Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income		$ 107,219	$ 113,473	$ 109,869
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses		38,077	(146,579)	142,121	[1]
Non-credit impairment losses		(1,476)	(90)	0	[1]
Change in funded status of the other postretirement benefit plans		(1,578)	2,791	(2,778)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	[1]	35,023	(143,878)	139,343
Total comprehensive income, net of tax		142,242	(30,405)	249,212
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(4)	(54)	(72)
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		$ 142,246	$ (30,351)	$ 249,284

[1] Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.