Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Net income	$ 100,657,000	$ 187,232,000	$ 134,091,000
Capital and surplus	$ 1,053,333,000	$ 1,114,764,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares issued	7,292,708	7,232,986
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,292,708	7,232,986
Percentage of ACL as minimum level of TAC before corrective action commences	200.00%
Dividends paid to the parent company, GWL&A Financial	$ 125,691,000	$ 139,533,000	$ 316,401,000
Dividends available for distribution without prior approval	101,753,000
Colorado Division of Insurance
Net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Statutory capital and surplus required	2,000,000
Net gain from operations	$ 101,753,000