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Equity (Components of Net Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation of Balances Carried at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale |  | $ 32,093,625 | $ 29,642,905 |  |
Other invested assets |  | 1,591,940 | 1,298,120 |  |
Deferred policy acquisition costs |  | 3,338,605 | 3,392,437 | $ 3,342,575 | $ 3,517,796
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Change In Component During Period |  | 577,265 | (1,028,965) | 1,153,224 |
Change In Net Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale |  | 561,906 | (1,055,458) | 1,171,996 |
Other invested assets | [1] | 18,900 | 8,983 | (14,292) |
Effect On Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Deferred policy acquisition costs |  | $ (3,541) | $ 17,510 | $ (4,480) |
[1] | Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 for additional information on cash flow hedges.

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