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Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
--- | --- | ---
Deferred income tax assets: |  |
Policy benefit reserves | $ 1,842,049 | $ 2,354,786
Other than temporary impairments | 11,262 | 15,681
Amounts due reinsurer | 6,852 | 1,321
Other policyholder funds | 3,724 | 6,474
Deferred compensation | 3,827 | 7,963
Share-based compensation | 3,383 | 5,407
State net operating loss carryforwards | 3,196 | 3,745
Other | 10,253 | 11,367
Gross deferred tax assets | 1,884,546 | 2,406,744
Deferred income tax liabilities: |  |
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements | (1,212,509) | (1,951,333)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities | (220,533) | (170,925)
Derivative instruments | (179,776) | (75,405)
Policy benefit reserves | (197,233) | 0
Investment income items | (34,849) | (39,118)
Other | (1,499) | (1,385)
Gross deferred tax liabilities | (1,846,399) | (2,238,166)
Net deferred income tax asset | $ 38,147 | $ 168,578

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