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Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Securities | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Securities | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Investments [Abstract] |  |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, percentage | 37.00% |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, percentage | 2.70% |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, amount | $ 1,200,000 |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, percentage | 0.20% |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, amount | $ 90,100 |  |
Fixed income securities with call features, not callable until within 6 months of stated maturity, percentage | 73.00% |  |
Percentage of fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade based on NAIC designations | 97.00% | 97.00% |
Number of securities in unrealized loss position | Securities | 955 | 1,514 |
Percentage of unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities where securities are rated investment grade | 83.00% | 86.00% |
Assets held by insurance regulators | $ 47,500,000 | $ 43,500,000 |
Fair value, concentration of risk, investments | $ 0 | 0 |
Concentration risk, percentage | 10.00% |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Principal repayments, calls and tenders of available for sale securities | $ 1,911,991 | 2,746,510 | $ 1,612,121
Available For Sale [Member] |  |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities | 700,000 | 1,000,000 | 400,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] |  |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Principal repayments, calls and tenders of available for sale securities | $ 1,200,000 | $ 1,700,000 | $ 1,200,000

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