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Investments (Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
--- | --- | ---
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized cost | $ 43,193,800 | $ 40,030,780
Fair value | 45,449,449 | 41,129,260
NAIC, Class 1 Designation [Member] |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized cost | 26,669,427 | 25,607,268
Fair value | 28,274,379 | 26,507,798
NAIC, Class 2 Designation [Member] |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized cost | 15,198,551 | 13,037,592
Fair value | 15,869,219 | 13,295,648
NAIC, Class 3 Designation [Member] |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized cost | 1,161,737 | 1,201,059
Fair value | 1,157,420 | 1,155,702
NAIC, Class 4 Designation [Member] |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized cost | 134,838 | 154,226
Fair value | 117,542 | 137,188
NAIC, Class 5 Designation [Member] |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized cost | 17,015 | 17,475
Fair value | 20,927 | 24,664
NAIC, Class 6 Designation [Member] |  |
Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized cost | 12,232 | 13,160
Fair value | $ 9,962 | $ 8,260

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