Stock-Based Compensation - Analysis of Shares Available for Grant (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for options	3.1

The ratio by which each grant of restricted stock reduces shares available for option

No definition available.

Name:	tmk_RatioByWhichEachGrantOfRestrictedStockReducesSharesAvailableForOptions
Namespace Prefix:	tmk_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant