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Fair Values of Financial Instruments Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | --- | ---
Assets [Abstract] |  |
2015 Notes Hedges | $ 43,105 |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 25,955,713 | 19,250,813
Liabilities |  |
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative | 43,105 | 45,593
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative | 3,337,556 | 2,530,496
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 3,384,922 | 2,576,089
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 415,258 | 273,314
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value | 1,268,545 | 404,952
2015 Notes Hedges |  | 45,593
Liabilities |  |
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative | 3,337,556 | 2,530,496
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 53,422 | 62,845
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 5,154 | 4,678
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 14,466,772 | 10,091,256
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,772,025 | 1,799,779
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 3,578,323 | 3,333,383
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 105,259 | 68,333
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 2,888,113 | 2,703,290
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 357,982 |
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 998,508 | 463,390
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 0 | 0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value | 1,268,545 | 404,952
2015 Notes Hedges | 0 | 0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,344,136 | 513,056
Liabilities |  |
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative | 0 | 0
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative | 0 | 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 36,928 | 44,229
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 5,154 | 4,678
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 33,131 | 58,827
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 378 | 370
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 415,258 | 273,314
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value | 0 | 0
2015 Notes Hedges | 43,105 | 45,593
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 24,609,765 | 18,735,659
Liabilities |  |
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative | 43,105 | 45,593
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative | 0 | 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 47,366 | 45,593
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 16,494 | 18,616
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 14,433,641 | 10,032,429
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,772,025 | 1,799,779
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 3,578,323 | 3,333,383
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 105,259 | 68,333
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 2,886,301 | 2,701,192
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 357,982 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 998,130 | 463,020
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 0 | 0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value | 0 | 0
2015 Notes Hedges | 0 | 0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,812 | 2,098
Liabilities |  |
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative | 0 | 0
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative | 3,337,556 | 2,530,496
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 3,337,556 | 2,530,496
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,812 | 2,098
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | 0
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 3,247 |
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 0 |
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 3,247 |
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |
Assets [Abstract] |  |
Derivative instruments | 0 |
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] |  |
Liabilities |  |
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 4,261 |
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |
Liabilities |  |
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 |
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |
Liabilities |  |
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 4,261 |
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |
Liabilities |  |
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | $ 0 |

X
- Definition Hedge transacation whereby we have the option to receive the cash equivalent of the conversion spread on16.0 million shares of our common stock based upon a strike price of $12.50 per share, subject to certain conversion rate adjustments in the 2015 Notes. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition This element represents the aggregate of the assets reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
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- Definition This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7534914&loc=d3e22054-111558 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Available-for-Sale Securities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505594 + Details
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- Definition This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Company may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8 -Footnote 2 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash Equivalents -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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- Definition Fair value of derivative asset, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 205G -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44C -Subparagraph a -Clause 1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624163-113959 + Details
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