XML 86 R84.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Instruments) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue $ 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Included in net income 68,616us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
Purchases 73,937us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
Sales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
Issuances 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
Settlements (197,580)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet 169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
Balance at end of period 114,287us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue 169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 40,350us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss 107,897us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 193,338us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue 2,718us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Included in net income 73,851us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings 5,725us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings
Included in comprehensive income (loss) 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Purchases 73,937us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases
Sales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales
Issuances 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues
Settlements (198,634)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements (2,504)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersNet 187,399us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersNet
Balance at end of period 142,492us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue 193,338us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 44,722us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss 5,725us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]    
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Included in net income 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Purchases 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Sales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Issuances 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Settlements 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Balance at end of period 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]    
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Included in net income 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Purchases 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Sales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Issuances 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Settlements 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Balance at end of period 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
Derivatives, Index Options [Member]    
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Included in net income 68,616us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Purchases 73,937us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Sales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Issuances 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Settlements (197,580)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Balance at end of period 114,287us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 40,350us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
107,897us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Net Investment Income [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 40,350us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
107,897us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
5,725us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
Net Investment Income [Member] | Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
Net Investment Income [Member] | Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
Net Investment Income [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 40,350us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
107,897us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
Other Operating Expense [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 44,722us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
0us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
Other Operating Expense [Member] | Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
Other Operating Expense [Member] | Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
Other Operating Expense [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):    
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: $ 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
$ 0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember