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Derivative Instruments (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2013
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total investment related gains (losses), net | $ 22,318 | $ (76,465) | $ 225,416 | $ 66,149
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives | 14,689 | (24,451) | 48,313 | (137,240)
Total benefits and expenses | 2,484,773 | 2,188,120 | 7,474,991 | 7,175,795
Net income | 157,996 | 137,955 | 492,956 | 273,878
Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total investment related gains (losses), net | 56,812 | (67,461) | 212,888 | 70,514
Net income | 13,353 | (15,693) | 49,394 | 19,842
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member] |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total benefits and expenses | (35,650) | 28,379 | (86,775) | (32,637)
Net income | (23,920) | 6,622 | (57,896) | (53,772)
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total investment related gains (losses), net | (47,479) | 19,829 | (76,323) | 106,954
Net income | $ 26,542 | $ 11,052 | $ 6,388 | $ 52,326

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- Definition The total amount of expense recognized during the period for future policy benefits, claims and claims adjustment costs, and for selling, general and administrative costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.5,6,7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 5, 6, 7 -Article 7 + Details
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- Definition This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling or holding marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, including the unrealized holding gain (loss) of held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading security category and the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) which was included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) for available-for-sale securities transferred to trading securities during the period. Additionally, this item would include any gains (losses) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c),9(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27405-111563 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (c)-(e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27357-111563 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Article 5 + Details
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