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Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments Abstract
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$ 17,244,192	$ 16,200,950
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,157,049	991,731
Policy loans	1,250,238	1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest	5,457,888	5,410,424
Short-term investments	49,981	88,566
Investment Receivable	5,406,898	0
Other invested assets	940,605	1,012,541
Cash and cash equivalents	957,341	962,870	710,973	463,661
Total cash and invested assets	$ 32,464,192	$ 25,927,482

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Investment receivable represents cash, cash equivalents and invested assets adn the related accrued investment income expected to be received related to a large fixed deferred annuity reinsurance transaction in which the transfer of the assets occurred after the last day of the current quarter.

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Funds held by the ceding insurer on behalf the reinsurer, including funds held in trust, under reinsurance treaties or contracts with the assuming insurer as security for the payment of the obligations thereunder, which represent an asset for the reinsurer. There is another concept for the corresponding liability of the ceding insurer.

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Sum of investments and unrestricted cash as of the balance sheet date.

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Gross amount of loans made to policy and contract holders using their life insurance contracts' cash value or separate accounts as collateral.

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Other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

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