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Derivative Instruments (Details 6) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Jun. 30, 2011 | Mar. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total investment related gains (losses), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 254,136,000 | $ (36,056,000) | $ 212,030,000
Total benefits and expenses | 2,402,013,000 | 2,247,602,000 | 2,159,861,000 | 2,112,212,000 | 2,154,968,000 | 1,838,511,000 | 2,016,808,000 | 2,055,680,000 | 8,921,688,000 | 8,065,967,000 | 7,455,549,000
Net income | 222,989,000 | 144,475,000 | 141,111,000 | 123,318,000 | 138,579,000 | 134,602,000 | 123,944,000 | 148,920,000 | 631,893,000 | 546,045,000 | 535,742,000
Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements And Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total investment related gains (losses), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 115,009,000 | (87,236,000) | 160,274,000
Net income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 25,454,000 | (7,599,000) | 28,831,000
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total benefits and expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (30,434,000) | (114,921,000) | (44,988,000)
Net income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,110,000 | (55,915,000) | (26,265,000)
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total investment related gains (losses), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 104,613,000 | (224,184,000) | (28,786,000)
Net income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 6,367,000 | $ (30,230,000) | $ (5,045,000)

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