Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments (1)	[1]	$ (511)	$ 1,000	$ 6,934	$ 3,266
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	[1]	(2,371)	369	(3,262)	2,122
Operating revenues		175,494	173,420	540,185	517,792
Operating revenues		178,376	172,051	536,513	512,404
Operating Income (Loss)		35,343	38,383	101,138	102,011
Income tax on operating income		(8,059)	(8,920)	(22,234)	(23,317)
Realized gains/losses on investments (1)	[1]	(307)	597	4,421	2,006
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives	[1]	(318)	99	(703)	1,093
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		26,659	30,159	82,622	81,793
Annuity Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues		53,415	51,070	159,638	150,145
Operating Income (Loss)		19,762	16,971	53,681	47,067
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues		23,530	23,046	70,978	69,670
Operating Income (Loss)		(2,774)	6,789	5,673	18,348
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues		101,431	97,935	305,897	292,589
Operating Income (Loss)		$ 18,355	$ 14,623	$ 41,784	$ 36,596

[1] Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.