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Investments (Mortgage Loans by Method of Evaluation and Related Valuation Allowances) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Sep. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
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Mortgage Loans: |  |
Total mortgage loans | $ 2,496,251 | $ 2,312,167
Mortgage Loans Net Of Valuation Allowances [Abstract] |  |
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances) | 2,488,582 | 2,300,587
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment |  |
Mortgage Loans: |  |
Evaluated individually for credit losses | 32,624 | 39,956
Evaluated collectively for credit losses | 2,463,627 | 2,272,211
Total mortgage loans | 2,496,251 | 2,312,167
Valuation Allowances: |  |
Specific for credit losses | 4,691 | 6,980
Non-specifically identified credit losses | 2,978 | 4,600
Total valuation allowances | $ 7,669 | $ 11,580

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- Definition The valuation allowance for financing receivables that are expected to be uncollectible that were collectively evaluated for impairment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11B -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28368275&loc=SL6953423-111524 + Details
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- Definition Amount before allowance of commercial loans issued to businesses to acquire, develop, construct, improve, or refinance land or building. Includes deferred interest and fees, undisbursed portion of loan balance, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts. Excludes loans covered under loss sharing agreements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28368275&loc=d3e5066-111524 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
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