Shareholders' Equity - Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Globe Life Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares Acquired (in shares)	3,932	4,406	4,126
Total Cost	$ 350,080	$ 371,794	$ 324,622
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 89.04	$ 84.38	$ 78.67
Share Repurchase for Dilution Purposes
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares Acquired (in shares)	1,209	571	1,103
Total Cost	$ 109,489	$ 49,955	$ 88,367
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 90.52	$ 87.54	$ 80.15