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Derivative Instruments (Gross Notional Amount and Fair Value of Derivatives Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Jun. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
--- | --- | ---
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | $ 16,661,842 | $ 15,904,127
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 342,747 | 320,724
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 954,719 | 1,058,727
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 14,928,629 | 14,243,031
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 265,821 | 254,252
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 932,422 | 1,022,122
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 1,084,555 | 996,204
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 43,439 | 59,809
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 2,514 | 2,372
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Financial Futures |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 348,874 | 412,438
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 0 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forwards |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 4,512 | 6,030
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 0 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 8 | 28
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 328,190 | 221,932
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 1,126 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 199 | 2,160
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Credit Default Swaps |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 928,300 | 961,200
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 6,725 | 8,319
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 122 | 1,651
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Equity Options |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 639,801 | 632,251
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 25,950 | 23,271
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Longevity Swap [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 934,720 | 960,400
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 43,971 | 40,659
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Mortality Swap [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 25,000 | 0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 0 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 782 | 1,683
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 0 | 0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 144,610 | 122,194
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 0 | 0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 0 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 806,436 | 861,758
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 0 | 0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 0 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 122,361 | 152,470
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 10,634,677 | 10,052,576
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 0 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0
Designated As Hedging Instrument |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 1,733,213 | 1,661,096
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 76,926 | 66,472
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 22,297 | 36,605
Designated As Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 435,000 | 435,000
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 204 | 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 19,699 | 20,389
Designated As Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forwards |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 718,177 | 553,175
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 18,428 | 1,265
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 7,720
Designated As Hedging Instrument | Currency Swap [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Notional Amount | 580,036 | 672,921
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets | 58,294 | 65,207
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | $ 2,598 | $ 8,496

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