Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of the Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Stockholder's Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Fixed maturity securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Residential mortgage-backed Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Subprime mortgage collateral Subprime Mortgage Collateral [Member] Loans with exposure to subprime mortgage collateral during the period derived from a specified investment category when it serves as a benchmark in a concentration of risk calculation. Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Fixed income portfolio Fixed Income Investments [Member] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] Investment rated as investment grade External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Credit concentration Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Investments Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Cost or Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Amortized Cost [Abstract] Due after one year or less Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Due After One Year or Less, Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Due After One Year or Less Due after one year through five years Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position after One through Five Years Amortized Cost Represents the debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature after one year and through five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Due after five years through ten years Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, after Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost Represents the debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Due after ten years Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position after Ten Years Amortized Cost Represents the debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature after ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Total Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss, Position Contractual Maturity Represents the debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, with contractual maturities and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Cost or Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, without Single Maturity Date Amortized Cost Represents the debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature over several maturity groupings and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Total Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Amortized Cost Represents the debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position grouped by maturity dates and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Due after one year or less Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Due After One Year or Less, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Due After One Year or Less, Fair Value Due after one year through five years Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position after One through Five Years Fair Value Represents the fair value of debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature after one year and through five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Due after five years through ten years Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, after Five Through Ten Years Fair Value Represents the fair value of debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Due after ten years Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position after Ten Years Fair Value Represents the fair value of debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature after ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Total Fair Value, Contractual maturity Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Contractual Maturity Fair Value Represents the fair value of debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position with contractual maturities and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Fair Value Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, without Single Maturity Date Fair Value Represents the fair value of debt securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, which are expected to mature over several maturity groupings and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Fair value of securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Other information Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract] Percentage of securities with sub-prime exposure Percentage of Security with Sub Prime Exposure Represents the percentage of securities with a sub-prime exposure. Concentration percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract] Deferred acquisition costs Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Future policy benefits and expenses Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves Unearned premiums Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premiums Claims and benefits payable Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable Premium revenues Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue Net investment income Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income Benefits claims, losses and settlement expenses Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other operating expenses Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Credit Rating, AM Best [Axis] Credit Rating, AM Best [Axis] Credit Rating, AM Best [Domain] Credit Rating, AM Best [Domain] A. M. Best ratings of reinsurer, A++ or A+ AM Best, A Plus Plus or A Plus Rating [Member] Represents the A++ or A+ credit rating as defined by the external credit rating agency, A.M. Best. A. M. Best ratings of reinsurer, A or A- AM Best, A or A- Rating [Member] Represents the A or A- credit rating as defined by the external credit rating agency, A.M. Best. A. M. Best ratings of reinsurer, B++ or B+ A M Best B Plus Plus Or B Plus Rating [Member] B++ or B+ credit rating as defined by the external credit rating agency, A.M.Best. Not rated Not Rated [Member] Represents information pertaining to the reinsurance recoverables not rated. Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] The Hartford and John Hancock Largest Reinsurance Recoverable Balances [Member] Represents information pertaining to reinsurers with the largest reinsurance recoverable balances. Reinsurance recoverables Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Ceded future policyholder benefits and expenses Reinsurance Recoverables for Ceded Future Policyholder Benefits and Expenses Reinsurance Recoverables for Ceded future policyholder Benefits and Expenses Ceded unearned premium Reinsurance Recoverables for Ceded Unearned Premiums Represents the amount of reinsurance recoverable attributable to ceded unearned premiums. Ceded claims and benefits payable Reinsurance Recoverables, Case Basis Ceded paid losses Reinsurance Recoverable for Paid Claims and Claims Adjustments Total Reinsurance Recoverables, Including Reinsurance Premium Paid Number of reinsurers with the largest reinsurance recoverable balances Reinsurance Recoverables Number of Reinsurers Represents the number of reinsurers with the largest reinsurance recoverable balances. Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] Postretirement benefits Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined benefit pension plan Pension Plan [Member] Retirement and Other Employee Benefits Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Obligation for defined benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Pension costs under defined benefit plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Amount expensed under defined contribution plan Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net change in unrealized gains on securities, taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Net change in other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income, taxes Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Available-for-sale Securities Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes of $53,461, $(55,020), and $75,389, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Change in other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $533, $(830), and $259, respectively Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Available-for-sale Securities Total other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Insurance [Abstract] Schedule of Statutory Net Income and Capital and Surplus Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block] Other-Than-Temporary Impairments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Other than temporary Impairments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments OTTI recognized in earnings Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities Portion of net loss recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes Other than Temporary Impairment Loss, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Available-for-sale Securities Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Major categories of net investment income Net Investment Income [Line Items] Credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held Additions for credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses Additions for credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Cash Flows Reductions for credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings Reductions Securities Matured Paid Down Prepaid or Sold This item represents reductions in the cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings for an other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of a debt security because of the sale, maturity, prepayment, or other reduction of impaired securities during the period. Balance, end of year Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Contract based intangibles Customer Contracts [Member] Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Total other intangible assets with finite lives Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Dispositions Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Unrealized gains on securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] OTTI Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Net realized gains on investments, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Portion of net (gain) loss recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Premiums and Accounts Receivable Premiums and Other Receivables, Net [Abstract] Insurance premiums receivable Premiums Receivable, Gross Other receivables Other Receivables Allowance for uncollectible amounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables Total Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Table] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Table] Insurance Product Line [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Insurance Product Line [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Life insurance Life Insurance Product Line [Member] Accident and health insurance Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Life Insurance in Force Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items] Direct amount Life Insurance in Force, Gross Ceded to other Companies Life Insurance in Force, Ceded Assumed from other Companies Life Insurance in Force, Assumed Net amount Life Insurance in Force, Net Percentage of amount assumed to net Life Insurance in Force, Percentage Assumed to Net Premiums: Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract] Direct amount Direct Premiums Earned Ceded to other Companies Ceded Premiums Earned Assumed from other Companies Assumed Premiums Earned Net earned premiums Premiums Earned, Net Percentage of amount assumed to net Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net Benefits: Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred [Abstract] Direct policyholder benefits Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Direct Ceded to other Companies Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Assumed from other companies Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed Net policyholder benefits Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Percentage of amount assumed to net Policyholder Benefits Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net Percentage of amount of premiums ceded to other companies to net amount of premiums. Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Assurant Employee Benefits Assurant Employee Benefits [Member] Assurant Employee Benefits Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Employee Benefits Business Employee Benefits Business [Member] Employee Benefits Business [Member] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Cash consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Assets attributable to disposal group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Investments and cash and cash equivalents attributable to disposal group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investments and Cash and Cash Equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investments and Cash and Cash Equivalents Premiums and accounts receivable related to disposal group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Premiums and Accounts Receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Premiums and Accounts Receivable Liabilities related to disposal group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities related to disposal group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule V-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Investments Investments [Abstract] Delinquency period to place loans on non-accrual status Delinquency Period for to Place Loans on Nonaccrual Status Represents the delinquency period to place loans on non-accrual status. Period after which financial information provided by the equity method investee was used by the entity Period after which Financial Information Provided by Equity Method Investee Used by Entity Represents the period after which financial information provided by the equity method investee was used by the entity. Other-than-temporary impairment threshold, percentage of market price to original purchase price Other than Temporary Impairment Threshold Percentage Represents the threshold decline in the value of an investment, expressed as a percentage of original purchase price, used to identify investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired. Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Buildings Building [Member] Furniture Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Capitalized software costs Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Impairments of finite-lived or indefinite-lived other intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Long Duration Contracts Long Duration Insurance Contracts [Abstract] Percentage of risks related to reserves recorded for policies under FFG, LTC and life insurance no longer offered, ceded via reinsurance Long Duration Insurance Contracts Ceded Credit Risk Percentage Represents the percentage of risks related to reserves ceded via reinsurance for various policies. Deferred gain on disposal of businesses Deferred Gain on Disposition of Business [Abstract] Adjustments to estimates affecting deferred gain on disposal of businesses Adjustments to Estimates Affecting Deferred Gain on Disposal of Businesses Represents the adjustments to estimates affecting deferred gain on the disposals of business. The gain on the disposals was deferred since the form of sale did not discharge the entity's primary liability to insurers. Goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment loss Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Balance as of December 31: Goodwill Reinsurance Reinsurance [Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Investment portfolio Investments Total [Member] Total investments, when it serves as a benchmark in a concentration of risk calculation, representing the sum of all reported investments as of the balance sheet date. States, municipalities and political subdivisions US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Municipal revenue bonds Municipal Revenue Bonds [Member] Long-term debt securities issued by state, city or local governments or the agencies operated by state, city or local governments that are supported by sales tax, airport and marina and miscellaneous appropriations. Corporate fixed maturity and equity securities Corporate Fixed And Equity Securities [Member] Debt and equity securities issued by domestic or foreign corporate business, banks and other entities. Pre-refunded bonds Prerefunded Bonds [Member] Represents activity related to general obligation and revenue bonds for which an irrevocable trust has been established to fund remaining debt service payments. Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] Individual U. S. states Individual States [Member] Represents activity by individual state. Europe Europe [Member] United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Other individual European countries Other Individual European Countries Excluding United Kingdom [Member] Represents activity by other individual European countries other than Great Britain. Investment Sector [Axis] Investment Sector [Axis] Investment Sector [Domain] Investment Sector [Domain] Energy Sector Energy Sector [Member] Represents information pertaining to the company's exposure to energy sector. Investments Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Mandated fees under Affordable Care Act Mandated Fees Under Affordable Care Act Represents the amount of mandated fees under the Affordable Care Act. Retirement and Other Employee Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Group disability Group Disability [Member] Represents information pertaining to the group disability insurance. Preneed life insurance Preneed Life Insurance Policies [Member] Represents activity related to preneed life insurance policies. Preneed annuities Preneed Investment Type Annuity Contracts [Member] Represents activity related to preneed annuity contracts. Life insurance no longer offered Life Insurance No Longer Offered [Member] Represents information pertaining to the life insurance no longer offered. Block of pre-1980 traditional life insurance business Block Of Pre1980 Traditional Life Insurance Business [Member] Represents information pertaining to the block of pre-1980 traditional life insurance business. Minimum Minimum [Member] Claims and Benefits Payable Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items] Short Duration Contracts Deposit Contracts, Assets [Abstract] Short duration contracts, discount rate (as a percent) Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Discount Rate Short duration contracts, discount Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Discount Deducted from Reserves Long Duration Contracts Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions Supporting Guarantee Obligations [Abstract] Interest rate assumption Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Average Investment Yield Discount rate Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Discount Rate Percentage of adverse deviation in interest and discount rate for preneed life insurance Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Other Rate Period of grading of interest and discount rates Interest Rate Grading Period Represents the period of grading of interest and discount rates. Future policy benefit increases, high end of range (as a percent) Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Volatility Rate Future policy benefit increases tied to inflation (as a percent) Long Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee Volatility Tied to Inflation Rate Percentage rate that is specifically tied to an expected degree of movement against a base line index. Withdrawal charges assumption, high end of range Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Axis] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Foreign governments Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Commercial mortgage-backed Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Corporate Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Non-redeemable preferred stocks Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Total level 3 assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Changes in balance sheet carrying value associated with Level 3 financial assets carried at fair value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total (losses) gains (realized/unrealized) included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Transfers in Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers out Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance, end of period Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Dividends Dividends, Cash Net income Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Other comprehensive income (loss) Balance Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation allowance for mortgage loans on real estate Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate [Member] Valuation allowance for uncollectible agents balances Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums Receivable [Member] Valuation allowance for uncollectible accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation and qualifying accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at Beginning of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Charged to Other Accounts Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance at End of Year Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Investments: Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost — $2,172,677 in 2015 and $2,249,891 in 2014) Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost — $144,407 in 2015 and $122,347 in 2014) Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Commercial mortgage loans on real estate, at amortized cost Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Short-term investments Other Short-term Investments Collateral held/pledged under securities agreements Securities Received as Collateral Other investments Other Investments Total investments Investments Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Premiums and accounts receivable, net Reinsurance recoverables Accrued investment income Accrued Investment Income Receivable Deferred acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Goodwill Value of business acquired Value of Business Acquired (VOBA) Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets Assets held in separate accounts Separate Account Assets Total assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Future policy benefits and expenses Liability for Future Policy Benefits Unearned premiums Unearned Premiums Claims and benefits payable Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Commissions payable Accrued Sales Commission Deferred gain on disposal of businesses Deferred Gain on Disposal of Businesses The obligations arising from a disposal of business utilizing reinsurance. The gain on the disposals was deferred since the form of sale did not discharge the company's primary liability to insureds. Obligation under securities agreements Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Accounts payable and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Tax payable Accrued Income Taxes Liabilities related to separate accounts Separate Accounts, Liability Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholder's equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, par value $5 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholder's equity Total liabilities and stockholder's equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Single broker quotes Single Broker Quotes [Member] Represents information pertaining to the single broker quotes. Independent and non-binding broker quotes Independent And Non Binding Broker Quotes [Member] Represents information pertaining to the independent and non-binding broker quotes. Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Non-recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair value disclosure Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cost Goodwill Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure Other intangible assets Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] United States Government and government agencies and authorities US Treasury and Government [Member] Asset-backed Asset-backed Securities [Member] Common stocks Debt Security Category [Axis] Debt Security Category [Axis] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Categories of Investments [Domain] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Categories of Investments [Domain] Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax OTTI in AOCI AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Future minimum lease payments under operating lease agreements Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum future lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Sublease rental income Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Rent expense under operating lease Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Sublease income Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Sublease Rentals Schedule of Reserve Information of Major Product Lines Schedule of Liability for Future Policy Benefits, by Product Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Most Significant Claims and Benefits Payable Schedule of Most Significant Claims and Benefits Payable [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of roll forward of the entity's product lines with the most significant claims and benefits payable balances. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Balance at the end of the period Commercial mortgage loans on real estate Mortgages [Member] Other investments Other Security Investments [Member] Net realized gains (losses) related to sales and other Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract] Total net realized gains related to sales and other Net other-than-temporary investment losses recognized in earnings Total net realized gains Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Document and Entity Information Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Company's current and deferred federal tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred expense Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax expense Reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Federal income tax rate (as a percent): Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Reconciling items: Income Tax Reconciliation Reconciling Items [Abstract] Dividends received deduction (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Dividend, Percent Nondeductible health insurer fee (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Health Insurer Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Health Insurer, Percent Change in liability for prior years' taxes (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Percent Other (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Changes in VOBA Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Amortization, net of interest accrued Amortization of Value of Business Acquired (VOBA) Ending balance Schedule of the Company's Fair Value Hierarchy for Recurring Basis Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Summary of the Change in Balance Sheet Carrying Value Associated with Level 3 Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Value, Fair Value Amount and Hierarchy Level of the Financial Instruments That Are Not Recognized or Are Not Carried at Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Jurisdiction [Axis] Jurisdiction [Axis] Statutory Accounting Practices, Jurisdiction [Domain] Statutory Accounting Practices, Jurisdiction [Domain] Kansas Department of Commerce KANSAS Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Statutory Information Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory net income Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Statutory capital and surplus Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Minimum dividend as percentage of insurers' surplus to be considered as extraordinary dividend Minimum Dividend Distribution as Percentage of Insurers Surplus to Consider Dividend Extraordinary Represents the minimum dividend as percentage of insurers' surplus as regards to policyholders, to consider dividend as extraordinary. Maximum dividend to parent under state regulatory requirements without permission from Kansas regulators Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments RBC ratio under Authorized Control Level (as a percent) Risk Based Capital Ratio Requirement Authorized Control Level Represents the risk based capital ratio requirement under Authorized Control Level. RBC ratio under Company Action Level (as a percent) Risk Based Capital Ratio Requirement Company Action Level Represents the risk based capital ratio requirement under Company Action Level. TAC of the Company subject to RBC Requirements Total Adjusted Capital Total statutory capital and surplus adjusted to exclude certain statutory liabilities. Corresponding authorized control Authorized Control Level Minimum capital required before the insurance commissioner of the Company's state of domicile is authorized to take control of the company to protect the interests of policyholders. RBC ratio Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Fixed maturity securities available for sale, amortized cost (in dollars) Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Equity securities available for sale, cost (in dollars) Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock Average Par Value Per Share Represents common stock average per value. Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Available-for-sale securities, proceeds and realized gains (losses) included in earnings Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Disclosures [Abstract] Proceeds from sales Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Gross realized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross realized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Average period of time for which securities were traded continuously at a price below book value for securities sold at a loss Average Period of Time for which Securities were Traded Continuously at Price Below Book Value Represents the average period of time for which securities were traded continuously at a price below book value. Schedule of Cost or Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses, Fair Value and OTTI of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cost or Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Securities By Contractual Maturity Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Schedule of Major Categories of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] Summary of Proceeds From Sales of Available-For-Sale Securities and the Gross Realized Gains and Gross Realized Losses Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Realized Gains (Losses), Including Other-Than-Temporary Impairments Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Credit Loss Impairments on Fixed Maturity Securities for Which a Portion of the OTTI Loss was Recognized in AOCI Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gross Unrealized Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cost or Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position Debt Maturities Unrealized Loss Position Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of cost or amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position. Summary of Loan-To-Value and Average Debt-Service Coverage Ratios Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Change in reinsurance recoverable Increase (Decrease) in Reinsurance Recoverable Change in premiums and accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Premiums and Accounts Receivable The net change in the carrying amount during the reporting period of all premiums and other types of receivables due from other persons or entities. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Change in deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired Change in Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired The net change during the reporting period of capitalized sales costs that are associated with acquiring new insurance customers and expected future earnings from insurance contracts acquired(also known as present value of future profits). Change in accrued investment income Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Investment Income Receivable Change in insurance policy reserves and expenses Change in Insurance Policy Reserves and Expenses The net change during the reporting period in the insurance reserve accounts established to account for expected but unspecified losses and associated unearned premium changes. Change in accounts payable and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Change in commissions payable Change in Commissions Payable The net change in carrying value reported on the balance sheet of obligations payable for sales commissions during the reporting period. Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses Amortization of Deferred Gain on Disposal of Businesses The amount of gain (amortization) recognized during the period on the deferred gain on disposal of businesses utilizing reinsurance. Change in income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Net realized gains on investments Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Sales of: Proceeds from Investments [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities available for sale Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Equity securities available for sale Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Other invested assets Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments Maturities, calls, prepayments, and scheduled redemption of: Maturities Prepayments Calls and Redemption Available for Sale Securities Debt [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities available for sale Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Commercial mortgage loans on real estate Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Notes Receivable Purchases of: Payments of Investments [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities available for sale Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Equity securities available for sale Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Commercial mortgage loans on real estate Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Other invested assets Payments to Acquire Other Investments Change in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Change in collateral held under securities lending Increase (Decrease) in Collateral Held under Securities Lending Change in policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Dividends paid Change in obligation under securities lending Increase (Decrease) in Cash Collateral for Loaned Securities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash included in held for sale assets Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Parent and its affiliates Parent And Affiliates [Member] Represents information pertaining to the entity's parent company and its affiliates. Related party transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Net fees paid for services provided Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Product Contract Duration [Axis] Product Contract Duration [Axis] Product Contract Duration [Axis] Product Contract Duration [Domain] Product Contract Duration [Domain] [Domain] for Product Contract Duration [Axis] Short Duration Contracts Short Duration Contracts [Member] Represents information pertaining to short duration insurance contracts. Long Duration Contracts: Long Duration Contracts [Member] Represents information pertaining to long duration insurance contracts. Preneed funeral life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts Preneed Funeral Life Insurance Policies And Investment Type Annuity Contracts [Member] Represents information pertaining to preneed funeral life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts. FFG, LTC and other disposed businesses F F G L T C And Other Disposed Businesses [Member] Represents information pertaining to FFG, LTC and other disposed businesses. All other All Other Long Duration Contracts [Member] Represents information pertaining to all other long duration insurance products not separately disclosed. Group term life Group Term Life [Member] Represents information pertaining to the group term life insurance. Medical Medical [Member] Represents information pertaining to the medical insurance product. Dental Dental [Member] Represents information pertaining to the dental insurance. Credit disability Credit Life And Disability [Member] Represents information pertaining to the credit life and disability insurance. All other All Other Short Duration Contracts [Member] Represents information pertaining to all other short duration insurance products not separately disclosed. Future Policy Benefits and Expenses Unearned Premiums Case Reserves Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Reported Claims, Amount Incurred But Not Reported Reserves Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Uncollectible Receivable Balance Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Estimation Methodology, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reinsurance Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Value of Businesses Acquired Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Assets Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for other assets. Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Separate Accounts Separate Accounts [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy related to assets and liabilities associated with separate accounts and revenues and expenses related to these separate account assets and liabilities. Reserves Future Policy Benefits Liability, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Gain on Disposal of Businesses Deferred Gain on Disposal of Businesses [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy related to deferred gain on disposal of businesses utilizing reinsurance. Premiums Revenue Recognition, Premiums Earned, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses Other than Temporary Impairment Losses [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy related to other-than-temporary impairment loss on debt securities with credit losses and non-credit losses or gains. Fees and Other Income Fees and Other Income [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy related to income earned on preneed life insurance policies with discretionary death benefit growth issued after 2008, fees and other income from providing administrative services. Underwriting, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted and Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statutory Information Statutory Information Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure of statutory information of the reporting entity during the reporting period. Investments Investment [Text Block] Schedule of reinsurance recoverables Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverable [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the reinsurance recoverables balance. Schedule of reinsurance recoverable grouped by A.M. Best rating Ceded Credit Risk [Table Text Block] Schedule of effect of reinsurance on premiums earned and benefits incurred Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned and Benefits Incurred [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the effect of reinsurance on premiums earned and benefits incurred. Authorized shares of common stock Common stock, average par value (in dollars per share) Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Total Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Carrying value and fair value of the financial instruments Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financial Assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Commercial mortgage loans on real estate Other investments Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total financial assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Financial Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Policy reserves under investment products (Individual and group annuities, subject to discretionary withdrawal) Policy Reserves under Investment Products Fair Value Represents the fair value as of balance sheet date of policy reserves under investment products (individual and group annuities, subject to discretionary withdrawal). Total financial liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Balance at end of year Total unrecognized tax benefit that would impact the Company's consolidated effective tax rate if recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Interest expense (income) related to income tax matters Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Interest accrued related to income tax matters Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Penalties accrued related to income tax matters Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Domain] Commercial mortgage loans Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] Investment purchases commitments Real Estate Investment [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] CPI CAPs Consumer Price Index Caps [Member] Represents information pertaining to the derivative instruments used in managing the pre-arranged funeral business exposure to inflation risk. Investments Investment [Line Items] Decrease in loan valuation allowance Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Commercial mortgage loans Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures Fixed maturity securities on deposit with various governmental authorities Assets Held by Insurance Regulators Derivative assets included in other assets Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Asset, at Fair Value Loss on derivatives included in earnings Gain (Loss) on Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Maximum exposure to loss related to VIE's Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Unfunded commitments Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments Minimum percentage of securities received as collateral Percentage of Securities Received as Collateral This represents the minimum percentage (equal or greater than) of the fair value of securities lent, that are held as collateral by a custodian bank, in the form of cash or cash equivalents for the benefits of the entity. Collateral held under securities lending Liability to the borrower for collateral Geographic concentration risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] California, New York and Utah California New York Utah [Member] Represents activity in California, New York and Utah. Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] 70% and less Loan To Value Seventy Percent And Less [Member] Represents information pertaining to loans having loan-to-value ratio of 70 percent and less. 71 - 80% Loan To Value Seventy One To Eighty Percent [Member] Represents information pertaining to loans having loan-to-value ratio between 71 percent to 80 percent. 81 - 95% Loan To Value Eighty One To Ninety Five Percent [Member] Represents information pertaining to loans having loan-to-value ratio between 81 percent to 95 percent. Greater than 95% Loan To Value Greater Than Ninety Five Percent [Member] Represents information pertaining to loans having loan-to-value ratio of greater than 95 percent. Commercial mortgage loans Loan-to-value percentage Loan to Value Percentage Represents the ratio of a loan underwritten to a value of an asset purchased. Less valuation allowance Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Net commercial mortgage loans % of Gross Mortgage Loans (as a percent) Credit Quality Percentage for Gross Commercial Mortgage Loans Represents percentage of classified loans to total gross commercial mortgage loans. Debt-Service Coverage Ratio Debt Service Coverage Ratios for Commercial Mortgage Loans Represents the ratio of cash available for debt servicing of interest, principal and lease payments for commercial mortgage loans. Premiums and Accounts Receivable Premiums Receivable Note [Text Block] Schedule of Receivables Net of an Allowance for Uncollectible Items Schedule of Premiums and Other Receivables, Net [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of all premiums and other types of receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, due from other persons or entities. Schedule of Aggregate Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Lease Agreements Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] VOBA Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination [Member] VOBA and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Information About Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Amortization for the Next Five Years and Thereafter Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Cost or Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Due after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Due after ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Total Cost or Amortized Cost, Contractual maturity Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis Cost or Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis Total Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Due after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Due after ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Total Fair Value, Contractual maturity Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Total Schedule IV - Reinsurance Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Text Block] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Total investment income Gross Investment Income, Operating Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Net investment income Net Investment Income Investment non-income producing Investment Non Income Producing Represents the non-income producing investment during the reporting period. Recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Collateral held/pledged under securities agreements Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] Cash equivalents Cash Equivalents [Member] Assets held in separate accounts Assets Held In Separate Accounts [Member] Represents information pertaining to assets held by the entity for the benefit of separate account policyholders. Financial Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Total financial assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Transfers from level 1 to level 2 financial assets Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Financial Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities related to separate accounts Investment Contract Counterparty [Axis] Investment Contract Counterparty [Axis] Investment Contract Counterparty [Domain] Investment Contract Counterparty [Domain] Reinsurance invested assets 524130 Reinsurance Carriers [Member] Direct earned premiums Premiums assumed Premiums ceded Policyholder benefits assumed Policyholder benefits ceded Invested assets held in trusts Schedule of Company's Current and Deferred Federal Tax Expense Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of the Federal Income Tax Rate to the Company's Effective Income Tax Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Significant Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract] Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other-Than-Investments in Related Parties Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] Changes in deferred acquisition costs Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Costs deferred Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions Amortization Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense Ending balance Investment category and gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities and equity securities Fair value of securities in a continuous unrealized loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair value of securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Fair value of securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Unrealized losses on securities in a continuous unrealized loss position Unrealized losses on securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months Available for Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Loss Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months impacting investments. Unrealized losses on securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more Available for Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losse Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer impacting investments. Unrealized losses on securities in a continuous unrealized loss position, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Total gross unrealized losses as a percentage of the aggregate fair value of the related securities Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses Percentage The percentage of total gross unrealized losses to the aggregate fair value of the related available-for-sale securities. Percentage of gross unrealized losses in a continuous loss position for less than twelve months Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months Aggregate Losses Percentage The percentage of gross unrealized losses that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months for available for sale securities. Number of individual securities comprising total gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information Supplementary Insurance Information, for Insurance Companies Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Text Block] Interest rate assumed for VOBA (as a percent) Interest Accrual Rate Associated with Amortization Method of Present Value of Future Insurance Profits 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] Other investments. Equity Method Investments [Member] Summary of Investments Other-Than-Investments in Related Parties Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] Amount at which shown in balance sheet John Hancock John Hancock [Member] Represents information pertaining to John Hancock Life Insurance Company, a reinsurer. The Hartford Hartford [Member] Represents information pertaining to The Hartford, a reinsurer. FFG division F F G Division [Member] Represents activity related to the FFG division. LTC Operations L T C Operations [Member] Represents activity related to LTC operations. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Forethought Life Insurance Company Forethought Life Insurance Company [Member] Represents activity related to Forethought Insurance Company. Period of time entity obligated to discontinue writing new preneed insurance policies Agreement Term Represents period of time specified in agreement for cessation of certain activities. Number of reinsurer insolvency for making company responsible for administering reinsurance business Reinsurance Agreement Number of Reinsurer Insolvency Represents the number of reinsurer insolvency for making company responsible for administering reinsurance business. Reserves Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] This element includes the period ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income and the reclassification adjustments for certain components of other comprehensive income. The components of other comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities; (3) non-credit related other-than-temporary impairment losses and (4) pension under-funding. Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Net earned premiums Net investment income Net realized gains on investments, excluding other-than-temporary investment losses Total other-than-temporary investment losses Amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses Fees and other income Other Income Total revenues Revenues Benefits, losses and expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Policyholder benefits Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired Represents the total amortization expense with respect to capitalized deferred acquisition cost (""DAC"") and value of business acquired (""VOBA"") reflected in the results of operation for the period. DAC typically includes the nature of costs incurred in an acquisition, which primarily consists of commission, policy issuance costs and certain direct marketing expenses. VOBA represents the Company's present value of future profits embedded in acquired businesses (i.e. business combinations or assumption reinsurance). Underwriting, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total benefits, losses and expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Income before provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Goodwill, VOBA and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in Company's product lines with the most significant claims and benefits payable balances Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward] Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period, gross of reinsurance Reinsurance ceded and other Reinsurance Ceded and Other Case Reserves and Incurred But Not Reported The sum for all reinsurance arrangements of the known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from a given reinsurer for claims paid or incurred claims not yet reported by the ceding insurer and associated claims settlement expense for each reinsurance arrangement (or, the sum of all cases determined individually, probably applying different assumptions to each arrangement). Balance at the beginning of the period, net of reinsurance Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net Incurred losses related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract] Current year Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Prior year's interest Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Incurred Claims Interest Prior Year Amount of provision in the period for interest on claims incurred in prior reporting periods and related claims settlement costs. Prior year (s) Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Total incurred losses Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims Paid losses related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract] Current year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year Prior year (s) Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years Total paid losses Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid Balance at the end of the period, net of reinsurance Balance at the end of the period, gross of reinsurance Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance [Abstract] Deferred gain on disposal of businesses Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Gain on Sale of Business Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from a gain reported for tax purposes on the disposal of a business in accordance with enacted tax laws. Investments, net Deferred Tax Assets, Equity Method Investments Deferred acquisition costs Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Expense Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to policy acquisition costs being capitalized for tax purposes but expensed in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, which will reverse in future periods when amortization of such capitalized costs cannot be deducted for tax purposes. Compensation related Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Employee and post-retirement benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Total deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Net unrealized appreciation on securities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Policyholder and separate account reserves Deferred Tax Liabilities Policyholder and Separate Account Reserves Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax liabilities attributable to deductible temporary differences from policyholder and separate account reserves. Accrued liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Accrued Liabilities Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax liabilities attributable to deductible temporary differences from accrued liabilities. Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred income tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Assets Amount of deferred tax liability or assets attributable to taxable temporary differences and carryforwards after valuation allowances. Cumulative valuation allowance against deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Net operating or capital loss carryforwards Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards The sum of domestic, foreign and state and local operating loss carryforwards and deductions derived from capital losses, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws.