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Derivative Instruments (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$ (120,886)	$ 7,583
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives	54,102	20,930
Total benefits and expenses	2,404,988	2,336,488
Net income	76,472	125,114
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	(92,250)	(2,325)
Net income	(26,777)	(2,588)
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total benefits and expenses	1,394	(29,326)
Net income	11,234	(15,999)
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(62,940)	(25,133)
Net income	$ (25,843)	$ (9,409)

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Changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives Abstract.

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This item represents the amount recognized in investment related gains (losses) related to the change in the fair value of derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives.

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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)
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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.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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