XML 36 R45.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
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]      
Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 114,287us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue $ 169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue $ 169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):      
Included in net income (8,287)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1   548us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
Included in other comprehensive income 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss   0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
Purchases 18,456us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases 15,337us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases  
Sales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales  
Issuances 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues  
Settlements (28,469)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements (50,283)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements  
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet   0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
Balance at end of period 95,987us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue 134,916us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue 114,287us-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: (6,843)us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss 2,821us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss  
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]      
Balance at January 1, 2014 142,492us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue 193,338us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue 193,338us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):      
Included in net income (12,383)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings   2,651us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings
Included in other comprehensive income 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome   0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Purchases 18,456us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases 15,337us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases  
Sales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales  
Issuances 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues  
Settlements 28,578us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements 50,790us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements  
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersNet   0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersNet
Balance at end of period 119,987us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue 160,536us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue 142,492us-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: (787)us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss 1,667us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss  
Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]      
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]      
Balance at January 1, 2014 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
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 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
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]      
Balance at January 1, 2014 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_EquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleMember
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 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
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]      
Balance at January 1, 2014 114,287us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
169,314us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):      
Included in net income (8,287)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
  548us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Included in other comprehensive income 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
  0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Purchases 18,456us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
15,337us-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 (28,469)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
(50,283)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
 
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
  0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
Balance at end of period 95,987us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
134,916us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
114,287us-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: (6,843)us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
2,821us-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: (6,843)us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
2,821us-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
0us-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: (6,843)us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
2,821us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nwli_DerivativesIndexOptionsMember
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nwli_NetInvestmentIncomeMember
 
Other Operating Income (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: (787)us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
1,667us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
 
Other Operating Income (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 Income (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 Income (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