi Trust investments supporting supplemental pension plan liability	66,000,000	54,000,000	'
Unqualified supplemental retirement pension plan liability	58,000,000	59,000,000	'
Liability for closed supplemental retirement pension plans	3,000,000	3,000,000	'
Maximum allowed investment percentage in any single issuer in pension plan assets at time of purchase	10.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions to benefit plans, future	20,000,000	'	'
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capped eligible compensation	1,000,000	'	'
Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	295,000,000	321,000,000	'
Unfunded Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	$52,000,000	$52,000,000	'

Postretirement_Benefits_Pensio

Postretirement Benefits - Pension Assets by Components at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	$291,753	$277,641
Total percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	115,287	89,833
Total percentage	38.00%	32.00%
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	147,445	169,817
Total percentage	51.00%	61.00%
Short-term Investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,318	2,218
Total percentage	5.00%	1.00%
Equity Securities, Financial [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	35,807	26,174
Total percentage	12.00%	9.00%
Equity Securities, Consumer Cyclical [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	17,915	'
Total percentage	6.00%	'
Equity Securities, Energy [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,816	'
Total percentage	5.00%	'
Equity Securities, Consumer, Non-Cyclical [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,187	15,894
Total percentage	4.00%	6.00%
Equity Securities, Technology [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,055	13,332
Total percentage	4.00%	5.00%
Equity Securities, Depository Institutions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	10,523	'
Total percentage	3.00%	'
Equity Securities Industrial [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	'	10,353
Total percentage	'	4.00%
Equity Securities, General Merchandise Stores [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	'	11,197
Total percentage	'	4.00%
Equity Securities, Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	10,984	12,883
Total percentage	4.00%	4.00%
Other Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	267	327
Total percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Guaranteed Annuity Contract [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,769	13,277
Total percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	1,667	2,169
Total percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	129,441	98,512
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	114,456	89,833
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	0	4,292
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,318	2,218
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, Financial [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	35,807	26,174
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, Consumer Cyclical [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	17,915	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, Energy [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,816	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, Consumer, Non-Cyclical [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,187	15,894
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, Technology [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,055	13,332
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, Depository Institutions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	10,523	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities Industrial [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	'	10,353
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, General Merchandise Stores [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	'	11,197
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities, Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	10,153	12,883
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	1,667	2,169
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	162,312	179,129
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	831	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	147,445	165,525
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities, Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	831	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Other Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	267	327
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Guaranteed Annuity Contract [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	13,769	13,277
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirerment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans-Fair value of plan assets	$0	$0

Postretirement_Benefits_Weight

Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions and Weighted Average Assumptions for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions and Weighted Average Assumptions For Post Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Benefit Obligations, Discount Rate	5.12%	4.18%	'
Benefit Obligations, Rate of Compensation Increase	4.35%	4.40%	'
Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.18%	5.09%	5.77%
Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-Term Returns	6.96%	7.20%	7.24%
Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase	4.40%	4.04%	4.00%
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Pension Plan Assumptions and Weighted Average Assumptions For Post Retirement Benefit Plans Other Than Pensions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Benefit Obligations, Discount Rate	5.12%	4.18%	'
Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.18%	5.09%	5.77%

Postretirement_Benefits_Compon

Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net periodic pension cost	$33,122	$26,007	$20,952
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	14,984	11,215	9,277
Interest cost on benefit obligation	17,043	16,796	16,106
Expected return on assets	-17,429	-17,114	-16,068
Net amortization	18,143	14,799	11,331
Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss	381	311	306
Net periodic pension cost	33,122	26,007	20,952
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	354	392	919
Interest cost on benefit obligation	1,030	1,020	999
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Net amortization	224	0	0
Recognition of net actuarial (gain) loss	0	0	-815
Net periodic pension cost	$1,608	$1,412	$1,103

Postretirement_Benefits_Analys

Postretirement Benefits - Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	($168,129)	($119,863)	($105,903)
Amortization of Prior service cost	2,276	2,146	2,080
Amortization of Net actuarial (gain) loss	16,090	12,653	10,071
Amortization of Transition obligation	0	0	-5
Total amortization	18,366	14,799	12,146
Plan amendments	0	-3,452	0
Experience gain (loss)	52,296	-59,613	-26,106
Balance at December 31	($97,467)	($168,129)	($119,863)

Postretirement_Benefits_Analys1

Postretirement Benefits - Analysis of Impact on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions	($16,090)	($12,653)	($10,071)
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of postretirement benefits other than pensions	$224	'	'

Postretirement_Benefits_Reconc

Postretirement Benefits - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Pension Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value at beginning of year	$277,641	'	'
Contributions	10,300	8,200	8,600
Fair value at end of year	291,753	277,641	'
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Obligation at beginning of year	414,921	331,609	'
Service cost	14,984	11,215	9,277
Interest cost	17,043	16,796	16,106
Actuarial loss (gain)	-45,258	67,949	'
Plan amendments	0	3,452	'
Benefits paid	-17,831	-16,100	'
Obligation at end of year	383,859	414,921	331,609
Changes in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value at beginning of year	277,641	258,067	'
Return on assets	21,613	27,493	'
Contributions	10,330	8,181	'
Benefits paid	-17,831	-16,100	'
Fair value at end of year	291,753	277,641	258,067
Funded status at year end	($92,106)	($137,280)	'

Postretirement_Benefits_Schedu

Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net amounts recognized at year end	($97,467)	($168,129)	($119,863)	($105,903)
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net loss (gain)	90,878	156,567	'	'
Prior service cost	5,476	7,752	'	'
Transition obligation	0	0	'	'
Net amounts recognized at year end	$96,354	$164,319	'	'

Postretirement_Benefits_Portio

Postretirement Benefits - Portion of Other Comprehensive Income Expected to Be Reflected in Pension Expense in Next Year (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Amortization of prior service cost	$2,113
Amortization of net loss (gain)	8,172
Amortization of transition obligation	0
Total	$10,285

Postretirement_Benefits_Estima

Postretirement Benefits - Estimated Future Payments for Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Benefits [Member]	'
Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
2014	$899
2015	1,007
2016	1,130
2017	1,313
2018	1,516
2019-2023	8,227
Pension Benefits [Member]	'
Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
2014	14,973
2015	16,759
2016	18,048
2017	19,847
2018	21,183
2019-2023	$129,331

Postretirement_Benefits_Reconc1

Postretirement Benefits - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Other Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Changes in plan assets:	'	'	'	'
Contributions	$10,300	$8,200	$8,600	'
Net amounts recognized at year end	-97,467	-168,129	-119,863	-105,903
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Changes in benefit obligation:	'	'	'	'
Obligation at beginning of year	22,367	19,008	'	'
Service cost	354	392	919	'
Interest cost	1,030	1,020	999	'
Actuarial loss (gain)	-2,475	2,358	'	'
Benefits paid	-416	-411	'	'
Obligation at end of year	20,860	22,367	19,008	'
Changes in plan assets:	'	'	'	'
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0	'	'
Return on assets	0	0	'	'
Contributions	416	411	'	'
Benefits paid	-416	-411	'	'
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0	'
Funded status at year end	-20,860	-22,367	'	'
Net loss	1,113	3,812	'	'
Net amounts recognized at year end	$1,113	$3,812	'	'

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca2

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Noncash Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	$25,642	$21,605	$14,954
Commitments for low-income housing interests	42,525	29,759	36,722
Capitalized investment income	806	1,537	5,321
Debt assumed to acquire Family Heritage	0	20,000	0
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	25,642	21,605	14,954
Debt assumed to acquire Family Heritage	$0	$20,000	$0

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca3

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Summary of Amount Paid (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest paid	$81,322	$77,686	$75,653
Income taxes paid	$139,091	$89,061	$188,510

Debt_Selected_Information_abou

Debt - Selected Information about Debt Issues (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 24, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	$1,232,399	'
Less current maturity of long-term debt, fair value	'	0	'
Total long-term debt, fair value	'	1,360,461	1,191,320
Total short-term debt, fair value	'	229,070	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	1,360,461	'
Total long-term debt, book value	'	990,865	989,686
Total short-term debt, book value	'	229,070	319,043
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	1,219,935	1,308,729
Notes, Due 5/15/23 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual Percentage Rate	'	7.88%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	15-May-23	'
Issue Date	'	'1993-05	'
Periodic Interest Payments Due	'	'5/15 & 11/15	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	165,612	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	204,489	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	163,609	163,471
Notes, Due 8/1/13 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual Percentage Rate	'	7.38%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	1-Aug-13	'
Issue Date	'	'1993-07	'
Periodic Interest Payments Due	'	'2/1 & 8/1	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	0	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	0	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	0	93,956
Senior Notes, Due 6/15/16 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual Percentage Rate	'	6.38%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	15-Jun-16	'
Issue Date	'	'2006-06	'
Periodic Interest Payments Due	'	'6/15 & 12/15	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	250,000	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	277,185	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	248,753	248,300
Senior Notes, Due 6/15/19 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual Percentage Rate	'	9.25%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	15-Jun-19	'
Issue Date	'	'2009-06	'
Periodic Interest Payments Due	'	'6/15 & 12/15	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	292,647	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	376,089	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	290,268	289,950
Senior Notes, Due 9/15/22 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual Percentage Rate	3.80%	3.80%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	15-Sep-22	'
Issue Date	'	'2012-09	'
Periodic Interest Payments Due	'Semi-annually	'3/15 & 9/15	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	300,000	150,000	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	145,178	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	147,392	147,148
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 12/15/52 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual Percentage Rate	5.88%	5.88%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	15-Dec-52	'
Issue Date	'	'2012-09	'
Periodic Interest Payments Due	'Quarterly	'quarterly	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	125,000	125,000	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	108,450	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	120,843	120,817
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 3/15/36 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual Percentage Rate	'	3.54%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	15-Mar-36	'
Issue Date	'	'	'
Periodic Interest Payments Due	'	'quarterly	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	20,000	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	20,000	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	20,000	20,000
Total Funded Debt [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	1,003,259	'
Outstanding Principal (Fair Value)	'	1,131,391	'
Outstanding Principal (Book Value)	'	990,865	1,083,642
Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	1,003,259	'
Short-term Debt [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	229,140	'
Current Maturity of Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	0	'
Total short-term debt, fair value	'	0	'
Total short-term debt, book value	'	0	93,956
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding Principal (Par Value)	'	229,140	'
Total short-term debt, fair value	'	229,070	'
Total short-term debt, book value	'	$229,070	$225,087

Debt_Amount_of_Debt_Due_in_Nex

Debt - Amount of Debt Due in Next Five Years - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt due in 2014	$229
Debt due in 2015	0
Debt due in 2016	250
Debt due in 2017	0
Debt due in 2018	0
Debt due thereafter 2019	$753

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 24, 2012

Oct. 24, 2012

Sep. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 01, 2013

Sep. 24, 2012

Sep. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 24, 2012

Family Heritage [Member]

7.1% Trust Preferred Securities [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 6/1/46 [Member]

Senior Notes, Due 9/15/22 [Member]

Senior Notes, Due 9/15/22 [Member]

7.375% Notes [Member]

7.375% Notes [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 12/15/52 [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 12/15/52 [Member]

Insurance Subsidiary [Member]

Senior Notes, Due 9/15/22 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issued, par amount

$1,232,399,000

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

$150,000,000

'

'

$125,000,000

$125,000,000

$150,000,000

Periodic Interest Payments Due

'

'

'

'

'

'Semi-annually

'3/15 & 9/15

'

'

'Quarterly

'quarterly

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

7.10%

3.80%

3.80%

7.38%

'

5.88%

5.88%

'

Commencement date for interest payable

'

'

'

'

'

15-Mar-13

'

'

'

15-Dec-12

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of debt

'

'

'

'

'

297,000,000

'

'

'

121,000,000

'

147,000,000

Debt instrument spread

'

'

'

'

'

0.003

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining proceeds to repay principal amount

'

'

'

'

124,000,000

'

'

94,000,000

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

15-Mar-36

'

'

'

15-Sep-22

'

1-Aug-13

'

15-Dec-52

'

Issuance Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,200,000

'

'

Redemption Period

'

'

'

'

'40 years

'

'

'

'

'40 years

'

'

Preferred Securities redeemed

'

'

'

120,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of preferred securities and accrued dividend

'

'

'

121,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

After tax expected loss on repurchase

'

'

'

2,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt assumed

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, Fair Value

1,360,461,000

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

145,178,000

'

'

'

108,450,000

'

Debt instrument, amortized cost

$990,865,000

$989,686,000

$20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, basis spread

'

'

3.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Commercial_Paper_Addition

Debt - Commercial Paper - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Line of credit facility limit	$600
Line of credit facility extendable limit	200
Maximum daily amount letters of credit facility	$250

Debt_ShortTerm_Borrowings_Deta

Debt - Short-Term Borrowings (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at end of period (at par value)	$229,140	$225,180	'
Annualized interest rate	0.30%	0.36%	'
Letters of credit outstanding	198,000	198,000	'
Remaining amount available under credit line	172,860	176,820	'
Average balance outstanding during period	274,435	250,401	206,148
Daily-weighted average interest rate	0.31%	0.41%	0.39%
Maximum daily amount outstanding during period	$340,140	$385,000	$271,761

Shareholders_Equity_Summary_of

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Preferred and Common Share Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
				Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, Preferred Stock, Issued, Beginning Balance	'	'	'	0	0	0	0	'	'	'
Balance, Preferred Stock, Issued, Ending Balance	'	'	'	0	0	0	0	'	'	'
Balance, Common Stock, Issued, Beginning Balance	105,812,123	'	'	'	'	'	'	105,812,123	112,312,123	119,812,123
Retirement of treasury stock, Issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,000,000	-6,500,000	-7,500,000
Balance, Common Stock, Issued, Ending Balance	100,812,123	105,812,123	'	'	'	'	'	100,812,123	105,812,123	112,312,123
Treasury Stock, beginning balance	-11,576,487	'	'	0	0	0	0	-11,576,487	-11,732,658	-947,497
Grants of restricted stock	147,660	149,720	173,553	'	'	'	'	50,943	69,720	173,553
Forfeitures of restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($7,153)
Forfeitures and surrenders of restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($24,906)	'	'
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of stock options, Treasury Stock	2,611,838	5,354,381	4,829,892	'	'	'	'	2,611,838	5,357,490	4,829,892
Issuance of common stock due to settlement of restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,460	'	'
Treasury stock acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,379,384	-11,771,039	-23,281,453
Retirement of treasury stock	5,000,000	6,500,000	7,500,000	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	6,500,000	7,500,000
Treasury Stock, ending balance	-11,310,536	-11,576,487	'	0	0	0	0	-11,310,536	-11,576,487	-11,732,658

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock acquired, shares	5.5	7.5	18.9
Share repurchases under stock repurchase program, amount	$360,000,000	$360,000,000	$788,000,000
Shares repurchased for dilution purposes, shares	1.9	4.3	4.4
Shares repurchased for dilution purposes, amount	122,000,000	210,000,000	185,000,000
Retirement of treasury stock	5	6.5	7.5
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to parent company	488,376,000	436,814,000	769,139,000
Proceeds from Sale of United Investors	'	'	305,000,000
Maximum amount of dividends expected to be available from subsidiaries without regulatory approval during 2014	451,000,000	'	'
Restricted net assets	878,000,000	'	'
Dividend	471,000,000	'	'
Retained earnings restricted by lenders' covenants	3,180,000,000	'	'
Retained earnings	$3,545,939,000	$3,403,338,000	'
Anti-dilutive shares	0	0	3.5

Shareholders_Equity_Reconcilia

Shareholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	91,764,590	96,614,199	108,278,113
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding	1,277,933	1,284,189	1,537,277
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	93,042,523	97,898,388	109,815,390

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares granted	147,660	149,720	173,553	'
Restricted stock units outstanding	57,145	53,272	42,938	'
Unvested restricted shares outstanding	471,330	391,700	327,000	237,150
Equity awards, settled in cash	$0	$0	$0	'
Minimum [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Option contractual term	'7 years	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Option contractual term	'10 years	'	'	'
Vesting period	'5 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Director [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'6 months	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | Seven Year Grants [Member] | One-Half [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'2 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | Seven Year Grants [Member] | One-Half [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | Ten Year Grants [Member] | One-Fourth [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'2 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | Ten Year Grants [Member] | One-Fourth [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | Ten Year Grants [Member] | One-Fourth [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'4 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | Ten Year Grants [Member] | One-Fourth [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'5 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Director [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'6 months	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | One-Half [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'2 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Previous Plan [Member] | Employees [Member] | One-Half [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Option contractual term	'7 years	'	'	'
Equity Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Option contractual term	'10 years	'	'	'
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares granted	99,000	80,000	'	'
Shares grant price	$56.10	'	'	'
Shares aggregate grant price	5,500,000	3,900,000	'	'
Contractual period	'3 years	'3 years	'	'
Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares grant price	'	$48.72	'	'
Performance shares target distribution	0	0	'	'
Performance Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares grant price	'	$49.09	'	'
Performance shares target distribution	197,000	160,000	'	'
Directors Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares granted	10,030	9,720	6,303	'
Shares grant price	$53.18	$43.74	$40.45	'
Shares aggregate grant price	$533,000	$425,000	$255,000	'
Unvested restricted shares outstanding	0	0	0	0

StockBased_Compensation_Analys

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Shares Available for Grant (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares available for grant, beginning balance	4,536,301	6,099,342	255,263
Cancellation of available shares from prior plans	0	0	-229,333
Options expired and forfeited during year	85,406	5,850	0
Restricted stock expired and forfeited, available for grant during year (counted as 3.1 options)	6,417	0	0
Shares available for grant, ending balance	2,912,502	4,536,301	6,099,342
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation grants	-1,084,575	-1,072,725	-1,338,013
Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Approval of shares under incentive plan	0	0	7,950,000
Torchmark Corporation 2011 Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation grants	-631,047	-496,166	-519,558
Previous Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation grants	0	0	-19,017

StockBased_Compensation_Analys1

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Shares Available for Grant (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.1

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Compensation Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$25,642	$21,605	$14,954
Tax benefit recognized	8,975	7,562	5,234
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	$18.55	$15.70	$15.48
Intrinsic value of options exercised	72,793	80,781	40,991
Cash received from options exercised	97,815	181,022	162,613
Actual tax benefit received from exercises	$25,478	$28,086	$14,347

StockBased_Compensation_Analys2

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding-beginning of year	7,332,137	11,620,393	15,185,729
Options Exercised	-2,611,838	-5,354,381	-4,829,892
Options Expired and forfeited	-85,406	-6,600	-73,425
Adjustment to options for stock split - shares	0	0	-32
Options Outstanding-end of year	5,719,468	7,332,137	11,620,393
Options Exercisable at end of year	2,930,368	4,261,817	8,265,818
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding-beginning of year	$38.14	$35.42	$34.09
Options exercised in the period - weighted average exercise price	$37.45	$33.82	$33.67
Options expired and forfeited in the period - weighted average exercise price	$48.49	$44.63	$39.17
Adjustment due to stock split, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$0	$32.96
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding-end of year	$41.76	$38.14	$35.42
Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at end of year	$34.42	$35.37	$36.28
7-year term [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Granted	907,800	846,300	1,129,663
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price	$56.43	$46.10	$44.37
10-year term [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Granted	176,775	226,425	208,350
Options granted in the period- weighted average exercise price	$56.10	$45.49	$44.40

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Granted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted stock, Shares	147,660	149,720	173,553
Executives Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted stock, Shares	39,130	60,000	167,250
Restricted stock, Price per share	60.14	46.12	44.39
Restricted stock, Aggregate value	2,353	2,767	7,424
Percent vested	0.00%	20.00%	30.00%
Directors Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted stock, Shares	10,030	9,720	6,303
Restricted stock, Price per share	53.18	43.74	40.45
Restricted stock, Aggregate value	533	425	255
Percent vested	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Directors Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted stock, Shares	11,332	10,331	13,063
Restricted stock, Price per share	53.98	44.03	40.49
Restricted stock, Aggregate value	612	455	529
Percent vested	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Analys3

Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Unvested Restricted Stock (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	391,700	327,000	237,150
Grants	147,660	149,720	173,553
Estimated additional performance shares	63,200	'	'
Restriction lapses	-110,530	-85,020	-78,903
Forfeitures	-20,700	0	-4,800
Ending Balance	471,330	391,700	327,000
Executives Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	311,700	327,000	237,150
Grants	39,130	60,000	167,250
Estimated additional performance shares	0	'	'
Restriction lapses	-100,500	-75,300	-72,600
Forfeitures	-20,700	0	-4,800
Ending Balance	229,630	311,700	327,000
Executive Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	80,000	0	0
Grants	98,500	80,000	0
Estimated additional performance shares	63,200	'	'
Restriction lapses	0	0	0
Forfeitures	0	0	0
Ending Balance	241,700	80,000	0
Directors Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	0	0	0
Grants	10,030	9,720	6,303
Estimated additional performance shares	0	'	'
Restriction lapses	-10,030	-9,720	-6,303
Forfeitures	0	0	0
Ending Balance	0	0	0

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Additional Information of Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding options, Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 1 month 10 days	'3 years 8 months 19 days
Outstanding options, Aggregate intrinsic value	$208,152	$99,212
Exercisable options, Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'2 years 5 months 27 days	'2 years 3 months 15 days
Exercisable options, Aggregate intrinsic value	128,150	69,472
Unrecognized compensation	$37,397	$32,808
Unrecognized compensation, Weighted average period of expected recognition (in years)	'11 months 16 days	'8 months 27 days

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Additional Information on Unvested Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 1 month 10 days	'3 years 8 months 19 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$208,152	$99,212
Unvested Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of shares outstanding	2,789,100	3,070,320
Weighted-average exercise price (per share)	$49.47	$41.98
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'5 years 9 months 22 days	'5 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$80,002	$29,740

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	5,719,468	7,332,137	11,620,393	15,185,729
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 1 month 10 days	'3 years 8 months 19 days	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$41.76	$38.14	$35.42	$34.09
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	2,930,368	4,261,817	8,265,818	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$34.42	$35.37	$36.28	'
15.67 - 30.40 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	$15.67	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$30.40	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	461,983	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'2 years 1 month 10 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$17.69	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	457,386	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$17.57	'	'	'
30.87 - 30.87 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	$30.87	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$30.87	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	962,124	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'3 years 11 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$30.87	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	962,124	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$30.87	'	'	'
35.93 - 42.92 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	$35.93	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$42.92	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	986,616	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'1 year 1 month 13 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$40.35	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	979,202	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$40.37	'	'	'
43.06 - 44.39 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	$43.06	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$44.39	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	1,228,295	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 8 months 5 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$44.37	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	526,806	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$44.35	'	'	'
44.79 - 48.72 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	$44.79	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$48.72	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	1,004,375	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'5 years 8 months 19 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$45.78	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	4,850	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$45.49	'	'	'
56.10 - 64.59 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	$56.10	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$64.59	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	1,076,075	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'6 years 6 months 15 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$56.38	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	0	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$0	'	'	'
15.67 - 64.59 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum	$15.67	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum	$64.59	'	'	'
Number Of Options Outstanding	5,719,468	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 1 month 10 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$41.76	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	2,930,368	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$34.42	'	'	'

Business_Segments_Schedule_of_

Business Segments - Schedule of Segment Premium Revenue by Each Marketing Groups (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	$3,049,690	$2,856,866	$2,657,345
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United American Independent [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	318,572	320,445	329,944
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	10.00%	11.00%	12.00%
Liberty National Exclusive [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	517,244	545,258	578,415
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	17.00%	19.00%	22.00%
American Income Exclusive [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	794,801	743,336	688,033
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	26.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Family Heritage [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	191,929	30,249	'
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	6.00%	1.00%	'
Direct Response [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	717,442	688,077	650,717
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	24.00%	24.00%	25.00%
Medicare Part D [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	300,008	317,764	196,710
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	10.00%	11.00%	7.00%
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	209,694	211,737	213,526
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	7.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	1,885,332	1,808,524	1,726,244
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | United American Independent [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	19,742	21,127	22,846
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Liberty National Exclusive [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	275,980	281,723	288,308
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	15.00%	15.00%	17.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | American Income Exclusive [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	715,366	663,696	607,914
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	38.00%	37.00%	35.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Family Heritage [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	1,006	130	'
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	0.00%	0.00%	'
Life Insurance [Member] | Direct Response [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	663,544	630,111	593,650
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	209,694	211,737	213,526
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	11.00%	12.00%	12.00%
Health Insurance [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	1,163,826	1,047,783	930,493
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | United American Independent [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	298,298	298,759	306,490
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	25.00%	28.00%	33.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | Liberty National Exclusive [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	241,264	263,535	290,107
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	21.00%	25.00%	31.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | American Income Exclusive [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	79,435	79,640	80,119
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	7.00%	8.00%	9.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | Family Heritage [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	190,923	30,119	'
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	16.00%	3.00%	'
Health Insurance [Member] | Direct Response [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	53,898	57,966	57,067
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	5.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Health Insurance [Member] | Medicare Part D [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	300,008	317,764	196,710
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	26.00%	30.00%	21.00%
Annuity [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	532	559	608
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Annuity [Member] | United American Independent [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment premium revenue, Amount	$532	$559	$608
Distribution channel premium as percentage of segment premium	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Business_Segments_Reconciliati

Business Segments - Reconciliation of Revenues and Operations by Segment to Major Income Statement Line Items (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premium	$750,611	$750,998	$765,851	$784,814	$732,545	$699,860	$705,582	$718,475	$3,052,274	$2,856,462	$2,656,318
Net investment income	178,284	176,656	177,964	176,839	174,947	169,400	175,176	174,121	709,743	693,644	693,028
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,931	1,577	2,151
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,763,948	3,551,683	3,351,497
Policy benefits	495,561	516,783	524,499	552,003	479,109	479,119	484,807	512,647	2,088,846	1,955,682	1,793,276
Required interest on policy reserves	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Required interest on deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Acquisition expense and adjustments	100,743	98,444	102,488	101,714	98,052	94,016	96,601	96,498	403,389	385,167	364,583
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	221,426	203,986	216,216
Insurance administrative expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	180,053	165,405	178,989
Parent expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,995	11,166	7,693
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,642	21,605	14,954
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	80,461	80,512	77,908
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,008,812	2,823,523	2,653,619
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	755,136	728,160	697,878
Non operating items	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,761	2,944	19,880
Amortization of low-income housing interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,907	22,488	14,277
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	788,804	753,592	732,035
Deduct applicable income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-258,137	-246,945	-238,335
Segment profits after tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	530,667	506,647	493,700
Add back income taxes applicable to segment profitability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	258,137	246,945	238,335
Add (deduct) realized investment gains (losses)	1,525	4,459	5,913	-3,907	20,883	7,283	4,661	5,006	7,990	37,833	25,904
Deduct amortization of low-income housing	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,907	-22,488	-14,277
Deduct state administrative settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,901
Deduct Guaranty Fund Assessment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,155	'	'
Acquisition expense and adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,944	'
Deduct loss on sale of equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-979
Deduct legal settlement expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,125	'	-12,000
Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	206,429	190,850	192,784	173,063	220,587	188,791	186,380	170,235	763,126	765,993	723,782
Family Heritage [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition expense and adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,519	'	'
Acquisition expense and adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,900	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premium	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,885,332	1,808,524	1,726,244
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,885,332	1,808,524	1,726,244
Policy benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,227,857	1,172,020	1,118,909
Required interest on policy reserves	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-508,236	-483,892	-458,029
Required interest on deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	164,981	163,875	159,886
Acquisition expense and adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	323,950	309,930	292,168
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	131,721	137,115	152,347
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,340,273	1,299,048	1,265,281
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	545,059	509,476	460,963
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	545,059	509,476	460,963
Operating Segments [Member] | Health Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premium	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,163,826	1,047,783	930,493
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,163,826	1,047,783	930,493
Policy benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	806,478	739,945	632,847
Required interest on policy reserves	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-59,858	-40,963	-36,729
Required interest on deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,233	19,059	18,883
Acquisition expense and adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	72,244	65,278	62,345
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	89,922	67,123	64,157
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	932,019	850,442	741,503
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	231,807	197,341	188,990
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	231,807	197,341	188,990
Operating Segments [Member] | Annuity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premium	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	532	559	608
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	532	559	608
Policy benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,302	44,121	42,547
Required interest on policy reserves	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-57,294	-59,293	-57,040
Required interest on deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,811	2,238	2,618
Acquisition expense and adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,714	9,959	10,070
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	60	69	68
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,407	-2,906	-1,737
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,939	3,465	2,345
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,939	3,465	2,345
Operating Segments [Member] | Investment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	734,650	715,918	707,041
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	734,650	715,918	707,041
Required interest on policy reserves	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	625,388	584,148	551,798
Required interest on deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-190,025	-185,172	-181,387
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	80,461	80,298	77,644
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	515,824	479,274	448,055
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	218,826	236,644	258,986
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	218,826	236,644	258,986
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,208	1,898	2,507
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,208	1,898	2,507
Insurance administrative expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	178,898	165,405	159,109
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	178,898	165,405	159,109
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-176,690	-163,507	-156,602
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-176,690	-163,507	-156,602
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Parent expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,495	8,222	7,693
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,642	21,605	14,954
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,137	29,827	22,647
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-34,137	-29,827	-22,647
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-34,137	-29,827	-22,647
Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premium	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,584	-404	-1,027
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,907	-22,274	-14,013
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-277	-321	-356
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,600	-22,999	-15,396
Policy benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,209	-404	-1,027
Acquisition expense and adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,519	'	'
Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-277	-321	-356
Insurance administrative expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,155	'	19,880
Parent expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	500	2,944	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	214	264
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,068	2,433	18,761
Sub total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-33,668	-25,432	-34,157
Non operating items	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,761	2,944	19,880
Amortization of low-income housing interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,907	22,488	14,277
Measure of segment profitability (pretax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Deduct amortization of low-income housing	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($24,907)	($22,488)	($14,277)

Business_Segments_Analysis_of_

Business Segments - Analysis of Profitability by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$788,804	$753,592	$732,035
Applicable taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-258,137	-246,945	-238,335
Net operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	530,667	506,647	493,700
Realized gains (losses)-investments (after tax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,965	24,591	16,838
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (after tax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-455
Acquisition expense and adjustments-Family Heritage (after tax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	522	-1,914	0
Legal settlement expenses (after tax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,931	0	-7,800
Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-751	0	0
State administrative settlement (after tax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-4,486
Loss on sale of equipment (after tax)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-636
Net income	142,817	132,122	133,901	119,632	150,987	130,672	128,988	118,677	528,472	529,324	497,161
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,212	21,557	'
Applicable taxes, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11,192	-8,610	'
Net operating income, change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,020	12,947	'
Realized gains (losses)-investments (after tax), Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-20,626	7,753	'
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (after tax), Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	455	'
Acquisition expense and adjustments-Family Heritage (after tax), Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,436	-1,914	'
Legal settlement expenses (after tax), Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,931	7,800	'
Guaranty Fund assessment (after tax), Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-751	0	'
State administrative settlement (after tax), Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	4,486	'
Loss on sale of equipment (after tax), Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	636	'
Net income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-852	32,163	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	3.00%	'
Applicable taxes, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	4.00%	'
Net operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	3.00%	'
Net income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	6.00%	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	545,059	509,476	460,963
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,583	48,513	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.00%	11.00%	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Health Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	231,807	197,341	188,990
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,466	8,351	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17.00%	4.00%	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Annuity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,939	3,465	2,345
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	474	1,120	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14.00%	48.00%	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Investment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	218,826	236,644	258,986
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17,818	-22,342	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8.00%	-9.00%	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-176,690	-163,507	-156,602
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member] | Other Income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,208	1,898	2,507
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	310	-609	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16.00%	-24.00%	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member] | Administrative Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-178,898	-165,405	-159,109
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,493	-6,296	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8.00%	4.00%	'
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-34,137	-29,827	-22,647
Pretax operating income, Change	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($4,310)	($7,180)	'
Pretax operating income, Change %	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14.00%	32.00%	'

Business_Segments_Additional_I

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Other assets represented in percentage of total assets	4.00%

Business_Segments_Assets_by_Se

Business Segments - Assets by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and invested assets	$13,456,944	$14,155,919	'	'	'
Accrued investment income	200,038	195,497	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	3,337,649	3,198,431	'	2,916,732	2,869,546
Goodwill	441,591	441,591	44,700	'	'
Other assets	755,522	785,472	'	'	'
Total assets	18,191,744	18,776,910	'	'	'
Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	2,809,199	2,688,876	'	'	'
Goodwill	309,609	309,609	'	'	'
Total assets	3,118,808	2,998,485	'	'	'
Health Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	497,743	481,725	'	'	'
Goodwill	131,982	131,982	'	'	'
Total assets	629,725	613,707	'	'	'
Annuity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	30,707	27,830	'	'	'
Total assets	30,707	27,830	'	'	'
Investment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and invested assets	13,456,944	14,155,919	'	'	'
Accrued investment income	200,038	195,497	'	'	'
Total assets	13,656,982	14,351,416	'	'	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other assets	755,522	785,472	'	'	'
Total assets	$755,522	$785,472	'	'	'

Business_Segments_Other_Balanc

Business Segments - Other Balances by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Future policy benefits	$11,256,155	$10,706,219
Unearned and advance premium	74,174	76,088
Policy claims and other benefits payable	223,380	228,470
Debt	1,219,935	1,308,729
Total	12,773,644	12,319,506
Life Insurance [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Future policy benefits	8,493,972	8,093,618
Unearned and advance premium	16,970	16,856
Policy claims and other benefits payable	121,661	123,600
Total	8,632,603	8,234,074
Health Insurance [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Future policy benefits	1,384,365	1,264,540
Unearned and advance premium	57,204	59,232
Policy claims and other benefits payable	101,719	104,870
Total	1,543,288	1,428,642
Annuity [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Future policy benefits	1,377,818	1,348,061
Total	1,377,818	1,348,061
Investment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	1,219,935	1,308,729
Total	$1,219,935	$1,308,729

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
	Contract
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Retention limits per life	$2,000,000	'	'	'
Percentage of insurance ceded on total life insurance in force	0.50%	'	'	'
Ratio of reinsurance ceded to premium income	0.30%	'	'	'
Life reinsurance assumed ratio to life insurance in force	2.50%	'	'	'
Reinsurance assumed ratio on premium income	0.90%	1.10%	1.20%	'
Rental expense for operating leases	4,100,000	3,600,000	4,800,000	'
Future minimum rental commitments in 2014	3,400,000	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitments in 2015	3,300,000	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitments in 2016	1,900,000	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitments in 2017	1,100,000	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitments in 2018	1,000,000	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitments in aggregate	11,400,000	'	'	'
Investment in low-income housing interests	290,000,000	285,000,000	'	'
Obligations under commitments	58,000,000	'	'	'
Obligations under commitments due in 2014	41,000,000	'	'	'
Obligations under commitments due in 2015	8,000,000	'	'	'
Obligations under commitments due in 2016	0	'	'	'
Recorded unconditional purchase obligation thereafter	9,000,000	'	'	'
Commitment to purchase private placement Investment	33,800,000	'	'	'
Securities of state and municipal governments	10.00%	'	'	'
Proportion of state and municipal government securities at fair value invested in selected states	5.00%	'	'	'
Par value of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	681,000,000	'	'	'
Amortized cost of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	566,000,000	'	'	'
Fair value of investment in fixed maturities rated below investment grade	523,000,000	'	'	'
Percentage of invested assets rated below investment grade	4.00%	'	'	'
Number of guarantee agreements in place	3	'	'	'
Guaranty liability	0	'	'	'
Letter of credit maximum available amount	'	'	'	250,000,000
Letters of credit facility outstanding	198,000,000	198,000,000	'	'
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Letter of credit maximum available amount	250,000,000	'	'	'
Equipment Lease Guarantees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum exposure under guarantees	$6,500,000	'	'	'
Texas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	-0.31	'	'	'
Ohio [Member]	'	'	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	-0.07	'	'	'
Washington [Member]	'	'	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	-0.07	'	'	'
Illinois [Member]	'	'	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	-0.06	'	'	'
Alabama [Member]	'	'	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
State and municipal government securities at fair value invested by state	-0.05	'	'	'

Commitment_and_Contingencies_S

Commitment and Contingencies - Schedule Of Percentages Of Investments By Major Components At Fair Value (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Investment-grade corporate securities	79.00%
Securities of state and municipal governments	10.00%
Below-investment-grade securities	4.00%
Policy loans, which are secured by the underlying insurance policy values	3.00%
Government-sponsored enterprises	2.00%
Other fixed maturities, equity securities, mortgages, real estate, other long-term investments, and short-term investments	2.00%
Proportion of total securities at fair value in investment portfolio, Total	100.00%

Commitment_and_Contingencies_S1

Commitment and Contingencies - Schedule Of Industry Concentrations Held In Corporate Portfolio Based On Fair Value (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Insurance	17.00%
Electric utilities and services	17.00%
Pipelines	7.00%
Banks	6.00%
Oil and gas extraction	6.00%
Transportation	5.00%
Mining	4.00%
Chemicals	4.00%
Telecommunications	3.00%
REITs	3.00%

Selected_Quarterly_Data_Unaudi2

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premium and policy charges	$750,611	$750,998	$765,851	$784,814	$732,545	$699,860	$705,582	$718,475	$3,052,274	$2,856,462	$2,656,318
Net investment income	178,284	176,656	177,964	176,839	174,947	169,400	175,176	174,121	709,743	693,644	693,028
Realized investment gains (losses)	1,525	4,459	5,913	-3,907	20,883	7,283	4,661	5,006	7,990	37,833	25,904
Total revenues	930,594	932,789	950,339	958,216	928,698	877,100	885,795	897,923	3,771,938	3,589,516	3,377,401
Policy benefits	495,561	516,783	524,499	552,003	479,109	479,119	484,807	512,647	2,088,846	1,955,682	1,793,276
Amortization of acquisition expenses	100,743	98,444	102,488	101,714	98,052	94,016	96,601	96,498	403,389	385,167	364,583
Pretax income	206,429	190,850	192,784	173,063	220,587	188,791	186,380	170,235	763,126	765,993	723,782
Net income	$142,817	$132,122	$133,901	$119,632	$150,987	$130,672	$128,988	$118,677	$528,472	$529,324	$497,161
Basic net income per common share	$1.59	$1.45	$1.45	$1.28	$1.60	$1.37	$1.33	$1.19	$5.76	$5.48	$4.59
Diluted net income per common share	$1.56	$1.43	$1.44	$1.27	$1.58	$1.36	$1.32	$1.17	$5.68	$5.41	$4.53

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia1

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Total investments	$13,420,001	$14,094,209	'	'
Cash	36,943	61,710	84,113	365,679
Other assets	424,419	401,763	'	'
Total assets	18,191,744	18,776,910	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Short-term debt	229,070	319,043	'	'
Other liabilities	261,898	392,502	'	'
Total liabilities	14,415,402	14,415,124	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock	0	0	'	'
Common stock	100,812	105,812	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	462,058	439,782	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	210,981	925,275	'	'
Retained earnings	3,545,939	3,403,338	'	'
Treasury stock	-543,448	-512,421	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	3,776,342	4,361,786	3,859,631	3,667,329
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	18,191,744	18,776,910	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Long-term investments	34,816	31,060	'	'
Short-term investments	8,415	1,610	'	'
Total investments	43,231	32,670	'	'
Cash	0	0	'	'
Investment in affiliates	5,074,326	5,780,762	'	'
Due from affiliates	50,766	156,995	'	'
Taxes receivable	66,168	86,391	'	'
Other assets	45,533	27,635	'	'
Total assets	5,280,024	6,084,453	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Short-term debt	229,070	319,043	'	'
Long-term debt	1,140,469	1,139,253	'	'
Due to affiliates	652	59,358	'	'
Other liabilities	133,491	205,013	'	'
Total liabilities	1,503,682	1,722,667	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock	351	351	'	'
Common stock	100,812	105,812	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	812,569	790,293	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	210,981	925,275	'	'
Retained earnings	3,545,939	3,403,338	'	'
Treasury stock	-894,310	-863,283	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	3,776,342	4,361,786	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$5,280,024	$6,084,453	'	'

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia2

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	$178,284	$176,656	$177,964	$176,839	$174,947	$169,400	$175,176	$174,121	$709,743	$693,644	$693,028
Realized investment gains (losses)	1,525	4,459	5,913	-3,907	20,883	7,283	4,661	5,006	7,990	37,833	25,904
Total revenue	930,594	932,789	950,339	958,216	928,698	877,100	885,795	897,923	3,771,938	3,589,516	3,377,401
General operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	214,690	198,176	201,636
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	80,461	80,512	77,908
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,008,812	2,823,523	2,653,619
Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	206,429	190,850	192,784	173,063	220,587	188,791	186,380	170,235	763,126	765,993	723,782
Income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	234,654	236,669	226,166
Net income	142,817	132,122	133,901	119,632	150,987	130,672	128,988	118,677	528,472	529,324	497,161
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-185,822	904,683	1,023,985
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,268	22,968	23,542
Realized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-3,534	508
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,268	19,434	24,050
General operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	53,255	49,549	30,945
Reimbursements from affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-46,855	-31,184	-19,335
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	84,273	81,145	75,426
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,673	99,510	87,036
Operating income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-66,405	-80,076	-62,986
Income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,390	24,916	14,380
Net operating loss before equity in earnings of affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-49,015	-55,160	-48,606
Equity in earnings of affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	577,487	584,484	545,767
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	528,472	529,324	497,161
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Attributable to Parent Company	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,557	-31,388	-5,410
Attributable to affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-752,851	406,747	532,234
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($185,822)	$904,683	$1,023,985

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia3

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash provided from operations	$1,119,280	$942,839	$859,464
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:	'	'	'
Disposition of investments	642,681	1,091,959	682,328
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments	17,970	-73,616	195,435
Acquisition of Family Heritage	0	-186,424	0
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	-614,378	-698,039	-312,133
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper	3,983	245	25,967
Issuance of stock	97,816	181,022	162,613
Acquisitions of treasury stock	-482,264	-570,165	-972,556
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	21,315	22,602	13,121
Payment of dividends	-60,911	-55,527	-49,125
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	-535,919	-269,112	-824,485
Increase (decrease) in cash	-24,767	-22,403	-281,566
3.80% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	150,000	0
5.875% Junior subordinated debentures due 2052 [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	125,000	0
7.375% Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayment of Notes	-94,050	0	0
7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Redemption of Junior Subordinated Debentures	0	-123,711	0
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) operations before dividends from subsidiaries	-54,213	-5,652	-33,042
Cash dividends from subsidiaries	488,376	436,814	769,139
Cash provided from operations	434,163	431,162	736,097
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities:	'	'	'
Disposition of investments	514	3,955	11,828
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments	-6,805	-17,524	62,524
Acquisition of Family Heritage	0	-213,747	0
Investment in other subsidiaries	0	-205	-25,000
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	-6,291	-227,521	49,352
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper	3,983	245	25,967
Issuance of stock	97,677	181,022	162,613
Acquisitions of treasury stock	-482,264	-570,165	-972,556
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	10,963	12,209	2,021
Payment of dividends	-84,181	-78,797	-72,395
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	-427,872	-230,740	-758,350
Increase (decrease) in cash	0	-27,099	27,099
Cash balance at beginning of period	0	27,099	0
Cash balance at end of period	0	0	27,099
Parent Company [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Net borrowings (to)/from subsidiaries	120,000	-69,000	96,000
Parent Company [Member] | 3.80% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	296,646	0
Parent Company [Member] | 5.875% Junior subordinated debentures due 2052 [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	120,811	0
Parent Company [Member] | 7.375% Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayment of Notes	-94,050	0	0
Parent Company [Member] | 7.1% Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'	'	'
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Redemption of Junior Subordinated Debentures	$0	($123,711)	$0

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia4

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Notes To Condensed Financial Statements) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Dividend of subsidiary to Parent	$488,376,000	$436,814,000	$769,139,000
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	25,642,000	21,605,000	14,954,000
Debt assumed to acquire Family Heritage	0	20,000,000	0
Interest paid	81,322,000	77,686,000	75,653,000
Income taxes paid	139,091,000	89,061,000	188,510,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Dividend of subsidiary to Parent	1,246,557,000	0	0
Stock-based compensation not involving cash	25,642,000	21,605,000	14,954,000
Debt assumed to acquire Family Heritage	0	20,000,000	0
Dividend of subsidiary applied to loan balance	72,000,000	0	0
Interest paid	85,443,000	76,833,000	74,569,000
Income taxes paid	27,820,000	29,251,000	22,893,000
Preferred stock, liquidation distribution available to stockholders, per share in thousands	$1,000	'	'
Preferred stock, liquidating distribution legally available, aggregate value	$351,000,000	'	'
Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	351,000	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	351,000	'	'
6.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	280,000	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	280,000	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	6.50%	'	'
7.15% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	71,000	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	71,000	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	7.15%	'	'

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Premiums And Life Insurance In force For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Line Items	'	'	'
Life Insurance in Force, gross amount	$154,488,511	$150,107,614	$144,778,793
Life Insurance in Force, ceded to other companies	782,125	800,905	738,935
Life Insurance in Force, assumed from other companies	3,882,237	4,138,180	4,414,247
Life Insurance in Force, Net Amount	157,588,623	153,444,889	148,454,105
Life Insurance in Force, percentage of amount assumed to net	2.50%	2.70%	3.00%
Premium, gross amount	3,010,959	2,812,248	2,607,058
Premium, ceded to other companies	7,769	9,821	7,001
Premium, assumed from other companies	26,960	30,725	31,311
Premium income	3,030,150	2,833,152	2,631,368
Percentage of assumed premiums earned to net premiums earned	0.90%	1.10%	1.20%
Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums And Life Insurance In force For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Line Items	'	'	'
Premium, gross amount	1,841,425	1,762,640	1,675,307
Premium, ceded to other companies	4,645	7,592	4,716
Premium, assumed from other companies	26,960	30,725	31,311
Premium income	1,863,740	1,785,773	1,701,902
Percentage of assumed premiums earned to net premiums earned	1.40%	1.70%	1.80%
Health Insurance [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums And Life Insurance In force For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Line Items	'	'	'
Premium, gross amount	1,169,534	1,049,608	931,751
Premium, ceded to other companies	3,124	2,229	2,285
Premium, assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Premium income	$1,166,410	$1,047,379	$929,466
Percentage of assumed premiums earned to net premiums earned	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Parent

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Schedule Of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Policy charges	$22,124	$23,310	$24,950