National Western Life Insurance 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 06, 2014	Nov. 06, 2014
		Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000070684	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	3,436,166	200,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'		'
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $7,195,441 and $6,656,144)	$6,898,038		$6,510,320
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,724,880		2,651,544
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for possible losses ($650 and $650)	152,740	[1]	132,765	[1]
Policy loans	63,746		65,969
Derivatives, index options	109,812		169,314
Other long-term investments	29,006		30,991
Total investments	9,978,222		9,560,903
Cash and short-term investments	121,482		120,859
Deferred policy acquisition costs	795,452		785,706
Deferred sales inducements	160,614		169,570
Accrued investment income	100,256		95,367
Federal income tax receivable	5,650		0
Other assets	97,400		98,011
Total assets	11,259,076		10,830,416
Future policy benefits:	'		'
Universal life and annuity contracts	9,267,144		8,987,062
Traditional life reserves	137,501		138,072
Other policyholder liabilities	142,175		142,587
Deferred Federal income tax liability	36,421		7,199
Federal income tax payable	0		10,067
Other liabilities	141,697		97,481
Total liabilities	9,724,938		9,382,468
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)	'		'
Common stock:	'		'
Additional paid-in capital	38,116		37,767
Accumulated other comprehensive income	47,717		38,080
Retained earnings	1,444,669		1,368,466
Total stockholdersb equity	1,534,138		1,447,948
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	11,259,076		10,830,416
Common Class A [Member]	'		'
Common stock:	'		'
Common stock, value outstanding	3,436		3,435
Common Class B [Member]	'		'
Common stock:	'		'
Common stock, value outstanding	$200		$200
[1]	Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Securities held to maturity-fair value	$7,195,441	$6,656,144
Securities available for sale-amortized cost	2,576,805	2,535,264
Mortgage loans-allowance for possible losses	$650	$650
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERSb EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	7,500,000	7,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,436,166	3,434,765
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,436,166	3,434,765
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERSb EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	200,000	200,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Premiums and other revenues:	'	'	'	'
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$36,602	$33,523	$112,824	$111,785
Traditional life premiums	4,506	4,159	13,946	13,241
Net investment income	110,966	141,403	374,596	451,904
Other revenues	5,377	5,822	16,351	17,954
Net realized investment gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairment (bOTTIb) gains (losses)	0	214	-32	524
Portion of OTTI (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income	0	-227	-3	-776
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	-13	-35	-252
Other net investment gains (losses)	2,169	3,298	6,782	7,451
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	2,169	3,285	6,747	7,199
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	159,620	188,192	524,464	602,083
Benefits and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Life and other policy benefits	13,163	16,941	40,922	48,081
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	23,467	24,244	79,304	83,900
Universal life and annuity contract interest	59,211	87,486	224,576	299,224
Other operating expenses	20,451	22,675	63,414	69,442
Total benefits and expenses	116,292	151,346	408,216	500,647
Earnings before Federal income taxes	43,328	36,846	116,248	101,436
Federal income taxes	14,862	12,064	38,773	33,031
Net earnings	28,466	24,782	77,475	68,405
Common Class A [Member]	'	'	'	'
Benefits and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	27,661	24,081	75,284	66,470
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$8.05	$7.01	$21.92	$19.35
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$8.05	$7	$21.91	$19.32
Common Class B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Benefits and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$805	$701	$2,191	$1,935
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$4.03	$3.51	$10.95	$9.68
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$4.03	$3.51	$10.95	$9.68

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$28,466	$24,782	$77,475	$68,405
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	-7,793	-1,833	14,101	-36,065
Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)	-23	-92	28	66
Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings	-958	-261	-3,329	-2,657
Amortization of net unrealized (gains) losses related to transferred securities	0	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	-8,774	-2,186	10,800	-38,656
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3	-38	-636	555
Benefit plans:	'	'	'	'
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain (loss)	-176	373	-527	1,127
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-8,953	-1,851	9,637	-36,974
Comprehensive income (loss)	$19,513	$22,931	$87,112	$31,431

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Unrealized gains on non-impaired securities [Member]	Unrealized losses on impaired held to maturity securities [Member]	Unrealized losses on impaired available for sale securities [Member]	Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]	Benefit plan liability adjustment [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total stockholdersb equity at Dec. 31, 2012	'	$3,635	$37,767	'	$91,972	($1,426)	($196)	$2,589	($16,153)	$1,273,492
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares exercised under stock option plan	'	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains during period, net of tax	-36,065	'	'	'	-38,860	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	77	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	90	'	'	'	'
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	-149	-188	'	'	'
Recoveries, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	374	'	'	'
Change in translation adjustments during period	555	'	'	'	'	'	'	555	'	'
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	1,127	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,127	'
Net earnings	68,405	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	68,405
Stockholder dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,273
Total stockholdersb equity at Sep. 30, 2013	1,421,838	3,635	37,767	39,812	53,112	-1,408	-10	3,144	-15,026	1,340,624
Total stockholdersb equity at Dec. 31, 2013	1,447,948	3,635	37,767	'	46,693	-1,287	-2	3,241	-10,565	1,368,466
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares exercised under stock option plan	'	1	349	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains during period, net of tax	14,101	'	'	'	10,772	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	80	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	-53	-1	'	'	'
Recoveries, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'	'
Change in translation adjustments during period	-636	'	'	'	'	'	'	-636	'	'
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	-527	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-527	'
Net earnings	77,475	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	77,475
Stockholder dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,272
Total stockholdersb equity at Sep. 30, 2014	$1,534,138	$3,636	$38,116	$47,717	$57,465	($1,260)	($1)	$2,605	($11,092)	$1,444,669

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings	$77,475	$68,405
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Universal life and annuity contract interest	224,576	299,224
Surrender charges and other policy revenues	-9,531	-10,450
Realized (gains) losses on investments	-7,225	-7,199
Accretion/amortization of discounts and premiums, investments	-831	-2,040
Depreciation and amortization	2,522	3,742
(Increase) decrease in value of derivatives	-49,278	-126,739
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs	-16,197	-15,433
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income	-4,889	-3,792
(Increase) decrease in other assets	28	-20,271
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits	3,956	8,960
Increase (decrease) in other policyholder liabilities	-412	11,261
Increase (decrease) in Federal income taxes	7,691	-14,151
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	1,848	2,390
Other, net	1	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	229,734	193,907
Proceeds from sales of:	'	'
Securities held to maturity	0	1,980
Securities available for sale	19,511	10,246
Other investments	3,247	10,520
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of:	'	'
Securities held to maturity	591,536	1,028,476
Securities available for sale	213,260	191,833
Index options	164,059	109,816
Purchases of:	'	'
Securities held to maturity	-933,997	-1,380,732
Securities available for sale	-275,751	-247,375
Index options	-53,174	-45,629
Other investments	-376	-15
Principal payments on mortgage loans	14,112	30,649
Cost of mortgage loans acquired	-33,985	-5,271
Decrease (increase) in policy loans	2,223	3,242
Other, net	-1	-2
Net cash used in investing activities	-289,336	-292,262
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Deposits to account balances for universal life and annuity contracts	715,705	732,745
Return of account balances on universal life and annuity contracts	-655,195	-665,048
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	350	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	60,860	67,697
Effect of foreign exchange	-635	555
Net increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments	623	-30,103
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period	120,859	124,561
Cash and short-term investments at end of period	121,482	94,458
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	30	40
Income taxes	30,515	48,658
Noncash operating activities:	'	'
Deferral of sales inducements	($6,066)	$1,261

Consolidation_and_Basis_of_Pre

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'
	CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of National Western Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries (“Company” or "National Western") as of September 30, 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. It is recommended that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 accessible free of charge through the Company's internet site at www.nationalwesternlife.com or the Securities and Exchange Commission internet site at www.sec.gov. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Western Life Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: The Westcap Corporation, NWL Investments, Inc., NWL Services, Inc., NWL Financial, Inc., NWLSM, Inc. and Regent Care San Marcos Holdings, LLC. All significant intercorporate transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include (1) liabilities for future policy benefits, (2) valuation of derivative instruments, (3) recoverability and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, (4) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (5) other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities, (6) commitments and contingencies, and (7) valuation allowances for mortgage loans and real estate.
	The table below shows the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Affected Line Item in the	Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Statements of Earnings
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Other net investment gains (losses)	$	1,474	413		5,156		4,247
	Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	—		(12	)	(35	)	(160	)
	Earnings before Federal income taxes	1,474		401		5,121		4,087
	Federal income taxes	516		140		1,792		1,430
	Net earnings	$	958	261		3,329		2,657

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	During February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance related to the presentation of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The new guidance requires disclosure regarding the statement of income amounts affected by the reclassification. This information is provided in Note 1 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. Implementation of the new guidance did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and results of operations.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance to amend the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new guidance states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as reduction to deferred tax assets for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014 and the adoption did not have an effect on the deferred tax asset or liability classification on the Company's balance sheet and did not result in any additional disclosures to the financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance that applies to all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. It requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and follows existing accounting guidance for the treatment of performance conditions. The standard will be effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company’s current employee share-based plans do not require performance targets and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Pubic Accountants ("AICPA"), and the SEC did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material impact on the Company’s present or future condensed consolidated financial statements.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	The Company is restricted by state insurance laws as to dividend amounts which may be paid to stockholders without prior approval from the Colorado Division of Insurance.  The restrictions are based on the greater of statutory earnings from operations excluding capital gains or 10% of statutory capital and surplus of the Company.  The maximum dividend payment which may be made without prior approval in 2015 is $112.3 million.
	The Company did declare a cash dividend on August 22, 2014 payable December 4, 2014 to stockholders on record as of October 31, 2014. The dividends declared were $0.36 per common share to Class A stockholders and $0.18 per common share to Class B stockholders. A dividend in the same amounts per share on Class A and Class B common stock was declared in August, 2013 and paid in December of 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share of common stock are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of common shares applicable to stock options in the denominator.
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		Class A			Class B	Class A		Class B
		(In thousands except per share amounts)
	Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
	Net income	$	28,466			24,782
	Dividends - Class A shares	(1,236		)		(1,237	)
	Dividends - Class B shares	(36		)		(36	)
	Undistributed income	$	27,194			23,509
	Allocation of net income:
	Dividends	$	1,236		36	1,237		36
	Allocation of undistributed income	26,425			769	22,844		665
	Net income	$	27,661		805	24,081		701
	Denominator:
	Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares	3,436			200	3,435		200
	Effect of dilutive stock options	2			—	4		—
	Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions	3,438			200	3,439		200
	Basic Earnings Per Share	$	8.05		4.03	7.01		3.51
	Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	8.05		4.03	7		3.51
	Stock options that were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive were approximately 22,200 and 23,000, respectively.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		Class A			Class B	Class A		Class B
		(In thousands except per share amounts)
	Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
	Net income	$	77,475			68,405
	Dividends - Class A shares	(1,236		)		(1,237	)
	Dividends - Class B shares	(36		)		(36	)
	Undistributed income	$	76,203			67,132
	Allocation of net income:
	Dividends	$	1,236		36	1,237		36
	Allocation of undistributed income	74,048			2,155	65,233		1,899
	Net income	$	75,284		2,191	66,470		1,935
	Denominator:
	Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares	3,435			200	3,435		200
	Effect of dilutive stock options	2			—	5		—
	Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions	3,437			200	3,440		200
	Basic Earnings Per Share	$	21.92		10.95	19.35		9.68
	Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	21.91		10.95	19.32		9.68
	Stock options that were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive were approximately 22,200 and 23,000, respectively.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	'
	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
	(A)	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	The Company sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The plan provides benefits based on the participants' years of service and compensation. The Company makes annual contributions to the plan that complies with the minimum funding provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). On October 19, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors approved an amendment to freeze the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2007. The freeze ceased future benefit accruals to all participants and closed the plan to any new participants. In addition, all participants became immediately 100% vested in their accrued benefits as of that date. Going forward, future pension expense is projected to be minimal. Fair values of plan assets and liabilities are measured as of the prior December 31 for each respective year. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	42		48		126		142
	Interest cost	239			218		718		654
	Expected return on plan assets	(320		)	(284	)	(959	)	(850	)
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			1		3		3
	Amortization of net loss	106			203		317		609
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	68		186		205		558
	The service costs shown in the above table represent plan expenses expected to be paid out of plan assets. Under clarification provided by the Pension Protection Act, plan expenses paid from plan assets are to be included in the plan's service cost component.
	The Company's minimum required contribution for the 2014 plan year is $0.0 million. In addition, the Company had a remaining contribution payable for the 2013 plan year of $0.0 million as of September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had contributed a total of $0.3 million to the plan for the 2014 and 2013 plan years.
	The Company also sponsors a non-qualified defined benefit plan primarily for senior officers. The plan provides benefits based on the participants' years of service and compensation. The pension obligations and administrative responsibilities of the plan are maintained by a pension administration firm, which is a subsidiary of American National Insurance Company ("ANICO"). ANICO has guaranteed the payment of pension obligations under the plan. However, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan should these entities be unable to meet their obligations under the existing agreements. Also, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan in the event that a plan participant continues employment with the Company beyond age seventy, the aggregate average annual participant salary increases exceed 10% per year, or any additional employees become eligible to participate in the plan. If any of these conditions are met, the Company would be responsible for any additional pension obligations resulting from these items. Amendments were made to the plan to allow an additional employee to participate and to change the benefit formula for the Chairman of the Company. As previously mentioned, these additional obligations are a liability to the Company. Effective December 31, 2004, this plan was frozen with respect to the continued accrual of benefits of the Chairman and the President of the Company in order to comply with law changes under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 ("Act").
	Effective July 1, 2005, the Company established a second non-qualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the Chairman of the Company. This plan is intended to provide for post-2004 benefit accruals that mirror and supplement the pre-2005 benefit accruals under the previously discussed non-qualified defined benefit plan, while complying with the requirements of the Act.
	Effective November 1, 2005, the Company established a third non-qualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the President of the Company. This plan is intended to provide for post-2004 benefit accruals that supplement the pre-2005 benefit accruals under the first non-qualified defined benefit plan as previously discussed, while complying with the requirements of the Act.
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the Chairman and President non-qualified defined benefit plans.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	74		44		222		133
	Interest cost	250			201		752		601
	Amortization of prior service cost	15			15		44		44
	Amortization of net loss	323			293		970		880
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	662		553		1,988		1,658
	The Company expects to contribute $2.0 million to these plans in 2014.  As of September 30, 2014, the Company has contributed $1.3 million to the plans.
	(B)	Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
	The Company sponsors two healthcare plans to provide postretirement benefits to certain fully-vested individuals.  The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Interest cost	$	28		29		83		88
	Amortization of prior service cost	26			26		78		77
	Amortization of net loss	(1		)	9		(3	)	25
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	53		64		158		190
	The Company expects to contribute minimal amounts to the plan in 2014.

Segment_and_Other_Operating_In

Segment and Other Operating Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment and Other Operating Information	'
	SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION
	The Company defines its reportable operating segments as domestic life insurance, international life insurance, and annuities. These segments are organized based on product types and geographic marketing areas.  A summary of segment information for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 is provided below.
	Selected Segment Information:
		Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
		Life		Life			Others
		Insurance		Insurance
						(In thousands)
	September 30, 2014
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	$	61,087	242,124		652,855	—	956,066
	Total segment assets	705,156		1,223,571		8,871,276	251,905	11,051,908
	Future policy benefits	611,550		944,505		7,848,590	—	9,404,645
	Other policyholder liabilities	12,742		12,226		117,207	—	142,175
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2014
	Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
	Premiums and contract revenues	$	6,847	29,135		5,126	—	41,108
	Net investment income	6,859		8,273		90,835	4,999	110,966
	Other revenues	19		20		23	5,315	5,377
	Total revenues	13,725		37,428		95,984	10,314	157,451
	Life and other policy benefits	3,353		9,672		138	—	13,163
	Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	1,166		2,525		19,776	—	23,467
	Universal life and annuity contract interest	5,803		6,956		46,452	—	59,211
	Other operating expenses	2,314		6,307		7,045	4,785	20,451
	Federal income taxes (benefit)	379		4,143		7,681	1,899	14,102
	Total expenses	13,015		29,603		81,092	6,684	130,394
	Segment earnings (loss)	$	710	7,825		14,892	3,630	27,057
		Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
		Life		Life			Others
		Insurance		Insurance
						(In thousands)
	Nine months ended
	September 30, 2014
	Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
	Premiums and contract revenues	$	22,077	87,906		16,787	—	126,770
	Net investment income	24,044		35,902		300,118	14,532	374,596
	Other revenues	40		321		63	15,927	16,351
	Total revenues	46,161		124,129		316,968	30,459	517,717
	Life and other policy benefits	7,268		16,375		17,279	—	40,922
	Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	5,346		18,078		55,880	—	79,304
	Universal life and annuity contract interest	19,066		32,820		172,690	—	224,576
	Other operating expenses	10,585		18,167		19,965	14,697	63,414
	Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,295		12,865		17,010	5,241	36,411
	Total expenses	43,560		98,305		282,824	19,938	444,627
	Segment earnings (loss)	$	2,601	25,824		34,144	10,521	73,090
	Selected Segment Information:
		Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
		Life		Life			Others
		Insurance		Insurance
						(In thousands)
	September 30, 2013
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	$	50,067	235,922		650,526	—	936,515
	Total segment assets	559,824		1,161,517		8,487,915	253,097	10,462,353
	Future policy benefits	485,754		899,090		7,549,441	—	8,934,285
	Other policyholder liabilities	13,177		16,778		129,867	—	159,822
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2013
	Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
	Premiums and contract revenues	$	3,944	28,865		4,873	—	37,682
	Net investment income	6,928		10,957		118,521	4,997	141,403
	Other revenues	12		60		22	5,728	5,822
	Total revenues	10,884		39,882		123,416	10,725	184,907
Life and other policy benefits	4,003		11,040		1,898	—	16,941
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	1,015		3,287		19,942	—	24,244
Universal life and annuity contract interest	2,261		8,525		76,700	—	87,486
Other operating expenses	2,782		5,987		8,565	5,341	22,675
Federal income taxes (benefit)	268		3,596		5,298	1,751	10,913
Total expenses	10,329		32,435		112,403	7,092	162,259
Segment earnings (loss)	$	555	7,447		11,013	3,633	22,648
	Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
	Life		Life			Others
	Insurance		Insurance
					(In thousands)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	$	22,967	87,061		14,998	—	125,026
Net investment income	22,943		43,224		371,704	14,033	451,904
Other revenues	21		211		52	17,670	17,954
Total revenues	45,931		130,496		386,754	31,703	594,884
Life and other policy benefits	8,129		17,910		22,042	—	48,081
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	5,260		17,000		61,640	—	83,900
Universal life and annuity contract interest	17,320		39,760		242,144	—	299,224
Other operating expenses	11,496		18,820		23,117	16,009	69,442
Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,206		11,982		12,242	5,081	30,511
Total expenses	43,411		105,472		361,185	21,090	531,158
Segment earnings (loss)	$	2,520	25,024		25,569	10,613	63,726
Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are provided below.
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014	2013
	(In thousands)
Premiums and Other Revenues:
Premiums and contract revenues	$	41,108	37,682		126,770	125,026
Net investment income	110,966		141,403		374,596	451,904
Other revenues	5,377		5,822		16,351	17,954
Realized gains (losses) on investments	2,169		3,285		6,747	7,199
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	$	159,620	188,192		524,464	602,083
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014	2013
	(In thousands)
Federal Income Taxes:
Total segment Federal income taxes	$	14,102	10,913		36,411	30,511
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments	760		1,151		2,362	2,520
Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes	$	14,862	12,064		38,773	33,031
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014	2013
	(In thousands)
Net Earnings:
Total segment earnings	$	27,057	22,648		73,090	63,726
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes	1,409		2,134		4,385	4,679
Total condensed consolidated net earnings	$	28,466	24,782		77,475	68,405
	September 30,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Total segment assets	$	11,051,908	10,462,353
Other unallocated assets	207,168		206,115
Total condensed consolidated assets	$	11,259,076	$	10,668,468

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payments	'
	SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
	The Company had a stock and incentive plan ("1995 Plan") which provided for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards to eligible employees: (1) stock options, including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options; (2) stock appreciation rights, in tandem with stock options or freestanding; (3) restricted stock; and, (4) performance awards. The 1995 Plan began on April 21, 1995, and was amended on June 25, 2004 to extend the termination date to April 20, 2010. The number of shares of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock which were allowed to be issued under the 1995 Plan, or as to which stock appreciation rights or other awards were allowed to be granted, could not exceed 300,000. Effective June 20, 2008, the Company's shareholders approved a 2008 Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan is substantially similar to the 1995 Plan and authorized an additional number of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock shares eligible for issue not to exceed 300,000. These shares may be authorized and unissued shares. The Company has issued only nonqualified stock options and stock appreciation rights under these plans.
	All of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the current 2008 Plan (as well as previously in the expired 1995 Plan). In addition, directors of the Company are eligible to receive the same types of awards as employees except that they are not eligible to receive incentive stock options. Company directors, including members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, are eligible for nondiscretionary stock options. The directors' grants vest 20% annually following one full year of service to the Company from the date of grant. The employees' grants vest 20% annually following three full years of service to the Company from the date of grant. All grants issued expire after ten years. No awards were issued during the first nine months of 2014 or the first nine months of 2013.
	Effective during March 2006, the Company adopted and implemented a limited stock buy-back program with respect to the 1995 Plan which provides option holders the additional alternative of selling shares acquired through the exercise of options directly back to the Company. Option holders may elect to sell such acquired shares back to the Company at any time within ninety (90) days after the exercise of options at the prevailing market price as of the date of notice of election. The buy-back program did not alter the terms and conditions of the 1995 Plan; however, the program necessitated a change in accounting from the equity classification to the liability classification.
	In August 2008, the Company implemented another limited stock buy-back program, substantially similar to the 2006 program, for shares issued under the 2008 Plan.
	The Company uses the current fair value method to measure compensation cost. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the liability balance was $7.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively. A summary of shares available for grant and activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is detailed below.
					Options Outstanding
		Shares			Shares			Weighted-
		Available						Average
		For Grant						Exercise
								Price
	Stock Options:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	291,000			36,668			$	229.24
	Exercised	—			(5,000	)		$	150
	Forfeited	—			(500	)		$	255.13
	Expired	—			—			$	—
	Stock options granted	—			—			$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	291,000			31,168			$	241.54
		Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding
		Awards			Weighted-
					Average
					Exercise
					Price
	Stock Appreciation Rights:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	99,461			$	156.93
	Exercised	(1,825	)		$	114.64
	Forfeited	(3,350	)		$	165.46
	Granted	—			$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	94,286			$	157.45
	Stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) shown as forfeited in the above tables represent vested and unvested awards not exercised by plan participants prior to their termination from the Company. Forfeited stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were awarded under the 1995 Plan. As the 1995 Plan terminated during calendar year 2010, the forfeited shares are not shown as being added back to the "Shares Available For Grant" balance.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.8 million and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total share-based liabilities paid were $0.6 million and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the total cash received from the exercise of options under the Plans was $0.2 million and $0, respectively.
	The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at September 30, 2014.
			Options/SARs Outstanding
			Number				Weighted-		Number
			Outstanding				Average		Exercisable
							Remaining
							Contractual Life
	Exercise prices:
	255.13 (options)		22,168				3.6 years		17,815
	208.05 (options)		9,000				3.7 years		9,000
	236.00 (SARs)		250				3.9 years		200
	114.64 (SARs)		26,518				4.4 years		17,761
	132.56 (SARs)		31,518				7.2 years		3,600
	210.22 (SARs)		36,000				9.2 years		—
	Totals		125,454						48,376
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)		$	7,471					$	3,116
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on the closing stock price of $247.01 per share on September 30, 2014.
	In estimating the fair value of the options outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions as detailed below.
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Expected term of options	3.6 to 9.2 years			0 to 10 years
	Expected volatility:
	Range	18.16% to 38.35%			21.03% to 42.71%
	Weighted-average	22.24	%		30.5	%
	Expected dividend yield	0.15	%		0.16	%
	Risk-free rate:
	Range	0.11% to 1.63%			0.12% to 3.93%
	Weighted-average	0.55	%		2.1	%
	The Company reviewed the contractual term relative to the options as well as perceived future behavior patterns of exercise.  Volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility over the expected term of the option’s expected exercise date.
	The pre-tax compensation cost recognized in the financial statements related to the two plans defined above was $0.0 million and$2.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $0.6 million and $4.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The related tax expense recognized was $0.0 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $0.2 million and $1.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	As of September 30, 2014, the total compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized was $2.7 million.  This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.  The Company recognizes compensation cost over the graded vesting periods.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	(A)  Legal Proceedings
	In the normal course of business, the Company is involved or may become involved in various legal actions in which claims for alleged economic and punitive damages have been or may be asserted, some for substantial amounts. In recent years, carriers offering life insurance and annuity products have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices, and similar claims. The Company has been a defendant over the past several years in two such class action lawsuits. Given the uncertainty involved in these types of actions, the ability to make a reliable evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an estimate of the amount of or range of potential loss is endemic to the particular circumstances and evolving developments of each individual matter on its own merits.
	The Company resolved a class action lawsuit pending since June 12, 2006, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The case is titled In Re National Western Life Insurance Deferred Annuities Litigation. The complaint asserted claims for RICO violations, Financial Elder Abuse, Violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17200, et seq, Violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17500, et seq, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Aiding and Abetting Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Fraudulent Concealment, Cal. Civ. Code 1710, et seq, Breach of the Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, and Unjust Enrichment and Imposition of Constructive Trust. On July 12, 2010 the Court certified a nationwide class of policyholders under the RICO allegation and a California class under all of the remaining causes of action except breach of fiduciary duty. The parties entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement in August of 2013 ("Settlement") which was finally approved by the Court on February 11, 2014. On February 12, 2014, the Court issued a redacted final approval order granting the Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement. The Settlement became final and non-appealable on April 12, 2014. The Settlement Agreement and Plaintiffs' Request for Attorneys' Fees and Costs were approved by the Court, and the Company paid the Court-approved amount of attorneys’ fees and costs in April 2014. The Company also made certain payments to surrendered and annuitized policyholders in June 2014. In addition, the Company agreed to provide bonuses on annuitization for active policyholders who choose a 10-year or a 20-year certain and life settlement option. The Company had held reserves of $6.5 million for the matter which approximated the ultimate settlement amounts described above.
	In addition to the class action lawsuit described above, the Company was the named defendant in the case of Sheila Newman vs. National Western Life Insurance Company, which alleged mishandling of policyholder funds by an agent.  On February 3, 2010, the 415th Judicial District Court of Parker County in Weatherford, Texas, entered a Final Judgment against the Company of approximately $208,000 including actual damages of $113,000 and amounts for attorney's fees, and prejudgment interest on the actual damages.  In addition, the Final Judgment included $150 million for exemplary damages. The Company vigorously defended this case and appealed the Final Judgment to the Court of Appeals Second District of Texas in Fort Worth. The Court of Appeals on August 11, 2011, reversed the trial court judgment in its entirety and rendered a take nothing verdict in favor of National Western. Plaintiffs (Appellees) filed a motion for a rehearing which the Court ruled on October 13, 2011, that the trial court's judgment was still reversed and judgment was still entered that Newman take nothing, all in favor of National Western. The Plaintiffs (Appellees) filed a Motion for Reconsideration En Banc which the Court of Appeals denied on October 27, 2011. The Plaintiffs (Appellees) then filed a Motion for Rehearing of the Court's amended decision, which the Court of Appeals denied on December 22, 2011. On March 21, 2012, Plaintiffs (Appellees) filed a petition for review with the Texas Supreme Court and the Company filed its response on April 20, 2012. The Supreme Court asked the parties for briefs on the issues before deciding on whether to hear the case and both parties submitted their briefs. On February 14, 2013, the Supreme Court denied the Plaintiffs petition for review. On April 3, 2013, Plaintiff filed a Motion for Rehearing. The Supreme Court denied Plaintiff's Motion for Rehearing on June 7, 2013 thus ending the matter.
	On October 26, 2011 the Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (“SUSEP”) attempted to serve the Company with a subpoena regarding an administrative proceeding initiated by SUSEP in which it alleged that the Company was operating as an insurance company in Brazil without due authorization.  The Company had been informed that SUSEP was attempting to impose a penal fine of approximately $6.0 billion on the Company.  SUSEP unsuccessfully attempted to serve the Company with notice regarding this matter.  The Company does not transact business in Brazil and has no officers, employees, property, or assets in Brazil.  The Company and its legal advisors believe that SUSEP has no jurisdiction over the Company, that SUSEP's attempts at service of process were invalid, and that any penal fine would be unenforceable.  For the reasons described above, the Company does not believe that this matter meets the definition of a material pending legal proceeding as such term is defined in Item 103 of Regulation S-K but has included the foregoing description solely due to the purported amount of the fine sought at that time.
	Although there can be no assurances, at the present time, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate liability arising from such other potential, pending, or threatened legal actions will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operating results of the Company.
	(B) Financial Instruments
	In order to meet the financing needs of its customers in the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments are commitments to extend credit which involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amounts, assuming that the amounts are fully advanced and that collateral or other security is of no value. Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer that generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements, as some could expire without being drawn upon. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company controls the credit risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures.
	The Company had $3.0 million of commitments to extend credit relating to mortgage loans at September 30, 2014. The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	INVESTMENTS
	(A)	Investment Gains and Losses
	The table below presents realized investment gains and losses, excluding impairment losses, for the periods indicated.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Available for sale debt securities:
	Realized gains on disposal	$	1,467		415			5,144			3,739
	Realized losses on disposal	—			(3	)		(22	)		(3	)
	Held to maturity debt securities:
	Realized gains on disposal	353			2,831			1,167			3,221
	Realized losses on disposal	—			—			(17	)		(72	)
	Equity securities realized gains (losses)	7			—			34			511
	Real estate gains (losses)	820			55			954			55
	Mortgage loans write-downs	—			—			—			—
	Other	(478		)	—			(478	)		—
	Totals	$	2,169		3,298			6,782			7,451
	The Company uses the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. Approximately 87% of the gains on bonds are due to calls of securities rather than sales. This includes calls out of the Company's available for sale portfolio of debt securities.
	The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated.
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities		$	—		214			(4	)		538
	Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income		—			(227	)		(3	)		(776	)
	Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings		—			(13	)		(7	)		(238	)
	Equity securities impairments		—			—			(28	)		(14	)
	Totals		$	—		(13	)		(35	)		(252	)
	The table below presents a roll forward of credit losses on securities for which the Company also recorded non-credit other-than-temporary impairments in other comprehensive loss.
		Three months ended September 30, 2014			Nine months ended September 30, 2014			Twelve Months
								Ended
								December 31,
								2013
					(In thousands)
	Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$	2,479		2,472			2,247
	Reductions for securities sold during current period	—			—			(17	)
	Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments	—			7			242
	Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$	2,479		2,479			2,472
	(B)	Debt and Equity Securities
	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at September 30, 2014.
		Securities Held to Maturity
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
					Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	U.S. agencies	$	23,069		913			—			23,982
	U.S. Treasury	1,918			407			—			2,325
	States and political subdivisions	430,243			27,854			(1,051	)		457,046
	Foreign governments	—			—			—			—
	Public utilities	915,761			63,842			(1,558	)		978,045
	Corporate	3,834,631			181,422			(26,026	)		3,990,027
	Mortgage-backed	1,667,528			59,881			(13,457	)		1,713,952
	Home equity	19,348			4,841			—			24,189
	Manufactured housing	5,540			335			—			5,875
	Totals	$	6,898,038		339,495			(42,092	)		7,195,441
	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at September 30, 2014.
		Securities Available for Sale
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
					Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
States and political subdivisions	$	591		—			(38	)		553
Foreign governments	9,937			313			—			10,250
Public utilities	189,636			11,994			(406	)		201,224
Corporate	2,296,848			135,520			(8,955	)		2,423,413
Mortgage-backed	52,270			4,541			—			56,811
Home equity	11,817			237			(3	)		12,051
Manufactured housing	2,877			86			—			2,963
	2,563,976			152,691			(9,402	)		2,707,265
Equity public	12,829			5,215			(429	)		17,615
Totals	$	2,576,805		157,906			(9,831	)		2,724,880
The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2013.
	Securities Held to Maturity
	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
	Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
				Gains			Losses
	(In thousands)
Debt securities:
U.S. agencies	$	23,088		1,700			—			24,788
U.S. Treasury	1,913			434			—			2,347
States and political subdivisions	423,286			13,433			(10,944	)		425,775
Foreign governments	9,997			159			—			10,156
Public utilities	864,324			53,222			(9,687	)		907,859
Corporate	3,463,521			153,442			(81,760	)		3,535,203
Mortgage-backed	1,696,887			54,035			(33,376	)		1,717,546
Home equity	20,179			4,738			(32	)		24,885
Manufactured housing	7,125			460			—			7,585
Totals	$	6,510,320		281,623			(135,799	)		6,656,144
The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2013.
	Securities Available for Sale
	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
	Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
				Gains			Losses
	(In thousands)
Debt securities:
States and political subdivisions	$	594		—			(110	)		484
Foreign governments	9,931			—			(156	)		9,775
Public utilities	233,788			15,014			(1,397	)		247,405
Corporate	2,195,124			124,519			(30,732	)		2,288,911
Mortgage-backed	68,799			5,040			—			73,839
Home equity	12,079			245			(7	)		12,317
Manufactured housing	3,803			132			—			3,935
	2,524,118			144,950			(32,402	)		2,636,666
Equity public	11,146			4,489			(757	)		14,878
Totals	$	2,535,264		149,439			(33,159	)		2,651,544
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014.
	Securities Held to Maturity
	Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
	Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
	Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
	(In thousands)
Debt securities:
States and political subdivisions	$	—		—			33,440			(1,051	)		33,440	(1,051	)
Public utilities	73,039			(231	)		68,585			(1,327	)		141,624	(1,558	)
Corporate	328,940			(1,478	)		845,310			(24,548	)		1,174,250	(26,026	)
Mortgage-backed	67,440			(437	)		309,267			(13,020	)		376,707	(13,457	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	469,419		(2,146	)		1,256,602			(39,946	)		1,726,021	(42,092	)
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014.
	Securities Available for Sale
	Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
	Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
	Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
	(In thousands)
Debt securities:
States and political subdivisions	$	—		—			553			(38	)		553	(38	)
Public utilities	—			—			18,556			(406	)		18,556	(406	)
Corporate	180,872			(1,269	)		248,901			(7,686	)		429,773	(8,955	)
Home equity	—			—			4,832			(3	)		4,832	(3	)
	180,872			(1,269	)		272,842			(8,133	)		453,714	(9,402	)
Equity public	1,997			(116	)		3,620			(313	)		5,617	(429	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	182,869		(1,385	)		276,462			(8,446	)		459,331	(9,831	)
Unrealized losses for securities held to maturity and securities available for sale decreased during the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to the decline in market interest rates. The Company does not consider investments with unrealized losses to be other-than-temporarily impaired since it does not anticipate selling these securities prior to maturity and expects to receive all amounts due relative to principal and interest.
The Company does not consider securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the market decline is attributable to factors such as interest rate movements, market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality and when recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated. Based on the review and the Company's ability and intent not to sell these securities until maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. The Company will monitor the investment portfolio for future changes in issuer facts and circumstances that could result in future impairments beyond those currently identified.
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment on one asset-backed security. The security had a $7 thousand credit impairment which is reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and there were minimal liquidity gains which did not affect current earnings. The Company intends to hold the security until recovery of fair market value or maturity.
Debt securities. The gross unrealized losses for debt securities are made up of 259 individual issues, or 19.7% of the total debt securities held by the Company. The market value of these bonds as a percent of amortized cost averages 97.7%. Of the 259 securities, 190, or 71.2%, fall in the 12 months or greater aging category; and 254 were rated investment grade at September 30, 2014.
Equity securities.  The gross unrealized losses for equity securities are made up of 17 individual issues.  These holdings are reviewed quarterly for impairment.  One equity security was other-than-temporarily impaired during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, in accordance with Company policy.
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013.
	Securities Held to Maturity
	Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
	Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
	Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
	(In thousands)
Debt securities:
States and political subdivisions	$	128,711		(9,249	)		8,080			(1,695	)		136,791	(10,944	)
Public utilities	260,982			(8,998	)		7,821			(689	)		268,803	(9,687	)
Corporate	1,335,088			(71,330	)		117,179			(10,430	)		1,452,267	(81,760	)
Mortgage-backed	581,373			(32,043	)		13,861			(1,333	)		595,234	(33,376	)
Home equity	—			—			2,617			(32	)		2,617	(32	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	2,306,154		(121,620	)		149,558			(14,179	)		2,455,712	(135,799	)
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013.
	Securities Available for Sale
	Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
	Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
	Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
	(In thousands)
Debt securities:
States and political subdivisions	—			—			484			(110	)		484	(110	)
Foreign governments	$	9,775		(156	)		—			—			9,775	(156	)
Public utilities	20,090			(1,343	)		962			(54	)		21,052	(1,397	)
Corporate	532,310			(26,376	)		46,187			(4,356	)		578,497	(30,732	)
Home equity	4,833			(7	)		—			—			4,833	(7	)
	567,008			(27,882	)		47,633			(4,520	)		614,641	(32,402	)
Equity public	3,707			(757	)		—			—			3,707	(757	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	570,715		(28,639	)		47,633			(4,520	)		618,348	(33,159	)
(C)	Transfer of Securities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company made no transfers to the held to maturity category from securities available for sale.
(D) Mortgage Loans and Real Estate
A financing receivable is a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in a company's statement of financial position. Mortgage, equity, participation and mezzanine loans on real estate are considered financing receivables reported by the Company.
Credit and default risk is minimized through strict underwriting guidelines and diversification of underlying property types and geographic locations. In addition to being secured by the property, mortgage loans with leases on the underlying property are often guaranteed by the lease payments and also by the borrower. This approach has proven to result in quality mortgage loans with few defaults. Mortgage loan interest income is recognized on an accrual basis with any premium or discount amortized over the life of the loan. Prepayment and late fees are recorded on the date of collection.
Loans in foreclosure, loans considered impaired or loans past due 90 days or more are placed on a non-accrual status. If a mortgage loan is determined to be on non-accrual status, the mortgage loan does not accrue any revenue into the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The loan is independently monitored and evaluated as to potential impairment or foreclosure. If delinquent payments are made and the loan is brought current, then the Company returns the loan to active status and accrues income accordingly. The Company had no mortgage loans past due 90 days or more at September 30, 2014 or 2013 and as a result all interest income was recognized at September 30, 2014 or 2013.
The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio.
	September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Amount			%			Amount				%
	(In thousands)						(In thousands)
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1):
Less than 50%	$	49,514		32.3			$	57,445			43
50% to 60%	56,530			36.9			23,339				17.5
60% to 70%	18,932			12.3			20,120				15.1
70% to 80%	8,476			5.5			9,723				7.3
80% to 90%	—			—			—				—
Greater than 90%	19,938			13			22,788				17.1
Gross balance	153,390			100			133,415				100
Allowance for possible losses	(650		)	(0.4	)		(650		)		(0.5	)
Totals	$	152,740		99.6			$	132,765			99.5
(1) Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are required at the time of funding and may be updated if a material change occurs from the original loan agreement.
The mortgage loans in the greater than 90% category relate to loans made with a long standing borrower. The loans are backed by the investment property, contracted leases, as well as a separate and additional guarantee of the long standing borrower.
The Company does not consider its mortgage loans to be a separate portfolio segment. The Company considers its primary class to be property type and primarily uses loan-to-value as its credit risk quality indicator. All loans within the portfolio are analyzed quarterly in order to monitor the financial quality of these assets. Based on ongoing monitoring, mortgage loans with a likelihood of becoming delinquent are identified and placed on an internal “watch list”. Among the criteria that would indicate a potential problem are: major tenant vacancies or bankruptcies, late payments, and loan relief/restructuring requests. The mortgage loan portfolio is analyzed for the need for a valuation allowance on any loan that is on the internal watch list, in the process of foreclosure or that currently has a valuation allowance.
Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When it is determined that a loan is impaired, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying amount of the mortgage loan and the estimated value reduced by the cost to sell. Estimated value is typically based on the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell. Impairments and changes in the valuation allowance are reported in net realized investment gains (losses) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance.
	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	650		650
Provision	—			—
Releases	—			—
Balance, end of period	$	650		650

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr

Fair Values of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	For financial instruments the FASB provides guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. In compliance with this GAAP guidance, the Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into the required three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
	Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows:
	Level 1: Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. These generally provide the most reliable evidence and are used to measure fair value whenever available. The Company's Level 1 assets are equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets.
	Level 2:  Fair value is based upon significant inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data as of the reporting date. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable and other observable inputs. The Company’s Level 2 assets include fixed maturity debt securities (corporate and private bonds, government or agency securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities), and preferred stock.  Valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or determined through use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs.
	Level 3:  Fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs which reflect the entity’s or third party pricing service’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The Company’s Level 3 assets are over-the-counter derivative contracts and the Company’s Level 3 liabilities consist of share-based compensation obligations and certain product-related embedded derivatives.  Valuations are estimated based on non-binding broker prices or internally developed valuation models or methodologies, discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques.
	The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated:
		September 30, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale	$	2,707,265		—			2,707,265		—
	Equity securities, available for sale	17,615			16,405			1,210		—
	Derivatives, index options	109,812			—			—		109,812
	Total assets	$	2,834,692		16,405			2,708,475		109,812
	Policyholder account balances (a)	$	127,622		—			—		127,622
	Other liabilities (b)	7,704			—			—		7,704
	Total liabilities	$	135,326		—			—		135,326
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3.
		December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale	$	2,636,666		—			2,636,666		—
	Equity securities, available for sale	14,878			13,802			1,076		—
	Derivatives, index options	169,314			—			—		169,314
	Total assets	$	2,820,858		13,802			2,637,742		169,314
	Policyholder account balances (a)	$	187,399		—			—		187,399
	Other liabilities (b)	5,939			—			—		5,939
	Total liabilities	$	193,338		—			—		193,338
	(a)  Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.
	(b)  Represents the liability for share-based compensation.
	The following tables present, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		September 30, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	$	2,707,265		—			2,707,265		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	2,707,265			—			2,707,265		—
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	17,615			16,405			1,210		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	17,615			16,405			1,210		—
	Derivatives, index options:
	Priced by third-party vendors	109,812			—			—		109,812
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	109,812			—			—		109,812
	Total	$	2,834,692		16,405			2,708,475		109,812
	Percent of total	100		%	0.6	%		95.5	%	3.9	%
		December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	$	2,636,666		—			2,636,666		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	2,636,666			—			2,636,666		—
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	14,878			13,802			1,076		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	14,878			13,802			1,076		—
	Derivatives, index options:
	Priced by third-party vendors	169,314			—			—		169,314
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	169,314			—			—		169,314
Total	$	2,820,858		13,802			2,637,742		169,314
Percent of total	100		%	0.5	%		93.5	%	6	%
The following tables provide additional information about fair value measurements for which significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs were utilized to determine fair value.
	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
	Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
	Available			Available
	for Sale			for Sale
	(In thousands)
Balance at July 1, 2014	$	—		—			146,514		146,514		171,428
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	—			—			3,479		3,479		4,099
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net							(40,181	)	(40,181	)	(40,201	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
Balance at end of period	$	—		—			109,812		109,812		135,326
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
Net investment income	$	—		—			747		747		—
Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		175
Total	$	—		—			747		747		175
	For the Three Months ended September 30, 2013
	Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
	Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
	Available			Available
	for Sale			for Sale
	(In thousands)
Balance at July 1, 2013	$	—		—			—		—		4,370
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	—			—			—		—		1,010
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	—			—			—		—		(827	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
Balance at end of period	$	—		—			—		—		4,553
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
Net investment income	$	—		—			—		—		—
Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		1,601
Total	$	—		—			—		—		1,601
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
	Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
	Available			Available
	for Sale			for Sale
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	—		—			169,314		169,314		193,338
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	—			—			49,278		49,278		51,529
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	—			—			(108,780	)	(108,780	)	(109,541	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
Balance at end of period	$	—		—			109,812		109,812		135,326
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
Net investment income	$	—		—			29,895		29,895		—
Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		3,266
Total	$	—		—			29,895		29,895		3,266
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
	Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
	Available			Available
	for Sale			for Sale
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2013	$	—		—			—		—		2,718
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	—			—			—		—		3,976
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	—			—			—		—		(2,141	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
Balance at end of period	$	—		—			—		—		4,553
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
Net investment income	$	—		—			—		—		—
Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		5,343
Total	$	—		—			—		—		5,343
The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities.
	30-Sep-14
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input
	(In thousands)
Derivatives, index options	$	109,812		Broker prices		Implied volatility
						Inputs from broker proprietary models
Total assets	$	109,812
Policyholder account balances	$	127,622		Deterministic cash flow model		Projected option cost
Other liabilities	7,704			Black Scholes		Expected term
						Forfeiture assumptions
Total liabilities	$	135,326
	31-Dec-13
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input
	(In thousands)
Derivatives, index options	$	169,314		Broker prices		Implied volatility
						Inputs from broker proprietary models
Total assets	$	169,314
Policyholder account balances	$	187,399		Deterministic cash flow model		Projected option cost
Other liabilities	5,939			Black Scholes		Expected term
						Forfeiture assumptions
Total liabilities	$	193,338
Realized gains (losses) on debt and equity securities are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as net investment gains (losses). Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale debt and equity securities are reported as other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The fair value hierarchy classifications are reviewed each reporting period. Reclassification of certain financial assets and liabilities may result based on changes in the observability of valuation attributes. Reclassifications are reported as transfers into and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur.
The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:
	September 30, 2014
							Fair Value Hierarchy Level
	Carrying			Fair			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Values			Values
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
Investments in debt and equity securities:
Securities held to maturity	$	6,898,038		7,195,441			—		7,195,441		—
Securities available for sale	2,724,880			2,724,880			16,405		2,708,475		—
Cash and short-term investments	121,482			121,482			121,482		—		—
Mortgage loans	152,740			159,845			—		—		159,845
Policy loans	63,746			63,746			—		—		63,746
Other loans	2,318			2,462			—		—		2,462
Derivatives, index options	109,812			109,812			—		—		109,812
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	—			12,775			—		—		12,775
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	$	7,471,884		7,102,374			—		—		7,102,374
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	448,892			472,485			—		—		472,485
	December 31, 2013
							Fair Value Hierarchy Level
	Carrying			Fair			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Values			Values
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
Investments in debt and equity securities:
Securities held to maturity	$	6,510,320		6,656,144			—		6,656,144		—
Securities available for sale	2,651,544			2,651,544			13,802		2,637,742		—
Cash and short-term investments	120,859			120,859			120,859		—		—
Mortgage loans	132,765			138,159			—		—		138,159
Policy loans	65,969			65,969			—		—		65,969
Other loans	2,986			3,143			—		—		3,143
Derivatives, index options	169,314			169,314			—		—		169,314
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	—			12,775			—		—		12,775
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	$	7,288,861		6,941,902			—		—		6,941,902
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	463,276			483,690			—		—		483,690
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Derivative_Investments

Derivative Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Investments	'
	DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS
	Fixed-index products provide traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts with the option to have credited interest rates linked in part to an underlying equity index or a combination of equity indices. The equity return component of such policy contracts is identified separately and accounted for in future policy benefits as embedded derivatives on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting in which future policy benefits are recorded as discounted debt instruments that are accreted, using the effective yield method, to their minimum account values at their projected maturities or termination dates.
	The Company purchases over-the-counter index options, which are derivative financial instruments, to hedge the equity return component of its fixed-index annuity and life products. The index options act as hedges to match closely the returns on the underlying index or indices. The amounts which may be credited to policyholders are linked, in part, to the returns of the underlying index or indices. As a result, changes to policyholders' liabilities are substantially offset by changes in the value of the options. Cash is exchanged upon purchase of the index options and no principal or interest payments are made by either party during the option periods. Upon maturity or expiration of the options, cash may be paid to the Company depending on the performance of the underlying index or indices and terms of the contract.
	The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to these derivative instruments. The index options are reported at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The changes in the values of the index options and the changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Any gains or losses from the sale or expiration of the options, as well as period-to-period changes in values, are reflected as net investment income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
	Although there is credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the index options, the Company does not expect any of its counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high credit ratings. In addition, credit support agreements are in place with all counterparties for option holdings in excess of specific limits, which may further reduce the Company's credit exposure.
	The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
		September 30, 2014
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance		Fair				Balance		Fair
		Sheet		Value				Sheet		Value
		Location						Location
				(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity index options	Derivatives, Index Options		$	109,812
	Fixed-index products							Universal Life and Annuity Contracts		$	127,622
	Total			$	109,812					$	127,622
		December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance		Fair				Balance		Fair
		Sheet		Value				Sheet		Value
		Location						Location
				(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity index options	Derivatives, Index Options		$	169,314
	Fixed-index products							Universal Life and Annuity Contracts		$	187,399
	Total			$	169,314					$	187,399
	The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
					September 30,				September 30,
					2014				2013
	Derivatives Not Designated		Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or
	As Hedging Instruments		or (Loss) Recognized		(Loss) Recognized in
			In Income on Derivatives		Income on Derivatives
					(In thousands)
	Equity index options		Net investment income		$	3,479			35,615
	Fixed-index products		Universal life and annuity contract interest		(4,033		)		(36,857	)
					$	(554	)		(1,242	)
	The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
					September 30,				September 30,
					2014				2013
	Derivatives Not Designated		Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or
	As Hedging Instruments		or (Loss) Recognized		(Loss) Recognized in
			In Income on Derivatives		Income on Derivatives
					(In thousands)
	Equity index options		Net investment income		$	49,278			126,739
	Fixed-index products		Universal life and annuity contract interest		(49,003		)		(129,625	)
					$	275			(2,886	)

Consolidation_and_Basis_of_Pre1

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The table below shows the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Affected Line Item in the	Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Statements of Earnings
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Other net investment gains (losses)	$	1,474	413		5,156		4,247
	Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	—		(12	)	(35	)	(160	)
	Earnings before Federal income taxes	1,474		401		5,121		4,087
	Federal income taxes	516		140		1,792		1,430
	Net earnings	$	958	261		3,329		2,657

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		Class A			Class B	Class A		Class B
		(In thousands except per share amounts)
	Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
	Net income	$	28,466			24,782
	Dividends - Class A shares	(1,236		)		(1,237	)
	Dividends - Class B shares	(36		)		(36	)
	Undistributed income	$	27,194			23,509
	Allocation of net income:
	Dividends	$	1,236		36	1,237		36
	Allocation of undistributed income	26,425			769	22,844		665
	Net income	$	27,661		805	24,081		701
	Denominator:
	Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares	3,436			200	3,435		200
	Effect of dilutive stock options	2			—	4		—
	Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions	3,438			200	3,439		200
	Basic Earnings Per Share	$	8.05		4.03	7.01		3.51
	Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	8.05		4.03	7		3.51
	Stock options that were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive were approximately 22,200 and 23,000, respectively.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		Class A			Class B	Class A		Class B
		(In thousands except per share amounts)
	Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
	Net income	$	77,475			68,405
	Dividends - Class A shares	(1,236		)		(1,237	)
	Dividends - Class B shares	(36		)		(36	)
	Undistributed income	$	76,203			67,132
	Allocation of net income:
	Dividends	$	1,236		36	1,237		36
	Allocation of undistributed income	74,048			2,155	65,233		1,899
	Net income	$	75,284		2,191	66,470		1,935
	Denominator:
	Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares	3,435			200	3,435		200
	Effect of dilutive stock options	2			—	5		—
	Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions	3,437			200	3,440		200
	Basic Earnings Per Share	$	21.92		10.95	19.35		9.68
	Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	21.91		10.95	19.32		9.68

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	42		48		126		142
	Interest cost	239			218		718		654
	Expected return on plan assets	(320		)	(284	)	(959	)	(850	)
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			1		3		3
	Amortization of net loss	106			203		317		609
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	68		186		205		558
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the Chairman and President non-qualified defined benefit plans.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	74		44		222		133
	Interest cost	250			201		752		601
	Amortization of prior service cost	15			15		44		44
	Amortization of net loss	323			293		970		880
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	662		553		1,988		1,658
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Interest cost	$	28		29		83		88
	Amortization of prior service cost	26			26		78		77
	Amortization of net loss	(1		)	9		(3	)	25
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	53		64		158		190

Segment_and_Other_Operating_In1

Segment and Other Operating Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of Segment Information, by Quarter	'
	A summary of segment information for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 is provided below.
	Selected Segment Information:
		Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
		Life		Life			Others
		Insurance		Insurance
						(In thousands)
	September 30, 2014
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	$	61,087	242,124		652,855	—	956,066
	Total segment assets	705,156		1,223,571		8,871,276	251,905	11,051,908
	Future policy benefits	611,550		944,505		7,848,590	—	9,404,645
	Other policyholder liabilities	12,742		12,226		117,207	—	142,175
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2014
	Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
	Premiums and contract revenues	$	6,847	29,135		5,126	—	41,108
	Net investment income	6,859		8,273		90,835	4,999	110,966
	Other revenues	19		20		23	5,315	5,377
	Total revenues	13,725		37,428		95,984	10,314	157,451
	Life and other policy benefits	3,353		9,672		138	—	13,163
	Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	1,166		2,525		19,776	—	23,467
	Universal life and annuity contract interest	5,803		6,956		46,452	—	59,211
	Other operating expenses	2,314		6,307		7,045	4,785	20,451
	Federal income taxes (benefit)	379		4,143		7,681	1,899	14,102
	Total expenses	13,015		29,603		81,092	6,684	130,394
	Segment earnings (loss)	$	710	7,825		14,892	3,630	27,057
		Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
		Life		Life			Others
		Insurance		Insurance
						(In thousands)
	Nine months ended
	September 30, 2014
	Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
	Premiums and contract revenues	$	22,077	87,906		16,787	—	126,770
	Net investment income	24,044		35,902		300,118	14,532	374,596
	Other revenues	40		321		63	15,927	16,351
	Total revenues	46,161		124,129		316,968	30,459	517,717
	Life and other policy benefits	7,268		16,375		17,279	—	40,922
	Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	5,346		18,078		55,880	—	79,304
	Universal life and annuity contract interest	19,066		32,820		172,690	—	224,576
	Other operating expenses	10,585		18,167		19,965	14,697	63,414
	Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,295		12,865		17,010	5,241	36,411
	Total expenses	43,560		98,305		282,824	19,938	444,627
	Segment earnings (loss)	$	2,601	25,824		34,144	10,521	73,090
	Selected Segment Information:
		Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
		Life		Life			Others
		Insurance		Insurance
						(In thousands)
	September 30, 2013
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	$	50,067	235,922		650,526	—	936,515
	Total segment assets	559,824		1,161,517		8,487,915	253,097	10,462,353
	Future policy benefits	485,754		899,090		7,549,441	—	8,934,285
	Other policyholder liabilities	13,177		16,778		129,867	—	159,822
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2013
	Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
	Premiums and contract revenues	$	3,944	28,865		4,873	—	37,682
	Net investment income	6,928		10,957		118,521	4,997	141,403
	Other revenues	12		60		22	5,728	5,822
	Total revenues	10,884		39,882		123,416	10,725	184,907
	Life and other policy benefits	4,003		11,040		1,898	—	16,941
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	1,015		3,287		19,942	—	24,244
Universal life and annuity contract interest	2,261		8,525		76,700	—	87,486
Other operating expenses	2,782		5,987		8,565	5,341	22,675
Federal income taxes (benefit)	268		3,596		5,298	1,751	10,913
Total expenses	10,329		32,435		112,403	7,092	162,259
Segment earnings (loss)	$	555	7,447		11,013	3,633	22,648
	Domestic		International		Annuities	All	Totals
	Life		Life			Others
	Insurance		Insurance
					(In thousands)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	$	22,967	87,061		14,998	—	125,026
Net investment income	22,943		43,224		371,704	14,033	451,904
Other revenues	21		211		52	17,670	17,954
Total revenues	45,931		130,496		386,754	31,703	594,884
Life and other policy benefits	8,129		17,910		22,042	—	48,081
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	5,260		17,000		61,640	—	83,900
Universal life and annuity contract interest	17,320		39,760		242,144	—	299,224
Other operating expenses	11,496		18,820		23,117	16,009	69,442
Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,206		11,982		12,242	5,081	30,511
Total expenses	43,411		105,472		361,185	21,090	531,158
Segment earnings (loss)	$	2,520	25,024		25,569	10,613	63,726
Reconciliation of Segment Premiums and Other Revenues to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	'
	Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are provided below.
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Premiums and Other Revenues:
	Premiums and contract revenues	$	41,108	37,682		126,770	125,026
	Net investment income	110,966		141,403		374,596	451,904
	Other revenues	5,377		5,822		16,351	17,954
	Realized gains (losses) on investments	2,169		3,285		6,747	7,199
	Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	$	159,620	188,192		524,464	602,083
Reconciliation of Segment Federal Income Taxes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Federal Income Taxes:
	Total segment Federal income taxes	$	14,102	10,913		36,411	30,511
	Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments	760		1,151		2,362	2,520
	Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes	$	14,862	12,064		38,773	33,031
Reconciliation of Segment Net Earnings to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Net Earnings:
	Total segment earnings	$	27,057	22,648		73,090	63,726
	Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes	1,409		2,134		4,385	4,679
	Total condensed consolidated net earnings	$	28,466	24,782		77,475	68,405
Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	'
		September 30,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Total segment assets	$	11,051,908	10,462,353
	Other unallocated assets	207,168		206,115
	Total condensed consolidated assets	$	11,259,076	$	10,668,468

ShareBased_Payments_Tables

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Shares Available for Grant and Stock Option Activity	'
	A summary of shares available for grant and activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is detailed below.
					Options Outstanding
		Shares			Shares			Weighted-
		Available						Average
		For Grant						Exercise
								Price
	Stock Options:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	291,000			36,668			$	229.24
	Exercised	—			(5,000	)		$	150
	Forfeited	—			(500	)		$	255.13
	Expired	—			—			$	—
	Stock options granted	—			—			$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	291,000			31,168			$	241.54
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	'
		Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding
		Awards			Weighted-
					Average
					Exercise
					Price
	Stock Appreciation Rights:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	99,461			$	156.93
	Exercised	(1,825	)		$	114.64
	Forfeited	(3,350	)		$	165.46
	Granted	—			$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	94,286			$	157.45
Summary of Information About Stock Options and SARs Outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at September 30, 2014.
			Options/SARs Outstanding
			Number				Weighted-		Number
			Outstanding				Average		Exercisable
							Remaining
							Contractual Life
	Exercise prices:
	255.13 (options)		22,168				3.6 years		17,815
	208.05 (options)		9,000				3.7 years		9,000
	236.00 (SARs)		250				3.9 years		200
	114.64 (SARs)		26,518				4.4 years		17,761
	132.56 (SARs)		31,518				7.2 years		3,600
	210.22 (SARs)		36,000				9.2 years		—
	Totals		125,454						48,376
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)		$	7,471					$	3,116
Summary of Assumptions Employed Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	'
	In estimating the fair value of the options outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions as detailed below.
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Expected term of options	3.6 to 9.2 years			0 to 10 years
	Expected volatility:
	Range	18.16% to 38.35%			21.03% to 42.71%
	Weighted-average	22.24	%		30.5	%
	Expected dividend yield	0.15	%		0.16	%
	Risk-free rate:
	Range	0.11% to 1.63%			0.12% to 3.93%
	Weighted-average	0.55	%		2.1	%

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Excluding Impairment Losses	'
	The table below presents realized investment gains and losses, excluding impairment losses, for the periods indicated.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Available for sale debt securities:
	Realized gains on disposal	$	1,467		415			5,144			3,739
	Realized losses on disposal	—			(3	)		(22	)		(3	)
	Held to maturity debt securities:
	Realized gains on disposal	353			2,831			1,167			3,221
	Realized losses on disposal	—			—			(17	)		(72	)
	Equity securities realized gains (losses)	7			—			34			511
	Real estate gains (losses)	820			55			954			55
	Mortgage loans write-downs	—			—			—			—
	Other	(478		)	—			(478	)		—
	Totals	$	2,169		3,298			6,782			7,451
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	'
	The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated.
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities		$	—		214			(4	)		538
	Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income		—			(227	)		(3	)		(776	)
	Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings		—			(13	)		(7	)		(238	)
	Equity securities impairments		—			—			(28	)		(14	)
	Totals		$	—		(13	)		(35	)		(252	)
Credit Losses on Securities, Also Recorded as Non-Credit Other-than-Temporary Impairments in Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The table below presents a roll forward of credit losses on securities for which the Company also recorded non-credit other-than-temporary impairments in other comprehensive loss.
		Three months ended September 30, 2014			Nine months ended September 30, 2014			Twelve Months
								Ended
								December 31,
								2013
					(In thousands)
	Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$	2,479		2,472			2,247
	Reductions for securities sold during current period	—			—			(17	)
	Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments	—			7			242
	Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$	2,479		2,479			2,472
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Securities	'
	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at September 30, 2014.
		Securities Held to Maturity
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
					Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	U.S. agencies	$	23,069		913			—			23,982
	U.S. Treasury	1,918			407			—			2,325
	States and political subdivisions	430,243			27,854			(1,051	)		457,046
	Foreign governments	—			—			—			—
	Public utilities	915,761			63,842			(1,558	)		978,045
	Corporate	3,834,631			181,422			(26,026	)		3,990,027
	Mortgage-backed	1,667,528			59,881			(13,457	)		1,713,952
	Home equity	19,348			4,841			—			24,189
	Manufactured housing	5,540			335			—			5,875
	Totals	$	6,898,038		339,495			(42,092	)		7,195,441
	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2013.
		Securities Held to Maturity
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
					Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	U.S. agencies	$	23,088		1,700			—			24,788
	U.S. Treasury	1,913			434			—			2,347
	States and political subdivisions	423,286			13,433			(10,944	)		425,775
	Foreign governments	9,997			159			—			10,156
	Public utilities	864,324			53,222			(9,687	)		907,859
	Corporate	3,463,521			153,442			(81,760	)		3,535,203
	Mortgage-backed	1,696,887			54,035			(33,376	)		1,717,546
	Home equity	20,179			4,738			(32	)		24,885
	Manufactured housing	7,125			460			—			7,585
	Totals	$	6,510,320		281,623			(135,799	)		6,656,144
Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2013.
		Securities Available for Sale
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
					Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	States and political subdivisions	$	594		—			(110	)		484
	Foreign governments	9,931			—			(156	)		9,775
	Public utilities	233,788			15,014			(1,397	)		247,405
	Corporate	2,195,124			124,519			(30,732	)		2,288,911
	Mortgage-backed	68,799			5,040			—			73,839
	Home equity	12,079			245			(7	)		12,317
	Manufactured housing	3,803			132			—			3,935
		2,524,118			144,950			(32,402	)		2,636,666
	Equity public	11,146			4,489			(757	)		14,878
	Totals	$	2,535,264		149,439			(33,159	)		2,651,544
	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at September 30, 2014.
		Securities Available for Sale
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
					Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	States and political subdivisions	$	591		—			(38	)		553
	Foreign governments	9,937			313			—			10,250
	Public utilities	189,636			11,994			(406	)		201,224
	Corporate	2,296,848			135,520			(8,955	)		2,423,413
	Mortgage-backed	52,270			4,541			—			56,811
	Home equity	11,817			237			(3	)		12,051
	Manufactured housing	2,877			86			—			2,963
		2,563,976			152,691			(9,402	)		2,707,265
	Equity public	12,829			5,215			(429	)		17,615
	Totals	$	2,576,805		157,906			(9,831	)		2,724,880
Schedule of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values of Held-to-Maturity Investments, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	'
	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013.
		Securities Held to Maturity
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
		Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	States and political subdivisions	$	128,711		(9,249	)		8,080			(1,695	)		136,791	(10,944	)
	Public utilities	260,982			(8,998	)		7,821			(689	)		268,803	(9,687	)
	Corporate	1,335,088			(71,330	)		117,179			(10,430	)		1,452,267	(81,760	)
	Mortgage-backed	581,373			(32,043	)		13,861			(1,333	)		595,234	(33,376	)
	Home equity	—			—			2,617			(32	)		2,617	(32	)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	2,306,154		(121,620	)		149,558			(14,179	)		2,455,712	(135,799	)
	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014.
		Securities Held to Maturity
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
		Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	States and political subdivisions	$	—		—			33,440			(1,051	)		33,440	(1,051	)
	Public utilities	73,039			(231	)		68,585			(1,327	)		141,624	(1,558	)
	Corporate	328,940			(1,478	)		845,310			(24,548	)		1,174,250	(26,026	)
	Mortgage-backed	67,440			(437	)		309,267			(13,020	)		376,707	(13,457	)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	469,419		(2,146	)		1,256,602			(39,946	)		1,726,021	(42,092	)
Schedule of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values of Available-for-Sale Investments, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	'
	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014.
		Securities Available for Sale
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
		Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	States and political subdivisions	$	—		—			553			(38	)		553	(38	)
	Public utilities	—			—			18,556			(406	)		18,556	(406	)
	Corporate	180,872			(1,269	)		248,901			(7,686	)		429,773	(8,955	)
	Home equity	—			—			4,832			(3	)		4,832	(3	)
		180,872			(1,269	)		272,842			(8,133	)		453,714	(9,402	)
	Equity public	1,997			(116	)		3,620			(313	)		5,617	(429	)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	182,869		(1,385	)		276,462			(8,446	)		459,331	(9,831	)
	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013.
		Securities Available for Sale
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair	Unrealized
		Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value	Losses
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	States and political subdivisions	—			—			484			(110	)		484	(110	)
	Foreign governments	$	9,775		(156	)		—			—			9,775	(156	)
	Public utilities	20,090			(1,343	)		962			(54	)		21,052	(1,397	)
	Corporate	532,310			(26,376	)		46,187			(4,356	)		578,497	(30,732	)
	Home equity	4,833			(7	)		—			—			4,833	(7	)
		567,008			(27,882	)		47,633			(4,520	)		614,641	(32,402	)
	Equity public	3,707			(757	)		—			—			3,707	(757	)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	570,715		(28,639	)		47,633			(4,520	)		618,348	(33,159	)
Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	'
	The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio.
		September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Amount			%			Amount				%
		(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1):
	Less than 50%	$	49,514		32.3			$	57,445			43
	50% to 60%	56,530			36.9			23,339				17.5
	60% to 70%	18,932			12.3			20,120				15.1
	70% to 80%	8,476			5.5			9,723				7.3
	80% to 90%	—			—			—				—
	Greater than 90%	19,938			13			22,788				17.1
	Gross balance	153,390			100			133,415				100
	Allowance for possible losses	(650		)	(0.4	)		(650		)		(0.5	)
	Totals	$	152,740		99.6			$	132,765			99.5
	(1) Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value.
Schedule of Allowance for Mortgage Loans	'
	The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance.
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	650		650
	Provision	—			—
	Releases	—			—
	Balance, end of period	$	650		650

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated:
		September 30, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale	$	2,707,265		—			2,707,265		—
	Equity securities, available for sale	17,615			16,405			1,210		—
	Derivatives, index options	109,812			—			—		109,812
	Total assets	$	2,834,692		16,405			2,708,475		109,812
	Policyholder account balances (a)	$	127,622		—			—		127,622
	Other liabilities (b)	7,704			—			—		7,704
	Total liabilities	$	135,326		—			—		135,326
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3.
		December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale	$	2,636,666		—			2,636,666		—
	Equity securities, available for sale	14,878			13,802			1,076		—
	Derivatives, index options	169,314			—			—		169,314
	Total assets	$	2,820,858		13,802			2,637,742		169,314
	Policyholder account balances (a)	$	187,399		—			—		187,399
	Other liabilities (b)	5,939			—			—		5,939
	Total liabilities	$	193,338		—			—		193,338
	(a)  Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.
	(b)  Represents the liability for share-based compensation.
Schedule of Assets by Pricing Source and Fair Value Hierarchy Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables present, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		September 30, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	$	2,707,265		—			2,707,265		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	2,707,265			—			2,707,265		—
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	17,615			16,405			1,210		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	17,615			16,405			1,210		—
	Derivatives, index options:
	Priced by third-party vendors	109,812			—			—		109,812
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	109,812			—			—		109,812
	Total	$	2,834,692		16,405			2,708,475		109,812
	Percent of total	100		%	0.6	%		95.5	%	3.9	%
		December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	$	2,636,666		—			2,636,666		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	2,636,666			—			2,636,666		—
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Priced by third-party vendors	14,878			13,802			1,076		—
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	14,878			13,802			1,076		—
	Derivatives, index options:
	Priced by third-party vendors	169,314			—			—		169,314
	Priced internally	—			—			—		—
	Subtotal	169,314			—			—		169,314
	Total	$	2,820,858		13,802			2,637,742		169,314
	Percent of total	100		%	0.5	%		93.5	%	6	%
Schedule of Significant Unobservable Inputs for Fair Value Measurements	'
	The following tables provide additional information about fair value measurements for which significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs were utilized to determine fair value.
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
		Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
		Available			Available
		for Sale			for Sale
		(In thousands)
	Balance at July 1, 2014	$	—		—			146,514		146,514		171,428
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in net income	—			—			3,479		3,479		4,099
	Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
	Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net							(40,181	)	(40,181	)	(40,201	)
	Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
	Balance at end of period	$	—		—			109,812		109,812		135,326
	Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
	Net investment income	$	—		—			747		747		—
	Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		175
	Total	$	—		—			747		747		175
		For the Three Months ended September 30, 2013
		Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
		Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
		Available			Available
		for Sale			for Sale
		(In thousands)
	Balance at July 1, 2013	$	—		—			—		—		4,370
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in net income	—			—			—		—		1,010
	Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
	Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	—			—			—		—		(827	)
	Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
	Balance at end of period	$	—		—			—		—		4,553
	Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
	Net investment income	$	—		—			—		—		—
	Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		1,601
	Total	$	—		—			—		—		1,601
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
		Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
		Available			Available
		for Sale			for Sale
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	—		—			169,314		169,314		193,338
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in net income	—			—			49,278		49,278		51,529
	Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
	Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	—			—			(108,780	)	(108,780	)	(109,541	)
	Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
	Balance at end of period	$	—		—			109,812		109,812		135,326
	Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
	Net investment income	$	—		—			29,895		29,895		—
	Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		3,266
	Total	$	—		—			29,895		29,895		3,266
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Debt			Equity			Derivatives, Index Options		Total		Other
		Securities,			Securities,					Assets		Liabilities
		Available			Available
		for Sale			for Sale
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2013	$	—		—			—		—		2,718
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in net income	—			—			—		—		3,976
	Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—		—
	Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	—			—			—		—		(2,141	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	—			—			—		—		—
Balance at end of period	$	—		—			—		—		4,553
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:
Net investment income	$	—		—			—		—		—
Other operating expenses	—			—			—		—		5,343
Total	$	—		—			—		—		5,343
Schedule of quantitative information of Level 3 liabilities	'
	The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities.
		30-Sep-14
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input
		(In thousands)
	Derivatives, index options	$	109,812		Broker prices		Implied volatility
							Inputs from broker proprietary models
	Total assets	$	109,812
	Policyholder account balances	$	127,622		Deterministic cash flow model		Projected option cost
	Other liabilities	7,704			Black Scholes		Expected term
							Forfeiture assumptions
	Total liabilities	$	135,326
		31-Dec-13
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input
		(In thousands)
	Derivatives, index options	$	169,314		Broker prices		Implied volatility
							Inputs from broker proprietary models
	Total assets	$	169,314
	Policyholder account balances	$	187,399		Deterministic cash flow model		Projected option cost
	Other liabilities	5,939			Black Scholes		Expected term
							Forfeiture assumptions
	Total liabilities	$	193,338
Schedule of quantitative information of Level 3 assets	'
	he following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities.
		30-Sep-14
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input
		(In thousands)
	Derivatives, index options	$	109,812		Broker prices		Implied volatility
							Inputs from broker proprietary models
	Total assets	$	109,812
	Policyholder account balances	$	127,622		Deterministic cash flow model		Projected option cost
	Other liabilities	7,704			Black Scholes		Expected term
							Forfeiture assumptions
	Total liabilities	$	135,326
		31-Dec-13
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input
		(In thousands)
	Derivatives, index options	$	169,314		Broker prices		Implied volatility
							Inputs from broker proprietary models
	Total assets	$	169,314
	Policyholder account balances	$	187,399		Deterministic cash flow model		Projected option cost
	Other liabilities	5,939			Black Scholes		Expected term
							Forfeiture assumptions
	Total liabilities	$	193,338
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:
		September 30, 2014
								Fair Value Hierarchy Level
		Carrying			Fair			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Values			Values
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Investments in debt and equity securities:
	Securities held to maturity	$	6,898,038		7,195,441			—		7,195,441		—
	Securities available for sale	2,724,880			2,724,880			16,405		2,708,475		—
	Cash and short-term investments	121,482			121,482			121,482		—		—
	Mortgage loans	152,740			159,845			—		—		159,845
	Policy loans	63,746			63,746			—		—		63,746
	Other loans	2,318			2,462			—		—		2,462
	Derivatives, index options	109,812			109,812			—		—		109,812
	Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	—			12,775			—		—		12,775
	LIABILITIES
	Deferred annuity contracts	$	7,471,884		7,102,374			—		—		7,102,374
	Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	448,892			472,485			—		—		472,485
		December 31, 2013
								Fair Value Hierarchy Level
		Carrying			Fair			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Values			Values
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Investments in debt and equity securities:
	Securities held to maturity	$	6,510,320		6,656,144			—		6,656,144		—
	Securities available for sale	2,651,544			2,651,544			13,802		2,637,742		—
	Cash and short-term investments	120,859			120,859			120,859		—		—
	Mortgage loans	132,765			138,159			—		—		138,159
	Policy loans	65,969			65,969			—		—		65,969
	Other loans	2,986			3,143			—		—		3,143
	Derivatives, index options	169,314			169,314			—		—		169,314
	Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	—			12,775			—		—		12,775
	LIABILITIES
	Deferred annuity contracts	$	7,288,861		6,941,902			—		—		6,941,902
	Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	463,276			483,690			—		—		483,690

Derivative_Investments_Tables

Derivative Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'
	The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
		September 30, 2014
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance		Fair				Balance		Fair
		Sheet		Value				Sheet		Value
		Location						Location
				(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity index options	Derivatives, Index Options		$	109,812
	Fixed-index products							Universal Life and Annuity Contracts		$	127,622
	Total			$	109,812					$	127,622
		December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance		Fair				Balance		Fair
		Sheet		Value				Sheet		Value
		Location						Location
				(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity index options	Derivatives, Index Options		$	169,314
	Fixed-index products							Universal Life and Annuity Contracts		$	187,399
	Total			$	169,314					$	187,399
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	'
	The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
					September 30,				September 30,
					2014				2013
	Derivatives Not Designated		Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or
	As Hedging Instruments		or (Loss) Recognized		(Loss) Recognized in
			In Income on Derivatives		Income on Derivatives
					(In thousands)
	Equity index options		Net investment income		$	3,479			35,615
	Fixed-index products		Universal life and annuity contract interest		(4,033		)		(36,857	)
					$	(554	)		(1,242	)
	The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
					September 30,				September 30,
					2014				2013
	Derivatives Not Designated		Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or
	As Hedging Instruments		or (Loss) Recognized		(Loss) Recognized in
			In Income on Derivatives		Income on Derivatives
					(In thousands)
	Equity index options		Net investment income		$	49,278			126,739
	Fixed-index products		Universal life and annuity contract interest		(49,003		)		(129,625	)
					$	275			(2,886	)

Consolidation_and_Basis_of_Pre2

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other net investment gains (losses)	$2,169	$3,298	$6,782	$7,451
Earnings before Federal income taxes	43,328	36,846	116,248	101,436
Federal income taxes	14,862	12,064	38,773	33,031
Net earnings	28,466	24,782	77,475	68,405
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other net investment gains (losses)	1,474	413	5,156	4,247
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	-12	-35	-160
Earnings before Federal income taxes	1,474	401	5,121	4,087
Federal income taxes	516	140	1,792	1,430
Net earnings	$958	$261	$3,329	$2,657

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 22, 2014	Aug. 22, 2014
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified		Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum dividend payment which may be paid without prior approval from Colorado Division of Insurance	$112.30	'	'
Dividends declared	'	$0.36	$0.18

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$28,466	$24,782	$77,475	$68,405
Undistributed income	27,194	23,509	76,203	67,132
Allocation of net income:	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed income	27,194	23,509	76,203	67,132
Class A [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	27,661	24,081	75,284	66,470
Dividends	-1,236	-1,237	-1,236	-1,237
Undistributed income	26,425	22,844	74,048	65,233
Allocation of net income:	'	'	'	'
Dividends	1,236	1,237	1,236	1,237
Allocation of undistributed income	26,425	22,844	74,048	65,233
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)	3,436	3,435	3,435	3,435
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	2	4	2	5
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)	3,438	3,439	3,437	3,440
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$8.05	$7.01	$21.92	$19.35
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$8.05	$7	$21.91	$19.32
Class B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	805	701	2,191	1,935
Dividends	-36	-36	-36	-36
Undistributed income	769	665	2,155	1,899
Allocation of net income:	'	'	'	'
Dividends	36	36	36	36
Allocation of undistributed income	$769	$665	$2,155	$1,899
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)	200	200	200	200
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)	200	200	200	200
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$4.03	$3.51	$10.95	$9.68
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$4.03	$3.51	$10.95	$9.68

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details) (Equity Option [Member])	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share	22,200	23,000	22,200	23,000

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2007
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting percentage in accrued benefits from plan freeze	'	'	'	'	100.00%
Service cost	$42,000	$48,000	$126,000	$142,000	'
Interest cost	239,000	218,000	718,000	654,000	'
Expected return on plan assets	-320,000	-284,000	-959,000	-850,000	'
Amortization of prior service cost	1,000	1,000	3,000	3,000	'
Amortization of net loss	106,000	203,000	317,000	609,000	'
Net periodic benefit cost	68,000	186,000	205,000	558,000	'
Minimum required contribution	0	'	0	'	'
Contributions payable, from prior plan years	'	0	'	0	'
Company contributions to plan	'	'	300,000	'	'
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	74,000	44,000	222,000	133,000	'
Interest cost	250,000	201,000	752,000	601,000	'
Amortization of prior service cost	15,000	15,000	44,000	44,000	'
Amortization of net loss	323,000	293,000	970,000	880,000	'
Net periodic benefit cost	662,000	553,000	1,988,000	1,658,000	'
Company contributions to plan	'	'	1,300,000	'	'
Company expected contributions to plans in fiscal year	'	'	2,000,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	28,000	29,000	83,000	88,000	'
Amortization of prior service cost	26,000	26,000	78,000	77,000	'
Amortization of net loss	-1,000	9,000	-3,000	25,000	'
Net periodic benefit cost	$53,000	$64,000	$158,000	$190,000	'
Minimum [Member] | Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate average annual participant salary increase (as a percentage)	'	'	10.00%	'	'

Segment_and_Other_Operating_In2

Segment and Other Operating Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment assets	$11,259,076	$10,668,468	$11,259,076	$10,668,468	$10,830,416
Other policyholder liabilities	142,175	'	142,175	'	142,587
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and contract revenues	41,108	37,682	126,770	125,026	'
Net investment income	110,966	141,403	374,596	451,904	'
Other revenues	5,377	5,822	16,351	17,954	'
Realized gains (losses) on investments	2,169	3,285	6,747	7,199	'
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	159,620	188,192	524,464	602,083	'
Life and other policy benefits	13,163	16,941	40,922	48,081	'
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	23,467	24,244	79,304	83,900	'
Universal life and annuity contract interest	59,211	87,486	224,576	299,224	'
Other operating expenses	20,451	22,675	63,414	69,442	'
Federal income taxes (benefit)	14,102	10,913	36,411	30,511	'
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments	760	1,151	2,362	2,520	'
Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes	14,862	12,064	38,773	33,031	'
Segment earnings (loss)	27,057	22,648	73,090	63,726	'
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes	1,409	2,134	4,385	4,679	'
Net earnings	28,466	24,782	77,475	68,405	'
Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	956,066	936,515	956,066	936,515	'
Total segment assets	11,051,908	10,462,353	11,051,908	10,462,353	'
Future policy benefits	9,404,645	8,934,285	9,404,645	8,934,285	'
Other policyholder liabilities	142,175	159,822	142,175	159,822	'
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and contract revenues	41,108	37,682	126,770	125,026	'
Net investment income	110,966	141,403	374,596	451,904	'
Other revenues	5,377	5,822	16,351	17,954	'
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	157,451	184,907	517,717	594,884	'
Life and other policy benefits	13,163	16,941	40,922	48,081	'
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	23,467	24,244	79,304	83,900	'
Universal life and annuity contract interest	59,211	87,486	224,576	299,224	'
Other operating expenses	20,451	22,675	63,414	69,442	'
Federal income taxes (benefit)	14,102	10,913	36,411	30,511	'
Total expenses	130,394	162,259	444,627	531,158	'
Segment earnings (loss)	27,057	22,648	73,090	63,726	'
Segments [Member] | Domestic Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	61,087	50,067	61,087	50,067	'
Total segment assets	705,156	559,824	705,156	559,824	'
Future policy benefits	611,550	485,754	611,550	485,754	'
Other policyholder liabilities	12,742	13,177	12,742	13,177	'
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and contract revenues	6,847	3,944	22,077	22,967	'
Net investment income	6,859	6,928	24,044	22,943	'
Other revenues	19	12	40	21	'
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	13,725	10,884	46,161	45,931	'
Life and other policy benefits	3,353	4,003	7,268	8,129	'
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	1,166	1,015	5,346	5,260	'
Universal life and annuity contract interest	5,803	2,261	19,066	17,320	'
Other operating expenses	2,314	2,782	10,585	11,496	'
Federal income taxes (benefit)	379	268	1,295	1,206	'
Total expenses	13,015	10,329	43,560	43,411	'
Segment earnings (loss)	710	555	2,601	2,520	'
Segments [Member] | International Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	242,124	235,922	242,124	235,922	'
Total segment assets	1,223,571	1,161,517	1,223,571	1,161,517	'
Future policy benefits	944,505	899,090	944,505	899,090	'
Other policyholder liabilities	12,226	16,778	12,226	16,778	'
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and contract revenues	29,135	28,865	87,906	87,061	'
Net investment income	8,273	10,957	35,902	43,224	'
Other revenues	20	60	321	211	'
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	37,428	39,882	124,129	130,496	'
Life and other policy benefits	9,672	11,040	16,375	17,910	'
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	2,525	3,287	18,078	17,000	'
Universal life and annuity contract interest	6,956	8,525	32,820	39,760	'
Other operating expenses	6,307	5,987	18,167	18,820	'
Federal income taxes (benefit)	4,143	3,596	12,865	11,982	'
Total expenses	29,603	32,435	98,305	105,472	'
Segment earnings (loss)	7,825	7,447	25,824	25,024	'
Segments [Member] | Annuities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	652,855	650,526	652,855	650,526	'
Total segment assets	8,871,276	8,487,915	8,871,276	8,487,915	'
Future policy benefits	7,848,590	7,549,441	7,848,590	7,549,441	'
Other policyholder liabilities	117,207	129,867	117,207	129,867	'
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and contract revenues	5,126	4,873	16,787	14,998	'
Net investment income	90,835	118,521	300,118	371,704	'
Other revenues	23	22	63	52	'
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	95,984	123,416	316,968	386,754	'
Life and other policy benefits	138	1,898	17,279	22,042	'
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	19,776	19,942	55,880	61,640	'
Universal life and annuity contract interest	46,452	76,700	172,690	242,144	'
Other operating expenses	7,045	8,565	19,965	23,117	'
Federal income taxes (benefit)	7,681	5,298	17,010	12,242	'
Total expenses	81,092	112,403	282,824	361,185	'
Segment earnings (loss)	14,892	11,013	34,144	25,569	'
Segments [Member] | All Others [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	0	0	0	0	'
Total segment assets	251,905	253,097	251,905	253,097	'
Future policy benefits	0	0	0	0	'
Other policyholder liabilities	0	0	0	0	'
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and contract revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Net investment income	4,999	4,997	14,532	14,033	'
Other revenues	5,315	5,728	15,927	17,670	'
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	10,314	10,725	30,459	31,703	'
Life and other policy benefits	0	0	0	0	'
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	0	0	0	0	'
Universal life and annuity contract interest	0	0	0	0	'
Other operating expenses	4,785	5,341	14,697	16,009	'
Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,899	1,751	5,241	5,081	'
Total expenses	6,684	7,092	19,938	21,090	'
Segment earnings (loss)	3,630	3,633	10,521	10,613	'
Other unallocated [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment assets	$207,168	$206,115	$207,168	$206,115	'

ShareBased_Payments_General_De

Share-Based Payments (General Descriptions) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 20, 2008

Jun. 25, 2004

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 25, 2004

Jun. 20, 2008

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Director [Member]

Employees [Member]

1995 Plan [Member]

2008 Plan [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, par value

'

'

'

'

$1

$1

$1

$1

'

'

'

'

Share-based payments, number of shares authorized under plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

300,000

Annual vesting percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

20.00%

'

'

Requisite service period of awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'3 years

'

'

Expiration period of awards

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period in force, from which option holders may elect to sell back acquired shares

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax compensation cost (benefit) recognized

$0

$0.60

$2.50

$4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation cost (benefit), tax expense (benefit)

0

0.2

0.8

1.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized

$2.70

'

$2.70

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period over which the compensation is expected to be recognized

'

'

'2 years 3 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Payments_Options_an

Share-Based Payments (Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares Available For Grant, Beginning Balance	'	'	291,000	'
Shares Available For Grant, Exercised	'	'	0	'
Shares Available For Grant, Forfeited	'	'	0	'
Shares Available For Grant, Expired	'	'	0	'
Shares Available For Grant, Granted	'	'	0	'
Shares Available For Grant, Ending Balance	291,000	'	291,000	'
Shares/Awards [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Beginning Balance	'	'	36,668	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Exercised	'	'	-5,000	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Forfeited	'	'	-500	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Expired	'	'	0	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Granted	'	'	0	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Ending Balance	31,168	'	31,168	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	'	'	$229.24	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	'	'	$150	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	'	'	$255.13	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Expired	'	'	$0	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	'	'	$0	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$241.54	'	$241.54	'
Compensation cost, liability balance	$7,700,000	$5,900,000	$7,700,000	$5,900,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'	800,000	2,100,000
Total share-based liabilities paid	'	'	600,000	2,100,000
Cash received from exercise of options	'	'	700,000	400,000
Total fair value of shares vested	$200,000	$0	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]	'	'	'	'
Shares/Awards [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Beginning Balance	'	'	99,461	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Exercised	'	'	-1,825	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Forfeited	'	'	-3,350	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Granted	'	'	0	'
Options Outstanding, Shares, Ending Balance	94,286	'	94,286	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	'	'	$156.93	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	'	'	$114.64	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	'	'	$165.46	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	'	'	$0	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$157.45	'	$157.45	'

ShareBased_Payments_Exercise_R

Share-Based Payments (Exercise Range) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	125,454
Number Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	$7,471
Number Exercisable	48,376
Options Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	$3,116
Closing stock price	$247.01
Exercise Price $255.13 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$255.13
Exercise Price $208.05 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$208.05
Exercise Price $236.00 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$236
Exercise Price $114.64 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$114.64
Exercise Price $132.56 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$132.56
Exercise Price $210.22 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$210.22
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Exercise Price $255.13 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	22,168
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 7 months 6 days
Number Exercisable	17,815
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Exercise Price $208.05 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	9,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable	9,000
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $236.00 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	250
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 10 months 24 days
Number Exercisable	200
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $114.64 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	26,518
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 4 months 24 days
Number Exercisable	17,761
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $132.56 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	31,518
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 2 months 12 days
Number Exercisable	3,600
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $210.22 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	36,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 2 months 12 days
Number Exercisable	0

ShareBased_Payments_Black_Scho

Share-Based Payments (Black Scholes Option Pricing Model Assumptions) (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected volatility, minimum	18.16%	21.03%
Expected volatility, maximum	38.35%	42.71%
Expected dividend yield	0.15%	0.16%
Risk-free rate, minimum	0.11%	0.12%
Risk-free rate, maximum	1.63%	3.93%
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected term of options	'3 years 7 months 6 days	'0 days
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected term of options	'9 years 2 months 12 days	'10 years
Weighted-average [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected volatility, weighted-average	22.24%	30.50%
Risk-free rate, weighted-average	0.55%	2.10%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 03, 2010	Oct. 26, 2011
		Deferred Annuities Litigation [Member]	Deferred Annuities Litigation [Member]	Sheila Newman case [Member]	Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Life settlement options for policyholders, option 1	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Life settlement options for policyholders, option 2	'	'20 years	'	'	'
Litigation reserve	'	'	$6,500,000	'	'
Final judgment against the company	'	'	'	208,000	'
Final judgment amount, actual damages	'	'	'	113,000	'
Final judgment amount, exemplary damages	'	'	'	150,000,000	'
Fine SUSEP is attempting to impose on the company	'	'	'	'	6,000,000,000
Other commitment	$3,000,000	'	'	'	'

Investments_Investment_Gains_a

Investments (Investment Gains and Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Held to maturity debt securities:	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate gains (losses)	$820	$55	$954	$55	'
Mortgage loans write-downs	0	0	0	0	'
Other	-478	0	-478	0	'
Totals	2,169	3,298	6,782	7,451	'
Percentage of gains on bonds, due to calls of securities	'	'	87.00%	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities	0	214	-4	538	'
Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income	0	-227	-3	-776	'
Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings	0	-13	-7	-238	'
Equity securities impairments	0	0	-28	-14	'
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	-13	-35	-252	'
Non-Credit Other-than-Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	2,479	'	2,472	2,247	2,247
Reductions for securities sold during current period	0	'	0	'	-17
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments	0	'	7	'	242
Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	2,479	'	2,479	'	2,472
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale debt securities:	'	'	'	'	'
Realized gains on disposal	1,467	415	5,144	3,739	'
Realized losses on disposal	0	-3	-22	-3	'
Held to maturity debt securities:	'	'	'	'	'
Realized gains on disposal	353	2,831	1,167	3,221	'
Realized losses on disposal	0	0	-17	-72	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Held to maturity debt securities:	'	'	'	'	'
Equity securities realized gains (losses)	$7	$0	$34	$511	'

Investments_Securities_Held_to

Investments (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$6,898,038	$6,510,320
Gross Unrealized Gains	339,495	281,623
Gross Unrealized Losses	-42,092	-135,799
Fair Value	7,195,441	6,656,144
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	469,419	2,306,154
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-2,146	-121,620
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	1,256,602	149,558
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-39,946	-14,179
Total, Fair Value	1,726,021	2,455,712
Total, Unrealized Losses	-42,092	-135,799
U.S. Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	23,069	23,088
Gross Unrealized Gains	913	1,700
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	23,982	24,788
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	0
U.S. Treasury [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,918	1,913
Gross Unrealized Gains	407	434
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	2,325	2,347
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	0
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	430,243	423,286
Gross Unrealized Gains	27,854	13,433
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,051	-10,944
Fair Value	457,046	425,775
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	128,711
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	-9,249
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	33,440	8,080
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-1,051	-1,695
Total, Fair Value	33,440	136,791
Total, Unrealized Losses	-1,051	-10,944
Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	0	9,997
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	159
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	0	10,156
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	0
Public Utilities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	915,761	864,324
Gross Unrealized Gains	63,842	53,222
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,558	-9,687
Fair Value	978,045	907,859
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	73,039	260,982
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-231	-8,998
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	68,585	7,821
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-1,327	-689
Total, Fair Value	141,624	268,803
Total, Unrealized Losses	-1,558	-9,687
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,834,631	3,463,521
Gross Unrealized Gains	181,422	153,442
Gross Unrealized Losses	-26,026	-81,760
Fair Value	3,990,027	3,535,203
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	328,940	1,335,088
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-1,478	-71,330
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	845,310	117,179
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-24,548	-10,430
Total, Fair Value	1,174,250	1,452,267
Total, Unrealized Losses	-26,026	-81,760
Mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,667,528	1,696,887
Gross Unrealized Gains	59,881	54,035
Gross Unrealized Losses	-13,457	-33,376
Fair Value	1,713,952	1,717,546
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	67,440	581,373
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-437	-32,043
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	309,267	13,861
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-13,020	-1,333
Total, Fair Value	376,707	595,234
Total, Unrealized Losses	-13,457	-33,376
Home Equity [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	19,348	20,179
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,841	4,738
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	-32
Fair Value	24,189	24,885
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	'	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	'	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	'	2,617
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	'	-32
Total, Fair Value	'	2,617
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	-32
Manufactured Housing [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,540	7,125
Gross Unrealized Gains	335	460
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	5,875	7,585
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Total, Unrealized Losses	$0	$0

Investments_Securities_Availab

Investments (Securities Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	$2,563,976	$2,524,118
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	152,691	144,950
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	-9,402	-32,402
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,707,265	2,636,666
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	'	11,146
Gross Unrealized Gains, Equity securities	'	4,489
Gross Unrealized Losses, Equity securities	'	-757
Fair Value, Equity securities	'	14,878
Amortized Cost	2,576,805	2,535,264
Gross Unrealized Gains	157,906	149,439
Gross Unrealized Losses	-9,831	-33,159
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,724,880	2,651,544
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	182,869	570,715
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-1,385	-28,639
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	276,462	47,633
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-8,446	-4,520
Total, Fair Value	459,331	618,348
Total, Unrealized Losses	-9,831	-33,159
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,707,265	2,636,666
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	180,872	567,008
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-1,269	-27,882
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	272,842	47,633
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-8,133	-4,520
Total, Fair Value	453,714	614,641
Total, Unrealized Losses	-9,402	-32,402
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	591	594
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	-38	-110
Fair Value, Debt securities	553	484
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	553	484
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-38	-110
Total, Fair Value	553	484
Total, Unrealized Losses	-38	-110
Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	9,937	9,931
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	313	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	-156
Fair Value, Debt securities	10,250	9,775
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	'	9,775
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	'	-156
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	'	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	'	0
Total, Fair Value	'	9,775
Total, Unrealized Losses	'	-156
Public Utilities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	189,636	233,788
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	11,994	15,014
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	-406	-1,397
Fair Value, Debt securities	201,224	247,405
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	20,090
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	-1,343
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	18,556	962
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-406	-54
Total, Fair Value	18,556	21,052
Total, Unrealized Losses	-406	-1,397
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	2,296,848	2,195,124
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	135,520	124,519
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	-8,955	-30,732
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,423,413	2,288,911
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	180,872	532,310
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-1,269	-26,376
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	248,901	46,187
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-7,686	-4,356
Total, Fair Value	429,773	578,497
Total, Unrealized Losses	-8,955	-30,732
Mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	52,270	68,799
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	4,541	5,040
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	56,811	73,839
Home Equity [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	11,817	12,079
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	237	245
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	-3	-7
Fair Value, Debt securities	12,051	12,317
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	4,833
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	-7
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	4,832	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-3	0
Total, Fair Value	4,832	4,833
Total, Unrealized Losses	-3	-7
Manufactured Housing [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Debt securities	2,877	3,803
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	86	132
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,963	3,935
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	17,615	14,878
Equity Public [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	12,829	'
Gross Unrealized Gains, Equity securities	5,215	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Equity securities	-429	'
Fair Value, Equity securities	17,615	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,997	3,707
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-116	-757
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	3,620	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-313	0
Total, Fair Value	5,617	3,707
Total, Unrealized Losses	($429)	($757)

Investments_Unrealized_Losses_

Investments (Unrealized Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit impairment reported in earnings	$0	$13	$35	$252
Asset-Backed Security [Member]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities, other-than-temporarily impaired	1	'	'	'
Credit impairment reported in earnings	$7	'	'	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	17	'	17	'
Other-than-temporarily impaired securities, number of securities rated investment grade	1	'	1	'
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, number of issues	259	'	259	'
Gross unrealized losses, percentage of total debt	19.70%	'	19.70%	'
Gross unrealized losses, market value as a percent of amortized cost	97.70%	'	97.70%	'
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater	190	'	190	'
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater (as a percentage)	71.20%	'	71.20%	'
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	254	'	254	'

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_and

Investments (Mortgage Loans and Real Estate) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loan, amount	$153,390		$133,415
Allowance for possible losses, amount	-650		-650
Totals, amount	152,740	[1]	132,765	[1]
Mortgage loans, percentage	100.00%		100.00%
Allowance for possible losses, percentage	-0.40%		-0.50%
Totals, percentage	99.60%	[1]	99.50%	[1]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	650		650
Provision	0		0
Releases	0		0
Balance, end of period	650		650
Less than 50% [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loan, amount	49,514		57,445
Mortgage loans, percentage	32.30%		43.00%
50% to 60% [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loan, amount	56,530		23,339
Mortgage loans, percentage	36.90%		17.50%
60% to 70% [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loan, amount	18,932		20,120
Mortgage loans, percentage	12.30%		15.10%
70% to 80% [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loan, amount	8,476		9,723
Mortgage loans, percentage	5.50%		7.30%
80% to 90% [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loan, amount	0		0
Mortgage loans, percentage	0.00%		0.00%
Greater than 90% [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loan, amount	$19,938		$22,788
Mortgage loans, percentage	13.00%		17.10%
[1]	Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	$2,724,880		$2,651,544
Derivatives, index options	109,812		169,314
Total assets	2,834,692		2,820,858
Policyholder account balances	127,622	[1]	187,399	[1]
Other liabilities	7,704	[2]	5,939	[2]
Total liabilities	135,326		193,338
Percent of total	100.00%		100.00%
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	16,405		13,802
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Total assets	16,405		13,802
Policyholder account balances	0		0
Other liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Percent of total	0.60%		0.50%
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,708,475		2,637,742
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Total assets	2,708,475		2,637,742
Policyholder account balances	0		0
Other liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Percent of total	95.50%		93.50%
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Derivatives, index options	109,812		169,314
Total assets	109,812		169,314
Policyholder account balances	127,622		187,399
Other liabilities	7,704		5,939
Total liabilities	135,326		193,338
Percent of total	3.90%		6.00%
Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,707,265		2,636,666
Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,707,265		2,636,666
Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	17,615		14,878
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	16,405		13,802
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	1,210		1,076
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	109,812		169,314
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	109,812		169,314
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	109,812		169,314
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	109,812		169,314
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,707,265		2,636,666
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	2,707,265		2,636,666
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	17,615		14,878
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	16,405		13,802
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	1,210		1,076
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives, index options	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	0		0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,576,805 and $2,535,264)	$0		$0
[1]	Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.
[2]	Represents the liability for share-based compensation.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$146,514	$0	$169,314	$0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Included in net income	3,479	0	49,278	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	-40,181	0	-108,780	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	109,812	0	109,812	0
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	747	0	29,895	0
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	171,428	4,370	193,338	2,718
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Included in net income	4,099	1,010	51,529	3,976
Included in comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	-40,201	-827	109,541	2,141
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	135,326	4,553	135,326	4,553
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	175	1,601	3,266	5,343
Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0	0	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Included in net income	0	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	'	0	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	0	0	0	0
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	0	0	0	0
Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0	0	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Included in net income	0	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	'	0	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	0	0	0	0
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	0	0	0	0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	146,514	0	169,314	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Included in net income	3,479	0	49,278	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	-40,181	0	-108,780	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	109,812	0	109,812	0
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	747	0	29,895	0
Net Investment Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	747	0	29,895	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income [Member] | Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income [Member] | Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	747	0	29,895	0
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	0	0	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	175	1,601	3,266	5,343
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	0	0	0	0
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	0	0	0	0
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of period	$0	$0	$0	$0

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr1

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Securities held to maturity	$7,195,441	$6,656,144
Securities available for sale	2,724,880	2,651,544
Derivatives, index options	109,812	169,314
Fair Values [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Securities held to maturity	7,195,441	6,656,144
Securities available for sale	2,724,880	2,651,544
Cash and short-term investments	121,482	120,859
Mortgage loans	159,845	138,159
Policy loans	63,746	65,969
Other loans	2,462	3,143
Derivatives, index options	109,812	169,314
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
LIABILITIES	'	'
Deferred annuity contracts	7,102,374	6,941,902
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	472,485	483,690
Carrying Values [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Securities held to maturity	6,898,038	6,510,320
Securities available for sale	2,724,880	2,651,544
Cash and short-term investments	121,482	120,859
Mortgage loans	152,740	132,765
Policy loans	63,746	65,969
Other loans	2,318	2,986
Derivatives, index options	109,812	169,314
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	0	0
LIABILITIES	'	'
Deferred annuity contracts	7,471,884	7,288,861
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	448,892	463,276
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	16,405	13,802
Cash and short-term investments	121,482	120,859
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other loans	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	0	0
LIABILITIES	'	'
Deferred annuity contracts	0	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Securities held to maturity	7,195,441	6,656,144
Securities available for sale	2,708,475	2,637,742
Cash and short-term investments	0	0
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other loans	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	0	0
LIABILITIES	'	'
Deferred annuity contracts	0	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	0	0
Cash and short-term investments	0	0
Mortgage loans	159,845	138,159
Policy loans	63,746	65,969
Other loans	2,462	3,143
Derivatives, index options	109,812	169,314
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
LIABILITIES	'	'
Deferred annuity contracts	7,102,374	6,941,902
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	$472,485	$483,690

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr2

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Quantitative Information) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$2,834,692	$2,820,858
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	135,326	193,338
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	109,812	169,314
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	135,326	193,338
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Broker Prices [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	109,812	169,314
Other Liabilities [Member] | Black Scholes [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,704	5,939
Policyholders Account Balance [Member] | Deterministic Cash Flow [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$127,622	$187,399

Derivative_Investments_Balance

Derivative Investments (Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives	$109,812		$169,314
Liability Derivatives	127,622	[1]	187,399	[1]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives	109,812		169,314
Liability Derivatives	127,622		187,399
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Equity Index Options [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives	109,812		169,314
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fixed-Index Products [Member] | Universal Life and Annuity Contracts [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Liability Derivatives	$127,622		$187,399
[1]	Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.

Derivative_Investments_Stateme

Derivative Investments (Statements of Earnings) (Details) (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	($554)	($1,242)	$275	($2,886)
Equity Index Options [Member] | Investment Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	3,479	35,615	49,278	126,739
Fixed-Index Products [Member] | Universal Life and Annuity Contract Interest [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	($4,033)	($36,857)	($49,003)	($129,625)