| Cover page | Aug. 21, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 21, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GLOBE LIFE INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-08052 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 63-0780404 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3700 South Stonebridge Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | McKinney |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75070 |
| City Area Code | 972 |
| Local Phone Number | 569-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | GL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000320335 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
