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Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Securities | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Securities | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Investments [Abstract] |  |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, percentage | 35.00% |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, percentage | 0.10% |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, amount | $ 55,700 |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, percentage | 3.10% |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, amount | $ 1,300,000 |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, not callable until within 6 months of stated maturity, percentage | 70.00% |  |
Percentage of fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade based on NAIC designations | 97.00% | 98.00% |
Number of securities in unrealized loss position | Securities | 1,514 | 1,246 |
Percentage of unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities where securities are rated investment grade | 86.00% | 84.00% |
Assets held by insurance regulators | $ 43,500,000 | $ 38,300,000 |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Principal repayments, calls and tenders of available for sale securities | $ 2,746,510 | 1,612,121 | $ 1,490,906
Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member] |  |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Threshold for disclosure percentage | 10.00% |  |
Investment Type Concentration Risk [Member] |  |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Fair value, concentration of risk, investments | $ 0 | 0 |
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] |  |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Principal repayments, calls and tenders of available for sale securities | 1,700,000 | 1,200,000 | 1,300,000
Available For Sale [Member] |  |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities | $ 1,000,000 | $ 400,000 | $ 200,000

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