American National 10-K/A2 Mar 152014 FY Annual report (amended)Financial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K/A
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ANAT
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCE CO /TX/
Entity Central Index Key	904163
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,878,641
Entity Public Float			$833.50

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Fixed maturity, bonds held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (Fair Value $8,652,913 and $8,823,068)	$8,225,050	$8,491,347
Fixed maturity, bonds available-for-sale, at fair value (Amortized cost $4,694,716 and $4,456,391)	4,921,807	4,599,673
Equity securities, at fair value (Cost $739,384 and $741,080)	1,516,978	1,410,608
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance	3,359,586	3,299,242
Policy loans	405,979	397,407
Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation of $193,611 and $211,575	479,062	507,142
Short-term investments	431,000	495,386
Other invested assets	220,255	201,442
Total investments	19,559,717	19,402,247
Cash and cash equivalents	209,455	117,946
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	319,283	341,012
Accrued investment income	185,943	194,830
Reinsurance recoverables	428,654	414,743
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	56,019	57,869
Premiums due and other receivables	280,587	279,929
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,253,544	1,277,733
Property and equipment, net	110,794	107,070
Current tax receivable	8,669	18,507
Other assets	137,856	142,043
Separate account assets	1,001,515	970,954
Total assets	23,552,036	23,324,883
LIABILITIES
Life	2,770,232	2,677,213
Annuity	1,006,748	903,437
Accident and health	58,364	71,941
Policyholders' account balances	10,781,285	11,181,650
Policy and contract claims	1,297,708	1,297,646
Unearned premium reserve	755,051	739,878
Other policyholder funds	344,090	326,885
Liability for retirement benefits	195,712	160,853
Notes payable	108,177	113,849
Deferred tax liabilities, net	290,112	220,428
Other liabilities	498,528	456,818
Separate account liabilities	1,001,515	970,954
Total liabilities	19,107,522	19,121,552
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1.00 par value, - Authorized 50,000,000, Issued 30,832,449 and 30,832,449, Outstanding 26,871,942 and 26,895,188 shares	30,832	30,832
Additional paid-in capital	9,248	4,650
Accumulated other comprehensive income	490,782	413,712
Retained earnings	4,003,209	3,838,821
Treasury stock, at cost	-101,941	-97,441
Total American National stockholders' equity	4,432,130	4,190,574
Noncontrolling interest	12,384	12,757
Total stockholders' equity	4,444,514	4,203,331
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$23,552,036	$23,324,883

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin1

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fair value of bonds held-to-maturity	$8,652,913	$8,823,068
Amortized cost of bonds available-for-sale	4,694,716	4,456,391
Cost of equity securities	739,384	741,080
Accumulated depreciation of investment real estate	$193,611	$211,575
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,832,449	30,832,449
Common stock, shares outstanding	26,871,942	26,895,188

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Premiums
Life	$307,771	$293,173	$281,621
Annuity	190,357	155,162	116,393
Accident and health	216,868	212,931	223,773
Property and casualty	1,100,975	1,074,260	1,082,386
Other policy revenues	224,254	210,224	198,401
Net investment income	932,858	1,016,810	985,398
Net realized investment gains	48,062	124,144	90,725
Other-than-temporary impairments	-6,640	-4,591	-22,517
Other income	36,085	37,097	30,880
Total premiums and other revenues	3,050,590	3,119,210	2,987,060
Policyholder benefits
Life	351,271	345,566	340,003
Annuity	234,173	193,840	156,619
Claims incurred
Accident and health	144,799	139,762	155,825
Property and casualty	745,540	746,636	793,281
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances	353,492	426,102	416,015
Commissions for acquiring and servicing policies	397,126	371,948	364,911
Other operating expenses	485,865	503,051	455,746
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs	9,578	29,835	32,915
Total benefits, losses and expenses	2,721,844	2,756,740	2,715,315
Income before federal income tax and equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated affiliates	328,746	362,470	271,745
Less: Provision for federal income taxes
Current	72,327	64,928	52,135
Deferred	19,704	34,713	23,447
Total provision (benefit) for federal income taxes	92,031	99,641	75,582
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	11,969	9,476	-3,905
Net income	248,684	272,305	192,258
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	1,491	3,933	1,217
Net income attributable to American National	$247,193	$268,372	$191,041
Earnings per share
Basic	$9.22	$10.02	$7.15
Diluted	$9.18	$9.97	$7.11
Cash dividends to common stockholders	$3.08	$3.08	$3.08
Weighted average common shares outstanding	26,802,841	26,791,900	26,714,865
Weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares	26,918,670	26,914,591	26,863,674

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$248,684	$272,305	$192,258
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Change in net unrealized gain on securities	110,214	87,095	96,005
Foreign currency transaction and translation adjustments	-954	-512	120
Defined pension benefit plan adjustment	-32,190	85,119	-13,518
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	77,070	171,702	82,607
Total comprehensive income	325,754	444,007	274,865
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,491	3,933	1,217
Total comprehensive income attributable to American National	$324,263	$440,074	$273,648

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at beginning of the period at Dec. 31, 2011		$30,832		$159,403	$3,545,546	($98,490)	$12,947
Reissuance (purchases) of treasury shares			-204			204
Contributions							16
Net income attributable to American National	191,041				191,041
Other comprehensive income	82,607			82,607
Income tax effect from restricted stock arrangement			-747
Distributions							-2,988
Cash dividends to common stockholders					-82,660
Gain attributable to noncontrolling interest							1,217
Modification of restricted stock			-7,327		-647
Amortization of restricted stock			10,170
Purchase of ownership interest from noncontrolling interest			-1,892				299
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	3,839,327	30,832		242,010	3,653,280	-98,286	11,491
Reissuance (purchases) of treasury shares			3,025			845
Contributions							483
Net income attributable to American National	268,372				268,372
Other comprehensive income	171,702			171,702
Income tax effect from restricted stock arrangement			80
Distributions							-3,150
Cash dividends to common stockholders					-82,831
Gain attributable to noncontrolling interest							3,933
Modification of restricted stock
Amortization of restricted stock			1,545
Purchase of ownership interest from noncontrolling interest
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	4,203,331	30,832	4,650	413,712	3,838,821	-97,441	12,757
Reissuance (purchases) of treasury shares			1,635			-4,500
Contributions							981
Net income attributable to American National	247,193				247,193
Other comprehensive income	77,070			77,070
Income tax effect from restricted stock arrangement
Distributions							-2,845
Cash dividends to common stockholders					-82,805
Gain attributable to noncontrolling interest							1,491
Modification of restricted stock
Amortization of restricted stock			2,963
Purchase of ownership interest from noncontrolling interest
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$4,444,514	$30,832	$9,248	$490,782	$4,003,209	($101,941)	$12,384

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$248,684	$272,305	$192,258
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Realized investment gains	-48,062	-124,144	-90,725
Other-than-temporary impairments	6,640	4,591	22,517
Amortization (accretion) of premiums, discounts and loan origination fees	7,294	6,052	-1,528
Net capitalized interest on policy loans and mortgage loans	-32,122	-28,060	-27,058
Depreciation	38,414	31,176	36,573
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances	353,492	426,102	416,015
Charges to policyholders' account balances	-224,254	-210,224	-198,401
Deferred federal income tax expense	19,704	34,713	23,447
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates	-11,969	-9,476	3,905
Distributions from equity method investments	5,186	20,718	15,259
Changes in
Policyholder liabilities	206,147	96,435	62,272
Deferred policy acquisition costs	9,578	29,835	32,915
Reinsurance recoverables	-13,911	4,000	-13,710
Premiums due and other receivables	-1,184	3,517	-5,008
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	1,850	-1,043	11,959
Accrued investment income	8,887	12,484	6,670
Current tax receivable/payable	9,838	-3,929	2,572
Liability for retirement benefits	-19,084	8,763	-13,082
Other, net	-8,343	-28,707	-109
Net cash provided by operating activities	556,785	545,108	476,741
Proceeds from sale/maturity/prepayment of
Held-to-maturity securities	661,125	1,619,721	1,361,673
Available-for-sale securities	910,691	914,813	647,389
Investment real estate	63,030	84,371
Mortgage loans	606,738	758,677	401,439
Policy loans	55,542	58,460	57,779
Other invested assets	40,882	13,975	43,874
Disposals of property and equipment	11,269	553	1,530
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	41,779	25,055	51,507
Payment for the purchase/origination of
Held-to-maturity securities	-439,422	-1,087,447	-1,151,656
Available-for-sale securities	-1,044,602	-1,057,004	-731,875
Investment real estate	-51,699	-45,345	-30,450
Mortgage loans	-668,073	-914,740	-655,341
Policy loans	-29,093	-26,623	-38,067
Other invested assets	-27,705	-18,443	-45,181
Additions to property and equipment	-31,951	-25,583	-30,838
Contributions to unconsolidated affiliates	-12,560	-122,512	-48,961
Change in short-term investments	64,386	-182,300	32,244
Other, net	4,331	-1,336	10,156
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	154,668	-5,708	-124,778
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Policyholders' account deposits	1,002,420	895,227	1,127,962
Policyholders' account withdrawals	-1,532,023	-1,484,656	-1,297,889
Change in notes payable	-5,672	-49,535	104,490
Dividends to stockholders	-82,805	-82,831	-82,660
Payments to noncontrolling interest	-1,864	-2,667	-2,972
Net cash used in financing activities	-619,944	-724,462	-151,069
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	91,509	-185,062	200,894
Beginning of the period	117,946	303,008	102,114
End of period	$209,455	$117,946	$303,008

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	12 Months Ended
Nature of Operations	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Nature of Operations	American National Insurance Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “American National”) offer a broad spectrum of insurance products, including individual and group life insurance, annuities, health insurance, and property and casualty insurance. Business is conducted in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES

	The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are reported in U.S. currency. American National consolidates entities that are wholly-owned and those in which American National owns less than 100% but controls, as well as variable interest entities in which American National is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions with consolidated entities have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported consolidated financial statement balances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

	Investments

	Investment securities – Bonds classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost. Bonds classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value. Equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. After-tax net unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reflected in stockholders’ equity as a component of “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“AOCI”).

	Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized discount, deferred expenses, and allowances. Accretion of discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, prepayment fees and accretion of discounts and origination fees are reported in “Net investment income” in the consolidated statements of operations. Interest income earned on impaired and non-impaired loans is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on contractual interest rate. However, interest ceases to accrue for loans on which interest is more than 90 days past due, when the collection of interest is not probable or when a loan is in foreclosure. Income on past due loans is reported on a cash basis. When a loan becomes current, it is placed back into accrual status. Cash receipts on impaired loans are recorded as a reduction of principal, interest income, expense reimbursement or other manner in accordance with the loan agreement. Gains and losses from the sale of loans and changes in allowances are reported in “Realized investment gains” in the consolidated statements of operations.

	Each mortgage loan is evaluated quarterly and placed in a watchlist if events occur or circumstances exist that could indicate that American National will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms. Additionally, loans with estimated collateral value less than their balance and loans with characteristics indicative of higher than normal credit risks are reviewed quarterly. All loans in the watchlist are analyzed individually for impairment. If a loan is concluded to be fully collectible, no loss allowance is recorded. Loans are considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan will be uncollectible. A specific allowance for loan losses is established for the excess carrying value of the loan over either: (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or (ii) the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent. Allowances are also established on groups of loans with similar characteristics, such as property types, if based on experience, it is probable that a loss has occurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The allowance is reviewed quarterly to determine if it is adequate, or if a recovery of the asset is assured and the allowance can be reduced.



	Management believes the recorded allowance is adequate and is the best estimate of probable loan losses, including losses incurred at the reporting date but not identified by a specific loan. Management’s quarterly evaluation of the allowance is based on historical loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations affecting the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. Loans are charged off as uncollectible only when the loan is forgiven by a legal agreement. Prior to charging off a loan, an allowance is recorded based on the estimated recoverable amount. Upon forgiveness, both the allowance and the loan balance are reduced which results in no further gain or loss.

	Policy loans are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

	Investment real estate including related improvements, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset (typically 15 to 50 years). Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease. American National classifies a property as held-for-sale if it commits to a plan to sell a property within one year and actively markets the property in its current condition for a price that is reasonable in comparison to its estimated fair value. Real estate held-for-sale is stated at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs, and is not depreciated while it is classified as held-for-sale. American National periodically reviews its investment real estate for impairment and tests properties for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable and the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair value. Properties whose carrying values are greater than their undiscounted cash flows are written down to their estimated fair value, with the impairment loss included in “Realized investment gains (losses)” in the consolidated statements of operations. Impairment losses are based upon the estimated fair value of real estate, which is generally computed using the present value of expected future cash flows from the real estate discounted at a rate commensurate with the underlying risks as well as other appraisal methods. Real estate acquired upon foreclosure is recorded at the lower of its cost, or its estimated fair value at the date of foreclosure.

	Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests—American National uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests in which it has more than a minor interest or influence over the investee’s operations, but it does not have a controlling interest and is not the primary beneficiary. These investments are reported as “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” in the consolidated statements of financial position. For certain joint ventures, American National records its share of earnings using a lag methodology of one to three months for all instances where timely financial information is not available and the contractual right does not exist to receive such financial information. In addition to the investees’ regular impairment analysis of its underlying investments, American National routinely evaluates its investments in those investees for impairments. American National considers financial and other information provided by the investee, other known information and inherent risks in the underlying investments, as well as future capital commitments, in determining whether impairment has occurred. When an impairment is deemed to have occurred at the joint venture level, American National recognizes its share within “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates” to record the investment at its fair value. When an impairment results from American National’s separate analysis, an adjustment is made through “Net realized investment gains” to record the investment at its fair value.

	Short-term investments comprised of commercial paper, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

	Other invested assets comprised primarily of tax credit partnerships, CAPCO investments and mineral rights, are carried at cost, less allowance for depletion, where applicable. Other invested assets also include equity-indexed options which are carried at fair value. Impairments for other invested assets are considered on an individual basis.

	Impairments—American National evaluates all fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses on a quarterly basis to determine if the creditworthiness of any of those securities has deteriorated to a point where its carrying value will not be realized at maturity. For fixed maturity securities where management believes that the carrying value will not be realized, an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) loss is recorded. At December 31, 2014, the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities that were not other-than-temporarily impaired were the result of credit spread widening. There were no delinquent coupon payments attributed to these securities at December 31, 2014.



	For all fixed maturity securities in unrealized loss positions which American National does not intend to sell and for which it is not more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell before its anticipated recovery, American National assesses whether the amortized cost basis of securities will be recovered by comparing the net present value of the expected cash flows from those securities with its amortized cost basis. Management estimates the expected cash flows using historical experience information as well as market observable data, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings and other data relevant to the collectibility of a security. The net present value of the expected cash flows from fixed maturity securities is calculated by discounting management’s best estimate of expected cash flows from those securities at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity security when acquired. If the net present value of the expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost of the fixed maturity securities, an OTTI has occurred in the form of a credit loss. The credit loss is recognized in earnings in the amount of excess amortized cost over the net present value of the expected cash flows from the fixed maturity securities. If the fair value of the fixed maturity securities is less than the net present value of its expected cash flows at the impairment measurement date, a non-credit loss exists which is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for the difference between the fair value and the net present value of the expected cash flows.

	After the recognition of an OTTI, fixed maturity securities are accounted for as if they had been purchased on the OTTI measurement date, with a cost basis equal to their previous amortized cost less the related OTTI losses recognized in earnings. The new cost basis of an other-than-temporarily impaired security is not adjusted for subsequent increases in estimated fair value. Should there be a significant increase in the estimate of cash flows expected to be collected from previously impaired fixed maturity securities, the increase would be accounted for prospectively by accreting it as interest income over its remaining life.

	American National evaluates all equity securities in unrealized loss positions on a quarterly basis and recognizes an OTTI loss on those where a market price recovery is not expected in a reasonable period of time. All equity securities with unrealized losses are also evaluated for credit quality. OTTI is recognized if management believes the carrying value of securities will not be realized, regardless of the length of time that they have had an unrealized loss.

	Derivative instruments are purchased as hedges of a recognized asset or liability, and are recorded on the consolidated statements of financial position at fair value. The change in fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is reported in the consolidated statements of operations as “Net investment income” and “Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances,” respectively. American National does not apply hedge accounting treatment to its derivative instruments.

	Cash and cash equivalents

	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on-hand and in banks, as well as amounts invested in money market funds and are reported as “Cash and cash equivalents” in the consolidated statements of financial position.

	Property and equipment

	These assets consist of buildings occupied by American National, data processing equipment, and furniture and equipment, which are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 50 years).

	Insurance specific assets and liabilities

	Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) are capitalized costs related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Significant costs are incurred to acquire insurance and annuity contracts, including commissions and certain underwriting, policy issuance and processing expenses.

	DAC on traditional life and health products is amortized with interest over the anticipated premium-paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenue expected to be received over the life of the policies. Expected premium revenue is estimated by using the same mortality, morbidity and withdrawal assumptions used in computing liabilities for future policy benefits. DAC is reduced by a provision for possible inflation of maintenance and settlement expenses determined by means of grading interest rates.



	DAC on universal life, limited-pay and investment-type contracts is amortized as a level percentage of the present value of anticipated gross profits from investment yields, mortality, and surrender charges. The effect of the realization of unrealized gains (losses) on DAC is recognized within AOCI in the consolidated statements of financial position as of the reporting date. A change in interest rates could have a significant impact on DAC calculated for these contracts.

	DAC associated with property and casualty business is amortized over the coverage period of the related policies, in relation to premium revenue.

	For short-duration and long-duration contracts, DAC is grouped consistent with the manner in which insurance contracts are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability and is reviewed for recoverability based on the profitability of the underlying insurance contracts. Investment income is not anticipated in assessing the recoverability of DAC for short-duration contracts.

	Liabilities for future policy benefits for traditional products have been provided on a net level premium method based on estimated investment yields, withdrawals, mortality, and other assumptions that were appropriate at the time policies were issued. Estimates used are based on historical experience, adjusted for possible adverse deviation. These estimates are periodically reviewed and compared with actual experience. When it is determined that future expected experience differs significantly from existing assumptions, the estimates are revised for current and future issues.

Policyholders’ account balances represent the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholders related to universal-life, limited-pay and investments-type contracts. These are generally equal to the accumulated deposits, plus interest credited, reduced by withdrawals, payouts, and accumulated policyholder assessments.

Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses (“CAE”) are established to provide for the estimated costs of paying claims. These reserves include estimates for both case reserves and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claim reserves. Case reserves include the liability for reported but unpaid claims. IBNR reserves include a provision for potential development on case reserves, losses on claims currently closed which may reopen in the future, as well as incurred but not reported claims. These reserves also include an estimate of the expense associated with settling claims, including legal and other fees and the general expenses of administering the claims adjustment process.

Reinsurance—Reinsurance recoverables are estimated amounts due to American National from reinsurers related to paid and unpaid ceded claims and CAE and are presented net of a reserve for non-recoverability. Recoveries on our gross ultimate losses are generally determined by a review of individual large claims as well as by estimating the ceded portion of IBNR using assumed distribution of loss by percentage retained. The most significant assumption used is the average size of the individual losses for those claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported. The ultimate amount of the reinsurance ceded recoverable is unknown until all losses are settled.

Premiums, benefits, claims incurred and expenses

Traditional ordinary life and health—Life and accident and health premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums to result in recognition of profits over the term of the insurance contracts.

Annuities—Premiums received on limited-pay and supplemental annuity contracts involving a significant life contingency are recognized as revenue when due. Deferred annuity premiums are recorded as deposits rather than recognized as revenue. Revenues from deferred annuity contracts are principally surrender charges and, in the case of variable annuities, administrative fees assessed to contractholders.

Universal life and single premium whole life revenues represent amounts assessed to policyholders. Included in revenue are mortality charges, surrender charges actually paid and earned policy service fees. Amounts included in expenses are benefits in excess of account balances returned to policyholders.



Property and casualty premiums are recognized as revenue proportionately over the contract period, net of reinsurance ceded. Claims incurred consist of actual claims and CAE paid and the change in reserves, net of reinsurance received and recoverable.

Participating insurance policies

Participating business comprised approximately 7.4% of the life insurance in-force at December 31, 2014 and 4.9% of life premiums in 2014. Of the total participating business, 77.7% was written by Farm Family Life Insurance Company (“Farm Family Life”). For the participating business excluding Farm Family Life, the allocation of dividends to participating policyowners is based upon a comparison of experienced rates of mortality, interest and expenses, as determined periodically for representative plans of insurance, issue ages and policy durations, with the corresponding rates assumed in the calculation of premiums.

For the Farm Family Life participating business, profits earned on participating business are reserved for the payment of dividends to policyholders, except for the stockholders’ share of profits on participating policies, which is limited to the greater of 10% of the profit on participating business, or 50 cents per thousand dollars of the face amount of participating life insurance in-force. Participating policyholders’ interest includes the accumulated net income from participating policies reserved for payment to such policyholders in the form of dividends (less net income allocated to stockholders as indicated above) as well as a pro rata portion of unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax.

Federal income taxes

American National Insurance Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated life and non-life federal income tax return. Certain subsidiaries that are consolidated for financial reporting are not eligible to be included in the consolidated federal income tax return; accordingly, they file separate returns.

Deferred federal income tax assets and liabilities have been recognized to reflect the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

American National recognizes tax benefits on uncertain tax positions if it is “more-likely-than-not” the position based on its technical merits will be sustained by taxing authorities. American National recognizes the largest benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. Tax benefits not meeting the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, if applicable, are included with “Other liabilities” in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Interest and penalties assessed, if applicable, are classified as “Other operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Pension and postretirement benefit plans

Pension and postretirement benefit obligations and costs are calculated using concepts in accordance with GAAP. The discount rate and the expected return on plan assets are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement, and these key assumptions are evaluated annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, turnover and compensation.



American National uses a discount rate to determine the present value of future benefits on the measurement date. The guideline for setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, a building-block method is used. The expected rate of return on each asset is broken down into three components: inflation, the real risk-free rate of return (i.e., the long-term estimate of future returns on default-free U.S. government securities), and the risk premium for each asset class (i.e., the expected return in excess of the risk-free rate). Using this approach, the calculated return will fluctuate from year to year; however, it is American National’s policy to hold this long-term assumption relatively constant.

Stock-based compensation

Stock Appreciation Rights—The measurement of the stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) liability and compensation cost is based on the fair value of the grants and are remeasured each reporting period through the settlement date. The fair value of the SAR’s is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The key assumptions used in the model include: the grant date and remeasurement date stock prices, expected life of the SARs and the risk-free rate of return. The compensation liability related to the SAR award is included in “Other liabilities” in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Restricted Stock—The measurement of the equity and compensation cost of restricted stock (“RS”) is based on the fair value of the underlying stock at grant date. The compensation cost accrued is included in “Additional paid-in capital” in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Restricted Stock Units—Effective December 31, 2012, American National’s Board Compensation Committee modified the settlement provision within the outstanding restricted stock units (“RSU”) providing the recipients of the awards the option to settle vested RSUs in either cash or American National common stock. The modification in the settlement provision changed the RSU classification from an equity to a liability award. After the modification, the liability has been remeasured each reporting period through the vesting date and is adjusted for changes in fair value. The compensation liability related to the RSUs is included in “Other Liabilities” in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Separate account assets and liabilities

Separate account assets and liabilities are funds intended to meet the investment objectives of contract holders who bear the investment risk. Investment income and investment gains and losses from these separate funds accrue to the benefit of the contract holders. Separate accounts are established in conformity with insurance laws and are not chargeable with liabilities that arise from any other business of American National. American National reports separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in separate accounts and liabilities of the separate accounts if (i) such separate accounts are legally recognized; (ii) assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from American National’s general account liabilities; (iii) investments are directed by the contract holder; and (iv) all investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contract holder. The assets of these accounts are carried at fair value. Deposits, net investment income and realized investment gains and losses for these accounts are excluded from revenues, and related liability increases are excluded from benefits and expenses in the consolidated financial statements.

Litigation contingencies

American National reviews existing litigation matters and potential litigation items with counsel quarterly to determine if any adjustments to liabilities for possible losses are necessary. Reserves for losses are established whenever they are probable and estimable based on the best estimate of the probable loss. If no one estimate within the range of possible losses is more probable than any other, a reserve is recorded based on the lowest amount of the range.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	3. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Adoption of New Accounting Standards—The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the following accounting guidance relevant to American National:
	Amended guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of the guidance is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance requires the entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed with co-obligors to pay and any additional amounts it expects to pay on behalf of one or more co-obligors. The guidance became effective for American National on January 1, 2014 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
	Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards—The FASB issued the following accounting guidance relevant to American National:
	Guidance that allows investors to elect the use of proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, if certain conditions are met. The new guidance replaces the effective yield method and allows an investor to amortize the cost of its investment, in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits it receives, to income tax expense. The guidance requires new disclosure for all investors for all investments in qualified affordable housing projects, regardless of the accounting method used for those investments. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is to be applied retrospectively. The impact of the adoption is not expected to be material to the Company’s financial statements.
	Guidance that will supersede most existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. For those contracts which are impacted by the new guidance, the transaction price is attributed to the underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to the Company’s financial statements.

Investments_in_Securities

Investments in Securities	12 Months Ended
Investments in Securities	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Securities	4. INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
	The cost or amortized cost and fair value of investments in securities are shown below (in thousands):


			December 31, 2014
			Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair Value
			Amortized Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized
						Gains			(Losses)
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			323,053			26,800			(93	)			349,760
	Foreign governments			29,130			1,293			—				30,423
	Corporate debt securities			7,517,195			424,845			(47,315	)			7,894,725
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			336,853			22,317			(1,535	)			357,635
	Collateralized debt securities			2,232			238			—				2,470
	Other debt securities			16,587			1,313			—				17,900

	Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,225,050			476,806			(48,943	)			8,652,913

	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury and government			22,415			825			(7	)			23,233
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			802,846			36,151			(1,381	)			837,616
	Foreign governments			5,000			2,021			—				7,021
	Corporate debt securities			3,812,771			203,048			(15,770	)			4,000,049
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			40,988			1,903			(492	)			42,399
	Collateralized debt securities			10,696			863			(70	)			11,489

	Total bonds available-for-sale			4,694,716			244,811			(17,720	)			4,921,807

	Equity securities
	Common stock			719,651			774,650			(7,176	)			1,487,125
	Preferred stock			19,733			10,121			(1	)			29,853

	Total equity securities			739,384			784,771			(7,177	)			1,516,978

	Total investments in securities		$	13,659,150		$	1,506,388		$	(73,840	)		$	15,091,698



			December 31, 2013
			Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair Value
			Amortized Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized
						Gains			(Losses)
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. treasury and government		$	1,738		$	6		$	—			$	1,744
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			346,240			16,945			(529	)			362,656
	Foreign governments			29,099			2,505			—				31,604
	Corporate debt securities			7,700,559			410,232			(116,900	)			7,993,891
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			400,619			20,711			(2,647	)			418,683
	Collateralized debt securities			2,366			225			—				2,591
	Other debt securities			10,726			1,173			—				11,899

	Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,491,347			451,797			(120,076	)			8,823,068

	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury and government			21,751			725			—				22,476
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			630,199			22,118			(13,756	)			638,561
	Foreign governments			5,000			1,649			—				6,649
	Corporate debt securities			3,689,349			171,717			(54,033	)			3,807,033
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			61,135			2,940			(1,068	)			63,007
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			18,223			11,037			—				29,260
	Collateralized debt securities			13,884			1,320			(18	)			15,186
	Other debt securities			16,850			679			(28	)			17,501

	Total bonds available-for-sale			4,456,391			212,185			(68,903	)			4,599,673

Equity securities
Common stock			717,390			653,967			(2,362	)			1,368,995
Preferred stock			23,690			18,301			(378	)			41,613

Total equity securities			741,080			672,268			(2,740	)			1,410,608

Total investments in securities		$	13,688,818		$	1,336,250		$	(191,719	)		$	14,833,349


The amortized cost at fair value, by contractual maturity, of fixed maturity securities are shown below (in thousands):


		December 31, 2014
		Bonds Held-to-Maturity						Bonds Available-for-Sale
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value			Amortized Cost				Fair Value
Due in one year or less		$	954,054		$	972,392		$	342,205			$	350,721
Due after one year through five years			1,941,258			2,133,254			764,985				832,529
Due after five years through ten years			4,919,595			5,111,697			3,065,589				3,196,339
Due after ten years			404,293			430,582			516,937				537,231
Without single maturity date			5,850			4,988			5,000				4,987

Total		$	8,225,050		$	8,652,913		$	4,694,716			$	4,921,807

Actual maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, which are not due at a single maturity, have been allocated to their respective categories based on the year of final contractual maturity.
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities, with the related gross realized gains and losses, are shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		$	184,918		$	228,159		$	221,686
Gross realized gains			38,301			43,263			52,998
Gross realized losses			(3,635	)		(3,413	)		(2,009	)
All gains and losses for securities sold throughout the year were determined using specific identification of the securities sold. During 2014 and 2013, bonds with a carrying value of $44,781,000 and $13,492,000, respectively, were transferred from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale after a significant deterioration in the issuers’ creditworthiness became evident. An unrealized gain of $1,301,000 and loss of $236,000 were established at the time of the transfers in 2014 and 2013, respectively following the transfers at fair value.
In accordance with various regulations, American National had bonds on deposit with regulating authorities with a carrying value of $51,767,000 and $50,471,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, American National has pledged bonds in connection with agreements and transactions, such as financing and reinsurance agreements. The carrying value of bonds pledged was $65,331,000 and $68,125,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities
The components of the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities are shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
Bonds available-for-sale		$	83,809		$	(205,827	)	$	103,112
Equity securities			108,066			282,668			91,459

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities during the year			191,875			76,841			194,571
Adjustments for
Deferred policy acquisition costs			(14,611	)		59,893			(40,103	)
Participating policyholders’ interest			(9,046	)		(2,300	)		(6,772	)
Deferred federal income tax benefit (expense)			(58,004	)		(47,339	)		(51,691	)

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax		$	110,214		$	87,095		$	96,005

The gross unrealized losses and fair value of the investment securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are shown below (in thousands):


		December 31, 2014
		Less than 12 months						12 Months or more							Total
		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized				Fair			Unrealized			Fair
		(Losses)			Value			(Losses)				Value			(Losses)			Value
Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
U.S. states and political subdivisions		$	(37	)	$	3,388		$	(56	)		$	2,465		$	(93	)	$	5,853
Corporate debt securities			(20,575	)		523,766			(26,740	)			662,362			(47,315	)		1,186,128
Residential mortgage-backed securities			(232	)		12,186			(1,303	)			31,163			(1,535	)		43,349

Total bonds held-to-maturity			(20,844	)		539,340			(28,099	)			695,990			(48,943	)		1,235,330

Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
U.S. treasury and government			(7	)		14,552			—				—			(7	)		14,552
U.S. states and political subdivisions			(166	)		27,719			(1,215	)			78,851			(1,381	)		106,570
Corporate debt securities			(8,852	)		384,451			(6,918	)			288,808			(15,770	)		673,259
Residential mortgage-backed securities			(170	)		9,386			(322	)			14,042			(492	)		23,428
Collateralized debt securities			(63	)		2,033			(7	)			339			(70	)		2,372

Total bonds available-for-sale			(9,258	)		438,141			(8,462	)			382,040			(17,720	)		820,181

Equity securities
Common stock			(7,176	)		43,907			—				—			(7,176	)		43,907
Preferred stock			(1	)		—			—				—			(1	)		—

Total equity securities			(7,177	)		43,907			—				—			(7,177	)		43,907

Total		$	(37,279	)	$	1,021,388		$	(36,561	)		$	1,078,030		$	(73,840	)	$	2,099,418



		December 31, 2013
		Less than 12 months						12 Months or more							Total
		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized				Fair			Unrealized			Fair
		(Losses)			Value			(Losses)				Value			(Losses)			Value
Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
U.S. states and political subdivisions		$	(529	)	$	22,430		$	—			$	—		$	(529	)	$	22,430
Corporate debt securities			(104,308	)		1,916,758			(12,592	)			109,603			(116,900	)		2,026,361
Residential mortgage-backed securities			(1,718	)		31,715			(929	)			13,514			(2,647	)		45,229

Total bonds held-to-maturity			(106,555	)		1,970,903			(13,521	)			123,117			(120,076	)		2,094,020

Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
U.S. treasury and government			—			725			—				—			—			725
U.S. states and political subdivisions			(13,271	)		168,093			(485	)			2,905			(13,756	)		170,998
Corporate debt securities			(49,198	)		1,083,677			(4,835	)			92,004			(54,033	)		1,175,681
Residential mortgage-backed securities			(978	)		16,835			(90	)			1,872			(1,068	)		18,707
Collateralized debt securities			(3	)		205			(15	)			587			(18	)		792
Other debt securities			(28	)		10,027			—				—			(28	)		10,027

Total bonds available-for-sale			(63,478	)		1,279,562			(5,425	)			97,368			(68,903	)		1,376,930

Equity securities
Common stock			(2,362	)		29,978			—				—			(2,362	)		29,978
Preferred stock			(378	)		6,123			—				—			(378	)		6,123

Total equity securities			(2,740	)		36,101			—				—			(2,740	)		36,101

Total		$	(172,773	)	$	3,286,566		$	(18,946	)		$	220,485		$	(191,719	)	$	3,507,051

As of December 31, 2014, the securities with unrealized losses were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, including those with the duration of the unrealized losses exceeding one year. American National has the ability and intent to hold those securities until a market price recovery or maturity. Further, it is not more-likely-than-not that American National will be required to sell them prior to recovery, and recovery is expected in a reasonable period of time. It is possible an issuer’s financial circumstances may be different in the future, which may lead to a different impairment conclusion in future periods.
Credit Risk Management
Bonds distributed by credit quality rating, using both S&P and Moody’s ratings, are shown below:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
AAA			5	%		4.9	%
AA			12.8			11.3
A			39.4			40.7
BBB			39.5			39.2
BB and below			3.3			3.9

Total			100	%		100	%

Equity securities by market sector distribution are shown below:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
Consumer goods			20.4	%		19.8	%
Energy and utilities			13.3			15
Financials			19.1			19.3
Healthcare			14			12.7
Industrials			8.4			9
Information technology			16.2			15.7
Other			8.6			8.5

Total			100	%		100	%

Mortgage_Loans

Mortgage Loans	12 Months Ended
Mortgage Loans	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans	5. MORTGAGE LOANS

	Generally, commercial mortgage loans are secured by first liens on income-producing real estate. American National attempts to maintain a diversified portfolio by considering the property-type and location of the underlying collateral. Mortgage loans by property-type and geographic distribution are as follows:



			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Hotel and motel			10.8	%			10	%
	Industrial			20.9				24.9
	Office			36.1				34
	Retail			18.1				19.6
	Other			14.1				11.5

	Total			100	%			100	%


			December 31,
			2014				2013
	East North Central			19.4	%			19.3	%
	East South Central			5				6.8
	Mountain			11				10
	Pacific			10.8				12.3
	South Atlantic			21.9				19.6
	West South Central			24.9				26.4
	Other			7				5.6

	Total			100	%			100	%


	During 2014, American National foreclosed on no loans, and during 2013, foreclosed on one loan with a recorded investment of $5,600,000. American National sold no commercial loans in 2014, and sold one commercial loan with a recorded investment of $23,304,000 resulting in a realized gain of $115,000 in 2013.

	Credit Quality

	Commercial mortgage loans placed on nonaccrual status are shown below (in thousands):



			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Office		$	19,327			$	—
	Industrial			—				2,739

	The credit quality of the mortgage loan portfolio is assessed by evaluating the credit risk of each borrower. A loan is classified as performing or non-performing based on whether all of the contractual terms of the loan have been met.



	The age analysis of past due commercial mortgage loans is shown below (in thousands):



			30-59 Days				60-89 Days				Greater Than			Total Past						Total
			Past Due				Past Due				90 Days			Due			Current			Mortgage Loans
	December 31, 2014
	Industrial		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	702,541		$	702,541
	Office			—				—				19,327			19,327			1,201,833			1,221,160
	Retail			—				—				—			—			615,813			615,813
	Other			—				—				—			—			837,932			837,932

	Total		$	—			$	—			$	19,327		$	19,327		$	3,358,119			3,377,446

	Allowance for loan losses																				17,860

	Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance																			$	3,359,586

December 31, 2013
Industrial		$	—			$	—			$	2,739		$	2,739		$	821,741		$	824,480
Office			—				—				—			—			1,124,818			1,124,818
Retail			—				—				—			—			651,236			651,236
Other			—				—				—			—			710,889			710,889

Total		$	—			$	—			$	2,739		$	2,739		$	3,308,684		$	3,311,423

Allowance for loan losses																				12,181

Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance																			$	3,299,242


Total mortgage loans are net of unamortized discounts of $658,000 and $852,000 and unamortized origination fees of $15,659,000 and $15,709,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No unearned income is included in these amounts.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Loans not evaluated individually for collectibility are segregated by property-type and location, and allowance factors are applied. These factors are developed annually and reviewed quarterly based on our historical loss experience adjusted for the expected trend in the rate of foreclosure losses. Allowance factors are higher for loans of certain property types and in certain regions based on loss experience or a blended historical loss factor.

The change in allowance for credit losses in commercial mortgage loans is shown below (in thousands):



		Collectively				Individually
		Evaluated				Evaluated
		for Impairment				for Impairment				Total
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	10,828			$	493			$	11,321

Change Due to Factor Development			—				(2,277	)			(2,277	)
Change in allowance			691				2,277				2,968

Balance at December 31, 2012			11,519				493				12,012

Change in allowance			169				—				169

Balance at December 31, 2013			11,688				493				12,181

Change Due to Factor Development			127				—				127
Change in allowance			462				5,090				5,552

Balance at December 31, 2014		$	12,277			$	5,583			$	17,860


At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the recorded investment for loans collectively evaluated for impairment was $3,321,241,000 and $3,294,236,000, respectively, and the recorded investment for loans individually evaluated for impairment was $56,205,000 and $17,188,000, respectively.



Loans individually evaluated for impairment with and without an allowance are shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014								2013						2012
		Average				Interest				Average			Interest			Average			Interest
		Recorded				Income				Recorded			Income			Recorded			Income
		Investment				Recognized				Investment			Recognized			Investment			Recognized
With an allowance recorded
Office		$	29,371			$	2,203			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Retail			—				—				493			—			493			—

Total		$	29,371			$	2,203			$	493		$	—		$	493		$	—

Without an allowance recorded
Office		$	27,019			$	1,728			$	12,444		$	809		$	36,710		$	2,452
Industrial			2,721				146				2,773			180			—			—
Retail			—				—				1,673			103			17,329			1,129
Other			—				—				—			—			55,551			3,758

Total		$	29,740			$	1,874			$	16,890		$	1,092		$	109,590		$	7,339




		December 31,
		2014								2013
													Unpaid
		Recorded				Principal				Recorded			Principal
		Investment				Balance				Investment			Balance
With an allowance recorded
Office		$	26,563			$	31,653			$	—		$	—
Retail			—				493				493			493

Total (related allowance of $5,090 and $493)		$	26,563			$	32,146			$	493		$	493

Without an allowance recorded
Office		$	26,941			$	26,941			$	12,377		$	12,377
Industrial			2,702				2,702				2,739			2,739
Retail			—				—				1,579			1,579

Total		$	29,643			$	29,643			$	16,695		$	16,695


Troubled Debt Restructurings

American National has granted concessions to mortgage loan borrowers related to their ability to pay the loans which are classified as troubled debt restructurings. Concessions are generally one of, or a combination of, a delay in payment of principal or interest, a reduction of the contractual interest rate or an extension of the maturity date. American National considers the amount, timing and extent of concessions in determining any impairment or changes in the specific allowance for loan losses recorded in connection with a troubled debt restructuring. The carrying value after specific allowance, before and after modification in a troubled debt restructuring, may not change significantly, or may increase if the expected recovery is higher than the pre-modification recovery assessment.

The number of mortgage loans and recorded investment in troubled debt restructuring are as follows:



		Years ended December 31,
		2014											2013
		Number of				Recorded				Recorded			Number			Recorded			Recorded
		contracts				investment pre-				investment post			of contracts			investment pre-			investment post
						modification				modification						modification			modification
Industrial			—			$	—			$	—			1		$	2,739		$	2,739
Office			1				6,432				6,432			1			6,432			6,432
Retail			—				—				—			—			—			—

Total			1			$	6,432			$	6,432			2		$	9,171		$	9,171


There are no commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose loans have been modified in troubled debt restructuring, and there have been no defaults on modified loans during the periods presented.

Investment_Real_Estate

Investment Real Estate	12 Months Ended
Investment Real Estate	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Investment Real Estate	6. INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE
	Investment real estate by property-type and geographic distribution are as follows:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Industrial		13	%		12.3	%
	Office		25			23.1
	Retail		44.1			43.4
	Other		17.9			21.2

	Total		100	%		100	%


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	East North Central		4.5	%		7.8	%
	East South Central		4.6			5.4
	Mountain		9.6			6
	Pacific		7.1			5.5
	South Atlantic		12.2			13.4
	West South Central		55.6			59
	Other		6.4			2.9

	Total		100	%		100	%

	American National and its wholly-owned subsidiaries regularly invest in real estate partnerships and joint ventures. American National frequently participates in the design of these entities with the sponsor, but in most cases, its involvement is limited to financing. Through analysis performed by American National, some of these partnerships and joint ventures have been determined to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In certain instances, in addition to an economic interest in the entity, American National holds the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and is deemed the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The assets of the consolidated VIEs are restricted and must first be used to settle their liabilities. Creditors or beneficial interest holders of these VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of American National, as American National’s obligation is limited to the amount of its committed investment. American National has not provided financial or other support to the VIEs in the form of liquidity arrangements, guarantees, or other commitments to third parties that may affect the fair value or risk of its variable interest in the VIEs in 2014 or 2013.
	The assets and liabilities relating to the VIEs included in the consolidated financial statements are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Investment real estate	$	140,032		$	123,624
	Short-term investments		1			—
	Cash and cash equivalents		2,495			2,154
	Accrued investment income		683			2,197
	Other receivables		7,999			8,488
	Other assets		8,483			6,016

	Total assets of consolidated VIEs	$	159,693		$	142,479

	Notes payable	$	108,177		$	113,849
	Other liabilities		8,954			6,680

	Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs	$	117,131		$	120,529


	The notes payable in the consolidated statements of financial position pertain to the borrowings of the consolidated VIEs. The liability of American National Insurance Company relating to notes payable of the consolidated VIEs is limited to the amount of its direct or indirect investment in the respective ventures, which totaled $15,016,000 and $12,782,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The current portion of notes payable was $0 and $3,199,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total long-term portion of notes payable consists of three notes with the following interest rates: 4.0%, and adjusted LIBOR plus LIBOR margin. Of the long-term notes payable, $9,375,000 will mature in 2016, with the remainder maturing beyond 5 years.
	For other VIEs in which American National is a partner, it is not the primary beneficiary and these entities were not consolidated, as the major decisions that most significantly impact the economic activities of the VIE require unanimous consent of all partners. The following table presents the carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to unconsolidated VIEs (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014						2013
					Maximum					Maximum
		Carrying			Exposure			Carrying		Exposure
		Amount			to Loss			Amount		to Loss
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	$	157,620		$	157,620		$	195,794	$	195,794
	Mortgage loans		172,408			172,408			101,648		101,648
	Accrued investment income		721			721			454		454
	As of December 31, 2014, a real estate investment with a carrying value of $4,041,000 was classified as held for sale.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

	American National purchases over-the-counter equity-indexed options as economic hedges against fluctuations in the equity markets to which equity-indexed products are exposed. Equity-indexed contracts include a fixed host universal-life insurance or annuity contract and an equity-indexed embedded derivative. The detail of derivative instruments is shown below (in thousands, except number of instruments):



			December 31,
	Derivatives Not Designated	Location in the	2014									2013
	as Hedging Instruments	Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	Number of			Notional			Estimated			Number of		Notional		Estimated
			Instruments			Amounts			Fair Value			Instruments		Amounts		Fair Value
	Equity-indexed options	Other invested assets		436		$	1,095,300		$	189,449			394	$	951,400	$	164,753
	Equity-indexed embedded derivative	Policyholders’ account balances		42,287			961,300			208,187			33,579		819,200		148,435



	Derivatives Not Designated	Location in the	Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
	as Hedging Instruments	Consolidated Statements of Operations	Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Equity-indexed options	Net investment income	$	52,071		$	83,307		$	18,931
	Equity-indexed embedded derivative	Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances		(32,071	)		(67,177	)		(13,528	)

Net_Investment_Income_and_Real

Net Investment Income and Realized Investment Gains	12 Months Ended
Net Investment Income and Realized Investment Gains	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Net Investment Income and Realized Investment Gains	8. NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS

	Net investment income is shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Bonds	$	596,013		$	631,561		$	680,552
	Equity securities		35,324			30,668			29,085
	Mortgage loans		204,499			221,773			205,067
	Real estate		10,823			11,504			14,041
	Options		52,071			83,307			18,931
	Other invested assets		34,128			37,997			37,722

	Total	$	932,858		$	1,016,810		$	985,398


	Realized investment gains (losses) are shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Bonds	$	25,580		$	25,577		$	41,817
	Equity securities		22,089			35,322			35,047
	Mortgage loans		(5,679	)		834			(361	)
	Real estate		7,035			62,531			13,049
	Other invested assets		(963	)		(120	)		1,173

	Total	$	48,062		$	124,144		$	90,725


	Other-temporary-impairment losses are shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Bonds	$	(41	)	$	—		$	(12,658	)
	Equity securities		(6,599	)		(4,591	)		(9,859	)

	Total	$	(6,640	)	$	(4,591	)	$	(22,517	)

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

	The carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments are shown below (in thousands):



			December 31,
			2014						2013
			Carrying						Carrying
			Amount			Fair Value			Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity		$	8,225,050		$	8,652,913		$	8,491,347		$	8,823,068
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale			4,921,807			4,921,807			4,599,673			4,599,673
	Equity securities			1,516,978			1,516,978			1,410,608			1,410,608
	Equity-indexed options			189,449			189,449			164,753			164,753
	Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance			3,359,586			3,618,944			3,299,242			3,470,663
	Policy loans			405,979			405,979			397,407			397,407
	Short-term investments			431,000			431,000			495,386			495,386
	Separate account assets			1,001,515			1,001,515			970,954			970,954

	Total financial assets		$	20,051,364		$	20,738,585		$	19,829,370		$	20,332,512

	Financial liabilities
	Investment contracts		$	8,894,747		$	8,894,747		$	9,423,122		$	9,423,122
	Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts			208,187			208,187			148,435			148,435
	Notes payable			108,177			108,177			113,849			113,849
	Separate account liabilities			1,001,515			1,001,515			970,954			970,954

	Total financial liabilities		$	10,212,626		$	10,212,626		$	10,656,360		$	10,656,360


	Summary

	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability. A fair value hierarchy is used to determine fair value based on a hypothetical transaction at the measurement date from the perspective of a market participant. American National has evaluated the types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. The classification of assets or liabilities within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. The input levels are defined as follows:


	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


	Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities other than quoted prices in Level 1; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.


	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect American National’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose values are determined using pricing models and third-party evaluation, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

	Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Options—American National utilizes a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements. The estimates of fair value for most fixed maturity securities, including municipal bonds, provided by the pricing service are disclosed as Level 2 measurements as the estimates are based on observable market information rather than market quotes.



	The pricing service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Since fixed maturity securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for these securities using its proprietary pricing applications, which include available relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Additionally, an option adjusted spread model is used to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios.

	The pricing service evaluates each asset class based on relevant market information, credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. The market inputs utilized in the pricing evaluation, listed in the approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and economic events. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the asset class and the market conditions. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of inputs may change or some market inputs may not be relevant. For some securities, additional inputs may be necessary.

	American National has reviewed the inputs and methodology used and the techniques applied by the pricing service to produce quotes that represent the fair value of a specific security. The review confirms that the pricing service is utilizing information from observable transactions or a technique that represents a market participant’s assumptions. American National does not adjust quotes received from the pricing service. The pricing service utilized by American National has indicated that they will only produce an estimate of fair value if there is objectively verifiable information available.

	American National holds a small amount of private placement debt and fixed maturity securities that have characteristics that make them unsuitable for matrix pricing. For these securities, a quote from an independent broker (typically a market maker) is obtained. Due to the disclaimers on the quotes that indicate that the price is indicative only, American National includes these fair value estimates in Level 3.

	For securities priced using a quote from an independent broker, such as the equity options and certain fixed maturity securities, American National uses a market-based fair value analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from an independent broker. Price variances above a certain threshold are analyzed further to determine if any pricing issue exists. This analysis is performed quarterly.

	Equity Securities—For publicly-traded equity securities, prices are received from a nationally recognized pricing service that are based on observable market transactions, and these securities are classified as Level 1 measurements. For certain preferred stock, current market quotes in active markets are unavailable. In these instances, an estimate of fair value is received from the pricing service. The service utilizes similar methodologies to price preferred stocks as it does for fixed maturity securities. These estimates are disclosed as Level 2 measurements. American National tests the accuracy of the information provided by reference to other services regularly.

	Mortgage Loans—The fair value of mortgage loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses on a loan by loan basis by applying a discount rate to expected cash flows from future installment and balloon payments. The discount rate takes into account general market trends and specific credit risk trends for the individual loan. Factors used to arrive at the discount rate include inputs from spreads based on U.S. Treasury notes and the loan’s credit quality, region, property type, lien priority, payment type and current status.

	Embedded Derivative—The embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts is measured at fair value and is recalculated each reporting period using equity option pricing models. To validate the assumptions used to price the embedded derivative liability, American National measures and compares embedded derivative returns against the returns of equity options held to hedge the liability cash flows.

The significant unobservable input used to calculate the fair value of the embedded derivatives is equity option implied volatility. An increase in implied volatility will result in an increase in the value of the equity-indexed embedded derivatives, all other things being equal. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the one year implied volatility used to estimate embedded derivative value was 17.3% and 15.0%, respectively.



Other Financial Instruments—Other financial instruments classified as Level 3 measurements, as there is little or no market activity, are as follows:

Policy loans—The carrying value of policy loans is the outstanding balance plus any accrued interest. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans that it cannot be separated from the policy contract and the unpredictable timing of repayments and that settlement is at outstanding value, American National believes the carrying value of policy loans approximates fair value.

Investment contracts—The carrying value of investment contracts is equivalent to the accrued account balance. The accrued account balance consists of deposits, net of withdrawals, plus or minus interest credited, fees and charges assessed and other adjustments. American National believes that the carrying value of investment contracts approximates fair value because the majority of these contracts’ interest rates reset to current rates offered at anniversary.

Notes payable—Notes payable are carried at outstanding principal balance. The carrying value of the notes payable approximates fair value because the underlying interest rates approximate market rates at the balance sheet date.



Quantitative Disclosures

The fair value hierarchy measurements of the financial instruments are shown below (in thousands):



		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
U.S. states and political subdivisions		$	349,760		$	—		$	349,760		$	—
Foreign governments			30,423			—			30,423			—
Corporate debt securities			7,894,725			—			7,833,564			61,161
Residential mortgage-backed securities			357,635			—			356,670			965
Collateralized debt securities			2,470			—			—			2,470
Other debt securities			17,900			—			12,975			4,925

Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,652,913			—			8,583,392			69,521

Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
U.S. treasury and government			23,233			—			23,233			—
U.S. states and political subdivisions			837,616			—			835,106			2,510
Foreign governments			7,021			—			7,021			—
Corporate debt securities			4,000,049			—			3,941,925			58,124
Residential mortgage-backed securities			42,399			—			40,473			1,926
Collateralized debt securities			11,489			—			9,616			1,873

Total bonds available-for-sale			4,921,807			—			4,857,374			64,433

Equity securities
Common stock			1,487,125			1,487,125			—			—
Preferred stock			29,853			29,853			—			—

Total equity securities			1,516,978			1,516,978			—			—

Options			189,449			—			—			189,449
Mortgage loans on real estate			3,618,944			—			3,618,944			—
Policy loans			405,979			—			—			405,979
Short-term investments			431,000			—			431,000			—
Separate account assets			1,001,515			—			1,001,515			—

Total financial assets		$	20,738,585		$	1,516,978		$	18,492,225		$	729,382

Financial liabilities
Investment contracts		$	8,894,747		$	—		$	—		$	8,894,747
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts			208,187			—			—			208,187
Notes payable			108,177			—			—			108,177
Separate account liabilities			1,001,515			—			1,001,515			—

Total financial liabilities		$	10,212,626		$	—		$	1,001,515		$	9,211,111




		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
U.S. treasury and government		$	1,743		$	—		$	1,743		$	—
U.S. states and political subdivisions			362,657			—			362,657			—
Foreign governments			31,605			—			31,605			—
Corporate debt securities			7,993,891			—			7,950,418			43,473
Residential mortgage-backed securities			418,682			—			417,687			995
Collateralized debt securities			2,591			—			—			2,591
Other debt securities			11,899			—			11,899			—

Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,823,068			—			8,776,009			47,059

Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
U.S. treasury and government			22,477			—			22,477			—
U.S. states and political subdivisions			638,560			—			636,040			2,520
Foreign governments			6,649			—			6,649			—
Corporate debt securities			3,807,033			—			3,794,809			12,224
Residential mortgage-backed securities			63,007			—			60,841			2,166
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			29,260			—			—			29,260
Collateralized debt securities			15,186			—			13,052			2,134
Other debt securities			17,501			—			17,501			—

Total bonds available-for-sale			4,599,673			—			4,551,369			48,304

Equity securities
Common stock			1,368,995			1,368,995			—			—
Preferred stock			41,613			41,613			—			—

Total equity securities			1,410,608			1,410,608			—			—

Options			164,753			—			—			164,753
Mortgage loans on real estate			3,470,663			—			3,470,663			—
Policy loans			397,407			—			—			397,407
Short-term investments			495,386			—			495,386			—
Separate account assets			970,954			—			970,954			—

Total financial assets		$	20,332,512		$	1,410,608		$	18,264,381		$	657,523

Financial liabilities
Investment contracts		$	9,423,122		$	—		$	—		$	9,423,122
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts			148,435			—			—			148,435
Notes payable			113,849			—			—			113,849
Separate account liabilities			970,954			—			970,954			—

Total financial liabilities		$	10,656,360		$	—		$	970,954		$	9,685,406




For financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the period, a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances is shown below (in thousands):



		Assets						Liability
					Equity-
		Investment			Indexed			Embedded
		Securities			Options			Derivative
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	15,815		$	65,188		$	63,275

Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses
included in other comprehensive income			24,267			—			—
Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses			(11,485	)		—			—
Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income			—			12,372			—
Net change included in interest credited			—			—			13,528
Purchases, sales and settlements or maturities
Purchases			32,141			14,684			—
Sales			—			—			—
Settlements or maturities			(1,795	)		(9,619	)		—
Premiums less benefits			—			—			(1,771	)
Transfers from held to maturity			13,118
Gross transfers into Level 3			34,975			—			—

Balance at December 31, 2012			107,036			82,625			75,032

Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses included in other comprehensive income			9,355			—			—
Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses			1,082			—			—
Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income			—			76,268			—
Net change included in interest credited			—			—			67,177
Purchases, sales and settlements or maturities
Purchases			2,153			15,906			—
Sales			(10,452	)		—			—
Settlements or maturities			(7,268	)		(10,046	)		—
Premiums less benefits			—			—			6,226
Gross transfers out of Level 3			(53,602	)		—			—

Balance at December 31, 2013			48,304			164,753			148,435

Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses included in other comprehensive income			(11,746	)		—			—
Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses			13,056			—			—
Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income			—			44,492			—
Net change included in interest credited			—			—			32,071
Purchases, sales and settlements or maturities
Purchases			—			16,844			—
Sales			(37,803	)		—			—
Settlements or maturities			(10	)		(36,640	)		—
Premiums less benefits			—			—			27,681
Gross transfers into Level 3			54,241			—			—
Gross transfers out of Level 3			(1,609	)		—			—

Balance at December 31, 2014		$	64,433		$	189,449		$	208,187


Within the net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income were an unrealized gain/loss of $24,108,000, $72,071,000 and of $8,710,000 relating to assets still held at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value hierarchies. The transfers into Level 3 were the result of existing securities no longer being priced by the third-party pricing service at the end of the period. American National’s valuation of these securities involves judgment regarding assumptions market participants would use including quotes from independent brokers. The transfers out of Level 3 were securities being priced by a third-party service at the end of the period, using inputs that are observable or derived from market data, which resulted in classification of these assets as Level 2.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	10. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
	Deferred policy acquisition costs are shown below (in thousands):


								Accident			Property &
		Life			Annuity			& Health			Casualty			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	651,580		$	463,036		$	55,096		$	150,981		$	1,320,693

	Additions		80,877			68,799			11,018			215,281			375,975
	Amortization		(73,710	)		(90,523	)		(16,908	)		(227,749	)		(408,890	)
	Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		(5,331	)		(34,772	)		—			—			(40,103	)

	Net change		1,836			(56,496	)		(5,890	)		(12,468	)		(73,018	)

	Balance at December 31, 2012		653,416			406,540			49,206			138,513			1,247,675

	Additions		107,410			49,397			13,263			208,889			378,959
	Amortization		(82,658	)		(85,756	)		(15,249	)		(225,131	)		(408,794	)
	Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		5,916			53,977			—			—			59,893

	Net change		30,668			17,618			(1,986	)		(16,242	)		30,058

	Balance at December 31, 2013		684,084			424,158			47,220			122,271			1,277,733

	Additions		110,195			47,400			19,530			213,237			390,362
	Amortization		(78,181	)		(79,135	)		(18,966	)		(223,658	)		(399,940	)
	Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		(4,629	)		(9,982	)		—			—			(14,611	)

	Net change		27,385			(41,717	)		564			(10,421	)		(24,189	)

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	711,469		$	382,441		$	47,784		$	111,850		$	1,253,544

	Commissions comprise the majority of the additions to deferred policy acquisition costs for each year.

Liability_for_Future_Policy_Be

Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Account Balances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Account Balances	11. LIABILITY FOR FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS AND POLICYHOLDER ACCOUNT BALANCES
	American National establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance and annuity policies. Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time and related liabilities are calculated as the present value of expected benefit payments reduced by the present value of expected premiums. Such liabilities are established on a block of business based on methods and underlying assumptions in accordance with GAAP and applicable actuarial standards. Principal assumptions used in the establishment of liabilities for future policy benefits are mortality, morbidity, policy lapse, renewal, retirement, disability incidence, disability termination, investment return, inflation, expenses, and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product type.
	Future policy benefits for non-participating traditional life insurance are equal to the aggregate of the present value of expected benefit payments and related expenses less the present value of expected net premiums. Assumptions as to mortality and persistency are based upon American National’s experience when the basis of the liability is established. Interest rates for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities range from 3.0% to 8.0%.
	Future policy benefit liabilities for participating traditional life insurance are equal to the aggregate of (i) net level premium reserves for death and endowment policy benefits (calculated based upon the non-forfeiture interest rate, ranging from 2.5% to 5.5%) and mortality rates guaranteed in calculating the cash surrender values described in such contracts; and (ii) the liability for terminal dividends.
	Future policy benefit liabilities for individual fixed deferred annuities after annuitization and single premium immediate annuities are equal to the present value of expected future payments. The interest rate used in establishing such liabilities range from 3.0% to 5.6% for all policies in-force.
	Future policy benefit liabilities for non-medical health insurance are calculated using the net level premium method and assumptions as to future morbidity, withdrawals and interest, which provide a margin for adverse deviation. Interest rates used in establishing such liabilities range from 3.5% to 8.0%.

	Future policy benefit liabilities for disabled lives are estimated using the present value of benefits method and experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest. Interest rates used in establishing such liabilities range from 3.0% to 4.5%.
	Liabilities for universal life secondary guarantees and paid-up guarantees are determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits payable when the account balance is projected to be zero and recognizing those benefits ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. American National regularly evaluates estimates used and adjusts the additional liability balances with a related charge or credit to benefit expense, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised. The assumptions used in estimating the secondary and paid-up guarantee liabilities are consistent with those used for amortizing DAC, and are thus subject to the same variability and risk. The assumptions of investment performance and volatility for variable products are consistent with historical Standard & Poor’s experience. The benefits used in calculating the liabilities are based on the average benefits payable over a range of scenarios.
	American National periodically reviews its estimates of actuarial liabilities for future policy benefits and compares them with its actual experience. Differences between actual experience and the assumptions used in pricing these policies, guarantees and riders and in the establishment of the related liabilities result in variances in profit and could result in losses. The effects of changes in such estimated liabilities are included in the results of operations in the period in which the changes occur.
	Policyholder account balances relate to investment-type contracts and universal life-type policies. Investment-type contracts principally include traditional individual fixed annuities in the accumulation phase and non-variable group annuity contracts. Policyholder account balances are equal to (i) policy account values, which consist of an accumulation of gross premium payments; (ii) credited interest, ranging from 1.0% to 8.0% (some annuities have enhanced first year crediting rates ranging from 1.0% to 7.0%), less expenses, mortality charges, and withdrawals; and (iii) fair value adjustments.

Liability_for_Unpaid_Claims_an

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	12 Months Ended
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	12. LIABILITY FOR UNPAID CLAIMS AND CLAIM ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
	The liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses (“claims”) for accident and health, and property and casualty insurance is included in the “Policy and contract claims” in the consolidated statements of financial position and represents the amount estimated for claims that have been reported but not settled and IBNR claims. Liability for unpaid claims are estimated based upon American National’s historical experience and actuarial assumptions that consider the effects of current developments, anticipated trends and risk management programs, reduced for anticipated salvage and subrogation. The effects of the changes are included in the consolidated results of operations in the period in which the changes occur.
	Information regarding the liability for unpaid claims is shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unpaid claims balance, beginning	$	1,096,301		$	1,168,047		$	1,180,259
	Less reinsurance recoverables		215,164			256,885			235,174

	Net beginning balance		881,137			911,162			945,085

	Incurred related to
	Current		940,466			938,620			1,001,915
	Prior years		(44,806	)		(46,872	)		(48,688	)

	Total incurred claims		895,660			891,748			953,227

	Paid claims related to
	Current		561,887			578,831			620,739
	Prior years		328,422			342,942			366,411

	Total paid claims		890,309			921,773			987,150

	Net balance		886,488			881,137			911,162
	Plus reinsurance recoverables		245,906			215,164			256,885

	Unpaid claims balance, ending	$	1,132,394		$	1,096,301		$	1,168,047


	The net and gross reserve calculations have shown favorable development for the last several years as a result of favorable loss emergence compared to what was implied by the loss development patterns used in the original estimation of losses in prior years. Estimates for ultimate incurred claims attributable to insured events of prior years decreased by approximately $44,806,000 in 2014, $46,872,000 in 2013, and $48,688,000 in 2012.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
Reinsurance	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	13. REINSURANCE
	American National reinsures portions of certain life insurance policies to provide a greater diversification of risk and manage exposure on larger risks. For the issue ages zero to 65, the maximum amount that would be retained by one life insurance company (American National) would be $1,500,000 individual life, $250,000 individual accidental death, $100,000 group life, and $125,000 credit life (total $1,975,000). If individual, group and credit insurance were all in force at the same time, the maximum risk on any one life could be $3,225,000. For the issue ages 66 and over, the maximum amount that would be retained by one life insurance company (American National) would be $700,000 individual life, $250,000 individual accidental death, $100,000 group life, and $125,000 credit life (total $1,175,000). If individual, group and credit insurance were all in force at the same time, the maximum risk on any one life could be $2,425,000.
	For the Property and Casualty segment, American National retains the first $1,000,000 of loss per risk. Reinsurance then covers the next $5,000,000 of property and liability losses per risk. For 2014, additional excess property per risk coverage was purchased to cover risks up to $15,000,000, and excess casualty clash coverage was purchased to cover losses up to $50,000,000. For 2015, the additional excess property per risk coverage was extended to cover risks up to $20,000,000, and the excess casualty clash coverage was extended to cover losses up to $60,000,000. Excess casualty clash covers losses incurred as a result of one casualty event involving multiple policies, excess policy limits, and extra contractual obligations. Facultative reinsurance cover is purchased for individual risks attaching at $20,000,000, as needed. Corporate catastrophe coverage is also in place for losses up to a $500,000,000 event. Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage is also purchased. This coverage is provided by two contracts. The first contract provides for $30,000,000 of coverage after $90,000,000 of aggregated catastrophe losses has been reached. The first $10,000,000 of each catastrophe loss contributes to the $90,000,000 aggregation of losses. This catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage was placed at 95% for 2014 and increased to 97.5% for 2015. The second aggregate contract is a new Stretch & Aggregate cover. It consists of a $35,000,000 annual limit available either wholly or in part across two layers. The first layer is 8.75% of $400,000,000 excess of $100,000,000 on an occurrence basis. The second layer provides aggregate protection. Subject loss is $35,000,000 excess of $5,000,000 of each catastrophe. Recoveries follow satisfaction of a $45,000,000 annual aggregate deductible. At the beginning of 2014, the Stretch & Aggregate cover was placed at 71.43% for losses occurring during 2014. This cover was commuted effective July 1, 2014 and replaced at 100% for losses occurring from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.
	American National remains primarily liable with respect to any reinsurance ceded, and would bear the entire loss if the reinsurer were to be unable to meet their obligations under any reinsurance treaties. American National had amounts recoverable from reinsurers of $428,654,000 and $414,743,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. None of the amount outstanding at December 31, 2014 is the subject of litigation or is in dispute with the reinsurers involved. Management believes the unfavorable resolution of any dispute that may arise would not have a material impact on American National’s consolidated financial statements.
	The amounts in the consolidated financial statements include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the effect of reinsurance is shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Direct premiums	$	2,049,447		$	1,970,400		$	1,971,078
	Reinsurance premiums assumed from other companies		227,076			189,067			159,518
	Reinsurance premiums ceded to other companies		(460,552	)		(423,941	)		(426,423	)

	Net premiums	$	1,815,971		$	1,735,526		$	1,704,173


	Life insurance in-force and related reinsurance amounts are shown below (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Direct life insurance in-force	$	85,570,057		$	80,038,270		$	72,884,984
	Reinsurance risks assumed from other companies		6,007			32,019			103,576
	Reinsurance risks ceded to other companies		(30,007,131	)		(30,577,123	)		(30,477,364	)

	Net life insurance in-force	$	55,568,933		$	49,493,166		$	42,511,196

Federal_Income_Taxes

Federal Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Federal Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal Income Taxes	14. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
	A reconciliation of the effective tax rate to the statutory federal tax rate is shown below (in thousands, except percentages):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate
	Income tax on pre-tax income	$	115,061			35	%	$	126,865			35	%	$	95,111			35	%
	Tax-exempt investment income		(6,680	)		(2.0	)		(6,366	)		(1.8	)		(7,364	)		(2.7	)
	Dividend exclusion		(7,620	)		(2.3	)		(6,928	)		(1.9	)		(6,323	)		(2.3	)
	Miscellaneous tax credits, net		(7,888	)		(2.4	)		(7,757	)		(2.1	)		(8,106	)		(3.0	)
	Other items, net		(842	)		(0.3	)		(6,173	)		(1.7	)		2,264			0.8

	Total	$	92,031			28	%	$	99,641			27.5	%	$	75,582			27.8	%

	American National made payments of $61,821,000, $73,993,000 and $46,939,000 during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities are shown below (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
	Marketable securities, principally due to impairment losses	$	58,375		$	70,816
	Investment in bonds, principally due to differences between GAAP and tax basis		1,897			—
	Investment in real estate and other invested assets, principally due to investment valuation allowances		12,280			7,888
	Policyholder funds, principally due to policy reserve discount		205,821			206,775
	Policyholder funds, principally due to unearned premium reserve		32,153			30,871
	Participating policyholders’ surplus		46,672			42,701
	Pension		73,604			59,174
	Commissions and other expenses		6,998			8,024
	Tax carryforwards		1,651			10,843

	Gross deferred tax assets		439,451			437,092

	DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
	Marketable securities, principally due to net unrealized gains		361,352			284,503
	Investment in bonds, principally due to differences between GAAP and tax basis		—			5,249
	Deferred policy acquisition costs, due to difference between GAAP and tax amortization methods		331,274			326,855
	Property, plant and equipment, principally due to difference between
	GAAP and tax depreciation methods		16,995			17,262
	Other Liabilities		19,942			23,651

	Gross deferred tax liabilities		729,563			657,520

	Total net deferred tax	$	(290,112	)	$	(220,428	)


	Management believes that a sufficient level of taxable income will be achieved over time to utilize the deferred tax assets in the consolidated federal tax return; therefore, no valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. However, if not utilized beforehand, approximately $1,651,000 in ordinary loss tax carryforwards will expire on December 31, 2033.
	The statute of limitations for the examination of federal income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service for years 2006 to 2009 has been extended. In the opinion of management, all prior year deficiencies have been paid or adequate provisions have been made for any tax deficiencies that may be upheld. No provision for penalties was established, and no interest expense was incurred for 2014 or 2013, relating to uncertain tax positions. Management does not believe there are any uncertain tax benefits that could be recognized within the next twelve months that would decrease American National’s effective tax rate.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	The components of and changes in the accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), and the related tax effects, are shown below (in thousands):



		Net Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			AOCI
		Gains/(Losses)			Benefit			Currency
		on Securities			Pension Plan			Adjustments
					Adjustments
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	274,837		$	(115,485	)	$	51		$	159,403

	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (net of tax benefit $11,700 and expense $5,572)		(21,718	)		10,349			—			(11,369	)
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period (net of tax expense $79,796)		148,193									148,193
	Unrealized adjustment to DAC (net of tax benefit $14,035)		(26,068	)								(26,068	)
	Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders’ interest (net of tax benefit $2,370)		(4,402	)								(4,402	)
	Actuarial loss arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $12,851)					(23,867	)					(23,867	)
	Foreign currency adjustment (net of tax expense $65)								120			120

	Balance at December 31, 2012		370,842			(129,003	)		171			242,010

	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (net of tax benefit $14,757 and expense $6,204)		(27,407	)		11,522			—			(15,885	)
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period (net of tax expense $41,970)		77,035									77,035
	Unrealized adjustment to DAC (net of tax expense $20,931)		38,962									38,962
	Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders’ interest (net of tax benefit $805)		(1,495	)								(1,495	)
	Actuarial gain arising during the period (net of tax expense of $39,630)					73,597						73,597
	Foreign currency adjustment (net of tax benefit $276)								(512	)		(512	)

	Balance at December 31, 2013		457,937			(43,884	)		(341	)		413,712

	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (net of tax benefit $12,379 and expense $1,547)		(22,990	)		2,873			—			(20,117	)
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period (net of tax expense $79,535)		147,709									147,709
	Unrealized adjustment to DAC (net of tax benefit $5,986)		(8,625	)								(8,625	)
	Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders’ interest (net of tax benefit $3,166)		(5,880	)								(5,880	)
	Actuarial loss arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $18,880)					(35,063	)					(35,063	)
	Foreign currency adjustment (net of tax benefit $514)								(954	)		(954	)

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	568,151		$	(76,074	)	$	(1,295	)	$	490,782

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	16. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

	American National has one class of common stock with a par value of $1.00 per share and 50,000,000 authorized shares. The amounts outstanding at the dates indicated are shown below:



			Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Common stock
	Shares issued			30,832,449				30,832,449				30,832,449
	Treasury shares			(3,960,507	)			(3,937,261	)			(3,995,785	)

	Outstanding shares			26,871,942				26,895,188				26,836,664
	Restricted shares			(142,667	)			(190,667	)			(185,334	)

	Unrestricted outstanding shares			26,729,275				26,704,521				26,651,330


	Stock-based compensation

	American National has one stock-based compensation plan, which allows for grants of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”), Restricted Stock (“RS”) Awards, Restricted Stock Units (“RSU”), Performance Awards, Incentive Awards or any combination thereof. This plan is administered by the American National Board Compensation Committee. The Board Compensation Committee makes incentive awards under this plan to our executives after meeting established performance objectives. All awards are subject to review and approval by the committee and the Board of Directors, both at the time of setting applicable performance objectives and at the time of payment of the awards. The number of shares available for grants under the plan cannot exceed 2,900,000 shares, and no more than 200,000 shares may be granted to any one individual in any calendar year. Grants are made to certain officers and directors as compensation and to align their interests with those of other shareholders.

	SAR, RS and RSU information for the periods indicated is shown below:



			SAR								RS Shares					RS Units
							Weighted-							Weighted-Average					Weighted-
							Average Grant							Grant Date Fair					Average Grant
			Shares				Date Fair Value				Shares			Value		Units			Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			126,769			$	110.08				261,334		$	102.98		69,566		$	83.56
	Granted			—				—				—			—		75,355			71.69
	Exercised			(200	)			66.76				(76,000	)		88		(17,380	)		94.47
	Forfeited			(3,510	)			114.02				—			—		(482	)		74.85
	Expired			(14,108	)			100.14				—			—		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			108,951				111.31				185,334			109.13		127,059			75.06

	Granted			—				—				10,000			80.05		71,084			80.05
	Exercised			(19,849	)			103.61				(4,667	)		111.6		(76,378	)		77.04
	Forfeited			(334	)			96.53				—			—		(396	)		77.2
	Expired			(14,333	)			107.93				—			—		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			74,435				114.08				190,667			107.54		121,369			76.23

	Granted			—				—				—			—		66,383			113.49
	Exercised			(3,226	)			95.54				(48,000	)		108		(59,438	)		76.53
	Forfeited			—				—				—			—		(100	)		113.49
	Expired			(16,279	)			115.11				—			—		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			54,930				114.86				142,667			107.39		128,214			95.82




			SAR				RS Shares				RS Units
	Weighted-average contractual remaining life (in years)			1.78				4.02				1.78
	Exercisable shares			54,747				N/A				—
	Weighted-average exercise price		$	114.86			$	107.39			$	95.82
	Weighted-average exercise price exercisable shares			114.88				N/A				N/A
	Compensation expense (credits)
	Year ended December 31, 2014		$	(23,000	)		$	2,963,000			$	7,710,000
	Year ended December 31, 2013		$	374,000			$	2,219,000			$	12,342,000
	Year ended December 31, 2012			(6,000	)			2,418,000				7,752,000
Fair value of liability award
31-Dec-14			167,000				N/A				16,301,000
31-Dec-13			376,000				N/A				15,018,000

The SARs give the holder the right to cash compensation based on the difference between the stock price on the grant date and the stock price on the exercise date. The SARs vest at a rate of 20% per year for five years and expire five years after vesting.

Effective December 31, 2012, the settlement provision within outstanding RSU awards was modified to allow the recipient of the awards to settle the vested RSUs in either cash or American National’s common stock. This change in the settlement provision is expected to apply to all future issuance of RSU awards. Prior to the modification, vested RSUs were converted to American National’s common stock on a one-for-one basis. This modification changes the award classification from an equity to a liability award. At the date of modification, American National recorded a liability of $7,974,000 with a corresponding reduction in additional paid-in capital. The liability will be re-measured and adjusted for changes in the fair value each reporting period through the vesting date. RSUs generally vest after a three-year graded vesting requirement. Certain awards vest over a shorter period as a result of retirement provisions. The modification, which was applied consistently to all participants, resulted in an incremental cost of $5,691,000 and $5,232,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

RS Awards entitle the participant to full dividend and voting rights. Each award has the value of one share of restricted stock and vests 10 years from the grant date. Unvested shares are restricted as to disposition, and are subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. The restrictions on these awards lapse after 10 years, and these awards feature a graded vesting schedule in the case of the retirement of an award holder. Restricted stock for 350,334 shares has been granted at an exercise price of zero, of which 142,667 shares are unvested.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share were calculated using a weighted average number of shares outstanding. The Restricted Stock awards and units resulted in diluted earnings per share as follows (in thousands, except share-related data):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Weighted average shares outstanding			26,802,841				26,791,900				26,714,865
Incremental shares from RS awards and RSUs			115,829				122,691				148,809

Total shares for diluted calculations			26,918,670				26,914,591				26,863,674

Net income attributable to American National		$	247,193			$	268,372			$	191,041
Basic earnings per share		$	9.22			$	10.02			$	7.15
Diluted earnings per share			9.18				9.97				7.11



Statutory Capital and Surplus

Risk Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements are measures insurance regulators use to evaluate the capital adequacy of American National Insurance Company and its insurance subsidiaries. RBC is calculated using formulas applied to certain financial balances and activities that consider, among other things, risks related to the type and quality of the invested assets, insurance risks associated with an insurer’s products and liabilities, interest rate risks and general business risks. Insurance companies that do not maintain capital and surplus at a level at least 200% of the authorized control level RBC are required to take certain actions. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, American National Insurance Company’s statutory capital and surplus was $2,879,154,000 and $2,667,858,000, respectively. Additionally, each of the insurance subsidiaries had statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2014 and 2013, substantially above each individual subsidiary’s authorized control level RBC.

American National’s insurance subsidiaries prepare statutory-basis financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance department of the state of domicile which include certain components of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles (“NAIC Codification”). NAIC Codification is intended to standardize regulatory accounting and reporting to state insurance departments. However, statutory accounting practices continue to be established by individual state laws and permitted practices. Modifications by the various state insurance departments may impact the statutory capital and surplus of American National Insurance Company and its insurance subsidiaries.

Statutory accounting differs from GAAP primarily by charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred, establishing future policy benefit liabilities using different actuarial assumptions, and valuing securities on a different basis. In addition, certain assets are not admitted under statutory accounting principles and are charged directly to surplus.

One of American National’s insurance subsidiaries has been granted a permitted practice from the Missouri Department of Insurance to record as the valuation of its investment in a wholly-owned subsidiary that is the attorney-in-fact for a Texas domiciled insurer, the statutory capital and surplus of the Texas domiciled insurer. This permitted practice increases the statutory capital and surplus of both American National Insurance Company and the Missouri domiciled insurance subsidiary by $62,807,000 and $58,207,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, the statutory capital and surplus of both American National Insurance Company and the Missouri domiciled insurance subsidiary would have remained substantially above the company action level RBC had it not used the permitted practice.

The statutory capital and surplus and net income (loss) of our life and property and casualty insurance entities in accordance with statutory accounting practices are shown below (in thousands):



		December 31,
		2014				2013
Statutory capital and surplus
Life insurance entities		$	1,904,128			$	1,771,999
Property and casualty insurance entities			984,155				904,557



		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Statutory net income
Life insurance entities		$	169,823			$	191,932			$	233,621
Property and casualty insurance entities			73,076				61,737				43,449



Dividends

American National Insurance Company’s payment of dividends to stockholders is restricted by statutory regulations. The restrictions require life insurance companies to maintain minimum amounts of capital and surplus, and in the absence of special approval, limit the payment of dividends to the greater of prior year statutory net income from operations on an annual, non-cumulative basis, or 10% of prior year statutory surplus. Under Texas insurance law, American National Insurance Company is permitted to pay total dividends of $287,915,000 during 2015, without prior approval of the Texas Department of Insurance. Similar restrictions on amounts that can transfer in the form of dividends, loans, or advances to American National Insurance Company apply to its insurance subsidiaries.

Noncontrolling interests

American National County Mutual Insurance Company (“County Mutual”) is a mutual insurance company that is owned by its policyholders. American National has a management agreement that effectively gives it control of County Mutual. As a result, County Mutual is included in the consolidated financial statements of American National. Policyholder interests in the financial position of County Mutual are reflected as noncontrolling interest of $6,750,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

American National Insurance Company and its subsidiaries exercise significant control or ownership of various joint ventures, resulting in their consolidation into American National’s consolidated financial statements. The interests of the other partners in the consolidated joint ventures are shown as noncontrolling interests of $5,634,000 and $6,007,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During 2012, American National increased its ownership interest with a consolidated joint venture. The effect of the change in ownership interest of American National is shown below (in thousands):



		December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Net income attributable to American National		$	247,193			$	268,372			$	191,041

Decrease in American National’s paid-in capital for purchase of additional interest			—				—				(1,892	)

Net transfers to noncontrolling interest			—				—				(1,892	)
Change from net income attributable to American National and transfers to noncontrolling interest		$	247,193			$	268,372			$	189,149

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

	Management organizes the business into five operating segments:


		•		Life—markets whole, term, universal, indexed and variable life insurance on a national basis primarily through career and multiple-line agents, as well as independent agents and direct marketing channels.


		•		Annuity—offers fixed, indexed, and variable annuity products. These products are primarily sold through independent agents, brokers, and financial institutions, along with multiple-line and career agents.


		•		Health—primary lines of business are Medicare supplement, stop loss, other supplemental health products and credit disability insurance. Health products are typically distributed through independent agents and managing general underwriters.


		•		Property and Casualty—writes personal, agricultural and commercial coverages and credit-related property insurance. These products are primarily sold through multiple-line and independent agents.


		•		Corporate and Other—consists of net investment income from investments not allocated to the insurance segments and revenues from non-insurance operations.

	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. All revenue and expense amounts specifically attributable to policy transactions are recorded directly to the appropriate operating segment. Revenues and expenses not specifically attributable to policy transactions are allocated to each segment as follows:


		•		Recurring income from bonds and mortgage loans is allocated based on the assets allocated to each line of business at the average yield available from these assets.


		•		Net investment income from all other assets is allocated to the insurance segments in accordance with the amount of capital allocated to each segment, with the remainder recorded in the Corporate and Other business segment.


		•		Expenses are allocated based upon various factors, including premium and commission ratios within the respective operating segments.

	The following summarizes results of operations by operating segments (in thousands):



			Years ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations before federal income taxes, and equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated affiliates
	Life		$	43,352	$	19,627	$	34,251
	Annuity			95,736		95,887		96,501
	Health			25,559		25,255		18,046
	Property and casualty			89,632		74,068		45,425
	Corporate and other			74,467		147,633		77,522

	Total		$	328,746	$	362,470	$	271,745

	Total Assets
	Life		$	5,573,882	$	5,375,602	$	5,130,612
	Annuity			10,766,619		11,104,180		11,802,579
	Health			526,344		500,475		498,510
	Property and casualty			2,000,494		2,127,525		2,220,898
	Corporate and other			4,684,697		4,217,101		3,454,475

	Total		$	23,552,036	$	23,324,883	$	23,107,074

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben

Pension and Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Benefits	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Postretirement Benefits	18. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

	Pension benefits

	On October 31, 2013, American National adopted certain amendments to freeze all of its remaining unfrozen defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2013. Prior to the plan amendments, American National had a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering virtually all employees and two non-qualified defined benefit pension plans covering executives. Effective December 31, 2013, no additional benefits accrued through these plans for additional years of service credit or future salary increase credit, and no new participants were added to the plans. Benefits earned by eligible employees prior to the effective date of the plan amendments have not been affected. The plan amendments did not result in any curtailment gain or loss.

	The tax-qualified plan has three separate noncontributory programs. One of the programs covers Career Sales and Service Division agents and managers. The other two programs cover salaried and management employees and corporate clerical employees subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The program covering salaried and management employees provides pension benefits that are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation during the five years before retirement. The programs covering hourly employees and agents generally provide benefits that are based on the employee’s career average earnings and years of service. The three non-tax-qualified pension plans cover key executive employees and restore benefits that would otherwise be curtailed by statutory limits on qualified plan benefits. In addition, American National also has one frozen, tax-qualified, defined-benefit pension plan covering employees of the Farm Family companies hired prior to January 1, 1997. Effective January 1, 1997, benefits through this plan were frozen, and no new participants have been added.

	Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position consist of (in thousands):



			2014				2013
	Reconciliation of benefit obligation
	Obligation at January 1,		$	458,270			$	535,313
	Service cost benefits earned during period			111				19,873
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation			20,612				20,277
	Plan amendments			—				(36,001	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss			61,906				(53,371	)
	Benefits paid			(27,748	)			(27,821	)

	Obligation at December 31,			513,151				458,270

	Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at January 1,			302,467				276,014
	Actual return on plan assets			28,363				44,209
	Employer contributions			21,097				10,065
	Benefits paid			(27,748	)			(27,821	)

	Fair value of plan assets at December 31,			324,179				302,467

	Funded status at December 31,		$	(188,972	)		$	(155,803	)


	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the defined benefit pension plans are shown below (in thousands):



			Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Service cost		$	111			$	19,873			$	17,596
	Interest cost			20,612				20,277				20,579
	Expected return on plan assets			(20,402	)			(20,354	)			(18,499	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss			4,421				17,726				15,921

	Net periodic benefit cost		$	4,742			$	37,522			$	35,597




	Amounts related to the defined benefit pension plans recognized as a component of OCI are shown below (in thousands):



			Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Actuarial gain (loss)		$	(49,523	)		$	130,953			$	(20,797	)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)			17,333				(45,834	)			7,279

	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		$	(32,190	)		$	85,119			$	(13,518	)


	The estimated actuarial loss for the plan that will be amortized out of AOCI into the net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $9,460,000. Amounts recognized as a component of AOCI that have not been recognized as a component of the combined net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit pension plans, are shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013
Net actuarial loss		$	(117,036	)		$	(67,513	)
Deferred tax benefit			40,962				23,629

Amounts included in AOCI		$	(76,074	)		$	(43,884	)


The weighted average assumptions used are shown below:



		Used for Net Benefit				Used for Benefit
		Cost in Fiscal Year				Obligations
		1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014				as of 12/31/2014
Discount rate			4.6	%			3.7	%
Rate of compensation increase			0				0
Long-term rate of return			7.45				7.45

American National’s funding policy for the qualified pension plans is to make annual contributions to meet the minimum funding standards of ERISA. The unfunded plans will be funded out of general corporate assets when necessary. American National contributed $21,097,000, $10,065,000, and $48,531,000 to the qualified pension plan in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. American National and its affiliates expect to contribute $10,100,000 to its qualified pension plan in 2015.

The following table shows pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, that are expected to be paid (in thousands):



2015			29,660
2016			38,201
2017			30,339
2018			32,562
2019			29,735
2020-2022			162,306



American National utilizes third-party pricing services to estimate fair value measurements of its pension plan assets. Refer to Note 9 for further information concerning the valuation methodologies and related inputs utilized by the third-party pricing services. The fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category are shown below (in thousands):



		December 31, 2014
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Asset Category
Corporate debt securities		$	53,768			$	—			$	53,768			$	—
Residential mortgage-backed securities			887				—				887				—
Mutual fund			9,591				9,591				—				—
Equity securities by sector
Consumer goods			51,586				51,586				—				—
Energy and utilities			32,287				32,287				—				—
Financials			43,186				43,186				—				—
Healthcare			28,256				28,256				—				—
Industrials			16,145				16,145				—				—
Information technology			30,157				30,157				—				—
Other			31,094				31,094				—				—
Commercial paper			21,053				—				21,053				—
Unallocated group annuity contract			6,053				—				6,053				—
Other			116				28				88				—

Total		$	324,179			$	242,330			$	81,849			$	—


The investment policy for the retirement plan assets is designed to provide the highest return possible commensurate with sound and prudent underwriting practices. The investment diversification goals are to have investments in cash and cash equivalents as necessary for liquidity, debt securities up to 100% and equity securities up to 60% of the total invested plan assets. The amount invested in any particular investment is limited based on credit quality, and no single investment may at the time of purchase be more than 5% of the total invested assets.

The corporate debt securities category are investment grade bonds of U.S and foreign issuers denominated and payable in U.S. dollars from diverse industries, with a maturity of 1 to 30 years. Foreign bonds in the aggregate shall not exceed 20% of the bond portfolio. Residential mortgage-backed securities represent asset-backed securities with a maturity date 1 to 30 years with a rating of NAIC 1 or 2.

Equity portfolio managers have discretion to choose the degree of concentration in various issues and industry sectors for the equity securities. Permitted securities are those for which there is an active market providing liquidity for the specific security.

Commercial paper investments generally have a credit rating of A-2 Moody’s or P-2 by Standard & Poor’s with at least BBB rating on the issuer’s outstanding debt, or selected issuers with no outstanding debt.

Postretirement life and health benefits

American National provides certain health and dental benefits to a closed block of retirees and their dependents who met certain age and length of service requirements as of December 31, 1993. The primary retiree health benefit plan provides Medicare Supplemental and prescription drug benefits. The plan is contributory, with American National’s contribution limited to $40 per month for retirees and spouses with any additional contributions necessary, being made by the retirees. Under American National’s various group benefit plans for active employees, life insurance benefits are provided upon retirement for eligible participants who meet certain age and length of service requirements. Effective June 1, 2014 Farm Family moved their life insurance coverage from a third party vendor to American National.

The accrued postretirement benefit obligation, included in the liability for retirement benefits, was $6,740,000 and $5,050,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts were approximately equal to the unfunded accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Since American National’s contributions to the cost of the retiree benefit plans are fixed, the health care cost trend rate will have no effect on the future expense or the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.



Savings plans

American National sponsors one defined contribution (401(k) plan) for all employees. The 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute up to the maximum allowable amount as determined by the IRS. Prior to January 1, 2014, American National did not contribute the 401(k) plan. The expense associated with this plan was $12,350,000 for 2014. Effective July 8, 2014 the incentive savings plan for Farm Family was merged into American National Plan. The expense associated with the Farm Family Plan was $918,000, $1,900,000 and $1,400,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments
	American National and its subsidiaries lease insurance sales office space in various cities. The remaining long-term lease commitments at December 31, 2014, were approximately $1,883,000.
	American National had aggregate commitments at December 31, 2014, to purchase, expand or improve real estate, to fund fixed interest rate mortgage loans, and to purchase other invested assets of $475,295,000 of which $323,710,000 is expected to be funded in 2015. The remaining $151,585,000 will be funded in 2016 and beyond.
	In September 2014, American National renewed an existing $100,000,000 short-term variable rate borrowing facility containing a $55,000,000 sub-feature for the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings under the facility are at the discretion of the lender and would be used only for funding working capital requirements. The combination of borrowings and outstanding letters of credit cannot exceed $100,000,000 at any time. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the outstanding letters of credit were $12,214,000 and $15,560,000, respectively, and there were no borrowings on this facility to meet liquidity requirements. This facility expires on October 30, 2015. American National expects it will be renewed on substantially equivalent terms upon expiration.
	Guarantees
	American National has guaranteed bank loans for customers of a third-party marketing operation. The bank loans are used to fund premium payments on life insurance policies issued by American National. The loans are secured by the cash values of the life insurance policies. If the customer were to default on the bank loan, American National would be obligated to pay off the loans. As the cash values of the life insurance policies always equal or exceed the balance of the loans, management does not foresee any loss on these guarantees. The total amount of the guarantees outstanding as of December 31, 2014, was approximately $206,376,000, while the total cash value of the related life insurance policies was approximately $209,848,000.
	Litigation
	American National and certain subsidiaries, in common with the insurance industry in general, are defendants in various lawsuits concerning alleged breaches of contracts, various employment matters, allegedly deceptive insurance sales and marketing practices, and miscellaneous other causes of action arising in the ordinary course of operations. Certain of these lawsuits include claims for compensatory and punitive damages. We provide accruals for these items to the extent we deem the losses probable and reasonably estimable. After reviewing these matters with legal counsel, based upon information presently available, management is of the opinion that the ultimate resultant liability, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on American National’s consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations; however, assessing the eventual outcome of litigation necessarily involves forward-looking speculation as to judgments to be made by judges, juries and appellate courts in the future. Such speculation warrants caution, as the frequency of large damage awards, which bear little or no relation to the economic damages incurred by plaintiffs in some jurisdictions, continues to create the potential for an unpredictable judgment in any given lawsuit. These lawsuits are in various stages of development, and future facts and circumstances could result in management’s changing its conclusions. It is possible that, if the defenses in these lawsuits are not successful, and the judgments are greater than management can anticipate, the resulting liability could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations. With respect to the existing litigation, management currently believes that the possibility of a material judgment adverse to American National is remote and no estimate of range can be made for loss contingencies that are at least reasonably possible but not accrued.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

	American National has entered into recurring transactions and agreements with certain related parties. These include mortgage loans, management contracts, agency commission contracts, marketing agreements, accident and health insurance contracts and legal services. The impact on the consolidated financial statements of the significant related party transactions is shown below (in thousands):



			Dollar Amount of Transactions				Amount due to/(from) American National
			Years ended December 31,				December 31,
	Related Party	Financial Statement Line Impacted	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation	Mortgage loan on real estate	$	1,234	$	1,148	$	6,508		$	7,742
	Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation	Net investment income		521		607		39			47
	Greer, Herz and Adams, LLP	Other operating expenses		10,146		9,557		(309	)		(284	)

	Mortgage Loans to Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation (“Gal-Tex”): American National holds a first mortgage loan originated in 1999, with an interest rate of 7.25% and final maturity date of April 1, 2019 issued to Gal-Tex, which is collateralized by a hotel property in San Antonio, Texas. This loan is current as to principal and interest payments.

	Transactions with Greer, Herz & Adams, L.L.P.: Irwin M. Herz, Jr. is an American National advisory director and a Partner with Greer, Herz Adams, L.L.P., which serves as American National’s General Counsel.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	21. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
	The unaudited selected quarterly financial data is shown below (in thousands, except per share data):


		Three months ended
		March 31,						June 30,					September 30,				December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013		2014		2013		2014			2013
	Total premiums and other revenues	$	772,436		$	745,045		$	754,786		$	773,660	$	746,170	$	785,504	$	777,198		$	815,001
	Total benefits, losses and expenses		697,968			682,897			688,864			689,450		651,395		664,640		683,617			719,753
	Income before federal income tax and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		74,468			62,148			65,922			84,210		94,775		120,864		93,581			95,248
	Provision for federal income taxes		21,487			11,317			21,558			24,803		26,749		35,759		22,237			27,762
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax		(859	)		8,577			12,659			1,076		2,735		121		(2,566	)		(298	)
	Net income		52,122			59,408			57,023			60,483		70,761		85,226		68,778			67,188
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(756	)		(563	)		(238	)		2,314		2,877		2,613		(392	)		(431	)
	Net income attributable to American National		52,878			59,971			57,261			58,169		67,884		82,613		69,170			67,619

	Earnings per share attributable to American National
	Basic		1.97			2.24			2.14			2.17		2.53		3.08		2.58			2.53
	Diluted		1.96			2.23			2.12			2.16		2.52		3.07		2.57			2.51

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES

	(in thousands)



			December 31, 2014
							Amount at Which
							Shown in the
							Consolidated
			Cost or		Estimated		Statement of
	Type of Investment		Amortized Cost (1)		Fair Value		Financial Position
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. states and political subdivisions		$	323,053	$	349,760	$	323,053
	Foreign governments			29,130		30,423		29,130
	Corporate debt securities			7,517,195		7,894,725		7,517,195
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			336,853		357,635		336,853
	Collateralized debt securities			2,232		2,470		2,232
	Other debt securities			16,587		17,900		16,587
	Bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury government			22,415		23,233		23,233
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			802,846		837,616		837,616
	Foreign governments			5,000		7,021		7,021
	Corporate debt securities			3,812,771		4,000,049		4,000,049
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			40,988		42,399		42,399
	Collateralized debt securities			10,696		11,489		11,489
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
	Consumer goods			139,683		308,915		308,915
	Energy and utilities			127,071		199,344		199,344
	Finance			127,443		266,608		266,608
	Healthcare			74,947		212,438		212,438
	Industrials			50,608		126,737		126,737
	Information technology			116,956		246,229		246,229
	Other			82,943		126,853		126,853
	Preferred stocks			19,733		29,854		29,854
	Other Investments
	Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance			3,359,586		3,618,944		3,359,586
	Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation			435,876				435,876
	Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt			43,186				43,186
	Policy loans			405,979		405,979		405,979
	Options			100,839		189,449		189,449
	Other long-term investments			30,806				30,806
	Short-term investments			431,000		431,000		431,000

	Total investments		$	18,466,422	$	19,737,070	$	19,559,717



	-1	Original cost of equity securities and, as to fixed maturity securities, original cost reduced by repayments and valuation write-downs and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

	(In thousands)



			December 31,
	Condensed Statements of Financial Position		2014				2013
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities		$	9,567,848			$	9,712,509
	Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance			3,266,361				3,210,945
	Other invested assets			1,858,444				1,895,764
	Investment in subsidiaries			2,308,725				2,089,903
	Deferred policy acquisition costs			1,023,778				1,041,472
	Separate account assets			1,001,515				970,954
	Other assets			629,531				608,773

	Total assets		$	19,656,202			$	19,530,320

	Liabilities
	Policy liabilities		$	3,649,554			$	3,494,989
	Policyholders’ account balances			9,975,383				10,398,409
	Separate account liabilities			1,001,515				970,954
	Other liabilities			597,617				475,394

	Total liabilities			15,224,069				15,339,746

	Shareholders’ equity
	Common stock			30,832				30,832
	Additional paid-in capital			9,248				4,650
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			490,783				413,712
	Retained earnings			4,003,211				3,838,821
	Treasury stock, at cost			(101,941	)			(97,441	)

	Total stockholders’ equity			4,432,133				4,190,574

	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	19,656,202			$	19,530,320


	The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes therein.

	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.



	AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Parent Company Only)

	SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

	(In thousands)



			Years ended December 31,
	Condensed Statements of Operations		2014				2013				2012
	Premiums and other revenues
	Premiums and policy revenues		$	786,823			$	734,506			$	685,529
	Net investment income			772,355				861,354				837,503
	Net realized investment gain			18,702				73,791				46,936
	Other-than-temporary impairments			(41	)			—				(12,825	)
	Other income			10,803				12,083				10,016

	Total premiums and other revenues			1,588,642				1,681,734				1,567,159

Benefits, losses and expenses
Policyholder benefits			574,975				520,806				487,387
Other operating expenses			812,762				913,914				873,119

Total benefits, losses and expenses			1,387,737				1,434,720				1,360,506

Income from continuing operations before federal income tax and equity in earnings of subsidiaries			200,905				247,014				206,653

Provision for federal income taxes			62,978				50,927				72,144
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax			109,266				72,285				56,532

Net income		$	247,193			$	268,372			$	191,041


The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes therein.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.



AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Parent Company Only)

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

(in thousands)



		Years ended December 31,
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows		2014				2013				2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	247,193			$	268,372			$	191,041
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Realized investments gains			(18,702	)			(73,791	)			(46,936	)
Other-than-temporary impairments			41				—				12,825
Amortization (accretion) of premiums, discounts and loan origination fees			3,581				1,216				(7,433	)
Net capitalized interest on policy loans and mortgage loans			(27,922	)			(23,864	)			(22,049	)
Depreciation			21,822				18,618				21,209
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances			324,325				395,013				385,603
Charges to policyholders’ account balances			(212,690	)			(199,285	)			(188,009	)
Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense			16,954				(15,245	)			14,336
Net income of subsidiaries			(108,133	)			(63,762	)			(51,716	)
Equity in earnings of affiliates			3,800				(8,523	)			(4,816	)
Distributions from equity method investments			408				2,411				1,686
Changes in
Accrued investment income			9,801				9,336				5,916
Reinsurance recoverables			2,312				(1,025	)			3,579
Prepaid reinsurance premiums			2,318				7,575				15,139
Premiums due and other receivables			3,873				9,531				4,762
Deferred policy acquisition costs			7,560				28,216				24,596
Policyholder liabilities			155,166				38,188				55,594
Liability for retirement benefits			(12,552	)			12,656				(1,567	)
Current tax receivable/payable			8,181				9,936				(109,736	)
Other, net			(33,075	)			(9,993	)			3,725

Net cash provided by operating activities			394,261				405,580				307,749

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale/maturity/prepayment of
Held-to-maturity securities			452,846				1,207,038				980,794
Available for sale securities			625,563				599,228				446,706
Investment real estate			53,859				8,006				—
Mortgage loans			578,098				756,554				475,885
Policy loans			45,732				47,018				47,068
Other invested assets			40,791				88,883				43,410
Disposals of property and equipment			43,869				270				—
Distributions from affiliates and subsidiaries			439				10,581				15,469
Payment for the purchase/origination of
Held-to-maturity securities			(287,694	)			(701,776	)			(891,257	)
Available for sale securities			(572,299	)			(556,940	)			(382,652	)
Investment real estate			(23,959	)			(28,882	)			(18,281	)
Mortgage loans			(633,401	)			(908,512	)			(642,227	)
Policy loans			(23,621	)			(21,682	)			(29,676	)
Other invested assets			(43,423	)			(46,168	)			(45,206	)
Additions to property and equipment			(56,651	)			(5,991	)			(16,714	)
Contributions to unconsolidated affiliates			(1,035	)			(949	)			(5,207	)
Change in short-term investments			4,518				(401,682	)			244,931
Change in investment in subsidiaries			—				—				(33,338	)
Other, net			24,636				1,642				(388	)

Net cash provided by investing activities			228,268				46,638				189,317

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Policyholders’ account deposits			941,400				835,942				1,056,526
Policyholders’ account withdrawals			(1,479,004	)			(1,420,675	)			(1,244,382	)
Dividends to stockholders			(82,805	)			(82,831	)			(82,657	)

Net cash used in financing activities			(620,409	)			(667,564	)			(270,513	)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS			2,120				(215,346	)			226,553
Beginning of the year			46,326				261,672				35,119

End of year		$	48,446			$	46,326			$	261,672


The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes therein.

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

	(in thousands)



					Future Policy
					Benefits, Policyholders’
					Account Balances								Benefits,		Amortization
			Deferred		Benefits, Policy and								Claims, Losses		of Deferred
			Policy		Contract Claims						Net		and		Policy		Other
			Acquisition		and Other		Unearned		Premium		Investment		Settlement		Acquisition		Operating		Premiums
	Segment		Cost		Policyholder Funds		Premiums		Revenue		Income (1)		Expenses		Costs		Expenses (2)		Written
	2014
	Life		$	711,469	$	4,728,166	$	35,524	$	307,771	$	232,389	$	351,271	$	78,181	$	194,927	$	—
	Annuity			382,441		10,286,205		—		190,357		545,887		234,173		79,135		56,487		—
	Health			47,784		353,155		46,137		216,868		11,692		144,799		18,966		43,261		—
	Property & Casualty			111,850		890,901		673,390		1,100,975		58,843		745,540		223,658		130,655		1,109,029
	Corportate & Other			—		—		—		—		84,047		—		—		60,535		—

	Total		$	1,253,544	$	16,258,427	$	755,051	$	1,815,971	$	932,858	$	1,475,783	$	399,940	$	485,865	$	1,109,029

	2013
	Life		$	684,084	$	4,567,772	$	35,935	$	293,173	$	230,763	$	345,566	$	82,658	$	207,520	$	—
	Annuity			424,158		10,641,769		—		155,162		632,536		193,840		85,756		63,326		—
	Health			47,220		352,412		48,269		212,931		11,314		139,762		15,249		46,646		—
	Property & Casualty			122,271		896,819		655,674		1,074,260		66,632		746,636		225,131		128,437		1,069,694
	Corportate & Other			—		—		—		—		75,565		—		—		57,122		—

	Total		$	1,277,733	$	16,458,772	$	739,878	$	1,735,526	$	1,016,810	$	1,425,804	$	408,794	$	503,051	$	1,069,694

	2012
	Life		$	653,416	$	4,407,753	$	36,056	$	281,621	$	235,712	$	340,003	$	73,710	$	183,040	$	—
	Annuity			406,540		11,035,348		—		116,393		603,349		156,619		90,523		45,317		—
	Health			49,206		376,173		50,366		223,773		11,789		155,825		16,908		44,966		—
	Property & Casualty			138,513		896,660		671,110		1,082,386		69,604		793,281		227,749		120,888		1,047,211
	Corportate & Other			—		—		—		—		64,944		—		—		61,535		—

	Total		$	1,247,675	$	16,715,934	$	757,532	$	1,704,173	$	985,398	$	1,445,728	$	408,890	$	455,746	$	1,047,211



	-1	Net investment income from fixed income assets (bonds and mortgage loans on real estate) is allocated to insurance lines based on the funds generated by each line at the average yield available from these fixed income assets at the time such funds become available. Net investment income from policy loans is allocated to the insurance lines according to the amount of loans made by each line. Net investment income from all other assets is allocated to the insurance lines as necessary to support the equity assigned to that line with the remainder allocated to capital & surplus.
	-2	Identifiable expenses are charged directly to the appropriate line of business. The remaining expenses are allocated to the lines based upon various factors including premium ratio within the respective lines.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE

	(in thousands)



				Ceded to		Assumed				Percentage of
		Direct		Other		from Other		Net		Amount
		Amount		Companies		Companies		Amount		Assumed to Net
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Life insurance in-force	$	85,570,057	$	30,007,131	$	6,007	$	55,568,933		0	%

	Premiums earned
	Life and annuity	$	594,568	$	96,577	$	137	$	498,128		0
	Accident and health		271,004		274,368		220,232		216,868		101.6
	Property and casualty		1,183,875		89,607		6,707		1,100,975		0.6

	Total premiums	$	2,049,447	$	460,552	$	227,076	$	1,815,971		12.5


	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Life insurance in-force	$	80,038,270	$	30,577,123	$	32,019	$	49,493,166		0.1

	Premiums earned
	Life and annuity	$	541,025	$	93,240	$	550	$	448,335		0.1
	Accident and health		271,847		240,505		181,589		212,931		85.3
	Property and casualty		1,157,528		90,196		6,928		1,074,260		0.6

	Total premiums	$	1,970,400	$	423,941	$	189,067	$	1,735,526		10.9


	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Life insurance in-force	$	72,884,984	$	30,477,364	$	103,576	$	42,511,196		0.2

	Premiums earned
	Life and annuity	$	488,891	$	93,066	$	2,189	$	398,014		0.5
	Accident and health		269,373		197,759		152,159		223,773		68
	Property and casualty		1,212,814		135,598		5,170		1,082,386		0.5

	Total premiums	$	1,971,078	$	426,423	$	159,518	$	1,704,173		9.4	%

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE V - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

	(IN THOUSANDS)



					Additions		Deductions
			Balance at										Balance at
			Beginning of		Charged to					Change in			End of
			Period		Expense		Written off			Estimate (1)			Period
	2014
	Investment valuation allowances:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	12,181	$	5,679	$	—		$	—		$	17,860

	2013
	Investment valuation allowances:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	12,012	$	171	$	—		$	(2	)	$	12,181

	2012
	Investment valuation allowances:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	11,321	$	2,973	$	(2,277	)	$	(5	)	$	12,012



	-1	Decrease in the required valuation allowance for mortgage loans as a result of changes to the estimate in calculating the mortgage loan allowance based on enhanced methodology.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are reported in U.S. currency.
Consolidation Policy	American National consolidates entities that are wholly-owned and those in which American National owns less than 100% but controls, as well as variable interest entities in which American National is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions with consolidated entities have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Reclassification Policy	Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported consolidated financial statement balances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investment Securities	Investments
Investment Securities	Investment securities – Bonds classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost. Bonds classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value. Equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. After-tax net unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reflected in stockholders’ equity as a component of “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“AOCI”).
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized discount, deferred expenses, and allowances. Accretion of discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, prepayment fees and accretion of discounts and origination fees are reported in “Net investment income” in the consolidated statements of operations. Interest income earned on impaired and non-impaired loans is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on contractual interest rate. However, interest ceases to accrue for loans on which interest is more than 90 days past due, when the collection of interest is not probable or when a loan is in foreclosure. Income on past due loans is reported on a cash basis. When a loan becomes current, it is placed back into accrual status. Cash receipts on impaired loans are recorded as a reduction of principal, interest income, expense reimbursement or other manner in accordance with the loan agreement. Gains and losses from the sale of loans and changes in allowances are reported in “Realized investment gains” in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Each mortgage loan is evaluated quarterly and placed in a watchlist if events occur or circumstances exist that could indicate that American National will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms. Additionally, loans with estimated collateral value less than their balance and loans with characteristics indicative of higher than normal credit risks are reviewed quarterly. All loans in the watchlist are analyzed individually for impairment. If a loan is concluded to be fully collectible, no loss allowance is recorded. Loans are considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan will be uncollectible. A specific allowance for loan losses is established for the excess carrying value of the loan over either: (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or (ii) the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent. Allowances are also established on groups of loans with similar characteristics, such as property types, if based on experience, it is probable that a loss has occurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The allowance is reviewed quarterly to determine if it is adequate, or if a recovery of the asset is assured and the allowance can be reduced.
	Management believes the recorded allowance is adequate and is the best estimate of probable loan losses, including losses incurred at the reporting date but not identified by a specific loan. Management’s quarterly evaluation of the allowance is based on historical loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations affecting the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. Loans are charged off as uncollectible only when the loan is forgiven by a legal agreement. Prior to charging off a loan, an allowance is recorded based on the estimated recoverable amount. Upon forgiveness, both the allowance and the loan balance are reduced which results in no further gain or loss.
Policy Loans	Policy loans are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Investment Real Estate	Investment real estate including related improvements, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset (typically 15 to 50 years). Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease. American National classifies a property as held-for-sale if it commits to a plan to sell a property within one year and actively markets the property in its current condition for a price that is reasonable in comparison to its estimated fair value. Real estate held-for-sale is stated at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs, and is not depreciated while it is classified as held-for-sale. American National periodically reviews its investment real estate for impairment and tests properties for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable and the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair value. Properties whose carrying values are greater than their undiscounted cash flows are written down to their estimated fair value, with the impairment loss included in “Realized investment gains (losses)” in the consolidated statements of operations. Impairment losses are based upon the estimated fair value of real estate, which is generally computed using the present value of expected future cash flows from the real estate discounted at a rate commensurate with the underlying risks as well as other appraisal methods. Real estate acquired upon foreclosure is recorded at the lower of its cost, or its estimated fair value at the date of foreclosure.
Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests	Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests—American National uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests in which it has more than a minor interest or influence over the investee’s operations, but it does not have a controlling interest and is not the primary beneficiary. These investments are reported as “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” in the consolidated statements of financial position. For certain joint ventures, American National records its share of earnings using a lag methodology of one to three months for all instances where timely financial information is not available and the contractual right does not exist to receive such financial information. In addition to the investees’ regular impairment analysis of its underlying investments, American National routinely evaluates its investments in those investees for impairments. American National considers financial and other information provided by the investee, other known information and inherent risks in the underlying investments, as well as future capital commitments, in determining whether impairment has occurred. When an impairment is deemed to have occurred at the joint venture level, American National recognizes its share within “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates” to record the investment at its fair value. When an impairment results from American National’s separate analysis, an adjustment is made through “Net realized investment gains” to record the investment at its fair value.
Short-Term Investments	Short-term investments comprised of commercial paper, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Other Invested Assets	Other invested assets comprised primarily of tax credit partnerships, CAPCO investments and mineral rights, are carried at cost, less allowance for depletion, where applicable. Other invested assets also include equity-indexed options which are carried at fair value. Impairments for other invested assets are considered on an individual basis.
Impairments	Impairments—American National evaluates all fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses on a quarterly basis to determine if the creditworthiness of any of those securities has deteriorated to a point where its carrying value will not be realized at maturity. For fixed maturity securities where management believes that the carrying value will not be realized, an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) loss is recorded. At December 31, 2014, the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities that were not other-than-temporarily impaired were the result of credit spread widening. There were no delinquent coupon payments attributed to these securities at December 31, 2014.
	For all fixed maturity securities in unrealized loss positions which American National does not intend to sell and for which it is not more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell before its anticipated recovery, American National assesses whether the amortized cost basis of securities will be recovered by comparing the net present value of the expected cash flows from those securities with its amortized cost basis. Management estimates the expected cash flows using historical experience information as well as market observable data, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings and other data relevant to the collectibility of a security. The net present value of the expected cash flows from fixed maturity securities is calculated by discounting management’s best estimate of expected cash flows from those securities at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity security when acquired. If the net present value of the expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost of the fixed maturity securities, an OTTI has occurred in the form of a credit loss. The credit loss is recognized in earnings in the amount of excess amortized cost over the net present value of the expected cash flows from the fixed maturity securities. If the fair value of the fixed maturity securities is less than the net present value of its expected cash flows at the impairment measurement date, a non-credit loss exists which is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for the difference between the fair value and the net present value of the expected cash flows.
	After the recognition of an OTTI, fixed maturity securities are accounted for as if they had been purchased on the OTTI measurement date, with a cost basis equal to their previous amortized cost less the related OTTI losses recognized in earnings. The new cost basis of an other-than-temporarily impaired security is not adjusted for subsequent increases in estimated fair value. Should there be a significant increase in the estimate of cash flows expected to be collected from previously impaired fixed maturity securities, the increase would be accounted for prospectively by accreting it as interest income over its remaining life.
	American National evaluates all equity securities in unrealized loss positions on a quarterly basis and recognizes an OTTI loss on those where a market price recovery is not expected in a reasonable period of time. All equity securities with unrealized losses are also evaluated for credit quality. OTTI is recognized if management believes the carrying value of securities will not be realized, regardless of the length of time that they have had an unrealized loss.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative instruments are purchased as hedges of a recognized asset or liability, and are recorded on the consolidated statements of financial position at fair value. The change in fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is reported in the consolidated statements of operations as “Net investment income” and “Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances,” respectively. American National does not apply hedge accounting treatment to its derivative instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents

	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on-hand and in banks, as well as amounts invested in money market funds and are reported as “Cash and cash equivalents” in the consolidated statements of financial position.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment
Property and Equipment	These assets consist of buildings occupied by American National, data processing equipment, and furniture and equipment, which are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 50 years).
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) are capitalized costs related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Significant costs are incurred to acquire insurance and annuity contracts, including commissions and certain underwriting, policy issuance and processing expenses.

	DAC on traditional life and health products is amortized with interest over the anticipated premium-paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenue expected to be received over the life of the policies. Expected premium revenue is estimated by using the same mortality, morbidity and withdrawal assumptions used in computing liabilities for future policy benefits. DAC is reduced by a provision for possible inflation of maintenance and settlement expenses determined by means of grading interest rates.



	DAC on universal life, limited-pay and investment-type contracts is amortized as a level percentage of the present value of anticipated gross profits from investment yields, mortality, and surrender charges. The effect of the realization of unrealized gains (losses) on DAC is recognized within AOCI in the consolidated statements of financial position as of the reporting date. A change in interest rates could have a significant impact on DAC calculated for these contracts.

	DAC associated with property and casualty business is amortized over the coverage period of the related policies, in relation to premium revenue.

	For short-duration and long-duration contracts, DAC is grouped consistent with the manner in which insurance contracts are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability and is reviewed for recoverability based on the profitability of the underlying insurance contracts. Investment income is not anticipated in assessing the recoverability of DAC for short-duration contracts.
Liabilities for Future Policy Benefits	Liabilities for future policy benefits for traditional products have been provided on a net level premium method based on estimated investment yields, withdrawals, mortality, and other assumptions that were appropriate at the time policies were issued. Estimates used are based on historical experience, adjusted for possible adverse deviation. These estimates are periodically reviewed and compared with actual experience. When it is determined that future expected experience differs significantly from existing assumptions, the estimates are revised for current and future issues.
Policyholders' Account Balances	Policyholders’ account balances represent the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholders related to universal-life, limited-pay and investments-type contracts. These are generally equal to the accumulated deposits, plus interest credited, reduced by withdrawals, payouts, and accumulated policyholder assessments.
Reserves for Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses (“CAE”) are established to provide for the estimated costs of paying claims. These reserves include estimates for both case reserves and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claim reserves. Case reserves include the liability for reported but unpaid claims. IBNR reserves include a provision for potential development on case reserves, losses on claims currently closed which may reopen in the future, as well as incurred but not reported claims. These reserves also include an estimate of the expense associated with settling claims, including legal and other fees and the general expenses of administering the claims adjustment process.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance—Reinsurance recoverables are estimated amounts due to American National from reinsurers related to paid and unpaid ceded claims and CAE and are presented net of a reserve for non-recoverability. Recoveries on our gross ultimate losses are generally determined by a review of individual large claims as well as by estimating the ceded portion of IBNR using assumed distribution of loss by percentage retained. The most significant assumption used is the average size of the individual losses for those claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported. The ultimate amount of the reinsurance ceded recoverable is unknown until all losses are settled.
Premiums, Benefits, Claims Incurred and Expenses	Premiums, benefits, claims incurred and expenses
	Traditional ordinary life and health—Life and accident and health premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums to result in recognition of profits over the term of the insurance contracts.
	Annuities—Premiums received on limited-pay and supplemental annuity contracts involving a significant life contingency are recognized as revenue when due. Deferred annuity premiums are recorded as deposits rather than recognized as revenue. Revenues from deferred annuity contracts are principally surrender charges and, in the case of variable annuities, administrative fees assessed to contractholders.
	Universal life and single premium whole life revenues represent amounts assessed to policyholders. Included in revenue are mortality charges, surrender charges actually paid and earned policy service fees. Amounts included in expenses are benefits in excess of account balances returned to policyholders.
	Property and casualty premiums are recognized as revenue proportionately over the contract period, net of reinsurance ceded. Claims incurred consist of actual claims and CAE paid and the change in reserves, net of reinsurance received and recoverable.
Participating Insurance Policies	Participating insurance policies
	Participating business comprised approximately 7.4% of the life insurance in-force at December 31, 2014 and 4.9% of life premiums in 2014. Of the total participating business, 77.7% was written by Farm Family Life Insurance Company (“Farm Family Life”). For the participating business excluding Farm Family Life, the allocation of dividends to participating policyowners is based upon a comparison of experienced rates of mortality, interest and expenses, as determined periodically for representative plans of insurance, issue ages and policy durations, with the corresponding rates assumed in the calculation of premiums.
	For the Farm Family Life participating business, profits earned on participating business are reserved for the payment of dividends to policyholders, except for the stockholders’ share of profits on participating policies, which is limited to the greater of 10% of the profit on participating business, or 50 cents per thousand dollars of the face amount of participating life insurance in-force. Participating policyholders’ interest includes the accumulated net income from participating policies reserved for payment to such policyholders in the form of dividends (less net income allocated to stockholders as indicated above) as well as a pro rata portion of unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax.
Federal Income Taxes	Federal income taxes
	American National Insurance Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated life and non-life federal income tax return. Certain subsidiaries that are consolidated for financial reporting are not eligible to be included in the consolidated federal income tax return; accordingly, they file separate returns.
	Deferred federal income tax assets and liabilities have been recognized to reflect the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	American National recognizes tax benefits on uncertain tax positions if it is “more-likely-than-not” the position based on its technical merits will be sustained by taxing authorities. American National recognizes the largest benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. Tax benefits not meeting the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, if applicable, are included with “Other liabilities” in the consolidated statements of financial position.
	Interest and penalties assessed, if applicable, are classified as “Other operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	Pension and postretirement benefit plans
	Pension and postretirement benefit obligations and costs are calculated using concepts in accordance with GAAP. The discount rate and the expected return on plan assets are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement, and these key assumptions are evaluated annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, turnover and compensation.
	American National uses a discount rate to determine the present value of future benefits on the measurement date. The guideline for setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, a building-block method is used. The expected rate of return on each asset is broken down into three components: inflation, the real risk-free rate of return (i.e., the long-term estimate of future returns on default-free U.S. government securities), and the risk premium for each asset class (i.e., the expected return in excess of the risk-free rate). Using this approach, the calculated return will fluctuate from year to year; however, it is American National’s policy to hold this long-term assumption relatively constant.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-based compensation

	Stock Appreciation Rights—The measurement of the stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) liability and compensation cost is based on the fair value of the grants and are remeasured each reporting period through the settlement date. The fair value of the SAR’s is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The key assumptions used in the model include: the grant date and remeasurement date stock prices, expected life of the SARs and the risk-free rate of return. The compensation liability related to the SAR award is included in “Other liabilities” in the consolidated statements of financial position.

	Restricted Stock—The measurement of the equity and compensation cost of restricted stock (“RS”) is based on the fair value of the underlying stock at grant date. The compensation cost accrued is included in “Additional paid-in capital” in the consolidated statements of financial position.

	Restricted Stock Units—Effective December 31, 2012, American National’s Board Compensation Committee modified the settlement provision within the outstanding restricted stock units (“RSU”) providing the recipients of the awards the option to settle vested RSUs in either cash or American National common stock. The modification in the settlement provision changed the RSU classification from an equity to a liability award. After the modification, the liability has been remeasured each reporting period through the vesting date and is adjusted for changes in fair value. The compensation liability related to the RSUs is included in “Other Liabilities” in the consolidated statements of financial position.
Separate Account Assets and Liabilities	Separate account assets and liabilities
Separate Account Assets and Liabilities	Separate account assets and liabilities are funds intended to meet the investment objectives of contract holders who bear the investment risk. Investment income and investment gains and losses from these separate funds accrue to the benefit of the contract holders. Separate accounts are established in conformity with insurance laws and are not chargeable with liabilities that arise from any other business of American National. American National reports separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in separate accounts and liabilities of the separate accounts if (i) such separate accounts are legally recognized; (ii) assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from American National’s general account liabilities; (iii) investments are directed by the contract holder; and (iv) all investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contract holder. The assets of these accounts are carried at fair value. Deposits, net investment income and realized investment gains and losses for these accounts are excluded from revenues, and related liability increases are excluded from benefits and expenses in the consolidated financial statements.
Litigation Contingencies	Litigation contingencies
Litigation Contingencies	American National reviews existing litigation matters and potential litigation items with counsel quarterly to determine if any adjustments to liabilities for possible losses are necessary. Reserves for losses are established whenever they are probable and estimable based on the best estimate of the probable loss. If no one estimate within the range of possible losses is more probable than any other, a reserve is recorded based on the lowest amount of the range.

Investments_in_Securities_Tabl

Investments in Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investments in Securities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Securities	The cost or amortized cost and fair value of investments in securities are shown below (in thousands):


			December 31, 2014
			Cost or				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
			Amortized Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized
							Gains				(Losses)
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			323,053				26,800				(93	)			349,760
	Foreign governments			29,130				1,293				—				30,423
	Corporate debt securities			7,517,195				424,845				(47,315	)			7,894,725
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			336,853				22,317				(1,535	)			357,635
	Collateralized debt securities			2,232				238				—				2,470
	Other debt securities			16,587				1,313				—				17,900

	Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,225,050				476,806				(48,943	)			8,652,913

	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury and government			22,415				825				(7	)			23,233
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			802,846				36,151				(1,381	)			837,616
	Foreign governments			5,000				2,021				—				7,021
	Corporate debt securities			3,812,771				203,048				(15,770	)			4,000,049
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			40,988				1,903				(492	)			42,399
	Collateralized debt securities			10,696				863				(70	)			11,489

	Total bonds available-for-sale			4,694,716				244,811				(17,720	)			4,921,807

	Equity securities
	Common stock			719,651				774,650				(7,176	)			1,487,125
	Preferred stock			19,733				10,121				(1	)			29,853

	Total equity securities			739,384				784,771				(7,177	)			1,516,978

	Total investments in securities		$	13,659,150			$	1,506,388			$	(73,840	)		$	15,091,698



			December 31, 2013
			Cost or				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
			Amortized Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized
							Gains				(Losses)
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. treasury and government		$	1,738			$	6			$	—			$	1,744
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			346,240				16,945				(529	)			362,656
	Foreign governments			29,099				2,505				—				31,604
	Corporate debt securities			7,700,559				410,232				(116,900	)			7,993,891
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			400,619				20,711				(2,647	)			418,683
	Collateralized debt securities			2,366				225				—				2,591
	Other debt securities			10,726				1,173				—				11,899

	Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,491,347				451,797				(120,076	)			8,823,068

	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury and government			21,751				725				—				22,476
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			630,199				22,118				(13,756	)			638,561
	Foreign governments			5,000				1,649				—				6,649
	Corporate debt securities			3,689,349				171,717				(54,033	)			3,807,033
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			61,135				2,940				(1,068	)			63,007
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			18,223				11,037				—				29,260
	Collateralized debt securities			13,884				1,320				(18	)			15,186
	Other debt securities			16,850				679				(28	)			17,501

	Total bonds available-for-sale			4,456,391				212,185				(68,903	)			4,599,673

Equity securities
Common stock			717,390				653,967				(2,362	)			1,368,995
Preferred stock			23,690				18,301				(378	)			41,613

Total equity securities			741,080				672,268				(2,740	)			1,410,608

Total investments in securities		$	13,688,818			$	1,336,250			$	(191,719	)		$	14,833,349

Maturities of Investments	The amortized cost at fair value, by contractual maturity, of fixed maturity securities are shown below (in thousands):


			December 31, 2014
			Bonds Held-to-Maturity								Bonds Available-for-Sale
			Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	954,054			$	972,392			$	342,205			$	350,721
	Due after one year through five years			1,941,258				2,133,254				764,985				832,529
	Due after five years through ten years			4,919,595				5,111,697				3,065,589				3,196,339
	Due after ten years			404,293				430,582				516,937				537,231
	Without single maturity date			5,850				4,988				5,000				4,987

	Total		$	8,225,050			$	8,652,913			$	4,694,716			$	4,921,807

Proceeds from Available for Sale Securities and Realized Gain Loss	Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities, with the related gross realized gains and losses, are shown below (in thousands):


			Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		$	184,918			$	228,159			$	221,686
	Gross realized gains			38,301				43,263				52,998
	Gross realized losses			(3,635	)			(3,413	)			(2,009	)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities	The components of the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities are shown below (in thousands):


			Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Bonds available-for-sale		$	83,809			$	(205,827	)		$	103,112
	Equity securities			108,066				282,668				91,459

	Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities during the year			191,875				76,841				194,571
	Adjustments for
	Deferred policy acquisition costs			(14,611	)			59,893				(40,103	)
	Participating policyholders’ interest			(9,046	)			(2,300	)			(6,772	)
	Deferred federal income tax benefit (expense)			(58,004	)			(47,339	)			(51,691	)

	Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax		$	110,214			$	87,095			$	96,005

Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Investment Securities	The gross unrealized losses and fair value of the investment securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are shown below (in thousands):


			December 31, 2014
			Less than 12 months								12 Months or more						Total
			Unrealized				Fair				Unrealized				Fair		Unrealized			Fair
			(Losses)				Value				(Losses)				Value		(Losses)			Value
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. states and political subdivisions		$	(37	)		$	3,388			$	(56	)		$	2,465	$	(93	)	$	5,853
	Corporate debt securities			(20,575	)			523,766				(26,740	)			662,362		(47,315	)		1,186,128
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			(232	)			12,186				(1,303	)			31,163		(1,535	)		43,349

	Total bonds held-to-maturity			(20,844	)			539,340				(28,099	)			695,990		(48,943	)		1,235,330

	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury and government			(7	)			14,552				—				—		(7	)		14,552
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			(166	)			27,719				(1,215	)			78,851		(1,381	)		106,570
	Corporate debt securities			(8,852	)			384,451				(6,918	)			288,808		(15,770	)		673,259
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			(170	)			9,386				(322	)			14,042		(492	)		23,428
	Collateralized debt securities			(63	)			2,033				(7	)			339		(70	)		2,372

	Total bonds available-for-sale			(9,258	)			438,141				(8,462	)			382,040		(17,720	)		820,181

	Equity securities
	Common stock			(7,176	)			43,907				—				—		(7,176	)		43,907
	Preferred stock			(1	)			—				—				—		(1	)		—

	Total equity securities			(7,177	)			43,907				—				—		(7,177	)		43,907

	Total		$	(37,279	)		$	1,021,388			$	(36,561	)		$	1,078,030	$	(73,840	)	$	2,099,418



			December 31, 2013
			Less than 12 months								12 Months or more						Total
			Unrealized				Fair				Unrealized				Fair		Unrealized			Fair
			(Losses)				Value				(Losses)				Value		(Losses)			Value
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. states and political subdivisions		$	(529	)		$	22,430			$	—			$	—	$	(529	)	$	22,430
	Corporate debt securities			(104,308	)			1,916,758				(12,592	)			109,603		(116,900	)		2,026,361
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			(1,718	)			31,715				(929	)			13,514		(2,647	)		45,229

	Total bonds held-to-maturity			(106,555	)			1,970,903				(13,521	)			123,117		(120,076	)		2,094,020

	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury and government			—				725				—				—		—			725
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			(13,271	)			168,093				(485	)			2,905		(13,756	)		170,998
	Corporate debt securities			(49,198	)			1,083,677				(4,835	)			92,004		(54,033	)		1,175,681
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			(978	)			16,835				(90	)			1,872		(1,068	)		18,707
	Collateralized debt securities			(3	)			205				(15	)			587		(18	)		792
	Other debt securities			(28	)			10,027				—				—		(28	)		10,027

	Total bonds available-for-sale			(63,478	)			1,279,562				(5,425	)			97,368		(68,903	)		1,376,930

	Equity securities
	Common stock			(2,362	)			29,978				—				—		(2,362	)		29,978
	Preferred stock			(378	)			6,123				—				—		(378	)		6,123

	Total equity securities			(2,740	)			36,101				—				—		(2,740	)		36,101

	Total		$	(172,773	)		$	3,286,566			$	(18,946	)		$	220,485	$	(191,719	)	$	3,507,051

Bond by Credit Quality Rating Distribution	Bonds distributed by credit quality rating, using both S&P and Moody’s ratings, are shown below:


			December 31,
			2014				2013
	AAA			5	%			4.9	%
	AA			12.8				11.3
	A			39.4				40.7
	BBB			39.5				39.2
	BB and below			3.3				3.9

	Total			100	%			100	%

Equity Securities by Market Sector Distribution	Equity securities by market sector distribution are shown below:


			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Consumer goods			20.4	%			19.8	%
	Energy and utilities			13.3				15
	Financials			19.1				19.3
	Healthcare			14				12.7
	Industrials			8.4				9
	Information technology			16.2				15.7
	Other			8.6				8.5

	Total			100	%			100	%

Mortgage_Loans_Tables

Mortgage Loans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Mortgage Loans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans by Property Type and Geographic Distribution	Mortgage loans by property-type and geographic distribution are as follows:



		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Hotel and motel		10.8	%		10	%
	Industrial		20.9			24.9
	Office		36.1			34
	Retail		18.1			19.6
	Other		14.1			11.5

	Total		100	%		100	%


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	East North Central		19.4	%		19.3	%
	East South Central		5			6.8
	Mountain		11			10
	Pacific		10.8			12.3
	South Atlantic		21.9			19.6
	West South Central		24.9			26.4
	Other		7			5.6

	Total		100	%		100	%

Commercial Mortgage Loans Placed on Nonaccrual Status	Commercial mortgage loans placed on nonaccrual status are shown below (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Office	$	19,327		$	—
	Industrial		—			2,739
Age Analysis of Past Due Commercial Mortgage Loans	The age analysis of past due commercial mortgage loans is shown below (in thousands):


		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater Than			Total Past				Total
		Past Due			Past Due			90 Days			Due		Current		Mortgage Loans
	December 31, 2014
	Industrial	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	702,541	$	702,541
	Office		—			—			19,327			19,327		1,201,833		1,221,160
	Retail		—			—			—			—		615,813		615,813
	Other		—			—			—			—		837,932		837,932

	Total	$	—		$	—		$	19,327		$	19,327	$	3,358,119		3,377,446

	Allowance for loan losses															17,860

	Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance														$	3,359,586

	December 31, 2013
	Industrial	$	—		$	—		$	2,739		$	2,739	$	821,741	$	824,480
	Office		—			—			—			—		1,124,818		1,124,818
	Retail		—			—			—			—		651,236		651,236
	Other		—			—			—			—		710,889		710,889

	Total	$	—		$	—		$	2,739		$	2,739	$	3,308,684	$	3,311,423

	Allowance for loan losses															12,181

	Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance														$	3,299,242

Change in Allowance for Credit Losses in Commercial Mortgage Loans	The change in allowance for credit losses in commercial mortgage loans is shown below (in thousands):


		Collectively			Individually
		Evaluated			Evaluated
		for Impairment			for Impairment			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	10,828		$	493		$	11,321

	Change Due to Factor Development		—			(2,277	)		(2,277	)
	Change in allowance		691			2,277			2,968

	Balance at December 31, 2012		11,519			493			12,012

	Change in allowance		169			—			169

	Balance at December 31, 2013		11,688			493			12,181

	Change Due to Factor Development		127			—			127
	Change in allowance		462			5,090			5,552

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	12,277		$	5,583		$	17,860
Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment With and Without Allowance	Loans individually evaluated for impairment with and without an allowance are shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014						2013					2012
		Average			Interest			Average			Interest		Average		Interest
		Recorded			Income			Recorded			Income		Recorded		Income
		Investment			Recognized			Investment			Recognized		Investment		Recognized
	With an allowance recorded
	Office	$	29,371		$	2,203		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—
	Retail		—			—			493			—		493		—

	Total	$	29,371		$	2,203		$	493		$	—	$	493	$	—

	Without an allowance recorded
	Office	$	27,019		$	1,728		$	12,444		$	809	$	36,710	$	2,452
	Industrial		2,721			146			2,773			180		—		—
	Retail		—			—			1,673			103		17,329		1,129
	Other		—			—			—			—		55,551		3,758

	Total	$	29,740		$	1,874		$	16,890		$	1,092	$	109,590	$	7,339



		December 31,
		2014						2013
											Unpaid
		Recorded			Principal			Recorded			Principal
		Investment			Balance			Investment			Balance
	With an allowance recorded
	Office	$	26,563		$	31,653		$	—		$	—
	Retail		—			493			493			493

	Total (related allowance of $5,090 and $493)	$	26,563		$	32,146		$	493		$	493

	Without an allowance recorded
	Office	$	26,941		$	26,941		$	12,377		$	12,377
	Industrial		2,702			2,702			2,739			2,739
	Retail		—			—			1,579			1,579

	Total	$	29,643		$	29,643		$	16,695		$	16,695

Number of Mortgage Loans and Recorded Investment	The number of mortgage loans and recorded investment in troubled debt restructuring are as follows:



		Years ended December 31,
		2014									2013
		Number of			Recorded			Recorded			Number		Recorded		Recorded
		contracts			investment pre-			investment post			of contracts		investment pre-		investment post
					modification			modification					modification		modification
	Industrial		—		$	—		$	—			1	$	2,739	$	2,739
	Office		1			6,432			6,432			1		6,432		6,432
	Retail		—			—			—			—		—		—

	Total		1		$	6,432		$	6,432			2	$	9,171	$	9,171

Investment_Real_Estate_Tables

Investment Real Estate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investment Real Estate (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Investment Real Estate by Property-Type and Geographic Distribution	Investment real estate by property-type and geographic distribution are as follows:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Industrial		13	%		12.3	%
	Office		25			23.1
	Retail		44.1			43.4
	Other		17.9			21.2

	Total		100	%		100	%


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	East North Central		4.5	%		7.8	%
	East South Central		4.6			5.4
	Mountain		9.6			6
	Pacific		7.1			5.5
	South Atlantic		12.2			13.4
	West South Central		55.6			59
	Other		6.4			2.9

	Total		100	%		100	%

Assets and Liabilities Related to VIEs	The assets and liabilities relating to the VIEs included in the consolidated financial statements are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Investment real estate	$	140,032		$	123,624
	Short-term investments		1			—
	Cash and cash equivalents		2,495			2,154
	Accrued investment income		683			2,197
	Other receivables		7,999			8,488
	Other assets		8,483			6,016

	Total assets of consolidated VIEs	$	159,693		$	142,479

	Notes payable	$	108,177		$	113,849
	Other liabilities		8,954			6,680

	Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs	$	117,131		$	120,529

Carrying Amount and Maximum Exposure to Loss Related to VIEs	The following table presents the carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to unconsolidated VIEs (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014						2013
					Maximum					Maximum
		Carrying			Exposure			Carrying		Exposure
		Amount			to Loss			Amount		to Loss
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	$	157,620		$	157,620		$	195,794	$	195,794
	Mortgage loans		172,408			172,408			101,648		101,648
	Accrued investment income		721			721			454		454

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments Reported in Financial Position	The detail of derivative instruments is shown below (in thousands, except number of instruments):



			December 31,
	Derivatives Not Designated	Location in the	2014									2013
	as Hedging Instruments	Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	Number of			Notional			Estimated			Number of		Notional		Estimated
			Instruments			Amounts			Fair Value			Instruments		Amounts		Fair Value
	Equity-indexed options	Other invested assets		436		$	1,095,300		$	189,449			394	$	951,400	$	164,753
	Equity-indexed embedded derivative	Policyholders’ account balances		42,287			961,300			208,187			33,579		819,200		148,435
Schedule of Derivative Instruments Reported in Statements of Operations	Derivatives Not Designated	Location in the	Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
	as Hedging Instruments	Consolidated Statements of Operations	Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Equity-indexed options	Net investment income	$	52,071		$	83,307		$	18,931
	Equity-indexed embedded derivative	Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances		(32,071	)		(67,177	)		(13,528	)

Net_Investment_Income_and_Real1

Net Investment Income and Realized Investment Gains (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of Net Investment Income	Net investment income is shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Bonds	$	596,013		$	631,561		$	680,552
	Equity securities		35,324			30,668			29,085
	Mortgage loans		204,499			221,773			205,067
	Real estate		10,823			11,504			14,041
	Options		52,071			83,307			18,931
	Other invested assets		34,128			37,997			37,722

	Total	$	932,858		$	1,016,810		$	985,398

Summary of Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	Realized investment gains (losses) are shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Bonds	$	25,580		$	25,577		$	41,817
	Equity securities		22,089			35,322			35,047
	Mortgage loans		(5,679	)		834			(361	)
	Real estate		7,035			62,531			13,049
	Other invested assets		(963	)		(120	)		1,173

	Total	$	48,062		$	124,144		$	90,725

Summary of Other Temporary Impairment Losses	Other-temporary-impairment losses are shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Bonds	$	(41	)	$	—		$	(12,658	)
	Equity securities		(6,599	)		(4,591	)		(9,859	)

	Total	$	(6,640	)	$	(4,591	)	$	(22,517	)

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments are shown below (in thousands):


			December 31,
			2014								2013
			Carrying								Carrying
			Amount				Fair Value				Amount				Fair Value
	Financial assets
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity		$	8,225,050			$	8,652,913			$	8,491,347			$	8,823,068
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale			4,921,807				4,921,807				4,599,673				4,599,673
	Equity securities			1,516,978				1,516,978				1,410,608				1,410,608
	Equity-indexed options			189,449				189,449				164,753				164,753
	Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance			3,359,586				3,618,944				3,299,242				3,470,663
	Policy loans			405,979				405,979				397,407				397,407
	Short-term investments			431,000				431,000				495,386				495,386
	Separate account assets			1,001,515				1,001,515				970,954				970,954

	Total financial assets		$	20,051,364			$	20,738,585			$	19,829,370			$	20,332,512

	Financial liabilities
	Investment contracts		$	8,894,747			$	8,894,747			$	9,423,122			$	9,423,122
	Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts			208,187				208,187				148,435				148,435
	Notes payable			108,177				108,177				113,849				113,849
	Separate account liabilities			1,001,515				1,001,515				970,954				970,954

	Total financial liabilities		$	10,212,626			$	10,212,626			$	10,656,360			$	10,656,360

Quantitative Disclosures Regarding Fair Value Hierarchy Measurements	The fair value hierarchy measurements of the financial instruments are shown below (in thousands):


			Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2014
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
			Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Financial assets
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. states and political subdivisions		$	349,760			$	—			$	349,760			$	—
	Foreign governments			30,423				—				30,423				—
	Corporate debt securities			7,894,725				—				7,833,564				61,161
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			357,635				—				356,670				965
	Collateralized debt securities			2,470				—				—				2,470
	Other debt securities			17,900				—				12,975				4,925

	Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,652,913				—				8,583,392				69,521

	Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
	U.S. treasury and government			23,233				—				23,233				—
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			837,616				—				835,106				2,510
	Foreign governments			7,021				—				7,021				—
	Corporate debt securities			4,000,049				—				3,941,925				58,124
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			42,399				—				40,473				1,926
	Collateralized debt securities			11,489				—				9,616				1,873

	Total bonds available-for-sale			4,921,807				—				4,857,374				64,433

	Equity securities
	Common stock			1,487,125				1,487,125				—				—
	Preferred stock			29,853				29,853				—				—

	Total equity securities			1,516,978				1,516,978				—				—

	Options			189,449				—				—				189,449
	Mortgage loans on real estate			3,618,944				—				3,618,944				—
	Policy loans			405,979				—				—				405,979
	Short-term investments			431,000				—				431,000				—
	Separate account assets			1,001,515				—				1,001,515				—

	Total financial assets		$	20,738,585			$	1,516,978			$	18,492,225			$	729,382

	Financial liabilities
	Investment contracts		$	8,894,747			$	—			$	—			$	8,894,747
	Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts			208,187				—				—				208,187
	Notes payable			108,177				—				—				108,177
	Separate account liabilities			1,001,515				—				1,001,515				—

	Total financial liabilities		$	10,212,626			$	—			$	1,001,515			$	9,211,111



			Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2013
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
			Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Financial assets
	Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity
	U.S. treasury and government		$	1,743			$	—			$	1,743			$	—
	U.S. states and political subdivisions			362,657				—				362,657				—
	Foreign governments			31,605				—				31,605				—
	Corporate debt securities			7,993,891				—				7,950,418				43,473
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			418,682				—				417,687				995
	Collateralized debt securities			2,591				—				—				2,591
	Other debt securities			11,899				—				11,899				—

Total bonds held-to-maturity			8,823,068				—				8,776,009				47,059

Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale
U.S. treasury and government			22,477				—				22,477				—
U.S. states and political subdivisions			638,560				—				636,040				2,520
Foreign governments			6,649				—				6,649				—
Corporate debt securities			3,807,033				—				3,794,809				12,224
Residential mortgage-backed securities			63,007				—				60,841				2,166
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			29,260				—				—				29,260
Collateralized debt securities			15,186				—				13,052				2,134
Other debt securities			17,501				—				17,501				—

Total bonds available-for-sale			4,599,673				—				4,551,369				48,304

Equity securities
Common stock			1,368,995				1,368,995				—				—
Preferred stock			41,613				41,613				—				—

Total equity securities			1,410,608				1,410,608				—				—

Options			164,753				—				—				164,753
Mortgage loans on real estate			3,470,663				—				3,470,663				—
Policy loans			397,407				—				—				397,407
Short-term investments			495,386				—				495,386				—
Separate account assets			970,954				—				970,954				—

Total financial assets		$	20,332,512			$	1,410,608			$	18,264,381			$	657,523

Financial liabilities
Investment contracts		$	9,423,122			$	—			$	—			$	9,423,122
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts			148,435				—				—				148,435
Notes payable			113,849				—				—				113,849
Separate account liabilities			970,954				—				970,954				—

Total financial liabilities		$	10,656,360			$	—			$	970,954			$	9,685,406

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using (Level 3) Inputs	For financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the period, a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances is shown below (in thousands):



			Assets								Liability
							Equity-
			Investment				Indexed				Embedded
			Securities				Options				Derivative
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	15,815			$	65,188			$	63,275

	Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses
	included in other comprehensive income			24,267				—				—
	Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses			(11,485	)			—				—
	Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income			—				12,372				—
	Net change included in interest credited			—				—				13,528
	Purchases, sales and settlements or maturities
	Purchases			32,141				14,684				—
	Sales			—				—				—
	Settlements or maturities			(1,795	)			(9,619	)			—
	Premiums less benefits			—				—				(1,771	)
	Transfers from held to maturity			13,118
	Gross transfers into Level 3			34,975				—				—

	Balance at December 31, 2012			107,036				82,625				75,032

	Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses included in other comprehensive income			9,355				—				—
	Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses			1,082				—				—
	Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income			—				76,268				—
	Net change included in interest credited			—				—				67,177
	Purchases, sales and settlements or maturities
	Purchases			2,153				15,906				—
	Sales			(10,452	)			—				—
	Settlements or maturities			(7,268	)			(10,046	)			—
	Premiums less benefits			—				—				6,226
	Gross transfers out of Level 3			(53,602	)			—				—

	Balance at December 31, 2013			48,304				164,753				148,435

	Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses included in other comprehensive income			(11,746	)			—				—
	Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses			13,056				—				—
	Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income			—				44,492				—
	Net change included in interest credited			—				—				32,071
	Purchases, sales and settlements or maturities
	Purchases			—				16,844				—
	Sales			(37,803	)			—				—
	Settlements or maturities			(10	)			(36,640	)			—
	Premiums less benefits			—				—				27,681
	Gross transfers into Level 3			54,241				—				—
	Gross transfers out of Level 3			(1,609	)			—				—

	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	64,433			$	189,449			$	208,187

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred policy acquisition costs are shown below (in thousands):


								Accident			Property &
		Life			Annuity			& Health			Casualty			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	651,580		$	463,036		$	55,096		$	150,981		$	1,320,693

	Additions		80,877			68,799			11,018			215,281			375,975
	Amortization		(73,710	)		(90,523	)		(16,908	)		(227,749	)		(408,890	)
	Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		(5,331	)		(34,772	)		—			—			(40,103	)

	Net change		1,836			(56,496	)		(5,890	)		(12,468	)		(73,018	)

	Balance at December 31, 2012		653,416			406,540			49,206			138,513			1,247,675

	Additions		107,410			49,397			13,263			208,889			378,959
	Amortization		(82,658	)		(85,756	)		(15,249	)		(225,131	)		(408,794	)
	Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		5,916			53,977			—			—			59,893

	Net change		30,668			17,618			(1,986	)		(16,242	)		30,058

	Balance at December 31, 2013		684,084			424,158			47,220			122,271			1,277,733

	Additions		110,195			47,400			19,530			213,237			390,362
	Amortization		(78,181	)		(79,135	)		(18,966	)		(223,658	)		(399,940	)
	Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		(4,629	)		(9,982	)		—			—			(14,611	)

	Net change		27,385			(41,717	)		564			(10,421	)		(24,189	)

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	711,469		$	382,441		$	47,784		$	111,850		$	1,253,544

Liability_for_Unpaid_Claims_an1

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	Information regarding the liability for unpaid claims is shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unpaid claims balance, beginning	$	1,096,301		$	1,168,047		$	1,180,259
	Less reinsurance recoverables		215,164			256,885			235,174

	Net beginning balance		881,137			911,162			945,085

	Incurred related to
	Current		940,466			938,620			1,001,915
	Prior years		(44,806	)		(46,872	)		(48,688	)

	Total incurred claims		895,660			891,748			953,227

	Paid claims related to
	Current		561,887			578,831			620,739
	Prior years		328,422			342,942			366,411

	Total paid claims		890,309			921,773			987,150

	Net balance		886,488			881,137			911,162
	Plus reinsurance recoverables		245,906			215,164			256,885

	Unpaid claims balance, ending	$	1,132,394		$	1,096,301		$	1,168,047

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Reinsurance (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Effect of Reinsurance	Information regarding the effect of reinsurance is shown below (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Direct premiums	$	2,049,447		$	1,970,400		$	1,971,078
	Reinsurance premiums assumed from other companies		227,076			189,067			159,518
	Reinsurance premiums ceded to other companies		(460,552	)		(423,941	)		(426,423	)

	Net premiums	$	1,815,971		$	1,735,526		$	1,704,173

Life Insurance In-Force and Related Reinsurance	Life insurance in-force and related reinsurance amounts are shown below (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Direct life insurance in-force	$	85,570,057		$	80,038,270		$	72,884,984
	Reinsurance risks assumed from other companies		6,007			32,019			103,576
	Reinsurance risks ceded to other companies		(30,007,131	)		(30,577,123	)		(30,477,364	)

	Net life insurance in-force	$	55,568,933		$	49,493,166		$	42,511,196

Federal_Income_Taxes_Tables

Federal Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Federal Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the effective tax rate to the statutory federal tax rate is shown below (in thousands, except percentages):


		Years ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate
	Income tax on pre-tax income	$	115,061			35	%	$	126,865			35	%	$	95,111			35	%
	Tax-exempt investment income		(6,680	)		(2.0	)		(6,366	)		(1.8	)		(7,364	)		(2.7	)
	Dividend exclusion		(7,620	)		(2.3	)		(6,928	)		(1.9	)		(6,323	)		(2.3	)
	Miscellaneous tax credits, net		(7,888	)		(2.4	)		(7,757	)		(2.1	)		(8,106	)		(3.0	)
	Other items, net		(842	)		(0.3	)		(6,173	)		(1.7	)		2,264			0.8

	Total	$	92,031			28	%	$	99,641			27.5	%	$	75,582			27.8	%

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities are shown below (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
	Marketable securities, principally due to impairment losses	$	58,375		$	70,816
	Investment in bonds, principally due to differences between GAAP and tax basis		1,897			—
	Investment in real estate and other invested assets, principally due to investment valuation allowances		12,280			7,888
	Policyholder funds, principally due to policy reserve discount		205,821			206,775
	Policyholder funds, principally due to unearned premium reserve		32,153			30,871
	Participating policyholders’ surplus		46,672			42,701
	Pension		73,604			59,174
	Commissions and other expenses		6,998			8,024
	Tax carryforwards		1,651			10,843

	Gross deferred tax assets		439,451			437,092

	DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
	Marketable securities, principally due to net unrealized gains		361,352			284,503
	Investment in bonds, principally due to differences between GAAP and tax basis		—			5,249
	Deferred policy acquisition costs, due to difference between GAAP and tax amortization methods		331,274			326,855
	Property, plant and equipment, principally due to difference between
	GAAP and tax depreciation methods		16,995			17,262
	Other Liabilities		19,942			23,651

	Gross deferred tax liabilities		729,563			657,520

	Total net deferred tax	$	(290,112	)	$	(220,428	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of and changes in the accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), and the related tax effects, are shown below (in thousands):



		Net Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			AOCI
		Gains/(Losses)			Benefit			Currency
		on Securities			Pension Plan			Adjustments
					Adjustments
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	274,837		$	(115,485	)	$	51		$	159,403

	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (net of tax benefit $11,700 and expense $5,572)		(21,718	)		10,349			—			(11,369	)
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period (net of tax expense $79,796)		148,193									148,193
	Unrealized adjustment to DAC (net of tax benefit $14,035)		(26,068	)								(26,068	)
	Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders’ interest (net of tax benefit $2,370)		(4,402	)								(4,402	)
	Actuarial loss arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $12,851)					(23,867	)					(23,867	)
	Foreign currency adjustment (net of tax expense $65)								120			120

	Balance at December 31, 2012		370,842			(129,003	)		171			242,010

	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (net of tax benefit $14,757 and expense $6,204)		(27,407	)		11,522			—			(15,885	)
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period (net of tax expense $41,970)		77,035									77,035
	Unrealized adjustment to DAC (net of tax expense $20,931)		38,962									38,962
	Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders’ interest (net of tax benefit $805)		(1,495	)								(1,495	)
	Actuarial gain arising during the period (net of tax expense of $39,630)					73,597						73,597
	Foreign currency adjustment (net of tax benefit $276)								(512	)		(512	)

	Balance at December 31, 2013		457,937			(43,884	)		(341	)		413,712

	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (net of tax benefit $12,379 and expense $1,547)		(22,990	)		2,873			—			(20,117	)
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period (net of tax expense $79,535)		147,709									147,709
	Unrealized adjustment to DAC (net of tax benefit $5,986)		(8,625	)								(8,625	)
	Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders’ interest (net of tax benefit $3,166)		(5,880	)								(5,880	)
	Actuarial loss arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $18,880)					(35,063	)					(35,063	)
	Foreign currency adjustment (net of tax benefit $514)								(954	)		(954	)

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	568,151		$	(76,074	)	$	(1,295	)	$	490,782

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon1

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Amounts Outstanding	The amounts outstanding at the dates indicated are shown below:



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Common stock
	Shares issued		30,832,449			30,832,449			30,832,449
	Treasury shares		(3,960,507	)		(3,937,261	)		(3,995,785	)

	Outstanding shares		26,871,942			26,895,188			26,836,664
	Restricted shares		(142,667	)		(190,667	)		(185,334	)

	Unrestricted outstanding shares		26,729,275			26,704,521			26,651,330
Stock-Based Compensation Information	SAR, RS and RSU information for the periods indicated is shown below:



		SAR						RS Shares					RS Units
					Weighted-						Weighted-Average					Weighted-
					Average Grant						Grant Date Fair					Average Grant
		Shares			Date Fair Value			Shares			Value		Units			Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		126,769		$	110.08			261,334		$	102.98		69,566		$	83.56
	Granted		—			—			—			—		75,355			71.69
	Exercised		(200	)		66.76			(76,000	)		88		(17,380	)		94.47
	Forfeited		(3,510	)		114.02			—			—		(482	)		74.85
	Expired		(14,108	)		100.14			—			—		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		108,951			111.31			185,334			109.13		127,059			75.06

	Granted		—			—			10,000			80.05		71,084			80.05
	Exercised		(19,849	)		103.61			(4,667	)		111.6		(76,378	)		77.04
	Forfeited		(334	)		96.53			—			—		(396	)		77.2
	Expired		(14,333	)		107.93			—			—		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		74,435			114.08			190,667			107.54		121,369			76.23

	Granted		—			—			—			—		66,383			113.49
	Exercised		(3,226	)		95.54			(48,000	)		108		(59,438	)		76.53
	Forfeited		—			—			—			—		(100	)		113.49
	Expired		(16,279	)		115.11			—			—		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		54,930			114.86			142,667			107.39		128,214			95.82




		SAR			RS Shares			RS Units
	Weighted-average contractual remaining life (in years)		1.78			4.02			1.78
	Exercisable shares		54,747			N/A			—
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	114.86		$	107.39		$	95.82
	Weighted-average exercise price exercisable shares		114.88			N/A			N/A
	Compensation expense (credits)
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	(23,000	)	$	2,963,000		$	7,710,000
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	374,000		$	2,219,000		$	12,342,000
	Year ended December 31, 2012		(6,000	)		2,418,000			7,752,000
	Fair value of liability award
	31-Dec-14		167,000			N/A			16,301,000
	31-Dec-13		376,000			N/A			15,018,000
Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The Restricted Stock awards and units resulted in diluted earnings per share as follows (in thousands, except share-related data):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Weighted average shares outstanding		26,802,841			26,791,900			26,714,865
	Incremental shares from RS awards and RSUs		115,829			122,691			148,809

	Total shares for diluted calculations		26,918,670			26,914,591			26,863,674

	Net income attributable to American National	$	247,193		$	268,372		$	191,041
	Basic earnings per share	$	9.22		$	10.02		$	7.15
	Diluted earnings per share		9.18			9.97			7.11
Statutory Capital and Surplus and Net Income (Loss) of Insurance Entities in Accordance with Statutory Accounting Practices	The statutory capital and surplus and net income (loss) of our life and property and casualty insurance entities in accordance with statutory accounting practices are shown below (in thousands):



		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Statutory capital and surplus
	Life insurance entities	$	1,904,128		$	1,771,999
	Property and casualty insurance entities		984,155			904,557



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory net income
	Life insurance entities	$	169,823		$	191,932		$	233,621
	Property and casualty insurance entities		73,076			61,737			43,449
Effect of Change in Ownership Interest	The effect of the change in ownership interest of American National is shown below (in thousands):



		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to American National	$	247,193		$	268,372		$	191,041

	Decrease in American National’s paid-in capital for purchase of additional interest		—			—			(1,892	)

	Net transfers to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(1,892	)
	Change from net income attributable to American National and transfers to noncontrolling interest	$	247,193		$	268,372		$	189,149

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Results of Operations by Operating Segments	The following summarizes results of operations by operating segments (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations before federal income taxes, and equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated affiliates
	Life	$	43,352	$	19,627	$	34,251
	Annuity		95,736		95,887		96,501
	Health		25,559		25,255		18,046
	Property and casualty		89,632		74,068		45,425
	Corporate and other		74,467		147,633		77,522

	Total	$	328,746	$	362,470	$	271,745

	Total Assets
	Life	$	5,573,882	$	5,375,602	$	5,130,612
	Annuity		10,766,619		11,104,180		11,802,579
	Health		526,344		500,475		498,510
	Property and casualty		2,000,494		2,127,525		2,220,898
	Corporate and other		4,684,697		4,217,101		3,454,475

	Total	$	23,552,036	$	23,324,883	$	23,107,074

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position consist of (in thousands):



		2014			2013
	Reconciliation of benefit obligation
	Obligation at January 1,	$	458,270		$	535,313
	Service cost benefits earned during period		111			19,873
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		20,612			20,277
	Plan amendments		—			(36,001	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss		61,906			(53,371	)
	Benefits paid		(27,748	)		(27,821	)

	Obligation at December 31,		513,151			458,270

	Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at January 1,		302,467			276,014
	Actual return on plan assets		28,363			44,209
	Employer contributions		21,097			10,065
	Benefits paid		(27,748	)		(27,821	)

	Fair value of plan assets at December 31,		324,179			302,467

	Funded status at December 31,	$	(188,972	)	$	(155,803	)

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Defined Benefit Pension Plans	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the defined benefit pension plans are shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	111		$	19,873		$	17,596
	Interest cost		20,612			20,277			20,579
	Expected return on plan assets		(20,402	)		(20,354	)		(18,499	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		4,421			17,726			15,921

	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,742		$	37,522		$	35,597

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Recognized as Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amounts related to the defined benefit pension plans recognized as a component of OCI are shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Actuarial gain (loss)	$	(49,523	)	$	130,953		$	(20,797	)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)		17,333			(45,834	)		7,279

	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	(32,190	)	$	85,119		$	(13,518	)

Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	Amounts recognized as a component of AOCI that have not been recognized as a component of the combined net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit pension plans, are shown below (in thousands):



		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss	$	(117,036	)	$	(67,513	)
	Deferred tax benefit		40,962			23,629

	Amounts included in AOCI	$	(76,074	)	$	(43,884	)

Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Measurement of Benefit Obligation	The weighted average assumptions used are shown below:



		Used for Net Benefit			Used for Benefit
		Cost in Fiscal Year			Obligations
		1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014			as of 12/31/2014
	Discount rate		4.6	%		3.7	%
	Rate of compensation increase		0			0
	Long-term rate of return		7.45			7.45
Pension Benefit Payments Reflecting Expected Future Service Expected to be Paid	The following table shows pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, that are expected to be paid (in thousands):


	2015		29,660
	2016		38,201
	2017		30,339
	2018		32,562
	2019		29,735
	2020-2022		162,306
Fair Values of Plan Assets by Asset Category	The fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category are shown below (in thousands):



		December 31, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Asset Category
	Corporate debt securities	$	53,768		$	—		$	53,768		$	—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		887			—			887			—
	Mutual fund		9,591			9,591			—			—
	Equity securities by sector
	Consumer goods		51,586			51,586			—			—
	Energy and utilities		32,287			32,287			—			—
	Financials		43,186			43,186			—			—
	Healthcare		28,256			28,256			—			—
	Industrials		16,145			16,145			—			—
	Information technology		30,157			30,157			—			—
	Other		31,094			31,094			—			—
	Commercial paper		21,053			—			21,053			—
	Unallocated group annuity contract		6,053			—			6,053			—
	Other		116			28			88			—

	Total	$	324,179		$	242,330		$	81,849		$	—

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	The impact on the consolidated financial statements of the significant related party transactions is shown below (in thousands):



			Dollar Amount of Transactions				Amount due to/(from) American National
			Years ended December 31,				December 31,
	Related Party	Financial Statement Line Impacted	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation	Mortgage loan on real estate	$	1,234	$	1,148	$	6,508		$	7,742
	Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation	Net investment income		521		607		39			47
	Greer, Herz and Adams, LLP	Other operating expenses		10,146		9,557		(309	)		(284	)

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The unaudited selected quarterly financial data is shown below (in thousands, except per share data):


		Three months ended
		March 31,						June 30,					September 30,				December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013		2014		2013		2014			2013
	Total premiums and other revenues	$	772,436		$	745,045		$	754,786		$	773,660	$	746,170	$	785,504	$	777,198		$	815,001
	Total benefits, losses and expenses		697,968			682,897			688,864			689,450		651,395		664,640		683,617			719,753
	Income before federal income tax and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		74,468			62,148			65,922			84,210		94,775		120,864		93,581			95,248
	Provision for federal income taxes		21,487			11,317			21,558			24,803		26,749		35,759		22,237			27,762
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax		(859	)		8,577			12,659			1,076		2,735		121		(2,566	)		(298	)
	Net income		52,122			59,408			57,023			60,483		70,761		85,226		68,778			67,188
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(756	)		(563	)		(238	)		2,314		2,877		2,613		(392	)		(431	)
	Net income attributable to American National		52,878			59,971			57,261			58,169		67,884		82,613		69,170			67,619

	Earnings per share attributable to American National
	Basic		1.97			2.24			2.14			2.17		2.53		3.08		2.58			2.53
	Diluted		1.96			2.23			2.12			2.16		2.52		3.07		2.57			2.51

Nature_of_Operations_Additiona

Nature of Operations - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Nature of Operations - Additional Information (Detail)	State
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of states	50

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Entity ownership percentage	100.00%
Interest due on loan	90 days
Number of years property held for sale	1 year
Delinquent coupon payments	$0
Percentage of participating policy of life insurance in-force	7.40%
Percentage of participating policy of life premium	4.90%
Largest amount of tax benefit	50.00%
Farm Family Life [Member]
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of participating insurance policy	77.70%
Percentage of profit on participating business, stockholders' share of profits	10.00%
Share of profit on participating business, face amount of participating life insurance in-force	$0.50
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of real estate investment	15 years
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of real estate investment	50 years
Estimated useful lives	50 years

Investments_in_Securities_Inve

Investments in Securities - Investments in Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	$8,225,050	$8,491,347
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	476,806	451,797
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-48,943	-120,076
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	8,652,913	8,823,068
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	4,694,716	4,456,391
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	244,811	212,185
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-17,720	-68,903
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	4,921,807	4,599,673
Available-for-sale equity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	739,384	741,080
Available-for-sale equity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	784,771	672,268
Available-for-sale equity securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-7,177	-2,740
Available-for-sale equity securities, Fair Value	1,516,978	1,410,608
Investments in securities, Cost or Amortized cost	13,659,150	13,688,818
Investments in securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,506,388	1,336,250
Investments in securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-73,840	-191,719
Investments in securities, Fair Value	15,091,698	14,833,349
U.S. Treasury and Government [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost		1,738
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		6
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value		1,744
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	22,415	21,751
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	825	725
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-7
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	23,233	22,476
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	323,053	346,240
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	26,800	16,945
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-93	-529
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	349,760	362,656
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	802,846	630,199
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	36,151	22,118
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-1,381	-13,756
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	837,616	638,561
Foreign Governments [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	29,130	29,099
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,293	2,505
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	30,423	31,604
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	5,000	5,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,021	1,649
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	7,021	6,649
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	7,517,195	7,700,559
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	424,845	410,232
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-47,315	-116,900
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	7,894,725	7,993,891
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	3,812,771	3,689,349
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	203,048	171,717
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-15,770	-54,033
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	4,000,049	3,807,033
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	336,853	400,619
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	22,317	20,711
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-1,535	-2,647
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	357,635	418,683
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	40,988	61,135
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,903	2,940
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-492	-1,068
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	42,399	63,007
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost		18,223
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		11,037
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value		29,260
Collateralized Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	2,232	2,366
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	238	225
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	2,470	2,591
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	10,696	13,884
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	863	1,320
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-70	-18
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	11,489	15,186
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	16,587	10,726
Held-to-maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,313	1,173
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	17,900	11,899
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost or Amortized Cost		16,850
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		679
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)		-28
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value		17,501
Common Stock [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale equity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	719,651	717,390
Available-for-sale equity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	774,650	653,967
Available-for-sale equity securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-7,176	-2,362
Available-for-sale equity securities, Fair Value	1,487,125	1,368,995
Preferred Stocks [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale equity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	19,733	23,690
Available-for-sale equity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	10,121	18,301
Available-for-sale equity securities, Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-1	-378
Available-for-sale equity securities, Fair Value	$29,853	$41,613

Investments_in_Securities_Matu

Investments in Securities - Maturities of Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-sale Securities and Held-to-maturity Securities [Abstract]
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$954,054
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	1,941,258
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	4,919,595
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	404,293
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Without single maturity date	5,850
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	8,225,050	8,491,347
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Due in one year or less	972,392
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	2,133,254
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	5,111,697
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Due after ten years	430,582
Bonds Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Without single maturity date	4,988
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	8,652,913	8,823,068
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	342,205
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	764,985
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	3,065,589
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	516,937
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Without single maturity date	5,000
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	4,694,716	4,456,391
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Due in one year or less	350,721
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	832,529
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	3,196,339
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Due after ten years	537,231
Bonds Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Without single maturity date	4,987
Available-for-sale debt securities, Fair Value	$4,921,807	$4,599,673

Investments_in_Securities_Proc

Investments in Securities - Proceeds from Available for Sale Securities and Realized Gain Loss (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Disclosures [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	$184,918	$228,159	$221,686
Gross realized gains	38,301	43,263	52,998
Gross realized losses	($3,635)	($3,413)	($2,009)

Investments_in_Securities_Addi

Investments in Securities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-sale Securities and Held-to-maturity Securities [Abstract]
Securities transferred from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale	$44,781,000	$13,492,000
Unrealized gain (loss), transferred securities	1,301,000	236,000
Assets held by insurance regulators	51,767,000	50,471,000
Carrying value of bonds pledged	$65,331,000	$68,125,000

Investments_in_Securities_Chan

Investments in Securities - Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities during the year	$191,875	$76,841	$194,571
Adjustments for
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-14,611	59,893	-40,103
Participating policyholders' interest	-9,046	-2,300	-6,772
Deferred federal income tax benefit (expense)	-58,004	-47,339	-51,691
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax	110,214	87,095	96,005
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities during the year	83,809	-205,827	103,112
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities during the year	$108,066	$282,668	$91,459

Investments_in_Securities_Gros

Investments in Securities - Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Investment Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Line Items]
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	($20,844)	($106,555)
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	539,340	1,970,903
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-28,099	-13,521
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Fair Value	695,990	123,117
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-48,943	-120,076
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Fair Value	1,235,330	2,094,020
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-9,258	-63,478
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	438,141	1,279,562
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-8,462	-5,425
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	382,040	97,368
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-17,720	-68,903
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	820,181	1,376,930
Investment in securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-37,279	-172,773
Investment in securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	1,021,388	3,286,566
Investment in securities, More than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-36,561	-18,946
Investment in securities, More than 12 months, Fair Value	1,078,030	220,485
Investment in securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-73,840	-191,719
Investment in securities, Total, Fair Value	2,099,418	3,507,051
U.S. Treasury and Government [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-7
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	14,552	725
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-7
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	14,552	725
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-37	-529
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	3,388	22,430
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-56
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Fair Value	2,465
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-93	-529
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Fair Value	5,853	22,430
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-166	-13,271
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	27,719	168,093
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-1,215	-485
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	78,851	2,905
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-1,381	-13,756
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	106,570	170,998
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-20,575	-104,308
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	523,766	1,916,758
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-26,740	-12,592
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Fair Value	662,362	109,603
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-47,315	-116,900
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Fair Value	1,186,128	2,026,361
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-8,852	-49,198
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	384,451	1,083,677
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-6,918	-4,835
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	288,808	92,004
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-15,770	-54,033
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	673,259	1,175,681
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-232	-1,718
Bonds held-to-maturity, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	12,186	31,715
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-1,303	-929
Bonds held-to-maturity, 12 months or more, Fair Value	31,163	13,514
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-1,535	-2,647
Bonds held-to-maturity, Total, Fair Value	43,349	45,229
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-170	-978
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	9,386	16,835
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-322	-90
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	14,042	1,872
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-492	-1,068
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	23,428	18,707
Collateralized Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-63	-3
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	2,033	205
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Unrealized (Losses)	-7	-15
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	339	587
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-70	-18
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	2,372	792
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)		-28
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value		10,027
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)		-28
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value		10,027
Common Stock [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-7,176	-2,362
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	43,907	29,978
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-7,176	-2,362
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	43,907	29,978
Preferred Stocks [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-1	-378
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value		6,123
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-1	-378
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value		6,123
Equity Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Unrealized (Losses)	-7,177	-2,740
Available-for-sale securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	43,907	36,101
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Unrealized (Losses)	-7,177	-2,740
Available-for-sale securities, Total, Fair Value	$43,907	$36,101

Investments_in_Securities_Bond

Investments in Securities - Bond by Credit Quality Rating Distribution (Detail) (Bonds Held-to-Maturity [Member], Credit Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Portfolio of investment by credit quality	100.00%	100.00%
AAA [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Portfolio of investment by credit quality	5.00%	4.90%
AA [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Portfolio of investment by credit quality	12.80%	11.30%
A [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Portfolio of investment by credit quality	39.40%	40.70%
BBB [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Portfolio of investment by credit quality	39.50%	39.20%
BB and Below [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Portfolio of investment by credit quality	3.30%	3.90%

Investments_in_Securities_Equi

Investments in Securities - Equity Securities by Market Sector Distribution (Detail) (Equity Securities [Member], Credit Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	100.00%	100.00%
Consumer Goods [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	20.40%	19.80%
Energy and Utilities [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	13.30%	15.00%
Financials [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	19.10%	19.30%
Healthcare [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	14.00%	12.70%
Industrials [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	8.40%	9.00%
Information Technology [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	16.20%	15.70%
Other [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity securities with market sector distribution	8.60%	8.50%

Mortgage_Loans_Mortgage_Loans_

Mortgage Loans - Mortgage Loans by Property Type and Geographic Distribution (Detail) (Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	100.00%	100.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] \| Hotel and Motel [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	10.80%	10.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] \| Industrial [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	20.90%	24.90%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] \| Office [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	36.10%	34.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	18.10%	19.60%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] \| Other [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	14.10%	11.50%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	100.00%	100.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| East North Central [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	19.40%	19.30%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| East South Central [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	5.00%	6.80%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| Mountain [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	11.00%	10.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| Pacific [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	10.80%	12.30%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| South Atlantic [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	21.90%	19.60%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| West South Central [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	24.90%	26.40%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| Other [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	7.00%	5.60%

Mortgage_Loans_Additional_Info

Mortgage Loans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	MortgageLoan	MortgageLoan
	Defaults
Receivables [Abstract]
Number of mortgage loan foreclosed	0	1
Mortgage loans foreclosed		$5,600,000
Number of mortgage loans sold	0	1
Commercial loan sold with recorded investment	0	23,304,000
Realized gain on sale of commercial loan		115,000
Unamortized discounts	658,000	852,000
Unamortized origination fees, mortgage loans	15,659,000	15,709,000
Financing receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment	3,321,241,000	3,294,236,000
Financing receivable, individually evaluated for impairment	56,205,000	17,188,000
Number of defaults on modified loans	0
Commitment to lend additional funds to debtors with modified loans as TDRs	$0

Mortgage_Loans_Commercial_Mort

Mortgage Loans - Commercial Mortgage Loans Placed on Nonaccrual Status (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Office [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amounts of commercial mortgage loans	$19,327
Industrial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amounts of commercial mortgage loans		$2,739

Mortgage_Loans_Age_Analysis_of

Mortgage Loans - Age Analysis of Past Due Commercial Mortgage Loans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	$0	$0
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days	19,327	2,739
Total Past Due	19,327	2,739
Current	3,358,119	3,308,684
Total Mortgage Loans	3,377,446	3,311,423
Allowance for loan losses	17,860	12,181	12,012	11,321
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance	3,359,586	3,299,242
Industrial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	0	0
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days		2,739
Total Past Due		2,739
Current	702,541	821,741
Total Mortgage Loans	702,541	824,480
Office [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	0	0
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days	19,327
Total Past Due	19,327
Current	1,201,833	1,124,818
Total Mortgage Loans	1,221,160	1,124,818
Retail [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	0	0
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Current	615,813	651,236
Total Mortgage Loans	615,813	651,236
Other [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	0	0
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Current	837,932	710,889
Total Mortgage Loans	$837,932	$710,889

Mortgage_Loans_Change_in_Allow

Mortgage Loans - Change in Allowance for Credit Losses in Commercial Mortgage Loans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Allowance for credit losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment, Beginning Balance	$11,688	$11,519	$10,828
Change Due to Factor Development, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	127
Change in allowance, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	462	169	691
Allowance for credit losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment, Ending Balance	12,277	11,688	11,519
Allowance for credit losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment, Beginning balance	493	493	493
Change Due to Factor Development, Individually Evaluated for Impairment			-2,277
Change in allowance, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	5,090		2,277
Allowance for credit losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment, Ending balance	5,583	493	493
Allowance for credit losses, Beginning balance	12,181	12,012	11,321
Change Due to Factor Development	127		-2,277
Change in allowance	5,552	169	2,968
Allowance for credit losses, Ending balance	$17,860	$12,181	$12,012

Mortgage_Loans_Loans_Individua

Mortgage Loans - Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment With and Without Allowance (Average Recorded Investment and Interest Income Recognized) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investments with an Allowance Recorded	$29,371	$493	$493
Interest Income Recognized with an Allowance Recorded	2,203
Average Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded	29,740	16,890	109,590
Interest Income Recognized with No Allowance Recorded	1,874	1,092	7,339
Recorded Investment	26,563	493
Principal Balance	32,146	493
Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded	29,643	16,695
Unpaid Principal Balance with No Allowance Recorded	29,643	16,695
Office [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded	27,019	12,444	36,710
Interest Income Recognized with No Allowance Recorded	1,728	809	2,452
Recorded Investment	26,563
Principal Balance	31,653
Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded	26,941	12,377
Unpaid Principal Balance with No Allowance Recorded	26,941	12,377
Industrial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded	2,721	2,773
Interest Income Recognized with No Allowance Recorded	146	180
Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded	2,702	2,739
Unpaid Principal Balance with No Allowance Recorded	2,702	2,739
Retail [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investments with an Allowance Recorded	29,371
Interest Income Recognized with an Allowance Recorded	2,203
Average Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded		1,673	17,329
Interest Income Recognized with No Allowance Recorded		103	1,129
Recorded Investment		493
Principal Balance	493	493
Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded		1,579
Unpaid Principal Balance with No Allowance Recorded		1,579
Other [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investments with No Allowance Recorded			55,551
Interest Income Recognized with No Allowance Recorded			3,758
Office [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investments with an Allowance Recorded		$493	$493

Mortgage_Loans_Loans_Individua1

Mortgage Loans - Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment With and Without Allowance (Average Recorded Investment and Interest Income Recognized) (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Related Allowance	$5,090	$493

Mortgage_Loans_Number_of_Mortg

Mortgage Loans - Number of Mortgage Loans and Recorded Investment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Contract	Contract
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of contracts	1	2
Recorded investment pre- modification	$6,432	$9,171
Recorded investment post modification	6,432	9,171
Industrial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of contracts		1
Recorded investment pre- modification		2,739
Recorded investment post modification		2,739
Office [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of contracts	1	1
Recorded investment pre- modification	6,432	6,432
Recorded investment post modification	$6,432	$6,432

Investment_Real_Estate_Investm

Investment Real Estate - Investment Real Estate by Property-Type and Geographic Distribution (Detail) (Real Estate [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Type Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	100.00%	100.00%
Property Type Concentration Risk [Member] \| Industrial [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	13.00%	12.30%
Property Type Concentration Risk [Member] \| Office [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	25.00%	23.10%
Property Type Concentration Risk [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	44.10%	43.40%
Property Type Concentration Risk [Member] \| Other [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	17.90%	21.20%
Geographic Distribution [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	100.00%	100.00%
Geographic Distribution [Member] \| East North Central [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	4.50%	7.80%
Geographic Distribution [Member] \| East South Central [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	4.60%	5.40%
Geographic Distribution [Member] \| Mountain [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	9.60%	6.00%
Geographic Distribution [Member] \| Pacific [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	7.10%	5.50%
Geographic Distribution [Member] \| South Atlantic [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	12.20%	13.40%
Geographic Distribution [Member] \| West South Central [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	55.60%	59.00%
Geographic Distribution [Member] \| Other [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment real estate	6.40%	2.90%

Investment_Real_Estate_Assets_

Investment Real Estate - Assets and Liabilities Related to VIEs (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment real estate	$479,062	$507,142
Cash and cash equivalents	209,455	117,946	303,008	102,114
Accrued investment income	185,943	194,830
Other assets	137,856	142,043
Notes payable	108,177	113,849
Other liabilities	498,528	456,818
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment real estate	140,032	123,624
Short-term investments	1
Cash and cash equivalents	2,495	2,154
Accrued investment income	683	2,197
Other receivables	7,999	8,488
Other assets	8,483	6,016
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	159,693	142,479
Notes payable	108,177	113,849
Other liabilities	8,954	6,680
Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs	$117,131	$120,529

Investment_Real_Estate_Additio

Investment Real Estate - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Note	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of investment in long-term notes payable	$15,016,000	$12,782,000
Current portion of notes payable	0	3,199,000
Number of notes included in notes payable	3
Long-term notes payable due in four and five years	9,375,000
Carrying value of real estate investments	$4,041,000
Long-Term Notes Payable 1 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on long-term notes	4.00%
Notes payable maturity period	Beyond 5 years
Long-Term Notes Payable 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on long-term portion of notes payable	Adjusted LIBOR plus LIBOR margin
Notes payable maturity year	2016
Long-Term Notes Payable 3 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on long-term portion of notes payable	Adjusted LIBOR plus LIBOR margin
Notes payable maturity year	2016

Investment_Real_Estate_Carryin

Investment Real Estate - Carrying Amount and Maximum Exposure to Loss Related to VIEs (Detail) (Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$172,408	$101,648
Maximum Exposure to Loss	172,408	101,648
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	157,620	195,794
Maximum Exposure to Loss	157,620	195,794
Accrued Investment Income [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	721	454
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$721	$454

Derivative_Instruments_Schedul

Derivative Instruments - Schedule of Derivative Instruments Reported in Financial Position (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of other invested assets	$189,449	$164,753
Derivative Financial Instruments, Estimated Fair Value	208,187	148,435
Policyholders' Account Balances [Member] \| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] \| Equity-Indexed Embedded Derivative [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Instruments	42,287	33,579
Derivative Notional Amount, Liability	961,300	819,200
Derivative Financial Instruments, Estimated Fair Value	208,187	148,435
Other Invested Assets [Member] \| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] \| Equity-Indexed Options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Instruments	436	394
Derivative Notional Amount, Asset	1,095,300	951,400
Estimated Fair Value of other invested assets	$189,449	$164,753

Derivative_Instruments_Schedul1

Derivative Instruments - Schedule of Derivative Instruments Reported in Statements of Operations (Detail) (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Investment Income [Member] \| Equity-Indexed Options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$52,071	$83,307	$18,931
Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account Balances [Member] \| Equity-Indexed Embedded Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	($32,071)	($67,177)	($13,528)

Net_Investment_Income_and_Real2

Net Investment Income and Realized Investment Gains - Summary of Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Total	$932,858	$1,016,810	$985,398
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Total	596,013	631,561	680,552
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Total	35,324	30,668	29,085
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Total	204,499	221,773	205,067
Real Estate [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Total	10,823	11,504	14,041
Options [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Total	52,071	83,307	18,931
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Total	$34,128	$37,997	$37,722

Net_Investment_Income_and_Real3

Net Investment Income and Realized Investment Gains - Summary of Realized Investment Gains (Losses) and Other Temporary Impairment Losses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	$48,062	$124,144	$90,725
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	-6,640	-4,591	-22,517
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	25,580	25,577	41,817
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	-41		-12,658
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	22,089	35,322	35,047
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	-6,599	-4,591	-9,859
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	-5,679	834	-361
Real Estate [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	7,035	62,531	13,049
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses)	($963)	($120)	$1,173

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity	$8,225,050	$8,491,347
Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity	8,652,913	8,823,068
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale	4,921,807	4,599,673
Equity securities	1,516,978	1,410,608
Equity-indexed options	189,449	164,753
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance	3,359,586	3,299,242
Policy loans	405,979	397,407
Short-term investments	431,000	495,386
Separate account assets	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial assets	20,051,364	19,829,370
Financial liabilities
Investment contracts	8,894,747	9,423,122
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts	208,187	148,435
Notes payable	108,177	113,849
Separate account liabilities	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial liabilities	10,212,626	10,656,360
Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds held-to-maturity	8,652,913	8,823,068
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale	4,921,807	4,599,673
Equity securities	1,516,978	1,410,608
Equity-indexed options	189,449	164,753
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance	3,618,944	3,470,663
Policy loans	405,979	397,407
Short-term investments	431,000	495,386
Separate account assets	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial assets	20,738,585	20,332,512
Financial liabilities
Investment contracts	8,894,747	9,423,122
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts	208,187	148,435
Notes payable	108,177	113,849
Separate account liabilities	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial liabilities	$10,212,626	$10,656,360

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument Fair Value Carrying Value [Abstract]
Volatility rate used to estimate derivative values	17.30%	15.00%
Unrealized gain (loss) relating to assets still held and included in net investment income	$24,108,000	$72,071,000	$8,710,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Quantitative Disclosures Regarding Fair Value Hierarchy Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	$8,652,913	$8,823,068
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	4,921,807	4,599,673
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	1,516,978	1,410,608
Equity Indexed Options, fair value disclosure	189,449	164,753
Policy loans, fair value disclosure	405,979	397,407
Short-term investments, fair value disclosure	431,000	495,386
Separate account assets, fair value disclosure	1,001,515	970,954
Financial liabilities
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts, fair value disclosure	208,187	148,435
Separate account liabilities, fair value disclosure	1,001,515	970,954
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	349,760	362,656
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	837,616	638,561
Foreign Governments [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	30,423	31,604
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	7,021	6,649
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	7,894,725	7,993,891
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	4,000,049	3,807,033
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	357,635	418,683
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	42,399	63,007
Collateralized Debt Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	2,470	2,591
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	11,489	15,186
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	17,900	11,899
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure		17,501
U.S. Treasury and Government [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure		1,744
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	23,233	22,476
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure		29,260
Common Stock [Member]
Financial assets
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	1,487,125	1,368,995
Preferred Stocks [Member]
Financial assets
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	29,853	41,613
Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	8,652,913	8,823,068
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	4,921,807	4,599,673
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	1,516,978	1,410,608
Equity Indexed Options, fair value disclosure	189,449	164,753
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance, fair value disclosure	3,618,944	3,470,663
Policy loans, fair value disclosure	405,979	397,407
Short-term investments, fair value disclosure	431,000	495,386
Separate account assets, fair value disclosure	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial assets, fair value disclosure	20,738,585	20,332,512
Financial liabilities
Investment contracts, fair value disclosure	8,894,747	9,423,122
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts, fair value disclosure	208,187	148,435
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	108,177	113,849
Separate account liabilities, fair value disclosure	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial liabilities, fair value disclosure	10,212,626	10,656,360
Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	1,516,978	1,410,608
Total financial assets, fair value disclosure	1,516,978	1,410,608
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	8,583,392	8,776,009
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	4,857,374	4,551,369
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance, fair value disclosure	3,618,944	3,470,663
Short-term investments, fair value disclosure	431,000	495,386
Separate account assets, fair value disclosure	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial assets, fair value disclosure	18,492,225	18,264,381
Financial liabilities
Separate account liabilities, fair value disclosure	1,001,515	970,954
Total financial liabilities, fair value disclosure	1,001,515	970,954
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	69,521	47,059
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	64,433	48,304
Equity Indexed Options, fair value disclosure	189,449	164,753
Policy loans, fair value disclosure	405,979	397,407
Total financial assets, fair value disclosure	729,382	657,523
Financial liabilities
Investment contracts, fair value disclosure	8,894,747	9,423,122
Embedded derivative liability for equity-indexed contracts, fair value disclosure	208,187	148,435
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	108,177	113,849
Total financial liabilities, fair value disclosure	9,211,111	9,685,406
Recurring [Member] \| U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	349,760	362,657
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	837,616	638,560
Recurring [Member] \| U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	349,760	362,657
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	835,106	636,040
Recurring [Member] \| U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	2,510	2,520
Recurring [Member] \| Foreign Governments [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	30,423	31,605
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	7,021	6,649
Recurring [Member] \| Foreign Governments [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	30,423	31,605
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	7,021	6,649
Recurring [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	7,894,725	7,993,891
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	4,000,049	3,807,033
Recurring [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	7,833,564	7,950,418
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	3,941,925	3,794,809
Recurring [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	61,161	43,473
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	58,124	12,224
Recurring [Member] \| Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	357,635	418,682
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	42,399	63,007
Recurring [Member] \| Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	356,670	417,687
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	40,473	60,841
Recurring [Member] \| Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	965	995
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	1,926	2,166
Recurring [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	2,470	2,591
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	11,489	15,186
Recurring [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	9,616	13,052
Recurring [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	2,470	2,591
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	1,873	2,134
Recurring [Member] \| Other Debt Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	17,900	11,899
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure		17,501
Recurring [Member] \| Other Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	12,975	11,899
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure		17,501
Recurring [Member] \| Other Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure	4,925
Recurring [Member] \| U.S. Treasury and Government [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure		1,743
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	23,233	22,477
Recurring [Member] \| U.S. Treasury and Government [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value disclosure		1,743
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure	23,233	22,477
Recurring [Member] \| Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure		29,260
Recurring [Member] \| Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets
Fixed maturity securities, bonds available-for-sale, fair value disclosure		29,260
Recurring [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Financial assets
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	1,487,125	1,368,995
Recurring [Member] \| Common Stock [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	1,487,125	1,368,995
Recurring [Member] \| Preferred Stocks [Member]
Financial assets
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	29,853	41,613
Recurring [Member] \| Preferred Stocks [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets
Equity securities, fair value disclosure	$29,853	$41,613

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using (Level 3) Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$148,435	$75,032	$63,275
Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses	0	0	0
Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income	0	0	0
Net change included in interest credited	32,071	67,177	13,528
Purchases	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0
Settlements or maturities	0	0	0
Premiums less benefits	27,681	6,226	-1,771
Transfers from held to maturity			0
Gross transfers into Level 3	0		0
Gross transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Ending balance	208,187	148,435	75,032
Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	48,304	107,036	15,815
Total realized and unrealized investment gains/losses included in other comprehensive income	-11,746	9,355	24,267
Net fair value change included in realized gains/losses	13,056	1,082	-11,485
Net change included in interest credited	0	0	0
Purchases		2,153	32,141
Sales	-37,803	-10,452
Settlements or maturities	-10	-7,268	-1,795
Premiums less benefits	0	0	0
Transfers from held to maturity			13,118
Gross transfers into Level 3	54,241		34,975
Gross transfers out of Level 3	-1,609	-53,602
Ending balance	64,433	48,304	107,036
Equity-Indexed Options [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	164,753	82,625	65,188
Net gain (loss) for derivatives included in net investment income	44,492	76,268	12,372
Net change included in interest credited	0	0	0
Purchases	16,844	15,906	14,684
Settlements or maturities	-36,640	-10,046	-9,619
Premiums less benefits	0	0	0
Ending balance	$189,449	$164,753	$82,625

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co2

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$1,277,733	$1,247,675	$1,320,693
Additions	390,362	378,959	375,975
Amortization	-399,940	-408,794	-408,890
Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	-14,611	59,893	-40,103
Net change	-24,189	30,058	-73,018
Ending balance	1,253,544	1,277,733	1,247,675
Life [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Beginning balance	684,084	653,416	651,580
Additions	110,195	107,410	80,877
Amortization	-78,181	-82,658	-73,710
Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	-4,629	5,916	-5,331
Net change	27,385	30,668	1,836
Ending balance	711,469	684,084	653,416
Annuity [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Beginning balance	424,158	406,540	463,036
Additions	47,400	49,397	68,799
Amortization	-79,135	-85,756	-90,523
Effect of change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	-9,982	53,977	-34,772
Net change	-41,717	17,618	-56,496
Ending balance	382,441	424,158	406,540
Accident and Health [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Beginning balance	47,220	49,206	55,096
Additions	19,530	13,263	11,018
Amortization	-18,966	-15,249	-16,908
Net change	564	-1,986	-5,890
Ending balance	47,784	47,220	49,206
Property and Casualty [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Beginning balance	122,271	138,513	150,981
Additions	213,237	208,889	215,281
Amortization	-223,658	-225,131	-227,749
Net change	-10,421	-16,242	-12,468
Ending balance	$111,850	$122,271	$138,513

Liability_for_Future_Policy_Be1

Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Account Balances - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Interest credited investment type contracts low end	1.00%
First year interest credited annuity low end	1.00%
Interest credited investment type contracts high end	8.00%
First year interest credited annuity high end	7.00%
Future Policy Benefits [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Interest rate annuities low end	3.00%
Interest rate annuities high end	5.60%
Non Participating Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Traditional life interest rate low end	3.00%
Traditional life interest rate high end	8.00%
Participating Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Traditional life interest rate low end	2.50%
Traditional life interest rate high end	5.50%
Non Medical Health [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Health insurance interest rate low end	3.50%
Health insurance interest rate high end	8.00%
Disabled Lives [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Health insurance interest rate low end	3.00%
Health insurance interest rate high end	4.50%

Liability_for_Unpaid_Claims_an2

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses - Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Net
Unpaid claims balance, beginning	$1,297,646
Less reinsurance recoverables	414,743
Incurred related to
Prior years	-44,806	-46,872	-48,688
Paid claims related to
Plus reinsurance recoverables	428,654	414,743
Unpaid claims balance, ending	1,297,708	1,297,646
Property and Casualty Accident and Health [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Net
Unpaid claims balance, beginning	1,096,301	1,168,047	1,180,259
Less reinsurance recoverables	215,164	256,885	235,174
Net beginning balance	881,137	911,162	945,085
Incurred related to
Current	940,466	938,620	1,001,915
Prior years	-44,806	-46,872	-48,688
Total incurred claims	895,660	891,748	953,227
Paid claims related to
Current	561,887	578,831	620,739
Prior years	328,422	342,942	366,411
Total paid claims	890,309	921,773	987,150
Net balance	886,488	881,137	911,162
Net balance	886,488	881,137	911,162
Plus reinsurance recoverables	245,906	215,164	256,885
Unpaid claims balance, ending	$1,132,394	$1,096,301	$1,168,047

Liability_for_Unpaid_Claims_an3

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance [Abstract]
Description of increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expenses	The net and gross reserve calculations have shown favorable development for the last several years as a result of favorable loss emergence compared to what was implied by the loss development patterns used in the original estimation of losses in prior years.
Increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustments expenses amount	$44,806	$46,872	$48,688

Reinsurance_Additional_Informa

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Contracts	Dec. 31, 2013
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Property and Casualty segment amount of loss per risk retained	$1,000,000
Property and liability losses per risk	5,000,000
Additional excess property per risk coverage	15,000,000
Excess casualty clash coverage	50,000,000
Additional excess property per risk coverage for next fiscal year	20,000,000
Excess casualty clash coverage for next fiscal year	60,000,000
Corporate catastrophe coverage	500,000,000
Facultative reinsurance cover purchased	20,000,000
Number of coverage contract	2
Amount receivable from reinsurers	428,654,000	414,743,000
Litigation or dispute with reinsurers involved	0
Zero to Sixty-Five Issue Ages [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	1,975,000
Zero to Sixty-Five Issue Ages [Member] \| Individual Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	1,500,000
Zero to Sixty-Five Issue Ages [Member] \| Individual Accidental Death [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	250,000
Zero to Sixty-Five Issue Ages [Member] \| Group Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	100,000
Zero to Sixty-Five Issue Ages [Member] \| Credit Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	125,000
Zero to Sixty-Five Issue Ages [Member] \| Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	3,225,000
Sixty-Six and Over Issue Ages [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	1,175,000
Sixty-Six and Over Issue Ages [Member] \| Individual Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	700,000
Sixty-Six and Over Issue Ages [Member] \| Individual Accidental Death [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	250,000
Sixty-Six and Over Issue Ages [Member] \| Group Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	100,000
Sixty-Six and Over Issue Ages [Member] \| Credit Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	125,000
Sixty-Six and Over Issue Ages [Member] \| Life [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum amount retained by insurance company	2,425,000
First Contract [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage	30,000,000
Aggregated catastrophe losses	90,000,000
Contribution against aggregation of loss	10,000,000
Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage	95.00%
Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage percentage for next year	97.50%
Second Contract [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Annual limit of catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage	35,000,000
Number of layers of protection under reinsurance	2
Percentage of reinsurance claim	71.43%
Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage percentage	100.00%
Reinsurance retention policy description	This cover was commuted effective July 1, 2014 and replaced at 100% for losses occurring from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.
Second Contract [Member] \| First Layer [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage percentage	8.75%
Catastrophe reinsurance first retention slab	400,000,000
Catastrophe reinsurance per occurrence amount	100,000,000
Second Contract [Member] \| Second Layer [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage	35,000,000
Reinsurance Claim Base Amount loss	5,000,000
Catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage percentage	$45,000,000

Reinsurance_Effect_of_Reinsura

Reinsurance - Effect of Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance [Abstract]
Direct premiums	$2,049,447	$1,970,400	$1,971,078
Reinsurance premiums assumed from other companies	227,076	189,067	159,518
Reinsurance premiums ceded to other companies	-460,552	-423,941	-426,423
Net premiums	$1,815,971	$1,735,526	$1,704,173

Reinsurance_Life_Insurance_InF

Reinsurance - Life Insurance In-Force and Related Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance [Abstract]
Direct life insurance in-force	$85,570,057	$80,038,270	$72,884,984
Reinsurance risks assumed from other companies	6,007	32,019	103,576
Reinsurance risks ceded to other companies	-30,007,131	-30,577,123	-30,477,364
Net life insurance in-force	$55,568,933	$49,493,166	$42,511,196

Federal_Income_Taxes_Effective

Federal Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax on pre-tax income									$115,061	$126,865	$95,111
Tax-exempt investment income									-6,680	-6,366	-7,364
Dividend exclusion									-7,620	-6,928	-6,323
Miscellaneous tax credits, net									-7,888	-7,757	-8,106
Other items, net									-842	-6,173	2,264
Total provision (benefit) for federal income taxes	$22,237	$26,749	$21,558	$21,487	$27,762	$35,759	$24,803	$11,317	$92,031	$99,641	$75,582
Income tax (benefit) on pre-tax income									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax-exempt investment income									-2.00%	-1.80%	-2.70%
Dividend exclusion									-2.30%	-1.90%	-2.30%
Miscellaneous tax credits, net									-2.40%	-2.10%	-3.00%
Other items, net									-0.30%	-1.70%	0.80%
Total, Rate									28.00%	27.50%	27.80%

Federal_Income_Taxes_Additiona

Federal Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes paid or refunded, net	$61,821,000	$73,993,000	$46,939,000
Valuation allowance	0	0
Ordinary loss tax carryforwards subject to expiration	1,651,000
Ordinary loss tax carryforwards expiration date	31-Dec-33
Provision for penalties recognized relating to uncertain tax positions	0	0
Interest expense recognized relating to uncertain tax positions	$0	$0

Federal_Income_Taxes_Component

Federal Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
Marketable securities, principally due to impairment losses	$58,375	$70,816
Investment in bonds, principally due to differences between GAAP and tax basis	1,897
Investment in real estate and other invested assets, principally due to investment valuation allowances	12,280	7,888
Policyholder funds, principally due to policy reserve discount	205,821	206,775
Policyholder funds, principally due to unearned premium reserve	32,153	30,871
Participating policyholders' surplus	46,672	42,701
Pension	73,604	59,174
Commissions and other expenses	6,998	8,024
Tax carryforwards	1,651	10,843
Gross deferred tax assets	439,451	437,092
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
Marketable securities, principally due to net unrealized gains	361,352	284,503
Investment in bonds, principally due to differences between GAAP and tax basis		5,249
Deferred policy acquisition costs, due to difference between GAAP and tax amortization methods	331,274	326,855
Property, plant and equipment, principally due to difference between GAAP and tax depreciation methods	16,995	17,262
Other Liabilities	19,942	23,651
Gross deferred tax liabilities	729,563	657,520
Total net deferred tax	($290,112)	($220,428)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Beginning balance	$413,712	$242,010	$159,403
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax expense (benefit)	-20,117	-15,885	-11,369
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period, net of tax expense (benefit)	147,709	77,035	148,193
Unrealized adjustment to DAC, net of tax expense (benefit)	-8,625	38,962	-26,068
Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders' interest, net of tax expense (benefit)	-5,880	-1,495	-4,402
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period net of tax expense (benefit)	-35,063	73,597	-23,867
Foreign currency adjustment, net of tax benefit expense (benefit)	-954	-512	120
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Ending balance	490,782	413,712	242,010
Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Beginning balance	457,937	370,842	274,837
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax expense (benefit)	-22,990	-27,407	-21,718
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period, net of tax expense (benefit)	147,709	77,035	148,193
Unrealized adjustment to DAC, net of tax expense (benefit)	-8,625	38,962	-26,068
Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders' interest, net of tax expense (benefit)	-5,880	-1,495	-4,402
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Ending balance	568,151	457,937	370,842
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Beginning balance	-43,884	-129,003	-115,485
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax expense (benefit)	2,873	11,522	10,349
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period net of tax expense (benefit)	-35,063	73,597	-23,867
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Ending balance	-76,074	-43,884	-129,003
Foreign Currency Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Beginning balance	-341	171	51
Foreign currency adjustment, net of tax benefit expense (benefit)	-954	-512	120
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Ending balance	($1,295)	($341)	$171

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, sale of securities tax expense (benefit)	($12,379)	($14,757)	($11,700)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, pension tax expense (benefit)	1,547	6,204	5,572
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period, tax expense (benefit)	79,535	41,970	79,796
Unrealized adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs, tax expense (benefit)	-5,986	20,931	-14,035
Unrealized gains on investments attributable to participating policyholders' interest, tax expense (benefit)	-3,166	-805	-2,370
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, tax expense (benefit)	-18,880	39,630	-12,851
Foreign currency adjustment, tax expense (benefit)	($514)	($276)	$65

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon2

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Maximum limit of shares available for grants under stock-based compensation plan	2,900,000
Maximum limit of shares granted to any one individual in any calendar year	200,000
Incremental cost of modification	$5,691,000	$5,232,000
Risk based capital action level percentage	200.00%
Description of regulatory capital requirement	American National Insurance Company's payment of dividends to stockholders is restricted by statutory regulations. The restrictions require life insurance companies to maintain minimum amounts of capital and surplus, and in the absence of special approval, limit the payment of dividends to the greater of prior year statutory net income from operations on an annual, non-cumulative basis, or 10% of prior year statutory surplus.
Statutory amount available for dividend payments without regulatory approval	287,915,000
Noncontrolling interest	12,384,000	12,757,000
Parent Company [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Company's statutory capital and surplus	2,879,154,000	2,667,858,000
Insurance Subsidiary [Member] \| MISSOURI
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices permitted practice amount	62,807,000	58,207,000
County Mutual [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest	6,750,000	6,750,000
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest	5,634,000	6,007,000
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate per year	20.00%
Vesting period	5 years
Expiration of vesting period	5 years
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Conversion of RSUs into common stock	1
Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Graded Vesting [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Reclassification of equity to liability			$7,974,000,000
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	10 years
Shares granted	350,334
Exercise price of Restricted shares granted	$0
Number of shares unvested	142,667
Lapse restrictions on restricted stock awards	10 years

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon3

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Common Stock, Amounts Outstanding (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shares issued	30,832,449	30,832,449	30,832,449
Treasury shares	-3,960,507	-3,937,261	-3,995,785
Outstanding shares	26,871,942	26,895,188	26,836,664
Restricted shares	-142,667	-190,667	-185,334
Unrestricted outstanding shares	26,729,275	26,704,521	26,651,330

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon4

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Stock-Based Compensation Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Authorized Classes Of Cumulative Preferred And Preference Stocks [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	74,435	108,951	126,769
Exercised, Shares	-3,226	-19,849	-200
Forfeited, Shares		-334	-3,510
Expired, Shares	-16,279	-14,333	-14,108
Ending balance, Shares	54,930	74,435	108,951
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$114.08	$111.31	$110.08
Weighted-average contractual remaining life	1 year 9 months 11 days
Exercisable shares	54,747
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Exercised	$95.54	$103.61	$66.76
Weighted-average exercise price	$114.86
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited		$96.53	$114.02
Weighted-average exercise price exercisable shares	$114.88
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Expired	$115.11	$107.93	$100.14
Compensation expense (credits)	($23,000)	$374,000	($6,000)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$114.86	$114.08	$111.31
Fair value of liability award	167,000	376,000
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Authorized Classes Of Cumulative Preferred And Preference Stocks [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	190,667	185,334	261,334
Granted, Shares		10,000
Exercised, Shares	-48,000	-4,667	-76,000
Ending balance, Shares	142,667	190,667	185,334
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$107.54	$109.13	$102.98
Weighted-average contractual remaining life	4 years 7 days
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted		$80.05
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Exercised	$108	$111.60	$88
Weighted-average exercise price	$107.39
Compensation expense (credits)	2,963,000	2,219,000	2,418,000
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$107.39	$107.54	$109.13
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Authorized Classes Of Cumulative Preferred And Preference Stocks [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	121,369	127,059	69,566
Granted, Shares	66,383	71,084	75,355
Exercised, Shares	-59,438	-76,378	-17,380
Forfeited, Shares	-100	-396	-482
Ending balance, Shares	128,214	121,369	127,059
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$76.23	$75.06	$83.56
Weighted-average contractual remaining life	1 year 9 months 11 days
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$113.49	$80.05	$71.69
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Exercised	$76.53	$77.04	$94.47
Weighted-average exercise price	$95.82
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$113.49	$77.20	$74.85
Compensation expense (credits)	7,710,000	12,342,000	7,752,000
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$95.82	$76.23	$75.06
Fair value of liability award	$16,301,000	$15,018,000

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon5

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding									26,802,841	26,791,900	26,714,865
Incremental shares from RS awards and RSUs									115,829	122,691	148,809
Total shares for diluted calculations									26,918,670	26,914,591	26,863,674
Net income attributable to American National	$69,170	$67,884	$57,261	$52,878	$67,619	$82,613	$58,169	$59,971	$247,193	$268,372	$191,041
Basic earnings per share	$2.58	$2.53	$2.14	$1.97	$2.53	$3.08	$2.17	$2.24	$9.22	$10.02	$7.15
Diluted earnings per share	$2.57	$2.52	$2.12	$1.96	$2.51	$3.07	$2.16	$2.23	$9.18	$9.97	$7.11

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon6

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Statutory Capital and Surplus and Net Income (Loss) of Insurance Entities in Accordance with Statutory Accounting Practices (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Life [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus	$1,904,128	$1,771,999
Statutory net income	169,823	191,932	233,621
Property and Casualty [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus	984,155	904,557
Statutory net income	$73,076	$61,737	$43,449

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon7

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Effect of Change in Ownership Interest (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Regulated Operations [Abstract]
Net income attributable to American National	$69,170	$67,884	$57,261	$52,878	$67,619	$82,613	$58,169	$59,971	$247,193	$268,372	$191,041
Decrease in American National's paid-in capital for purchase of additional interest											-1,892
Net transfers to noncontrolling interest											-1,892
Change from net income attributable to American National and transfers to noncontrolling interest									$247,193	$268,372	$189,149

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment information, number of operating segments	5

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Results of Operations by Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$93,581	$94,775	$65,922	$74,468	$95,248	$120,864	$84,210	$62,148	$328,746	$362,470	$271,745
Total Assets	23,552,036				23,324,883				23,552,036	23,324,883	23,107,074
Life [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									43,352	19,627	34,251
Total Assets	5,573,882				5,375,602				5,573,882	5,375,602	5,130,612
Annuity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									95,736	95,887	96,501
Total Assets	10,766,619				11,104,180				10,766,619	11,104,180	11,802,579
Accident and Health [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									25,559	25,255	18,046
Total Assets	526,344				500,475				526,344	500,475	498,510
Property and Casualty [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									89,632	74,068	45,425
Total Assets	2,000,494				2,127,525				2,000,494	2,127,525	2,220,898
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									74,467	147,633	77,522
Total Assets	$4,684,697				$4,217,101				$4,684,697	$4,217,101	$3,454,475

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013
	Plans			Plans
	Program
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Active, tax-qualified, defined-benefit pension plan				0
Separate noncontributory programs	3
Inactive, tax-qualified, defined-benefit pension plan	1
Duration of program covering salaried and management employees	5 years
Non-tax-qualified defined benefit pension plans	3
Estimated net loss to be amortized out of AOCI over the next fiscal year	$9,460,000
Employer contribution for pension plan	21,097,000	10,065,000	48,531,000
Expected employer contribution in next fiscal year	10,100,000
Percentage of total invested plan assets	5.00%
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation	513,151,000	458,270,000	535,313,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of total invested plan assets	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of total invested plan assets	60.00%
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Maturity date	1 year
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Maturity date	30 years
Foreign Bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of bond portfolio, foreign bonds	20.00%
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Maturity date	1 year
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Maturity date	30 years
Pension Plan [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total expenses associated with plan	918,000	1,900,000	1,400,000
401(k) Plan [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total expenses associated with plan	12,350,000
Postretirement Life and Health Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Employer contribution for pension plan	40
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation	$6,740,000	$5,050,000

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben3

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Obligation at January 1,	$458,270,000	$535,313,000
Service cost benefits earned during period	111,000	19,873,000	17,596,000
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	20,612,000	20,277,000	20,579,000
Plan amendments		-36,001,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	61,906,000	-53,371,000
Benefits paid	-27,748,000	-27,821,000
Obligation at December 31,	513,151,000	458,270,000	535,313,000
Fair value of plan assets at January 1,	302,467,000	276,014,000
Actual return on plan assets	28,363,000	44,209,000
Employer contributions	21,097,000	10,065,000	48,531,000
Benefits paid	-27,748,000	-27,821,000
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,	324,179,000	302,467,000	276,014,000
Funded status at December 31,	($188,972,000)	($155,803,000)

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben4

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$111	$19,873	$17,596
Interest cost	20,612	20,277	20,579
Expected return on plan assets	-20,402	-20,354	-18,499
Amortization of net actuarial loss	4,421	17,726	15,921
Net periodic benefit cost	$4,742	$37,522	$35,597

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben5

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Pension Plans Recognized as Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Actuarial gain (loss)	($49,523)	$130,953	($20,797)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	17,333	-45,834	7,279
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	($32,190)	$85,119	($13,518)

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben6

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	($117,036)	($67,513)
Deferred tax benefit	40,962	23,629
Amounts included in AOCI	($76,074)	($43,884)

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben7

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Measurement of Benefit Obligation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Discount rate, Used for Net Benefit Cost	4.60%
Rate of compensation increase, Used for Net Benefit Cost	0.00%
Long-term rate of return, Used for Net Benefit Cost	7.45%
Discount rate, Used for Benefit Obligations	3.70%
Rate of compensation increase, Used for Benefit Obligations	0.00%
Long-term rate of return, Used for Benefit Obligations	7.45%

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben8

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Pension Benefit Payments Reflecting Expected Future Service Expected to be Paid (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$29,660
2016	38,201
2017	30,339
2018	32,562
2019	29,735
2020-2022	$162,306

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben9

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Fair Values of Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$324,179	$302,467	$276,014
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	53,768
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	887
Mutual Fund [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	9,591
Consumer Goods [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	51,586
Energy and Utilities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	32,287
Financials [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	43,186
Healthcare [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	28,256
Industrials [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	16,145
Information Technology [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	30,157
Other [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	31,094
Commercial Paper [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	21,053
Unallocated Group Annuity Contract [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	6,053
Other [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	116
Level 1 [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	242,330
Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Fund [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	9,591
Level 1 [Member] \| Consumer Goods [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	51,586
Level 1 [Member] \| Energy and Utilities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	32,287
Level 1 [Member] \| Financials [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	43,186
Level 1 [Member] \| Healthcare [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	28,256
Level 1 [Member] \| Industrials [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	16,145
Level 1 [Member] \| Information Technology [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	30,157
Level 1 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	31,094
Level 1 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	28
Level 2 [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	81,849
Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	53,768
Level 2 [Member] \| Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	887
Level 2 [Member] \| Commercial Paper [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	21,053
Level 2 [Member] \| Unallocated Group Annuity Contract [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	6,053
Level 2 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$88

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Remaining long-term lease commitments	$1,883,000
Commitments outstanding, aggregate amount	475,295,000
Commitments expected to be funded in 2015	323,710,000
Commitments expected to be funded in 2015 and beyond	151,585,000
Short-term borrowing facility, maximum capacity		100,000,000
Short-term borrowing facility, letters of credit		55,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	12,214,000		15,560,000
Short-term borrowing facility, expiration date	30-Oct-15
Short-term borrowing	100,000,000
Total amount of guarantees outstanding	206,376,000
Life insurance policies with guarantees, cash value	$209,848,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Rel

Related Party Transactions - Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation [Member] \| Mortgage Loan On Real Estate Income Statement Effect [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dollar amount of transactions	$1,234	$1,148
Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation [Member] \| Net Investment Income [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dollar amount of transactions	521	607
Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation [Member] \| Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Financial Statement Caption [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount due to/(from) American National	6,508	7,742
Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation [Member] \| Net Investment Income Accrual [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount due to/(from) American National	39	47
Greer, Herz and Adams, LLP [Member] \| Other Operating Expenses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dollar amount of transactions	10,146	9,557
Greer, Herz and Adams, LLP [Member] \| Other Operating Expenses Accrual [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount due to/(from) American National	($309)	($284)

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest rate on mortgage loans	7.25%
Due date of mortgage loans receivable	1-Apr-19

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total premiums and other revenues	$777,198	$746,170	$754,786	$772,436	$815,001	$785,504	$773,660	$745,045	$3,050,590	$3,119,210	$2,987,060
Total benefits, losses and expenses	683,617	651,395	688,864	697,968	719,753	664,640	689,450	682,897	2,721,844	2,756,740	2,715,315
Income before federal income tax and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	93,581	94,775	65,922	74,468	95,248	120,864	84,210	62,148	328,746	362,470	271,745
Provision for federal income taxes	22,237	26,749	21,558	21,487	27,762	35,759	24,803	11,317	92,031	99,641	75,582
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	-2,566	2,735	12,659	-859	-298	121	1,076	8,577	11,969	9,476	-3,905
Net income	68,778	70,761	57,023	52,122	67,188	85,226	60,483	59,408	248,684	272,305	192,258
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-392	2,877	-238	-756	-431	2,613	2,314	-563	1,491	3,933	1,217
Net income attributable to American National	$69,170	$67,884	$57,261	$52,878	$67,619	$82,613	$58,169	$59,971	$247,193	$268,372	$191,041
Earnings per share attributable to American National
Basic	$2.58	$2.53	$2.14	$1.97	$2.53	$3.08	$2.17	$2.24	$9.22	$10.02	$7.15
Diluted	$2.57	$2.52	$2.12	$1.96	$2.51	$3.07	$2.16	$2.23	$9.18	$9.97	$7.11

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme1

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$18,466,422
Estimated Fair Value	19,737,070
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	19,559,717
Consumer Goods [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	139,683
Estimated Fair Value	308,915
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	308,915
Energy and Utilities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	127,071
Estimated Fair Value	199,344
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	199,344
Finance [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	127,443
Estimated Fair Value	266,608
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	266,608
Healthcare [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	74,947
Estimated Fair Value	212,438
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	212,438
Industrials [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	50,608
Estimated Fair Value	126,737
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	126,737
Information Technology [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	116,956
Estimated Fair Value	246,229
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	246,229
Other [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	82,943
Estimated Fair Value	126,853
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	126,853
Preferred Stocks [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	19,733
Estimated Fair Value	29,854
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	29,854
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,359,586
Estimated Fair Value	3,618,944
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	3,359,586
Real Estate [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	435,876
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	435,876
Real Estate Acquired in Satisfaction of Debt [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	43,186
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	43,186
Policy Loans [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	405,979
Estimated Fair Value	405,979
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	405,979
Options [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	100,839
Estimated Fair Value	189,449
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	189,449
Other Long-Term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	30,806
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	30,806
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	431,000
Estimated Fair Value	431,000
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	431,000
Bonds Held-to-Maturity [Member] \| U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	323,053
Estimated Fair Value	349,760
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	323,053
Bonds Held-to-Maturity [Member] \| Foreign Governments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	29,130
Estimated Fair Value	30,423
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	29,130
Bonds Held-to-Maturity [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	7,517,195
Estimated Fair Value	7,894,725
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	7,517,195
Bonds Held-to-Maturity [Member] \| Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	336,853
Estimated Fair Value	357,635
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	336,853
Bonds Held-to-Maturity [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,232
Estimated Fair Value	2,470
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	2,232
Bonds Held-to-Maturity [Member] \| Other Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	16,587
Estimated Fair Value	17,900
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	16,587
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member] \| U.S. Treasury and Government [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	22,415
Estimated Fair Value	23,233
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	23,233
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member] \| U.S. States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	802,846
Estimated Fair Value	837,616
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	837,616
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member] \| Foreign Governments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	5,000
Estimated Fair Value	7,021
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	7,021
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,812,771
Estimated Fair Value	4,000,049
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	4,000,049
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member] \| Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	40,988
Estimated Fair Value	42,399
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	42,399
Bonds Available-for-Sale [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	10,696
Estimated Fair Value	11,489
Amount at which Shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	$11,489

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia1

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Condensed Statements of Financial Position (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance	$3,359,586	$3,299,242
Other invested assets	220,255	201,442
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,253,544	1,277,733	1,247,675	1,320,693
Separate account assets	1,001,515	970,954
Other assets	137,856	142,043
Total assets	23,552,036	23,324,883	23,107,074
LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances	10,781,285	11,181,650
Separate account liabilities	1,001,515	970,954
Other liabilities	498,528	456,818
Total liabilities	19,107,522	19,121,552
Shareholders' equity
Common stock	30,832	30,832
Additional paid-in capital	9,248	4,650
Accumulated other comprehensive income	490,782	413,712	242,010	159,403
Retained earnings	4,003,209	3,838,821
Treasury stock, at cost	-101,941	-97,441
Total stockholders' equity	4,432,130	4,190,574
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	23,552,036	23,324,883
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Fixed maturity securities	9,567,848	9,712,509
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance	3,266,361	3,210,945
Other invested assets	1,858,444	1,895,764
Investment in subsidiaries	2,308,725	2,089,903
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,023,778	1,041,472
Separate account assets	1,001,515	970,954
Other assets	629,531	608,773
Total assets	19,656,202	19,530,320
LIABILITIES
Policy liabilities	3,649,554	3,494,989
Policyholders' account balances	9,975,383	10,398,409
Separate account liabilities	1,001,515	970,954
Other liabilities	597,617	475,394
Total liabilities	15,224,069	15,339,746
Shareholders' equity
Common stock	30,832	30,832
Additional paid-in capital	9,248	4,650
Accumulated other comprehensive income	490,783	413,712
Retained earnings	4,003,211	3,838,821
Treasury stock, at cost	-101,941	-97,441
Total stockholders' equity	4,432,133	4,190,574
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$19,656,202	$19,530,320

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia2

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Condensed Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Premiums and other revenues
Net investment income									$932,858	$1,016,810	$985,398
Net realized investment gain									48,062	124,144	90,725
Other-than-temporary impairments									-6,640	-4,591	-22,517
Other income									36,085	37,097	30,880
Total premiums and other revenues	777,198	746,170	754,786	772,436	815,001	785,504	773,660	745,045	3,050,590	3,119,210	2,987,060
BENEFITS, LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Other operating expenses									485,865	503,051	455,746
Total benefits, losses and expenses	683,617	651,395	688,864	697,968	719,753	664,640	689,450	682,897	2,721,844	2,756,740	2,715,315
Income from continuing operations before federal income tax and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	93,581	94,775	65,922	74,468	95,248	120,864	84,210	62,148	328,746	362,470	271,745
Provision for federal income taxes	22,237	26,749	21,558	21,487	27,762	35,759	24,803	11,317	92,031	99,641	75,582
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	-2,566	2,735	12,659	-859	-298	121	1,076	8,577	11,969	9,476	-3,905
Net income attributable to American National	69,170	67,884	57,261	52,878	67,619	82,613	58,169	59,971	247,193	268,372	191,041
Parent Company [Member]
Premiums and other revenues
Premiums and policy revenues									786,823	734,506	685,529
Net investment income									772,355	861,354	837,503
Net realized investment gain									18,702	73,791	46,936
Other-than-temporary impairments									-41		-12,825
Other income									10,803	12,083	10,016
Total premiums and other revenues									1,588,642	1,681,734	1,567,159
BENEFITS, LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Policyholder benefits									574,975	520,806	487,387
Other operating expenses									812,762	913,914	873,119
Total benefits, losses and expenses									1,387,737	1,434,720	1,360,506
Income from continuing operations before federal income tax and equity in earnings of subsidiaries									200,905	247,014	206,653
Provision for federal income taxes									62,978	50,927	72,144
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									109,266	72,285	56,532
Net income attributable to American National									$247,193	$268,372	$191,041

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia3

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$248,684	$272,305	$192,258
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Realized investments gains	-48,062	-124,144	-90,725
Other-than-temporary impairments	6,640	4,591	22,517
Amortization (accretion) of premiums, discounts and loan origination fees	7,294	6,052	-1,528
Net capitalized interest on policy loans and mortgage loans	-32,122	-28,060	-27,058
Depreciation	38,414	31,176	36,573
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances	353,492	426,102	416,015
Charges to policyholders' account balances	-224,254	-210,224	-198,401
Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense	19,704	34,713	23,447
Distributions from equity method investments	5,186	20,718	15,259
Changes in
Accrued investment income	8,887	12,484	6,670
Reinsurance recoverables	-13,911	4,000	-13,710
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	1,850	-1,043	11,959
Premiums due and other receivables	-1,184	3,517	-5,008
Deferred policy acquisition costs	9,578	29,835	32,915
Policyholder liabilities	206,147	96,435	62,272
Liability for retirement benefits	-19,084	8,763	-13,082
Current tax receivable/payable	9,838	-3,929	2,572
Other, net	-8,343	-28,707	-109
Net cash provided by operating activities	556,785	545,108	476,741
Proceeds from sale/maturity/prepayment of
Held-to-maturity securities	661,125	1,619,721	1,361,673
Available for sale securities	910,691	914,813	647,389
Investment real estate	63,030	84,371
Mortgage loans	606,738	758,677	401,439
Policy loans	55,542	58,460	57,779
Other invested assets	40,882	13,975	43,874
Disposals of property and equipment	11,269	553	1,530
Distributions from affiliates and subsidiaries	41,779	25,055	51,507
Payment for the purchase/origination of
Held-to-maturity securities	-439,422	-1,087,447	-1,151,656
Available for sale securities	-1,044,602	-1,057,004	-731,875
Investment real estate	-51,699	-45,345	-30,450
Mortgage loans	-668,073	-914,740	-655,341
Policy loans	-29,093	-26,623	-38,067
Other invested assets	-27,705	-18,443	-45,181
Additions to property and equipment	-31,951	-25,583	-30,838
Contributions to unconsolidated affiliates	-12,560	-122,512	-48,961
Change in short-term investments	64,386	-182,300	32,244
Other, net	4,331	-1,336	10,156
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	154,668	-5,708	-124,778
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Policyholders' account deposits	1,002,420	895,227	1,127,962
Policyholders' account withdrawals	-1,532,023	-1,484,656	-1,297,889
Dividends to stockholders	-82,805	-82,831	-82,660
Net cash used in financing activities	-619,944	-724,462	-151,069
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	91,509	-185,062	200,894
Beginning of the period	117,946	303,008	102,114
End of period	209,455	117,946	303,008
Parent Company [Member]
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	247,193	268,372	191,041
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Realized investments gains	-18,702	-73,791	-46,936
Other-than-temporary impairments	41		12,825
Amortization (accretion) of premiums, discounts and loan origination fees	3,581	1,216	-7,433
Net capitalized interest on policy loans and mortgage loans	-27,922	-23,864	-22,049
Depreciation	21,822	18,618	21,209
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances	324,325	395,013	385,603
Charges to policyholders' account balances	-212,690	-199,285	-188,009
Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense	16,954	-15,245	14,336
Net income of subsidiaries	-108,133	-63,762	-51,716
Equity in earnings of affiliates	3,800	-8,523	-4,816
Distributions from equity method investments	408	2,411	1,686
Changes in
Accrued investment income	9,801	9,336	5,916
Reinsurance recoverables	2,312	-1,025	3,579
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	2,318	7,575	15,139
Premiums due and other receivables	3,873	9,531	4,762
Deferred policy acquisition costs	7,560	28,216	24,596
Policyholder liabilities	155,166	38,188	55,594
Liability for retirement benefits	-12,552	12,656	-1,567
Current tax receivable/payable	8,181	9,936	-109,736
Other, net	-33,075	-9,993	3,725
Net cash provided by operating activities	394,261	405,580	307,749
Proceeds from sale/maturity/prepayment of
Held-to-maturity securities	452,846	1,207,038	980,794
Available for sale securities	625,563	599,228	446,706
Investment real estate	53,859	8,006
Mortgage loans	578,098	756,554	475,885
Policy loans	45,732	47,018	47,068
Other invested assets	40,791	88,883	43,410
Disposals of property and equipment	43,869	270
Distributions from affiliates and subsidiaries	439	10,581	15,469
Payment for the purchase/origination of
Held-to-maturity securities	-287,694	-701,776	-891,257
Available for sale securities	-572,299	-556,940	-382,652
Investment real estate	-23,959	-28,882	-18,281
Mortgage loans	-633,401	-908,512	-642,227
Policy loans	-23,621	-21,682	-29,676
Other invested assets	-43,423	-46,168	-45,206
Additions to property and equipment	-56,651	-5,991	-16,714
Contributions to unconsolidated affiliates	-1,035	-949	-5,207
Change in short-term investments	4,518	-401,682	244,931
Change in investment in subsidiaries			-33,338
Other, net	24,636	1,642	-388
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	228,268	46,638	189,317
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Policyholders' account deposits	941,400	835,942	1,056,526
Policyholders' account withdrawals	-1,479,004	-1,420,675	-1,244,382
Dividends to stockholders	-82,805	-82,831	-82,657
Net cash used in financing activities	-620,409	-667,564	-270,513
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,120	-215,346	226,553
Beginning of the period	46,326	261,672	35,119
End of period	$48,446	$46,326	$261,672

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins1

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	$1,253,544	$1,277,733	$1,247,675
Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances Benefits, Policy and Contract Claims and Other Policyholder Funds	16,258,427	16,458,772	16,715,934
Unearned Premiums	755,051	739,878	757,532
Premium Revenue	1,815,971	1,735,526	1,704,173
Net Investment Income	932,858	1,016,810	985,398
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	1,475,783	1,425,804	1,445,728
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	399,940	408,794	408,890
Other Operating Expenses	485,865	503,051	455,746
Premiums Written	1,109,029	1,069,694	1,047,211
Life [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	711,469	684,084	653,416
Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances Benefits, Policy and Contract Claims and Other Policyholder Funds	4,728,166	4,567,772	4,407,753
Unearned Premiums	35,524	35,935	36,056
Premium Revenue	307,771	293,173	281,621
Net Investment Income	232,389	230,763	235,712
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	351,271	345,566	340,003
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	78,181	82,658	73,710
Other Operating Expenses	194,927	207,520	183,040
Annuity [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	382,441	424,158	406,540
Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances Benefits, Policy and Contract Claims and Other Policyholder Funds	10,286,205	10,641,769	11,035,348
Premium Revenue	190,357	155,162	116,393
Net Investment Income	545,887	632,536	603,349
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	234,173	193,840	156,619
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	79,135	85,756	90,523
Other Operating Expenses	56,487	63,326	45,317
Accident and Health [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	47,784	47,220	49,206
Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances Benefits, Policy and Contract Claims and Other Policyholder Funds	353,155	352,412	376,173
Unearned Premiums	46,137	48,269	50,366
Premium Revenue	216,868	212,931	223,773
Net Investment Income	11,692	11,314	11,789
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	144,799	139,762	155,825
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	18,966	15,249	16,908
Other Operating Expenses	43,261	46,646	44,966
Property and Casualty [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	111,850	122,271	138,513
Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances Benefits, Policy and Contract Claims and Other Policyholder Funds	890,901	896,819	896,660
Unearned Premiums	673,390	655,674	671,110
Premium Revenue	1,100,975	1,074,260	1,082,386
Net Investment Income	58,843	66,632	69,604
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	745,540	746,636	793,281
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	223,658	225,131	227,749
Other Operating Expenses	130,655	128,437	120,888
Premiums Written	1,109,029	1,069,694	1,047,211
Corporate and Other [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net Investment Income	84,047	75,565	64,944
Other Operating Expenses	$60,535	$57,122	$61,535

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Amount, Life insurance in-force	$85,570,057	$80,038,270	$72,884,984
Ceded to Other Companies, Life insurance in-force	30,007,131	30,577,123	30,477,364
Assumed from Other Companies, Life insurance in-force	6,007	32,019	103,576
Net Amount, Life insurance in-force	55,568,933	49,493,166	42,511,196
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net, Life insurance in-force	0.00%	0.10%	0.20%
Direct Amount	2,049,447	1,970,400	1,971,078
Ceded to Other Companies	460,552	423,941	426,423
Assumed from Other Companies	227,076	189,067	159,518
Net Amount	1,815,971	1,735,526	1,704,173
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	12.50%	10.90%	9.40%
Life and Annuity [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Amount	594,568	541,025	488,891
Ceded to Other Companies	96,577	93,240	93,066
Assumed from Other Companies	137	550	2,189
Net Amount	498,128	448,335	398,014
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.00%	0.10%	0.50%
Accident and Health [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Amount	271,004	271,847	269,373
Ceded to Other Companies	274,368	240,505	197,759
Assumed from Other Companies	220,232	181,589	152,159
Net Amount	216,868	212,931	223,773
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	101.60%	85.30%	68.00%
Property and Casualty [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Amount	1,183,875	1,157,528	1,212,814
Ceded to Other Companies	89,607	90,196	135,598
Assumed from Other Companies	6,707	6,928	5,170
Net Amount	$1,100,975	$1,074,260	$1,082,386
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.60%	0.60%	0.50%

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali1

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$12,181	$12,012	$11,321
Charged to Expense	5,679	171	2,973
Written off			-2,277
Change in Estimate		-2	-5
Balance at End of Period	$17,860	$12,181	$12,012