American National (ANG-PB) 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 Q4 Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001039828	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q4	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$967,404,076
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	71,806,543	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturity securities:	'	'
Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013 - $26,527,730; 2012 - $21,957,027)	$26,610,447	$24,172,136
Held for investment, at amortized cost (fair value: 2013 - $60,840; 2012 - $61,521)	76,255	76,088
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2013 - $7,503; 2012 - $44,598)	7,778	53,422
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,581,082	2,623,940
Derivative instruments	856,050	415,258
Other investments	215,042	196,366
Total investments	30,346,654	27,537,210
Cash and cash equivalents	897,529	1,268,545
Coinsurance deposits	2,999,618	2,910,701
Accrued investment income	301,641	261,833
Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,426,652	1,709,799
Deferred sales inducements	1,875,880	1,292,341
Deferred income taxes	301,856	0
Other assets	471,669	153,049
Total assets	39,621,499	35,133,478
Liabilities:	'	'
Policy benefit reserves	35,789,655	31,773,988
Other policy funds and contract claims	418,033	455,752
Notes payable	549,958	309,869
Subordinated debentures	246,050	245,869
Deferred income taxes	0	49,303
Income taxes payable	10,153	4,756
Other liabilities	1,222,963	573,704
Total liabilities	38,236,812	33,413,241
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 2013 and 2012 - no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2013 - 70,535,404 shares (excluding 4,876,735 treasury shares); 2012 - 61,750,601 shares (excluding 5,127,379 treasury shares)	70,535	61,751
Additional paid-in capital	550,400	496,715
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP; 2013 - 58,618 shares; 2012 - 239,799 shares	-631	-2,583
Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,196	686,807
Retained earnings	718,187	477,547
Total stockholders' equity	1,384,687	1,720,237
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$39,621,499	$35,133,478

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Available for sale, at fair value, amortized cost	$26,527,730	$21,957,027
Held for investment, at amortized cost, fair value	60,840	61,521
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value, cost	$7,503	$44,598
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	70,535,404	61,750,601
Common stock, shares outstanding	70,535,404	61,750,601
Common stock, shares held in treasury	4,876,735	5,127,379
Unallocated common stock, shares held by ESOP	58,618	239,799

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Premiums and other considerations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$45,347

$76,675

$118,912

Annuity product charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,591

89,006

76,189

Net investment income

363,947

354,147

336,143

329,690

321,160

318,594

320,259

326,910

1,383,927

1,286,923

1,218,780

Change in fair value of derivatives

444,985

193,028

64,040

373,962

-48,266

161,090

-150,847

259,161

1,076,015

221,138

-114,728

Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses

16,364

-2,077

15,689

10,585

1,471

-1,238

-611

-6,076

40,561

-6,454

-18,641

OTTI losses on investments:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total OTTI losses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,964

-5,411

-20,180

Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,270

-9,521

-13,796

Net OTTI losses recognized in operations

0

-222

-2,775

-3,237

-9,387

-1,686

-978

-2,881

-6,234

-14,932

-33,976

Loss on extinguishment of debt

-30,988

-938

-589

0

'

'

'

'

-32,515

0

0

Total revenues

837,294

580,263

447,570

745,565

304,698

524,173

208,640

614,845

2,610,692

1,652,356

1,246,536

Benefits and expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

53,071

81,481

115,291

Interest sensitive and index product benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,272,867

808,479

775,097

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

253,113

87,157

71,781

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

133,968

286,899

-105,194

Interest expense on notes payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,870

28,479

31,633

Interest expense on subordinated debentures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,088

13,458

13,977

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

365,468

164,919

143,478

Other operating costs and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

91,915

95,495

67,559

Total benefits and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,221,360

1,566,367

1,113,622

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

389,332

85,989

132,914

Income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

136,049

28,191

46,666

Net income

$50,958

$56,181

$120,113

$26,031

$36,397

($7,829)

$18,759

$10,471

$253,283

$57,798

$86,248

Earnings per common share

$0.73

$0.86

$1.87

$0.41

$0.58

($0.13)

$0.31

$0.18

$3.86

$0.94

$1.45

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution

$0.65

$0.75

$1.71

$0.38

$0.55

($0.13)

$0.30

$0.16

$3.38

$0.89

$1.37

Weighted average common shares outstanding: earnings per common share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,543,895

[1]

61,258,825

[1]

59,482,349

[1]

Weighted average common shares outstanding: earnings per common share - assuming dilution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,040,646

65,675,651

63,619,495

[1]

Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$253,283		$57,798		$86,248
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses (1)	-1,001,943	[1]	358,894	[1]	595,141	[1]
Noncredit component of OTTI losses (1)	586	[1]	4,571	[1]	6,251	[1]
Reclassification of unrealized investment gains/losses to net income (1)	15,802	[1]	-10,267	[1]	-23,840	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax	-985,555		353,198		577,552
Income tax effect related to other comprehensive income (loss)	344,944		-123,620		-202,143
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-640,611		229,578		375,409
Comprehensive income (loss)	($387,328)		$287,376		$461,657
[1]	Net of related adjustments to amortization of deferred sales inducements and deferred policy acquisition costs.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Unallocated Common Stock Held by ESOP [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Stockholders' equity at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2010	$938,047	$56,968	$454,454	($4,815)	$81,820	$349,620
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	86,248	'	'	'	'	86,248
Other comprehensive income (loss)	375,409	'	'	'	375,409	'
Acquisition of common stock	-484	-48	-436	'	'	'
Allocation of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	1,255	'	60	1,195	'	'
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	10,320	'	10,320	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	4,800	917	3,883	'	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-6,916	'	'	'	'	-6,916
Stockholders' equity at end of period at Dec. 31, 2011	1,408,679	57,837	468,281	-3,620	457,229	428,952
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	57,798	'	'	'	'	57,798
Other comprehensive income (loss)	229,578	'	'	'	229,578	'
Conversion of subordinated debentures	19,591	2,564	17,027	'	'	'
Allocation of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	1,085	'	48	1,037	'	'
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	6,904	'	6,904	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	5,805	1,350	4,455	'	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-9,203	'	'	'	'	-9,203
Stockholders' equity at end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	1,720,237	61,751	496,715	-2,583	686,807	477,547
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	253,283	'	'	'	'	253,283
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-640,611	'	'	'	-640,611	'
Allocation of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	3,390	'	1,438	1,952	'	'
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	13,624	'	13,624	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	32,735	3,295	29,440	'	'	'
Extinguishment of convertible senior notes, net of tax, including 5,489,808 shares of common stock issued upon conversion	62,663	5,489	57,174	'	'	'
Warrants to be settled in cash	-47,991	'	-47,991	'	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-12,643	'	'	'	'	-12,643
Stockholders' equity at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,384,687	$70,535	$550,400	($631)	$46,196	$718,187

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares of common stock allocated by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	181,181	96,294	110,955
Shares of common stock issued under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	3,294,995	1,349,914	916,329
Shares of common stock issued upon extinguishment of convertible senior notes	5,489,808	'	'
Dividends on common stock (per share amount)	$0.18	$0.15	$0.12
Conversion of subordinated debentures	$0	$20,770	$0
Acquisition of shares of common stock	'	'	48,235

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$253,283	$57,798	$86,248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	1,272,867	808,479	775,097
Amortization of deferred sales inducements	253,113	87,157	71,781
Annuity product charges	-103,591	-89,006	-76,189
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	133,968	286,899	-105,194
Increase in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves	14,997	35,758	76,880
Policy acquisition costs deferred	-425,800	-403,411	-478,834
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	365,468	164,919	143,478
Provision for depreciation and other amortization	18,375	18,404	18,970
Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments	6,861	-69,828	-154,483
Loss on extinguishment of debt	32,515	0	0
Realized gains/losses on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations	-34,327	21,386	52,617
Change in fair value of derivatives	-1,076,015	-221,138	112,608
Deferred income taxes	3,013	-52,336	-80,869
Share-based compensation	10,476	6,552	9,339
Change in accrued investment income	-39,808	-32,896	-61,292
Change in income taxes recoverable/payable	5,397	13,197	-2,307
Change in other assets	1,113	-7,090	5,005
Change in other policy funds and contract claims	-47,445	55,158	177,734
Change in collateral held for derivatives	236,702	99,242	-215,775
Change in other liabilities	-11,435	5,927	-77,082
Other	-7,059	-857	59
Net cash provided by operating activities	862,668	784,314	277,791
Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments:	'	'	'
Fixed maturity securitiesbavailable for sale	3,456,719	3,298,623	3,705,605
Fixed maturity securitiesbheld for investment	0	2,618,207	219,372
Equity securitiesbavailable for sale	46,674	13,604	2,958
Mortgage loans on real estate	539,240	543,211	206,741
Derivative instruments	971,432	483,362	506,057
Other investments	24,050	33,601	2,274
Acquisitions of investments:	'	'	'
Fixed maturity securitiesbavailable for sale	-7,962,150	-8,266,692	-5,347,839
Fixed maturity securitiesbheld for investment	0	0	-1,940,163
Mortgage loans on real estate	-505,953	-386,507	-481,680
Derivative instruments	-419,345	-379,592	-395,938
Other investments	-29,015	-86,569	-77,955
Purchases of property, furniture and equipment	-948	-738	-5,265
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-3,879,296	-2,129,490	-3,605,833
Financing activities	'	'	'
Receipts credited to annuity and single premium universal life policyholder account balances	4,160,346	3,782,275	4,784,511
Coinsurance deposits	25,729	4,885	-122,415
Return of annuity policyholder account balances	-1,763,913	-1,575,340	-1,494,554
Financing fees incurred and deferred	-11,942	0	-1,566
Proceeds from notes payable	415,000	0	0
Repayment of notes payable	-234,154	0	-46,251
Net proceeds from settlement of notes hedge and warrants	22,170	0	0
Repayment of subordinated debentures	0	-1,141	0
Acquisition of common stock	0	0	-484
Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	4,043	481	1,061
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	31,764	5,741	4,686
Change in checks in excess of cash balance	9,212	1,071	17,156
Dividends paid	-12,643	-9,203	-6,916
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,645,612	2,208,769	3,135,228
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-371,016	863,593	-192,814
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,268,545	404,952	597,766
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	897,529	1,268,545	404,952
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest expense	25,608	27,666	30,650
Income taxes	128,225	67,450	129,250
Income tax refunds received	0	512	466
Non-cash operating activity:	'	'	'
Deferral of sales inducements	337,787	306,659	385,123
Non-cash investing activity:	'	'	'
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	8,217	26,324	20,978
Mortgage loan on real estate sold	0	0	1,215
Non-cash financing activities:	'	'	'
Conversion of subordinated debentures	0	20,770	0
Common stock issued in extinguishment of debt	$117,463	$0	$0

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	American Equity Investment Life Holding Company ("we", "us" or "our"), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company ("American Equity Life"), American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company of New York ("American Equity Life of New York") and Eagle Life Insurance Company ("Eagle Life"), is licensed to sell insurance products in 50 states and the District of Columbia at December 31, 2013. We operate solely in the insurance business.
	We primarily market fixed index and fixed rate annuities and to a lesser extent, life insurance. Premiums and annuity deposits (net of coinsurance) collected in 2013, 2012 and 2011, by product type were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Product Type	2013		2012		2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed index annuities:
	Index strategies	$	2,847,370	$	2,223,652	$	2,835,422
	Fixed strategy	1,017,620		1,206,784		1,375,321
		3,864,990		3,430,436		4,210,743
	Fixed rate annuities	112,740		148,105		247,237
	Single premium immediate annuities (SPIA)	52,142		164,657		305,603
	Life insurance	10,556		12,877		12,151
		$	4,040,428	$	3,756,075	$	4,775,734
	One national marketing organization through which we market our products accounted for more than 10% of the annuity deposits and insurance premium collections during 2013 representing 11% of the annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected. Three national marketing organization accounted for more than 10% of the annuity deposits and insurance premium collections during 2012 representing 12%, 11% and 10% individually, of the annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected. Two national marketing organization accounted for more than 10% of the annuity deposits and insurance premium collections during 2011 representing 14% and 12% individually, of the annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected.
	Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries: American Equity Life, American Equity Life of New York, Eagle Life, AERL, L.C., American Equity Capital, Inc., American Equity Investment Properties, L.C., American Equity Advisors, Inc. and American Equity Investment Service Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	During 2013, we identified certain classification errors related to the presentation of premiums and other considerations, insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits and interest sensitive and index product benefits related to life contingent immediate annuities in our consolidated statements of operations. We evaluated the materiality of the errors from qualitative and quantitative perspectives and concluded they were not material to any prior periods. However, we revised the 2012 and 2011 consolidated statements of operations to be consistent with the 2013 presentation. The changes resulted in increases to premiums and other considerations of $63.8 million and $106.8 million and insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits of $73.4 million and $107.4 million, as well as decreases to interest sensitive and index product benefits of $9.6 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Reclassifications have been made to prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to the December 31, 2013 presentation.
	Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the calculation of deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, policy benefit reserves, valuation of derivatives, including embedded derivatives on index annuity reserves, contingent convertible senior notes, valuation of investments, other than temporary impairment of investments, allowances for loan losses on mortgage loans and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. A description of each critical estimate is incorporated within the discussion of the related accounting policies which follow. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized.
	Investments
	Fixed maturity securities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks maturing more than one year after issuance) that may be sold prior to maturity are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities are included directly in a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of income taxes and certain adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Fair values, as reported herein, of fixed maturity and equity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available, or for those fixed maturity securities not actively traded, yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics are used. See Note 2 for more information on the determination of fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized/accrued using methods which result in a constant yield over the securities' expected lives. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on residential and commercial mortgage backed securities incorporate prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities' expected lives. Interest income is recognized as earned.
	Fixed maturity securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held for investment. Such securities may, at times, be called prior to maturity. Held for investment securities are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts. Changes in the fair value of these securities, except for declines that are other than temporary, are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
	Equity securities, comprised of common and perpetual preferred stocks, are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are included directly in a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of income taxes and certain adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Dividends are recognized when declared.
	The carrying amounts of our impaired investments in fixed maturity and equity securities are adjusted for declines in value that are other than temporary. Other than temporary impairment losses are reported as a component of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations, which presents the amount of noncredit impairment losses for certain fixed maturity securities that is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 3 for further discussion of other than temporary impairment losses.
	Deterioration in credit quality of the companies or assets backing our investment securities, deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, imbalances in liquidity recurring in the marketplace or declines in real estate values may further affect the fair value of these investment securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses will be recognized as other than temporary impairments in the future.
	Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Interest income is recorded when earned; however, interest ceases to accrue for loans on which interest is more than 90 days past due based upon contractual terms and/or when the collection of interest is not considered probable. We evaluate the mortgage loan portfolio for the establishment of a loan loss reserve by specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss, if any, for each impaired loan identified and an analysis of the mortgage loan portfolio for the need of a general loan allowance for probable losses on all loans. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan's contractual interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell. The amount of the general loan allowance, if any, is based upon our evaluation of the probability of collection, historical loss experience, delinquencies, credit concentrations, underwriting standards and national and local economic conditions. The carrying value of impaired loans is reduced by the establishment of an allowance for loan losses, changes to which are recognized as realized gains or losses on investments. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded on a cash basis.
	Other invested assets include company owned life insurance, real estate, limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method and policy loans. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the end of the reporting period, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Policy loans are stated at current unpaid principal balances.
	Real estate owned is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost is determined at the time ownership is acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans and is the lower of the carrying value of the mortgage loan or fair value of the real estate less its estimated cost to sell. Buildings and improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Impairment losses on real estate owned are recognized when there are indicators of impairment present and the expected future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the real estate's carrying value. Any impairment losses are reported as realized losses and are part of net income.
	Derivative Instruments
	Our derivative instruments include call options used to fund fixed index annuity credits, interest rate swap and caps used to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures, call options to hedge the conversion spread on our convertible senior notes (see Note 9) and certain other derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. All of our derivative instruments are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in operations. See Note 5 for more information on derivative instruments.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	We also consider reverse repurchase agreements, which typically have an initial maturity of 6 weeks or less, to be cash equivalents. Amounts advanced under these agreements represent short-term loans that carry a fixed rate of interest. Borrowers under these agreements are required to post collateral that is investment grade debt securities with fair value in excess of the amount advanced.
	Book Overdrafts
	Under our cash management system, checks issued but not yet presented to banks frequently result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes and are classified as Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We report the changes in the amount of the overdraft balance as a financing activity in our consolidated statement of cash flows as Change in checks in excess of cash balance.
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements
	To the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits, certain costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful production of new business are not expensed when incurred but instead are capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs or deferred sales inducements. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements are subject to loss recognition testing on a quarterly basis or when an event occurs that may warrant loss recognition. Deferred policy acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions and certain costs of policy issuance. Deferred sales inducements consist of premium and interest bonuses credited to policyholder account balances.
	For annuity products, these capitalized costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross profits from investment spreads, including the cost of hedging the fixed indexed annuity obligations, and, to a lesser extent, from product charges and mortality and expense margins. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of net realized gains on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations) to be realized from a group of products are revised. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements are also adjusted for the change in amortization that would have occurred if available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities had been sold at their aggregate fair value at the end of the reporting period and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. The impact of this adjustment is included in accumulated other comprehensive income within consolidated stockholders' equity, net of applicable taxes. See Note 6 for more information on deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.
	Policy Benefit Reserves
	Policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component of the contracts. The host value is established at inception of the contract and accreted over the policy's life at a constant rate of interest. Future policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities earning a fixed rate of interest and other deferred annuity products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, interest crediting rates for these products ranged from 1.50% to 5.00%. These rates include interest bonuses capitalized as deferred sales inducements.
	Policy benefit reserves are not reduced for amounts ceded under coinsurance agreements which are reported as coinsurance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7 for more information on reinsurance.
	The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance is based on net level premium reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality, and other assumptions underlying the guaranteed policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 3.00% to 5.50%. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred.
	Deferred Income Taxes
	Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. Deferred income tax assets are subject to ongoing evaluation of whether such assets will more likely than not be realized. The realization of deferred income tax assets primarily depends on generating future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such a determination, all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations, is considered. The realization of deferred income tax assets related to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities is also based upon our intent and ability to hold those securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value and not realize the unrealized loss.
	Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs
	Revenues for annuity products include surrender and living income benefit rider charges assessed against policyholder account balances during the period. Interest sensitive and index product benefits related to annuity products include interest credited or index credits to policyholder account balances. In addition, the change in fair value of embedded derivatives within fixed index annuity contracts is included in benefits and expenses.
	Considerations from immediate annuities with life contingencies are recognized as revenue when the policy is issued.
	Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. Certain group policies include provisions for annual experience refunds of premiums equal to net premiums received less a 16% administrative fee and less claims incurred. Such amounts (2013 - $1.1 million; 2012 - $1.1 million; and 2011 - $1.8 million) are reported as a reduction of traditional life insurance premiums in the consolidated statements of operations. Future policy benefits are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits.
	All insurance-related revenues, including the change in the fair value of derivatives for call options related to the business ceded under coinsurance agreements (see Note 7), benefits, losses and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded.
	Other Comprehensive Income
	Other comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders' equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders. Other comprehensive income excludes net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income which merely represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These amounts totaled $34.3 million, $(21.4) million and $(52.6) million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Such amounts, which have been measured through the date of sale, are net of adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and income taxes totaling $24.1 million in 2013, $(12.8) million in 2012 and $(34.3) million in 2011.
	Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In October 2010, as a result of a consensus of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF), the FASB issued an accounting standards update (ASU) that modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts. This guidance defines the costs that qualify for deferral as incremental direct costs that result directly from and are essential to successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transactions not occurred. In addition, it lists certain costs as deferrable as those that are directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection, and sales force contract selling as deferrable, as well as the portion of an employee's total compensation related directly to time spent performing those activities for actual acquired contracts and other costs related directly to those activities that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been acquired. This amendment to current GAAP became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2011, other operating costs and expenses that were deferred that would not qualify for deferral under this guidance totaled $9.8 million, which if expensed as incurred would have decreased net income $6.2 million and earnings per common share and earnings per common - assuming dilution by $0.10.
	In May 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that addresses fair value measurement and disclosure as part of its convergence efforts with the International Accounting Standards Board. The guidance is intended to create common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This ASU changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Some changes clarify the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The disclosure requirements add information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, information about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those unobservable inputs and the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for which the fair value of such items is required to be disclosed. This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. See Note 2 for disclosures regarding fair value measurements.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that expands the disclosure requirements related to other comprehensive income (loss). A reporting entity is now required to present the total of comprehensive income (loss), the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income (loss) either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (loss) or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both choices, the reporting entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income (loss) along with a total for other comprehensive income (loss) and a total amount for comprehensive income (loss). This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2012.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an ASU that expands the disclosure requirements related to other comprehensive income (loss). A reporting entity is now required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component. In addition, a reporting entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2013.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	There are no accounting standards updates finalized to become effective in the future that will significantly affect our consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr

Fair Values of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	The following sets forth a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments:
		December 31,
		2013						2012
		Carrying			Fair Value			Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount						Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale	$	26,610,447		$	26,610,447		$	24,172,136	$	24,172,136
	Held for investment	76,255			60,840			76,088		61,521
	Equity securities, available for sale	7,778			7,778			53,422		53,422
	Mortgage loans on real estate	2,581,082			2,615,410			2,623,940		2,848,235
	Derivative instruments	856,050			856,050			415,258		415,258
	Other investments	192,198			193,343			163,193		163,517
	Cash and cash equivalents	897,529			897,529			1,268,545		1,268,545
	Coinsurance deposits	2,999,618			2,669,432			2,910,701		2,563,356
	Interest rate caps	6,103			6,103			3,247		3,247
	Interest rate swap	712			712			—		—
	2015 notes hedges	107,041			107,041			43,105		43,105
	Counterparty collateral	315,824			315,824			63,012		63,012
	Liabilities
	Policy benefit reserves	35,453,166			29,670,827			31,452,496		26,264,831
	Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	417,625			430,835			455,167		469,768
	Notes payable	549,958			699,435			309,869		379,070
	Subordinated debentures	246,050			234,959			245,869		218,283
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041			107,041			43,105		43,105
	Interest rate swap	—			—			4,261		4,261
	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.
	We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
	Level 1—	Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
	Level 2—	Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.
	Level 3—	Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.
	Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security. There were no transfers between levels during 2013 and 2012.
	Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:
		Total			Quoted			Significant		Significant
		Fair Value			Prices			Other		Unobservable
					in Active			Observable		Inputs
					Markets			Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	42,925		$	4,805		$	38,120	$	—
	United States Government sponsored agencies	1,194,289			—			1,194,289		—
	United States municipalities, states and territories	3,306,743			—			3,306,743		—
	Foreign government obligations	91,557			—			91,557		—
	Corporate securities	17,233,037			20			17,233,017		—
	Residential mortgage backed securities	1,971,960			—			1,970,584		1,376
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,735,460			—			1,735,460		—
	Other asset backed securities	1,034,476			359			1,034,117		—
	Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	7,778			—			7,778		—
	Derivative instruments	856,050			—			856,050		—
	Cash and cash equivalents	897,529			897,529			—		—
	Interest rate caps	6,103			—			6,103		—
	Interest rate swap	712			—			712		—
	2015 notes hedges	107,041			—			107,041		—
	Counterparty collateral	315,824			—			315,824		—
		$	28,801,484		$	902,713		$	27,897,395	$	1,376
	Liabilities
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	$	107,041		$	—		$	107,041	$	—
Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	4,406,163			—			—		4,406,163
	$	4,513,204		$	—		$	107,041	$	4,406,163
December 31, 2012
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	5,154		$	5,154		$	—	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,772,025			—			1,772,025		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,578,323			—			3,578,323		—
Foreign government obligations	105,259			—			105,259		—
Corporate securities	14,466,772			33,131			14,433,641		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,888,113			—			2,886,301		1,812
Commercial mortgage backed securities	357,982			—			357,982		—
Other asset backed securities	998,508			378			998,130		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	53,422			36,928			16,494		—
Derivative instruments	415,258			—			415,258		—
Cash and cash equivalents	1,268,545			1,268,545			—		—
Interest rate caps	3,247			—			3,247		—
2015 notes hedges	43,105			—			43,105		—
	$	25,955,713		$	1,344,136		$	24,609,765	$	1,812
Liabilities
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	$	43,105		$	—		$	43,105	$	—
Interest rate swap	4,261			—			4,261		—
Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	3,337,556			—			—		3,337,556
	$	3,384,922		$	—		$	47,366	$	3,337,556
The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.
Fixed maturity securities and equity securities
The fair values of fixed maturity securities and equity securities in an active and orderly market are determined by utilizing independent pricing services. The independent pricing services incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques, including:
•	reported trading prices,
•	benchmark yields,
•	broker-dealer quotes,
•	benchmark securities,
•	bids and offers,
•	credit ratings,
•	relative credit information, and
•	other reference data.
The independent pricing services also take into account perceived market movements and sector news, as well as a security's terms and conditions, including any features specific to that issue that may influence risk and marketability. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary.
The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available. Quoted prices are not always available due to market inactivity. When quoted market prices are not available, the third parties use yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics to determine fair value for securities that are not actively traded. We generally obtain one value from our primary external pricing service. In situations where a price is not available from this service, we may obtain further quotes or prices from additional parties as needed. In addition, for our callable United States Government sponsored agencies we obtain multiple broker quotes and take the average the broker prices received. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are considered for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. Inputs used by the broker include market information, such as yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. Valuations and quotes obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and do not represent quotes on which one may execute the disposition of the assets.
We validate external valuations at least quarterly through a combination of procedures that include the evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing services, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against trends, and maintenance of a securities watch list. Additionally, as needed we utilize discounted cash flow models or perform independent valuations on a case-by-case basis using inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing services. Although we do identify differences from time to time as a result of these validation procedures, we did not make any significant adjustments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Mortgage loans on real estate
Mortgage loans on real estate are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are calculated using discounted expected cash flows using current competitive market interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. The fair values of impaired mortgage loans on real estate that we have considered to be collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the real estate collateral (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The inputs utilized to determine fair value of all mortgage loans are unobservable market data (competitive market interest rates and appraised property values); therefore, fair value of mortgage loans falls into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative instruments
The fair values of derivative instruments, primarily call options, are based upon the amount of cash that we will receive to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are determined by our investment team using industry accepted valuation models and are adjusted for the nonperformance risk of each counterparty net of any collateral held. Inputs include market volatility and risk free interest rates and are used in income valuation techniques in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to fund our fixed index annuity policy liabilities.
Other investments
None of the financial instruments included in other investments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments included in other investments are policy loans, equity method investments and company owned life insurance (COLI). We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying value and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived. The fair value of our equity method investment qualifies as a Level 3 fair value and was determined by calculating the present value of future cash flows discounted by a risk free rate, a risk spread and a liquidity discount. The risk spread and liquidity discount are rates determined by our investment professionals and are unobservable market inputs. The fair value of our COLI approximates the cash surrender value of the policies and whose fair values fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Cash and cash equivalents
Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.
Interest rate caps and swap
The fair values of our pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swap and interest rate caps are obtained from third parties and are determined by discounting expected future cash flows using projected LIBOR rates for the term of the swap and caps.
2015 notes hedges
The fair value of these call options has been determined by a third party who applies market observable data such as our common stock price, its dividend yield and its volatility, as well as the time to expiration of the call options to determine a fair value of the buy side of these options.
Counterparty collateral
Amounts reported in other assets of the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.
Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves
The fair values of the liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The coinsurance deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. For period-certain annuity benefit contracts, the fair value is determined by discounting the benefits at the interest rates currently in effect for newly purchased immediate annuity contracts. We are not required to and have not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the fair values presented within these categories fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as most of the inputs are unobservable market data.
Notes payable
The fair values of our senior unsecured notes and convertible senior notes are based upon pricing matrices developed by a third party pricing service when quoted market prices are not available and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Subordinated debentures
Fair values for subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including our incremental borrowing rates, which reflect our credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued. These fair values are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Subordinated debentures are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative
The fair value of this embedded derivative is determined by pricing the call options that hedge this potential liability. The terms of the conversion option are identical to the 2015 notes hedges and the method of determining fair value of the call options is based upon observable market data.
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our Level 3 assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities
Beginning balance	$	1,812		$	2,098
Principal returned	(864		)	(300		)
Accretion of discount	152			67
Total gains (losses) (unrealized/realized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	276			250
Included in operations	—			(303		)
Ending balance	$	1,376		$	1,812
The Level 3 assets included in the table above are not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and it is management's opinion that the sensitivity of the inputs used in determining the fair value of these assets is not material as well.
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives
Beginning balance	$	3,337,556		$	2,530,496
Premiums less benefits	1,485,109			765,942
Change in unrealized losses (gains), net	(416,502		)	41,118
Ending balance	$	4,406,163		$	3,337,556
Change in unrealized losses (gains), net for each period in our embedded derivatives are included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations.
Certain derivatives embedded in our fixed index annuity contracts are our most significant financial instrument measured at fair value that are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The contractual obligations for future annual index credits within our fixed index annuity contracts are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We estimate the fair value of these embedded derivatives at each valuation date by the method described above under fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.
The most sensitive assumption in determining policy liabilities for fixed index annuities is the rates used to discount the excess projected contract values. As indicated above, the discount rate reflects our nonperformance risk. If the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values at December 31, 2013, were to increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of the embedded derivatives would decrease by $279.3 million recorded through operations as a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding decrease of $192.9 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as an increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. A decrease by 100 basis points in the discount rate used to discount the excess projected contract values would increase the fair value of the embedded derivatives by $309.9 million recorded through operations as an increase in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding increase of $183.5 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as a decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities were as follows:
		Amortized				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
		Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	44,852			$	367			$	(2,294	)		$	42,925
	United States Government sponsored agencies	1,313,776				1,875				(121,362		)		1,194,289
	United States municipalities, states and territories	3,181,032				164,785				(39,074		)		3,306,743
	Foreign government obligations	86,112				8,907				(3,462		)		91,557
	Corporate securities	17,142,118				606,948				(516,029		)		17,233,037
	Residential mortgage backed securities	1,895,913				119,230				(43,183		)		1,971,960
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,821,988				3,287				(89,815		)		1,735,460
	Other asset backed securities	1,041,939				23,300				(30,763		)		1,034,476
		$	26,527,730			$	928,699			$	(845,982	)		$	26,610,447
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security	$	76,255			$	—			$	(15,415	)		$	60,840
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Finance, insurance and real estate	$	7,503			$	275			$	—			$	7,778
	December 31, 2012
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,590			$	564			$	—			$	5,154
	United States Government sponsored agencies	1,763,789				11,704				(3,468		)		1,772,025
	United States municipalities, states and territories	3,116,678				461,770				(125		)		3,578,323
	Foreign government obligations	86,099				19,160				—				105,259
	Corporate securities	12,930,173				1,568,223				(31,624		)		14,466,772
	Residential mortgage backed securities	2,743,537				172,304				(27,728		)		2,888,113
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	354,870				5,095				(1,983		)		357,982
	Other asset backed securities	957,291				44,190				(2,973		)		998,508
		$	21,957,027			$	2,283,010			$	(67,901	)		$	24,172,136
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security	$	76,088			$	—			$	(14,567	)		$	61,521
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Finance, insurance and real estate	$	44,598			$	10,227			$	(1,403	)		$	53,422
	During 2013 and 2012, we received $1.1 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively, in net redemption proceeds related to calls of our callable United States Government sponsored agency securities and public and private bonds, of which $2.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012, were classified as held for investment. The proceeds from these redemptions have been reinvested primarily in United States Government sponsored agencies, corporate securities, residential and commercial mortgage backed securities and other asset backed securities classified as available for sale. At December 31, 2013, 31% of our fixed income securities have call features, of which 0.5% ($0.1 billion) were subject to call redemption and another 5% ($1.2 billion) will become subject to call redemption during 2014.
	The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as separate lines.
		Available for sale								Held for investment
		Amortized				Fair Value				Amortized				Fair Value
		Cost								Cost
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	75,295			$	76,482			$	—			$	—
	Due after one year through five years	851,732				953,159				—				—
	Due after five years through ten years	7,828,092				7,720,501				—				—
	Due after ten years through twenty years	6,494,544				6,472,508				—				—
	Due after twenty years	6,518,227				6,645,901				76,255				60,840
		21,767,890				21,868,551				76,255				60,840
	Residential mortgage backed securities	1,895,913				1,971,960				—				—
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,821,988				1,735,460				—				—
	Other asset backed securities	1,041,939				1,034,476				—				—
		$	26,527,730			$	26,610,447			$	76,255			$	60,840
	Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity were comprised of the following:
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$	82,992			$	2,223,933
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(46,588		)		(1,201,974		)
	Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534				22,534
	Deferred income tax benefit	(12,742		)		(357,686		)
	Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$	46,196			$	686,807
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") assigns designations to fixed maturity securities. These designations range from Class 1 (highest quality) to Class 6 (lowest quality). In general, securities are assigned a designation based upon the ratings they are given by the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSRO's"). The NAIC designations are utilized by insurers in preparing their annual statutory statements. NAIC Class 1 and 2 designations are considered "investment grade" while NAIC Class 3 through 6 designations are considered "non-investment grade." Based on the NAIC designations, we had 98% of our fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade at both December 31, 2013 and 2012.
The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:
		December 31,
		2013								2012
NAIC		Amortized				Fair				Amortized				Fair
Designation		Cost				Value				Cost				Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
1		$	16,394,654			$	16,531,250			$	13,737,381			$	15,250,560
2		9,630,251				9,598,399				7,838,186				8,533,121
3		502,822				474,165				398,294				387,222
4		74,493				66,078				53,879				56,151
5		—				—				—				—
6		1,765				1,395				5,375				6,603
		$	26,603,985			$	26,671,287			$	22,033,115			$	24,233,657
The following table shows our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 1,047 and 198 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
	Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized
					Losses								Losses								Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2013
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	32,969			$	(2,294	)		$	—			$	—			$	32,969			$	(2,294	)
United States Government sponsored agencies	692,320				(88,671		)		467,309				(32,691		)		1,159,629				(121,362		)
United States municipalities, states and territories	614,056				(39,074		)		—				—				614,056				(39,074		)
Foreign government obligations	26,298				(3,462		)		—				—				26,298				(3,462		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	1,690,846				(92,426		)		153,037				(12,873		)		1,843,883				(105,299		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	3,370,775				(191,245		)		93,608				(16,088		)		3,464,383				(207,333		)
Utilities and related sectors	1,829,868				(102,758		)		83,550				(11,547		)		1,913,418				(114,305		)
Wholesale/retail trade	428,407				(25,189		)		17,687				(1,992		)		446,094				(27,181		)
Services, media and other	834,699				(51,508		)		107,242				(10,403		)		941,941				(61,911		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	309,599				(41,080		)		31,739				(2,103		)		341,338				(43,183		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,450,143				(83,814		)		51,099				(6,001		)		1,501,242				(89,815		)
Other asset backed securities	356,018				(20,426		)		92,372				(10,337		)		448,390				(30,763		)
	$	11,635,998			$	(741,947	)		$	1,097,643			$	(104,035	)		$	12,733,641			$	(845,982	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—			$	—			$	60,840			$	(15,415	)		$	60,840			$	(15,415	)
December 31, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	973,728				(3,468		)		—				—				973,728				(3,468		)
United States municipalities, states and territories	$	24,393			$	(125	)		$	—			$	—			$	24,393			$	(125	)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	177,962				(4,126		)		85,709				(8,438		)		263,671				(12,564		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	426,120				(4,303		)		21,975				(1,281		)		448,095				(5,584		)
Utilities and related sectors	221,044				(5,187		)		39,224				(4,212		)		260,268				(9,399		)
Wholesale/retail trade	101,790				(784		)		10,250				(208		)		112,040				(992		)
Services, media and other	264,421				(3,085		)		—				—				264,421				(3,085		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	220,622				(8,679		)		260,226				(19,049		)		480,848				(27,728		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	161,582				(1,983		)		—				—				161,582				(1,983		)
Other asset backed securities	145,238				(2,242		)		26,131				(731		)		171,369				(2,973		)
	$	2,716,900			$	(33,982	)		$	443,515			$	(33,919	)		$	3,160,415			$	(67,901	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—			$	—			$	61,521			$	(14,567	)		$	61,521			$	(14,567	)
Equity security, available for sale:
Services	$	—			$	—			$	8,722			$	(1,403	)		$	8,722			$	(1,403	)
The following is a description of the factors causing the temporary unrealized losses by investment category as of December 31, 2013:
United States Government full faith and credit and sponsored agencies: These securities are relatively long in duration; however, they are callable in less than 12 months making the value of such securities sensitive to changes in market interest rates. The timing of when some of these securities were purchased gave rise to unrealized losses at December 31, 2013.
United States municipalities, states and territories: These securities are relatively long in duration and their fair values are sensitive to changes in market interest rates. The timing of the purchase of these securities have resulted in unrealized losses at this point in time.
Foreign government obligations: The unrealized losses on these securities are due to wider spreads on the announcement of increased capital expenditures with resulting higher leverage and greater supply.
Corporate securities: The unrealized losses in these securities are due partially to the timing of purchases in 2012 and 2013. These securities carry yields less than those available at December 31, 2013 as a result of rising interest rates in 2013. In addition, a small number of securities have seen their credit spreads remain wide due to issuer or industry specific news while some financial and industrial sector credit spreads remain wide due to continued economic uncertainty and concerns of economic instability.
Residential mortgage backed securities: At December 31, 2013, we had no exposure to sub-prime residential mortgage backed securities. All of our residential mortgage backed securities are pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans. Substantially all of the securities that we own are in the most senior tranche of the securitization in which they are structured and are not subordinated to any other tranche. Our "Alt-A" residential mortgage backed securities are comprised of 36 securities with a total amortized cost basis of $310.6 million and a fair value of $328.0 million. Despite recent improvements in the capital markets, the fair values of RMBS with weaker borrower characteristics continue at prices below amortized cost. These RMBS prices will likely remain below our cost basis until the housing market is able to absorb current and future foreclosures.
Commercial mortgage backed securities: The unrealized losses in these securities are due partially to the timing of purchases in 2012 and 2013. A number of purchases made in the middle of the fourth quarter 2012 were at yields lower than what could be executed at the end of 2013 due to the increase in the treasury yield since the time of purchase.
Other asset backed securities: The unrealized losses in these securities are predominantly assigned to financial sector capital trust securities which have longer maturity dates and have declined in price due to prolonged stress in the financial sector. No securities in an unrealized loss position are rated below investment grade.
Approximately 95% and 75% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table for December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are on securities that are rated investment grade, defined as being the highest two NAIC designations. All of the fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses are current with respect to the payment of principal and interest.
Changes in net unrealized gains/losses on investments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$	(848	)		$	(14,783	)		$	40,668
Investments carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	(2,132,392	)		$	731,279			$	1,275,061
Equity securities, available for sale	(8,549		)		4,417				(369		)
	(2,140,941		)		735,696				1,274,692
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	1,155,386				(382,498		)		(697,140		)
Deferred income tax asset/liability	344,944				(123,620		)		(202,143		)
	1,500,330				(506,118		)		(899,283		)
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on investments carried at fair value	$	(640,611	)		$	229,578			$	375,409
Components of net investment income are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities	$	1,229,486			$	1,112,296			$	1,048,376
Equity securities	1,586				3,090				3,315
Mortgage loans on real estate	159,769				176,354				172,731
Cash and cash equivalents	775				2,243				554
Other	5,711				6,348				4,020
	1,397,327				1,300,331				1,228,996
Less investment expenses	(13,400		)		(13,408		)		(10,216		)
Net investment income	$	1,383,927			$	1,286,923			$	1,218,780
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $1.5 billion, $492.5 million and $252.2 million, respectively. Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $2.1 billion, $2.8 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively. Calls of held for investment fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $2.6 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively.
Realized gains and losses on sales are determined on the basis of specific identification of investments based on the trade date. Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding net OTTI losses are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	39,079			$	10,906			$	12,614
Gross realized losses	(6,170		)		(562		)		(1,423		)
	32,909				10,344				11,191
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	9,571				562				966
Other investments:
Gain on sale of real estate	2,144				5,149				377
Loss on sale of real estate	(1,317		)		—				—
Impairment losses on real estate	(1,195		)		(5,677		)		(405		)
	(368		)		(528		)		(28		)
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Increase in allowance for credit losses	(5,621		)		(16,832		)		(30,770		)
Recovery of specific allowance	4,070				—				—
	(1,551		)		(16,832		)		(30,770		)
	$	40,561			$	(6,454	)		$	(18,641	)
Losses in 2013 were realized primarily due to strategies to reposition the fixed maturity security portfolio that result in improved net investment income, risk or duration profiles as they pertain to our asset liability management. Two corporate issues were sold at a loss in 2013 due to the our long-term fundamental concern with the issuer's ability to meet its future financial obligations.
The following table summarizes the carrying value of our fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and real estate owned that have been non-income producing for 12 consecutive months:
	December 31,
	2013				2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	20			4,691
Mortgage loans on real estate	3,511				2,783
Real estate owned	—				1,270
	$	3,531			$	8,744
We review and analyze all investments on an ongoing basis for changes in market interest rates and credit deterioration. This review process includes analyzing our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of each investment that has a fair value that is materially lower than its amortized cost and requires a high degree of management judgment and involves uncertainty. The evaluation of securities for other than temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties.
We have a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other than temporary. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as:
•	the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;
•	whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;
•	the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;
•	the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;
•	the fair value of any underlying collateral;
•	the existence of any credit protection available;
•	our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;
•	our assessment in the case of equity securities including perpetual preferred stocks with credit deterioration that the security cannot recover to cost in a reasonable period of time;
•	our intent and ability to retain equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery;
•	consideration of rating agency actions; and
•	changes in estimated cash flows of mortgage and asset backed securities.
We determine whether other than temporary impairment losses should be recognized for debt and equity securities by assessing all facts and circumstances surrounding each security. Where the decline in market value of debt securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates or to factors such as market volatility, liquidity and spread widening, and we anticipate recovery of all contractual or expected cash flows, we do not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell these investments before a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity. For equity securities, we recognize an impairment charge in the period in which we do not have the intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery of cost or we determine that the security will not recover to book value within a reasonable period of time. We determine what constitutes a reasonable period of time on a security-by-security basis by considering all the evidence available to us, including the magnitude of any unrealized loss and its duration. In any event, this period does not exceed 18 months from the date of impairment for perpetual preferred securities for which there is evidence of deterioration in credit of the issuer and common equity securities. For perpetual preferred securities absent evidence of a deterioration in credit of the issuer we apply an impairment model, including an anticipated recovery period, similar to a debt security.
Other than temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in operations. If we intend to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, other than temporary impairment has occurred and the difference between amortized cost and fair value will be recognized as a loss in operations.
If we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security but also do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an impairment loss would be recognized in operations in the amount of the expected credit loss. We determine the amount of expected credit loss by calculating the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected discounted at each security's acquisition yield based on our consideration of whether the security was of high credit quality at the time of acquisition. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security is the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The remaining amount of the other than temporary impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The determination of the credit loss component of a mortgage backed security is based on a number of factors. The primary consideration in this evaluation process is the issuer's ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments as contractually stated at time of purchase. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of the cash flow modeling under various default scenarios considering independent third party benchmarks, the seniority of the specific tranche within the structure of the security, the composition of the collateral and the actual default, loss severity and prepayment experience exhibited. With the input of third party assumptions for default projections, loss severity and prepayment expectations, we evaluate the cash flow projections to determine whether the security is performing in accordance with its contractual obligation.
We utilize the models from a leading structured product software specialist serving institutional investors. These models incorporate each security's seniority and cash flow structure. In circumstances where the analysis implies a potential for principal loss at some point in the future, we use the "best estimate" cash flow projection discounted at the security's effective yield at acquisition to determine the amount of our potential credit loss associated with this security. The discounted expected future cash flows equates to our expected recovery value. Any shortfall of the expected recovery when compared to the amortized cost of the security will be recorded as the credit loss component of the other than temporary impairment.
The cash flow modeling is performed on a security-by-security basis and incorporates actual cash flows on the residential mortgage backed securities through the current period, as well as the projection of remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions including default rates, prepayment rates and loss severity rates. The default curves we use are tailored to the Prime or Alt-A residential mortgage backed securities that we own, which assume lower default rates and loss severity for Prime securities versus Alt-A securities. These default curves are scaled higher or lower depending on factors such as current underlying mortgage loan performance, rating agency loss projections, loan to value ratios, geographic diversity, as well as other appropriate considerations.
The following table presents the range of significant assumptions used to determine the credit loss component of other than temporary impairments we have recognized on residential mortgage backed securities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, which are all senior level tranches within the structure of the securities:
				Discount Rate						Default Rate						Loss Severity
Sector		Vintage		Min			Max			Min			Max			Min			Max
Year ended December 31, 2013
Prime		2003		5.1	%		5.1	%		2	%		2	%		30	%		30	%
		2005		6.5	%		7.7	%		8	%		18	%		50	%		65	%
		2006		5.8	%		6.9	%		9	%		16	%		45	%		50	%
		2007		6.2	%		6.7	%		11	%		25	%		40	%		60	%
		2008		6.6	%		6.6	%		16	%		16	%		45	%		45	%
		2009		6.8	%		6.8	%		17	%		17	%		60	%		60	%
Alt-A		2005		5.6	%		8.7	%		13	%		81	%		2	%		65	%
		2007		6.2	%		6.9	%		38	%		52	%		60	%		65	%
Year ended December 31, 2012
Prime		2005		6.5	%		7.7	%		8	%		19	%		40	%		50	%
		2006		5.8	%		7.6	%		9	%		19	%		40	%		55	%
		2007		6.1	%		7.3	%		11	%		38	%		40	%		60	%
Alt-A		2004		5.8	%		5.8	%		11	%		11	%		60	%		60	%
		2005		5.6	%		8.7	%		12	%		38	%		5	%		55	%
		2006		6	%		6	%		32	%		46	%		55	%		60	%
		2007		6.2	%		7	%		31	%		55	%		55	%		65	%
The determination of the credit loss component of a corporate bond (including redeemable preferred stocks) is based on the underlying financial performance of the issuer and their ability to meet their contractual obligations. Considerations in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, credit rating changes, financial statement and ratio analysis, changes in management, significant changes in credit spreads, breaches of financial covenants and a review of the economic outlook for the industry and markets in which they trade. In circumstances where an issuer appears unlikely to meet its future obligation, or the security's price decline is deemed other than temporary, an estimate of credit loss is determined. Credit loss is calculated using default probabilities as derived from the credit default swaps markets in conjunction with recovery rates derived from independent third party analysis or a best estimate of credit loss. This credit loss rate is then incorporated into a present value calculation based on an expected principal loss in the future discounted at the yield at the date of purchase and compared to amortized cost to determine the amount of credit loss associated with the security.
In addition, for debt securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell, but our intent changes due to changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated, an other than temporary impairment charge is recognized. Once an impairment charge has been recorded, we then continue to review the other than temporarily impaired securities for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Unrealized losses may be recognized in future periods through a charge to earnings, should we later conclude that the decline in fair value below amortized cost is other than temporary pursuant to our accounting policy described above. The use of different methodologies and assumptions to determine the fair value of investments and the timing and amount of impairments may have a material effect on the amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements.
The following table summarizes other than temporary impairments by asset type:
	Number			Total				Portion of				Net OTTI
	of Securities			OTTI Losses				OTTI Losses				Losses
								Recognized from				Recognized
								Other				in Operations
								Comprehensive
								Income
	(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2013
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	2			$	(2,775	)		$	—			$	(2,775	)
Corporate securities:
Industrial	1			(1,761		)		—				(1,761		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	6			—				(1,270		)		(1,270		)
Equity security, available for sale:
Industrial	1			(428		)		—				(428		)
	10			$	(4,964	)		$	(1,270	)		$	(6,234	)
Year ended December 31, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities:
Finance	1			$	(1,765	)		$	—			$	(1,765	)
Retail	1			(622		)		—				(622		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	39			(3,024		)		(9,521		)		(12,545		)
	41			$	(5,411	)		$	(9,521	)		$	(14,932	)
Year ended December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	66			$	(19,420	)		$	(13,796	)		$	(33,216	)
Equity security, available for sale:
Finance	1			(760		)		—				(760		)
	67			$	(20,180	)		$	(13,796	)		$	(33,976	)
The cumulative portion of other than temporary impairments determined to be credit losses which have been recognized in operations for debt securities are summarized as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013				2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of year	$	(134,027	)		$	(119,095	)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(4,536		)		(12,365		)
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(1,270		)		(2,567		)
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	13,873				—
Cumulative credit loss at end of year	$	(125,960	)		$	(134,027	)
The following table summarizes the cumulative noncredit portion of OTTI and the change in fair value since recognition of OTTI, both of which were recognized in other comprehensive income, by major type of security, for securities that are part of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Amortized Cost				OTTI Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income				Change in Fair Value Since OTTI was Recognized				Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
31-Dec-13
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	—			$	—			$	20			$	20
Residential mortgage backed securities	679,265				(176,334		)		216,061				718,992
	$	679,265			$	(176,334	)		$	216,081			$	719,012
31-Dec-12
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	10,599			$	(2,151	)		$	5,676			$	14,124
Residential mortgage backed securities	855,915				(177,604		)		171,514				849,825
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	9,976				—				9,668				19,644
	$	876,490			$	(179,755	)		$	186,858			$	883,593
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, fixed maturity securities and short-term investments with an amortized cost of $31.7 billion and $27.2 billion, respectively, were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. There are no restrictions on these assets.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no investment in any person or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by agencies of the United States Government) that exceeded 10% of stockholders' equity.

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	'
	Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
	Our mortgage loan portfolio, summarized in the following table, totaled $2.6 billion at both December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, with commitments outstanding of $79.6 million at December 31, 2013.
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Principal outstanding	$	2,607,698			$	2,658,883
	Loan loss allowance	(26,047		)		(34,234		)
	Deferred prepayment fees	(569		)		(709		)
	Carrying value	$	2,581,082			$	2,623,940
	The portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. The mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:
		December 31,
		2013							2012
		Principal				Percent			Principal				Percent
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Geographic distribution
	East	$	765,717			29.4	%		$	732,762			27.5	%
	Middle Atlantic	156,489				6	%		155,094				5.8	%
	Mountain	356,246				13.7	%		387,599				14.6	%
	New England	21,324				0.8	%		26,385				1	%
	Pacific	317,431				12.2	%		320,982				12.1	%
	South Atlantic	483,852				18.5	%		458,802				17.3	%
	West North Central	351,794				13.5	%		370,168				13.9	%
	West South Central	154,845				5.9	%		207,091				7.8	%
		$	2,607,698			100	%		$	2,658,883			100	%
	Property type distribution
	Office	$	590,414			22.6	%		$	666,467			25.1	%
	Medical Office	125,703				4.8	%		136,764				5.1	%
	Retail	711,364				27.3	%		677,951				25.5	%
	Industrial/Warehouse	673,449				25.8	%		692,637				26.1	%
	Hotel	61,574				2.4	%		94,045				3.5	%
	Apartment	291,823				11.2	%		219,335				8.2	%
	Mixed use/other	153,371				5.9	%		171,684				6.5	%
		$	2,607,698			100	%		$	2,658,883			100	%
	We evaluate our mortgage loan portfolio for the establishment of a loan loss reserve by specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss for each individual loan identified. A mortgage loan is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. In addition, we analyze the mortgage loan portfolio for the need of a general loan allowance for probable losses on all other loans. The amount of the general loan allowance is based upon management's evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, delinquencies, credit concentrations, underwriting standards and national and local economic conditions.
	Our financing receivables currently consist of one portfolio segment which is our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. These are mortgage loans with collateral consisting of commercial real estate and borrowers consisting mostly of limited liability partnerships or limited liability corporations.
	We have a population of mortgage loans that we have been carrying with workout terms (e.g. interest only periods, period of suspended payments, etc.) and a population of mortgage loans that have been in a delinquent status (i.e. more than 60 days past due). It is from this population that we have been recognizing some impairment loss due to nonpayment and, in some cases, eventual satisfaction of the loan by taking ownership of the collateral real estate. In most cases the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell such collateral has been less than the outstanding principal amount of the mortgage loan.
	Our general loan loss allowance for periods through September 30, 2011 was calculated on the cumulative outstanding principal on loans making up the group of loans currently in workout terms and loans currently more than 60 days past due. We applied a factor to the total outstanding principal of these loans that was calculated as the average specific impairment loss for the most recent four quarters divided by the sum of the average of the total outstanding principal of delinquent loans for the most recent four quarters and the average of the total outstanding principal of loans in workout for the most recent four quarters. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we modified the calculation for determining our general loan loss allowance. The group of loans that we utilized to calculate an estimate of general loan loss allowance were those that had a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of less than 1.0. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the net operating income of the mortgaged property by the contractual principal and interest payment due for the corresponding period. We developed the loss rates to apply to this group of loans by dividing the specific impairment loss for the most recent four quarters by the principal outstanding of the loans with a DSCR of less than 1.0.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we utilized a process of rating the mortgage loans in our portfolio based on factors such as historical operating performance, loan to value ratio and economic outlook, among others. We calculated a loss factor to apply to each rating based on historical losses we have recognized in our mortgage loan portfolio. We applied the loss factors to the total principal outstanding within each rating category to determine an appropriate estimate of general loan loss allowance at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The change in methodology utilized to determine the general loan loss allowance did not result in a material adjustment.
	The following table presents a rollforward of our specific and general valuation allowances for mortgage loans on real estate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013								2012							2011
		Specific				General				Specific				General			Specific			General
		Allowance				Allowance				Allowance				Allowance			Allowance			Allowance
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning allowance balance	$	(23,134	)		$	(11,100	)		$	(23,664	)		$	(9,300	)	$	(13,224	)	$	(3,000	)
	Charge-offs	9,738				—				15,562				—			14,030			—
	Recoveries	4,070				—				—				—			—			—
	Change in provision for credit losses	(7,521		)		1,900				(15,032		)		(1,800		)	(24,470		)	(6,300		)
	Ending allowance balance	$	(16,847	)		$	(9,200	)		$	(23,134	)		$	(11,100	)	$	(23,664	)	$	(9,300	)
	The specific allowance represents the total credit loss allowances on loans which are individually evaluated for impairment. The general allowance is the group of loans discussed above which are collectively evaluated for impairment. The following table presents the total outstanding principal of loans evaluated for impairment by basis of impairment method:
		December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	47,018			$	53,110			67,698
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,560,680				2,605,773				2,788,313
	Total loans evaluated for impairment	$	2,607,698			$	2,658,883			2,856,011
	Charge-offs include allowances that have been established on loans that were satisfied by taking ownership of the collateral. When the property is taken it is recorded at its fair value as a component of other investments and the mortgage loan is recorded as fully paid, with any allowance for credit loss that has been established charged off. Fair value of the real estate is determined by third party appraisal. There could be other situations that develop where we have established a larger specific loan loss allowance than is needed based on increases in the fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent loans or improvements in the financial position of a borrower so that a loan would become reliant on cash flows from debt service instead of dependent upon sale of the collateral. Charge-offs of the allowance would be recognized in those situations as well. We define collateral dependent loans as those mortgage loans for which we still depend on the value of the collateral real estate to satisfy the outstanding principal of the loan.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, five and thirteen mortgage loans, respectively, were satisfied by taking ownership of any real estate serving as collateral. The following table summarizes the activity in the real estate owned which was obtained in satisfaction of mortgage loans on real estate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Real estate owned at beginning of period	$	33,172			$	36,821			$	19,122
	Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	8,217				26,324				20,978
Additions	626				398				387
Sales	(17,358		)		(23,825		)		(3,027		)
Impairments	(1,195		)		(5,677		)		—
Depreciation	(618		)		(869		)		(639		)
Real estate owned at end of period	$	22,844			$	33,172			$	36,821
We analyze credit risk of our mortgage loans by analyzing all available evidence on loans that are delinquent and loans that are in a workout period.
	December 31,
	2013				2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Credit Exposure--By Payment Activity
Performing	$	2,593,276			2,597,440
In workout	6,248				26,723
Delinquent	—				—
Collateral dependent	8,174				34,720
	$	2,607,698			$	2,658,883
Mortgage loans are considered delinquent when they become 60 days past due. When loans become 90 days past due, become collateral dependent or enter a period with no debt service payments required we place them on non-accrual status and discontinue recognizing interest income. If payments are received on a delinquent loan, interest income is recognized to the extent it would have been recognized if normal principal and interest would have been received timely. If the payments are received to bring a delinquent loan back to current we will resume accruing interest income on that loan. Outstanding principal of loans in a non-accrual status at December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $8.2 million and $34.7 million, respectively.
All of our commercial mortgage loans depend on the cash flow of the borrower to be at a sufficient level to service the principal and interest payments as they come due. In general, cash inflows of the borrowers are generated by collecting monthly rent from tenants occupying space within the borrowers' properties. Our borrowers face collateral risks such as tenants going out of business, tenants struggling to make rent payments as they become due, and tenants canceling leases and moving to other locations. We have a number of loans where the real estate is occupied by a single tenant. Our borrowers sometimes face both a reduction in cash flow on their mortgage property as well as a reduction in the fair value of the real estate collateral. If borrowers are unable to replace lost rent revenue and increases in the fair value of their property do not materialize we could potentially incur more losses than what we have allowed for in our specific and general loan loss allowances.
Aging of financing receivables is summarized in the following table, with loans in a "workout" period as of the reporting date considered current if payments are current in accordance with agreed upon terms:
	30 - 59 Days				60 - 89 Days				90 Days				Total			Current			Collateral			Total
									and Over				Past Due						Dependent			Financing
																			Receivables			Receivables
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial Mortgage Loans
31-Dec-13	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	2,599,524		$	8,174		$	2,607,698
31-Dec-12	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	2,624,163		$	34,720		$	2,658,883
Financing receivables summarized in the following table represent all loans that we are either not currently collecting or those we feel it is probable we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements (all loans that we have worked with the borrower to alleviate short-term cash flow issues, loans delinquent for more than 60 days at the reporting date, loans we have determined to be collateral dependent and loans that we have recorded specific impairments on that we feel may continue to have performance issues).
	Recorded				Unpaid				Related				Average			Interest
	Investment				Principal				Allowance				Recorded			Income
					Balance								Investment			Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
31-Dec-13
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	30,171			$	47,018			$	(16,847	)		$	33,772		$	2,094
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	3,264				3,264				—				3,264			138
	$	33,435			$	50,282			$	(16,847	)		$	37,036		$	2,232
31-Dec-12
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	29,976			$	53,110			$	(23,134	)		$	37,480		$	1,946
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	27,765				27,765				—				27,696			1,664
	$	57,741			$	80,875			$	(23,134	)		$	65,176		$	3,610
31-Dec-11
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	44,034			$	67,698			$	(23,664	)		$	53,617		$	3,284
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	63,023				63,023				—				60,974			3,509
	$	107,057			$	130,721			$	(23,664	)		$	114,591		$	6,793
The loans that are categorized as "in workout" consist of loans that we have agreed to lower or no mortgage payments for a period of time while the borrowers address cash flow and/or operational issues. The key features of these workouts have been determined on a loan-by-loan basis. Most of these loans are in a period of low cash flow due to tenants vacating their space or tenants requesting rent relief during difficult economic periods. Generally, we have allowed the borrower a six month interest only period and in some cases a twelve month period of interest only. Interest only workout loans are expected to return to their regular debt service payments after the interest only period. Interest only loans that are not fully amortizing will have a larger balance at their balloon date than originally contracted. Fully amortizing loans that are in interest only periods will have larger debt service payments for their remaining term due to lost principal payments during the interest only period. In limited circumstances we have allowed borrowers to pay the principal portion of their loan payment into an escrow account that can be used for capital and tenant improvements for a period of not more than twelve months. In these situations new loan amortization schedules are calculated based on the principal not collected during this twelve month workout period and larger payments are collected for the remaining term of each loan. In all cases, original interest rate and maturity date have not been modified, and we have not forgiven any principal amounts.
A Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constitute a concession on our part. We analyze all loans where we have agreed to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:
•	borrower is in default,
•	borrower has declared bankruptcy,
•	there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,
•	borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,
•	borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and
•	there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.
If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:
•	assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,
•	interest rate is modified,
•	maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,
•	capitalization of interest,
•	delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and
•	partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.
Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDR are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. A summary of mortgage loans on commercial real estate with outstanding principal at December 31, 2013 and 2012 that we determined to be TDRs are as follows:
Geographic Region		Number of		Principal				Specific Loan				Net
		TDRs		Balance				Loss Allowance				Carrying
				Outstanding								Amount
				(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2013:
East		1		$	3,712			$	(949	)		$	2,763
Mountain		7		22,140				(329		)		21,811
South Atlantic		7		13,930				(4,177		)		9,753
East North Central		1		2,219				(467		)		1,752
West North Central		1		1,938				(475		)		1,463
West South Central		1		1,714				(256		)		1,458
		18		$	45,653			$	(6,653	)		$	39,000
Year ended December 31, 2012:
East		1		$	4,208			$	(1,425	)		$	2,783
Mountain		10		28,786				(1,702		)		27,084
South Atlantic		9		23,358				(5,047		)		18,311
East North Central		1		2,232				(467		)		1,765
West North Central		3		9,466				(2,328		)		7,138
		24		$	68,050			$	(10,969	)		$	57,081

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	We recognize all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. None of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, thus, any change in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts and derivative instruments embedded in a convertible debt issue, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Derivative instruments
	Call options	$	856,050			$	415,258
	Other assets
	2015 notes hedges	107,041				43,105
	Interest rate caps	6,103				3,247
	Interest rate swap	712				—
		$	969,906			$	461,610
	Liabilities
	Policy benefit reserves—annuity products
	Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	$	4,406,163			$	3,337,556
	Other liabilities
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041				43,105
	Interest rate swap	—				4,261
		$	4,513,204			$	3,384,922
	The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in fair value of derivatives:
	Call options	$	932,003			$	228,610			$	(93,582	)
	2015 notes hedges	145,751				(2,488		)		(21,002		)
	2015 warrants	(9,568		)		—				—
	Interest rate swap	4,973				(4,261		)		(144		)
	Interest rate caps	2,856				(723		)		—
		$	1,076,015			$	221,138			$	(114,728	)
	Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative (see Note 9)	$	141,974			$	(2,488	)		$	(21,002	)
	Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	(8,006		)		289,387				(84,192		)
		$	133,968			$	286,899			$	(105,194	)
	We have fixed index annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. When fixed index annuity deposits are received, a portion of the deposit is used to purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to fixed index annuity policyholders. Substantially all such call options are one year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. The call options are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of revenues. The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term or upon early termination and the changes in fair value for open positions. On the respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the annual index credit is reset and we purchase new one-year call options to fund the next annual index credit. We manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our fixed index annuities, which permit us to change caps, participation rates, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums on each policy's anniversary date. By adjusting caps, participation rates, or asset fees, we can generally manage option costs except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.
	Our strategy attempts to mitigate any potential risk of loss under these agreements through a regular monitoring process which evaluates the program's effectiveness. We do not purchase call options that would require payment or collateral to another institution and our call options do not contain counterparty credit-risk-related contingent features. We are exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, we purchase our option contracts from multiple counterparties and evaluate the creditworthiness of all counterparties prior to purchase of the contracts. All of these options have been purchased from nationally recognized financial institutions with a Standard and Poor's credit rating of A- or higher at the time of purchase and the maximum credit exposure to any single counterparty is subject to concentration limits. We also have credit support agreements that allow us to request the counterparty to provide collateral to us when the fair value of our exposure to the counterparty exceeds specified amounts.
	The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty's current credit rating are as follows:
							December 31,
							2013								2012
	Counterparty		Credit Rating (S&P)		Credit Rating (Moody's)		Notional				Fair Value				Notional				Fair Value
							Amount								Amount
							(Dollars in thousands)
	Bank of America		A		A2		$	1,683,911			$	73,836			$	568,786			$	16,533
	Barclays		A		A2		2,396,839				113,513				3,463,777				103,929
	BNP Paribas		A+		A2		1,382,661				38,849				2,207,097				60,301
	Citibank, N.A.		A		A2		1,536,547				72,310				2,878,588				67,592
	Credit Suisse		A		A1		4,060,352				193,304				936,625				21,518
	Deutsche Bank		A		A2		747,587				41,074				886,688				20,787
	HSBC		AA-		A1		200,011				10,518				295,520				6,539
	J.P. Morgan		A+		Aa3		786,429				36,863				735,016				21,940
	Morgan Stanley		A-		Baa2		3,546,487				150,437				1,590,505				40,113
	Royal Bank of Canada		AA-		Aa3		714,941				25,140				—				—
	Wells Fargo (Wachovia)		AA-		Aa3		2,221,874				100,206				2,060,903				56,006
							$	19,277,639			$	856,050			$	15,623,505			$	415,258
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we held $818.2 million and $328.7 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and other securities from counterparties for derivative collateral, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This derivative collateral limits the maximum amount of economic loss due to credit risk that we would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts to $71.7 million and $93.7 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The future annual index credits on our fixed index annuities are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contract. We do not purchase call options to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next policy anniversary date. We must value both the call options and the related forward embedded options in the policies at fair value.
	We entered into an interest rate swap and interest rate caps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. See Note 10 for more information on our subordinated debentures. The terms of the interest rate swap provide that we pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a floating rate of interest. The terms of the interest rate caps limit the three month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") to 2.50%. The interest rate swap and caps are not effective hedges under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Therefore, we record the interest rate swap and caps at fair value and any net cash payments received or paid are included in the change in fair value of derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Details regarding the interest rate swap are as follows:
													December 31,
													2013				2012
	Maturity Date		Notional				Receive Rate		Pay Rate		Counterparty		Fair Value				Fair Value
			Amount
												(Dollars in thousands)
15-Mar-21		$	85,500			LIBOR		2.42%		SunTrust		$	712			$	(4,261	)
Details regarding the interest rate caps are as follows:
												December 31,
												2013				2012
Maturity Date		Notional Amount				Floating Rate		Cap Rate		Counterparty		Fair Value				Fair Value
												(Dollars in thousands)
7-Jul-21		$	40,000			LIBOR		2.50%		SunTrust		$	3,073			$	1,634
8-Jul-21		12,000				LIBOR		2.50%		SunTrust		923				490
29-Jul-21		27,000				LIBOR		2.50%		SunTrust		2,107				1,123
		$	79,000									$	6,103			$	3,247
The interest rate swap has a forward starting date beginning in March 2014 and converts floating rates to fixed rates for seven years. The interest rate caps have a forward starting date beginning in July 2014 and cap our interest rates for seven years. As of December 31, 2013 we held $6.7 million of cash and cash equivalents from the counterparty for derivative collateral related to the swap and caps, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
In September 2010, concurrently with the issuance of $200.0 million principal amount of 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2015 (the "2015 notes"), we entered into hedge transactions (the "2015 notes hedges") with two counterparties whereby we have the option to receive the cash equivalent of the conversion spread on 16.0 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. As of December 31, 2013, such adjustments and partial unwind agreements settled in cash during 2013, as described below, have resulted in 2015 notes hedges outstanding whereby we have the option to receive the cash equivalent of the conversion spread on 7.5 million shares of our common stock based upon a strike price of $12.35 per share. These options expire on September 15, 2015, and must be settled in cash. The 2015 notes hedges are accounted for as derivative assets and are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative and the 2015 notes hedges are adjusted to fair value each reporting period and unrealized gains and losses are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.
In separate transactions, we also sold warrants (the "2015 warrants") to two counterparties for the purchase of up to 16.0 million shares of our common stock at a price of $16.00 per share. We received $15.6 million in cash proceeds from the sale of the 2015 warrants, which has been recorded as an increase in additional paid-in capital. The number of shares and strike price of the warrants are subject to adjustment based on dividends we pay subsequent to selling the warrants. As of December 31, 2013, such adjustments and partial unwind agreements settled in cash during 2013, as described below, have resulted in warrants outstanding for the purchase of up to 7.5 million shares of our common stock at a strike price of $15.75 per share. The warrants expire on various dates from December 2015 through March 2016 and are intended to be settled in net shares. The total number of shares of common stock deliverable under the 2015 warrants is, however, currently limited to 11.7 million shares. Changes in the fair value of these warrants will not be recognized in our consolidated financial statements as long as the instruments remain classified as equity. At December 31, 2013, the remaining 2015 warrants that were not settled with the partial unwind agreements were dilutive as the average price of our commons stock exceeded the $15.75 strike price of the 2015 warrants and the effect has been included in diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2013. The warrants were not dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2012.
In 2013, we entered into three separate partial unwind agreements with the two counterparties to the 2015 notes hedges and the 2015 warrants to coincide with the extinguishment of a portion of our 2015 notes, see note 9. We agreed to settle 54% of both the outstanding 2015 notes hedges and the 2015 warrants and received net cash from the counterparties totaling $22.2 million. The agreements to settle the 2015 warrants in cash required us to reclassify $48.0 million from equity to a derivative liability which represented the fair value of the 2015 warrants committed to the unwind on the day that we entered into the unwind agreements. Subsequent to the reclassification, we were required to recognize any change in fair value of the 2015 warrants committed to the unwind agreements through net income.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements [Abstract]	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements
	Policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,709,799		$	1,683,857		$	1,747,760
	Costs deferred during the year:
	Commissions	420,378			399,001			463,889
	Policy issue costs	5,422			4,410			14,945
	Amortization	(365,468		)	(164,919		)	(143,478		)
	Effect of net unrealized gains/losses	656,521			(212,550		)	(399,259		)
	Balance at end of year	$	2,426,652		$	1,709,799		$	1,683,857
	Sales inducements deferred and amortized are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,292,341		$	1,242,787		$	1,227,328
	Costs deferred during the year	337,787			306,659			385,123
	Amortization	(253,113		)	(87,157		)	(71,781		)
	Effect of net unrealized gains/losses	498,865			(169,948		)	(297,883		)
	Balance at end of year	$	1,875,880		$	1,292,341		$	1,242,787
	We periodically revise the key assumptions used in the calculation of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of realized investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products are revised. The unlocking adjustment in 2013 decreased amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by $18.5 million and amortization of deferred sales inducements by $11.1 million and included the impact of account balance true ups and adjustment to future period assumptions for surrenders and certain expenses. The unlocking adjustment in 2012 increased amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by $3.7 million and decreased amortization for deferred sales inducements by $0.2 million. The unlocking adjustment in 2011 decreased amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by $9.1 million and amortization for deferred sales inducements by $5.0 million.

Reinsurance_and_Policy_Provisi

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Transactions [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions	'
	Reinsurance and Policy Provisions
	Coinsurance
	We have two coinsurance agreements with EquiTrust Life Insurance Company ("EquiTrust"), covering 70% of certain of our index and fixed rate annuities issued from August 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001, 40% of those contracts issued during 2002 and 2003 and 20% of those contracts issued from January 1, 2004 to July 31, 2004. The business reinsured under these agreements may not be recaptured. Coinsurance deposits (aggregate policy benefit reserves transferred to EquiTrust under these agreements) were $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We remain liable to policyholders with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to EquiTrust should EquiTrust fail to meet the obligations it has coinsured. None of the coinsurance deposits with EquiTrust are deemed by management to be uncollectible. The balance due under these agreements to EquiTrust was $20.7 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and represents the fair value of call options held by us to fund index credits related to the ceded business net of cash due to or from EquiTrust related to monthly settlements of policy activity and other expenses.
	We have two coinsurance agreements with Athene Life Re Ltd. ("Athene"), an unauthorized life reinsurer domiciled in Bermuda. One agreement cedes 20% of certain of our fixed index annuities issued from January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. The business reinsured under this agreement is not eligible for recapture until the end of the month following seven years after the date of issuance of the policy. The other agreement cedes 80% of our multi-year rate guaranteed annuities issued on or after July 1, 2009. The business reinsured under this agreement may not be recaptured. Coinsurance deposits (aggregate policy benefit reserves transferred to Athene under these agreements) were $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We remain liable to policyholders with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to Athene should Athene fail to meet the obligations it has coinsured. The annuity deposits that have been ceded to Athene are being held in a trust and American Equity Life is named as the sole beneficiary of the trust. The assets in the trust are required to remain at a value that is sufficient to support the current balance of policy benefit liabilities of the ceded business on a statutory basis. If the value of the trust account would ever reach a point where it is less than the amount of the ceded policy benefit liabilities on a statutory basis, Athene is required to either establish a letter of credit or deposit securities in a trust for the amount of any shortfall. None of the coinsurance deposits with Athene are deemed by management to be uncollectible. The balance due under these agreements to Athene was $27.3 million and $14.0 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and represents the fair value of call options held by us to fund index credits related to the ceded business net of cash due from Athene related to monthly settlements of policy activity.
	Amounts ceded to EquiTrust and Athene under these agreements are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Annuity product charges	$	6,551		$	6,796		$	8,149
	Change in fair value of derivatives	60,876			17,106			(2,771		)
		$	67,427		$	23,902		$	5,378
	Interest sensitive and index product benefits	$	117,934		$	94,113		$	99,724
	Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	2,898			9,373			(12,428		)
	Other operating costs and expenses	9,926			9,333			8,970
		$	130,758		$	112,819		$	96,266
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	Annuity deposits	$	(182,616	)	$	(203,552	)	$	(326,531	)
	Cash payments to policyholders	208,345			208,437			204,116
		$	25,729		$	4,885		$	(122,415	)
	Financing Arrangements
	We have two reinsurance transactions with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America ("Hannover"), which are treated as reinsurance under statutory accounting practices and as financing arrangements under GAAP. The statutory surplus benefits under these agreements are eliminated under GAAP and the associated charges are recorded as risk charges and included in other operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The transactions became effective March 31, 2011 (the "2011 Hannover Transaction") and July 1, 2013 (the "2013 Hannover Transaction"). The 2011 Hannover Transaction terminates on March 31, 2016, and the statutory surplus benefit is reduced over a five year period and is eliminated upon termination.
	The 2011 Hannover Transaction is a coinsurance and yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement for statutory purposes and provided $49.2 million in net pretax statutory surplus benefit at inception in 2011. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, pretax statutory surplus was reduced by $11.3 million, $11.8 million and $9.2 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is expected to be reduced as follows: 2014—$10.8 million and 2015—$10.3 million and 2016—$2.5 million. These amounts include risk charges equal to 1.25% of the pretax statutory surplus benefit as of the end of each calendar quarter. Risk charges attributable to this agreement were $1.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The 2013 Hannover Transaction is a yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement for statutory purposes covering 45.6% of waived surrender charges related to penalty free withdrawals, deaths and lifetime income benefit rider payments as well as lifetime income benefit rider payments in excess of policy fund values on certain business. We may recapture the risks reinsured under this agreement as of the end of any quarter after June 30, 2016. However, the agreement, as amended, makes it punitive to us if we do not recapture the business ceded no later than the first quarter of 2018. The reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by American Equity Life was $288.2 million at December 31, 2013. We pay quarterly reinsurance premiums under this agreement with an experience refund calculated on a quarterly basis and a risk charge equal to 1.25% of the pretax statutory surplus benefit as of the end of each calendar quarter. Risk charges attributable to the 2013 Hannover Transaction were $7.0 million during 2013.
	The 2013 Hannover Transaction replaces a similar reinsurance agreement with Hannover that was entered into in 2005 (the "2005 Hannover Agreement") which was recaptured simultaneously with entering into the 2013 Hannover Transaction. The 2005 Hannover Agreement was a yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement for statutory purposes covering 47% of waived surrender charges related to penalty free withdrawals and deaths on certain business. The reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by American Equity Life was $180.3 million at December 31, 2012 under the 2005 Hannover Agreement. Risk charges attributable to the 2005 Hannover Transaction were $5.4 million, $9.9 million and $8.6 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Prior to its recapture in 2013, we had a coinsurance and yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement for statutory purposes that provided $29.5 million in net pretax statutory surplus benefit at inception in 2008 (the "2008 Hannover Transaction"). Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, pretax statutory surplus was reduced by $6.9 million and $6.8 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts include risk charges equal to 1.25% of the pretax statutory surplus benefit as of the end of each calendar quarter. Risk charges attributable to the 2008 Hannover Transaction were $0.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.8 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Indemnity Reinsurance
	In the normal course of business, we seek to limit our exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid under our annuity, life and accident and health insurance products by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us of our obligations to our policyholders. To the extent that reinsuring companies are later unable to meet obligations under reinsurance agreements, our life insurance subsidiaries would be liable for these obligations, and payment of these obligations could result in losses to us. To limit the possibility of such losses, we evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers, and monitor concentrations of credit risk. No allowance for uncollectible amounts has been established against our asset for amounts receivable from other insurance companies as none of the receivables are deemed by management to be uncollectible.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We file consolidated federal income tax returns that include all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries except Eagle Life which must file a separate federal income tax return for 2009–2013 under applicable federal income tax guidelines. Our income tax expense as presented in the consolidated financial statements is summarized as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Consolidated statements of operations:
	Current income taxes	$	133,036		$	80,527		$	127,535
	Deferred income taxes (benefits)	3,013			(52,336		)	(80,869		)
	Total income tax expense included in consolidated statements of operations	136,049			28,191			46,666
	Stockholders' equity:
	Expense (benefit) relating to:
	Change in net unrealized investment losses	(344,944		)	123,620			202,143
	Share-based compensation	(4,043		)	(392		)	(1,061		)
	Extinguishment of convertible debt	(4,546		)	—			—
	Total income tax expense included in consolidated financial statements	$	(217,484	)	$	151,419		$	247,748
	Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations differed from the amount computed at the applicable statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Income before income taxes	$	389,332		$	85,989		$	132,914
	Income tax expense on income before income taxes	$	136,266		$	30,096		$	46,520
	Tax effect of:
	Tax exempt net investment income	(2,657		)	(1,876		)	—
	Extinguishment of convertible debt	2,695			—			—
	Other	(255		)	(29		)	146
	Income tax expense	$	136,049		$	28,191		$	46,666
	Effective tax rate	34.9		%	32.8		%	35.1		%
	Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in deductible or taxable amounts, respectively, in future years. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Policy benefit reserves	$	1,875,516		$	1,698,831
	Other than temporary impairments	901			8,177
	Investment income items	2,121			—
	Amounts due reinsurer	7,366			—
	Other policyholder funds	9,200			10,860
	Litigation settlement accrual	7,420			7,351
	Deferred compensation	13,430			14,659
	Convertible senior notes	34,818			—
	Net operating loss carryforwards	24,179			16,783
	Other	8,835			7,192
	Gross deferred tax assets	1,983,786			1,763,853
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,475,403		)	(1,425,266		)
	Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities	(12,742		)	(357,686		)
	Convertible senior notes	—			(6,665		)
	Derivative instruments	(193,067		)	(18,280		)
	Investment income items	—			(2,588		)
	Other	(718		)	(2,671		)
	Gross deferred tax liabilities	(1,681,930		)	(1,813,156		)
	Net deferred income tax (liability) asset	$	301,856		$	(49,303	)
	The total deferred income tax asset includes other than temporary impairments on investments. The other than temporary impairments will not be available for utilization for tax purposes until the securities are either sold at a loss or deemed completely worthless. The other than temporary impairments totaled $2.6 million and $23.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Included in the deferred income taxes is the expected income tax benefit attributable to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities. There is no valuation allowance provided for the deferred income tax asset attributable to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities. Management expects that the passage of time will result in the reversal of these unrealized losses due to the fair value increasing as these securities near maturity. Management has the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity because we generate adequate cash flow from new business to fund all foreseeable cash flow needs and do not believe it would be necessary to liquidate these securities at a loss to meet cash flow needs.
	Realization of our deferred income tax assets is more likely than not based on expectations as to our future taxable income and considering all other available evidence, both positive and negative. Therefore, no valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets has been established as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	There were no material income tax contingencies requiring recognition in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013. We are no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2009.
	At December 31, 2013, we had non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes totaling $36.8 million which expire beginning in 2018 through 2033.

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements	'
	Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements
	On July 17, 2013, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2021 which bear interest at 6.625% per year and will mature on July 15, 2021. We used $15 million of the net proceeds from the issuance to repay the entire amount outstanding under our revolving credit facility and $168.7 million, net of proceeds of $22.2 million in settlement of 2015 notes hedges and 2015 warrants, to pay the cash consideration portion of the convertible note tender and exchange offers discussed below. We intend to use the remaining net proceeds from the notes issuance to tender for, redeem or repurchase the $160.3 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes that are currently outstanding. The form and timing of any such activity will be dependent upon market conditions and other factors and there can be no assurance that any such transactions can be completed prior to the December 2014 call date for the 5.25% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due December 15, 2029 (the "2029 notes") or the September 2015 maturity date for the 2015 notes.
	In September 2010, we issued $200.0 million principal amount of 2015 notes. The 2015 notes have a stated interest rate of 3.5%, mature on September 15, 2015, and are intended to be settled in cash; however, in certain limited circumstances we have the discretion to settle in shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. Contractual interest payable on the 2015 notes began accruing in September 2010 and is payable semi-annually in arrears each March 15th and September 15th. The initial transaction fees and expenses totaling $6.8 million were capitalized as deferred financing costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2015 notes using the effective interest method.
	Upon occurrence of any of the conditions described below, holders may convert their 2015 notes at the applicable conversion rate at any time prior to June 15, 2015. On or after June 15, 2015 through the maturity date of September 15, 2015, holders may convert each of their 2015 notes at the applicable conversion rate regardless of the following conditions:
	•	during the 5 business day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the applicable conversion rate on such trading day;
	•	during any calendar quarter commencing after December 31, 2010, the Notes may be converted if the last reported price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on each applicable trading day. The “last reported sale price” means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported in composite transactions for the New York Stock Exchange; or
	•	upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions.
	The initial conversion rate for the 2015 notes was 80 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2015 notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $12.50 per share of our common stock, with the amount due on conversion. Upon conversion, a holder will receive the sum of the daily settlement amounts, calculated on a proportionate basis for each day, during a specified observation period following the conversion date. The conversion rate for the 2015 notes was adjusted to 80.9486 shares in December 2012, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $12.35 per share.
	If a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture, occurs prior to maturity and our stock price is at least $10.00 per share at that time, the conversion rate will increase by an additional amount of up to 20 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2015 notes, which amount would be paid to each holder that elects to convert its 2015 notes at that time.
	The conversion option of the 2015 notes (the "2015 notes embedded conversion derivative") is an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation from the 2015 notes and is accounted for as a derivative liability, which is included in Other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative at the time of issuance of the 2015 notes was $37.0 million, and was recorded as the original debt discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of the 2015 notes. This discount is being recognized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the 2015 notes. The estimated fair value of the 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative was $107.0 million and $43.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In December 2004, we issued $260.0 million of convertible senior notes due December 15, 2024 (the "2024 notes"), of which $22.9 million was assigned to the equity component (net of income tax of $16.1 million). On March 25, 2013, notice of mandatory redemption was issued for the remaining outstanding amount of our 2024 notes and holders of $25.8 million principal amount of the convertible notes exercised their conversion rights prior to the April 30, 2013 mandatory redemption date. The holders of these notes received the principal amount of their notes in cash and the conversion premium in shares of our common stock, for which 216,729 shares were issued. The balance of the convertible notes ($2.5 million principal amount) was redeemed for cash. The 2024 notes bore interest at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum. Interest was payable semi-annually in arrears on June 6 December 6 of each year.
	In December 2009, we issued $115.8 million of contingent convertible senior notes due December 15, 2029, of which $15.6 million was assigned to the equity component (net of income tax of $11.0 million), $52.2 million principal amount were issued for cash and $63.6 million were issued in exchange of $63.6 million of the 2024 notes. The 2029 notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 6 and December 6 of each year. In addition to regular interest on the 2029 notes, beginning with the six-month interest period ending June 6, 2015, we will also pay contingent interest under certain conditions at a rate of 0.5% per annum based on the average trading price of the notes during a specified period.
	The 2029 notes are convertible at the holders' option prior to the maturity date into cash and shares of our common stock under the following conditions:
	•	during any fiscal quarter, if the closing sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the fiscal quarter preceding the quarter in which the conversion occurs is more than 120% of the conversion price of the notes in effect on that 30th trading day;
	•	we have called the notes for redemption and the redemption has not yet occurred; or
	•	upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions.
	Holders may convert any outstanding 2029 notes into cash and shares of our common stock at a conversion price per share of $9.57. This represents a conversion rate of approximately 104.5 shares of common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of notes (the "conversion rate"). Subject to certain exceptions described in the indentures covering these notes, at the time the notes are tendered for conversion, the value (the "conversion value") of the cash and shares of our common stock, if any, to be received by a holder converting $1,000 principal amount of the notes will be determined by multiplying the conversion rate by the "ten day average closing stock price", which equals the average of the closing per share prices of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the ten consecutive trading days beginning on the second trading day following the day the notes are submitted for conversion. We will deliver the conversion value to holders as follows: (1) an amount in cash (the "principal return") equal to the lesser of (a) the aggregate conversion value of the notes to be converted and (b) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted, and (2) if the aggregate conversion value of the notes to be converted is greater than the principal return, an amount in shares (the "net shares") equal to such aggregate conversion value less the principal return (the "net share amount") and (3) an amount in cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock. The number of net shares to be paid will be determined by dividing the net share amount by the ten day average closing stock price.
	We may redeem some or all of the 2029 notes at any time on or after December 15, 2014. In addition, the holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 2029 notes on December 15, 2014, 2019 and 2024, and upon a change in control, as defined in the indenture governing the notes, holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their notes for a period of time after the change in control. The redemption price or repurchase price shall be payable in cash and equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest (contingent interest and liquidated damages, if any) up to but not including the date of redemption or repurchase.
	Our convertible notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness and senior to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness. Our convertible notes effectively rank junior in right of payment to any existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such secured indebtedness. Our convertible notes are structurally subordinated to all liabilities of our subsidiaries.
	We are required to include the dilutive effect of the 2029 notes in our diluted earnings per share calculation. Because these notes include a mandatory cash settlement feature for the principal amount, incremental dilutive shares will only exist when the fair value of our common stock at the end of the reporting period exceeds the conversion price per share disclosed above. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the conversion premium of the 2029 notes was dilutive and the effect has been included in diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The 2015 notes and the 2015 notes hedges are excluded from the dilutive effect in our diluted earnings per share calculation as they are intended to be settled only in cash.
	In 2013, we extinguished $108.0 million principal amount of our 2015 notes and $47.5 million principal amount of our 2029 notes pursuant to public and private exchange offers with holders of our outstanding convertible debt instruments. Total consideration paid to holders of the 2015 notes consisted of $116.1 million in cash and $79.2 million in shares of our common stock (3,643,402 shares). Total consideration paid to holders of the 2029 notes consisted of $74.8 million in cash and $34.9 million in shares of our common stock (1,629,677 shares). Total consideration paid to the holders of the 2015 notes and 2029 notes excludes the accrued interest through the settlement date that was also paid. The carrying value of the convertible notes at extinguishment was $99.6 million and $44.5 million for the 2015 notes and 2029 notes, respectively, and losses net of tax of $15.2 million for the 2015 notes and $5.2 million for the 2029 notes were recognized.
	In connection with the extinguishment of our 2015 notes, we terminated the related 2015 notes hedges associated with the 2015 notes extinguished and received cash proceeds of $22.2 million from the 2015 notes hedges counterparties (see Notes 5). After the unwind agreements, 7,474,817 warrants remain outstanding with a strike price of $15.75 and continue to be accounted for as equity. The 2015 notes hedges with two counterparties remain outstanding whereby we have the option to receive the cash equivalent of the conversion spread on approximately 7,474,817 shares of our common stock based upon a strike price of $12.35 per share, subject to certain conversion rate adjustments in the 2015 notes.
	Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2013, we extinguished $22.7 million principal amount of our 2029 notes for a combination of cash and shares of our common stock (946,793 shares) pursuant to a private exchange offer that was settled on February 10, 2014. The carrying value of the 2029 notes at extinguishment was $21.6 million which resulted in a loss of $1.7 million on extinguishment of debt net of income taxes.
	The convertible senior notes included in notes payable are accounted for separately as a liability component and an equity component in the consolidated balance sheets. The liability component and equity component are as follows:
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		September			December			September			December			December
		2015 Notes			2029 Notes			2015 Notes			2029 Notes			2024 Notes
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Notes payable:
	Principal amount of liability component	$	91,951		$	68,373		$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243
	Unamortized discount	(6,623		)	(3,743		)	(21,944		)	(12,269		)	—
	Net carrying amount of liability component	$	85,328		$	64,630		$	178,056		$	103,570		$	28,243
	Additional paid-in capital:
	Carrying amount of equity component				$	15,586					$	15,586		$	22,637
	Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	$	104,403		$	113,169		$	—		$	30,382		$	—
	The discount is being amortized over the expected lives of the notes, which is December 15, 2014 for the 2029 notes and September 15, 2015 for the 2015 notes and was December 15, 2011 for the 2024 notes. The effective interest rates during the discount amortization periods are 8.9%, 8.5% and 11.9% on the 2015 notes, the 2024 notes and 2029 notes, respectively. The interest cost recognized in operations for the convertible notes, inclusive of the coupon and amortization of the discount and debt issue costs was $26.4 million, $28.5 million, and $31.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	In November 2013, we terminated our $160 million unsecured revolving line of credit agreement and entered into a $140 million unsecured revolving line of credit agreement with five banks for which the revolving period is four years. The interest rate is floating at a rate based on our election that will be equal to the alternate base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin or the adjusted LIBOR rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin. We also pay a commitment fee based on the available unused portion of the credit facility. The applicable margin and commitment fee rate are based on our credit rating and can change throughout the period of the credit facility. Based upon our current credit rating, the applicable margin is 1.00% for alternate base rate borrowings and 2.00% for adjusted LIBOR rate borrowings, and the commitment fee is 0.35%. Under this agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio at American Equity Life of 275%, a maximum ratio of adjusted debt to total adjusted capital of 0.35, and a minimum level of statutory surplus at American Equity Life equal to the sum of 1) 80% of statutory surplus at September 30, 2013, 2) 50% of the statutory net income for each fiscal quarter ending after September 30, 2013, and 3) 50% of all capital contributed to American Equity Life after September 30, 2013. The agreement contains an accordion feature that allows us, on up to three occasions and subject to credit availability, to increase the credit facility by an additional $50 million in the aggregate. We also have the ability to extend the maturity date by an additional one year past the initial maturity date of November 22, 2017 with the consent of the extending banks. There are currently no guarantors of the credit facility, but certain of our subsidiaries must guarantee our obligations under the credit agreement if such subsidiaries guarantee other material amounts of our debt. No amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2013 and no amounts were outstanding under the previous line of credit at December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2013, $389.0 million is unrestricted and could be distributed to shareholders and still be in compliance with all covenants under this credit agreement.
	As part of our investment strategy, we enter into securities repurchase agreements (short-term collateralized borrowings). The maximum amount borrowed during 2013 was $258.6 million. We had no borrowings under repurchase agreements during 2012. When we do borrow cash on these repurchase agreements, we pledge collateral in the form of debt securities with fair values approximately equal to the amount due and we use the cash to purchase debt securities ahead of the time we collect the cash from selling annuity policies to avoid a lag between the investment of funds and the obligation to credit interest to policyholders. We earn investment income on the securities purchased with these borrowings at a rate in excess of the cost of these borrowings. Such borrowings averaged $38.3 million and $12.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011. The weighted average interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 0.20% and 0.23% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011.

Subordinated_Debentures

Subordinated Debentures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subordinated Borrowings [Abstract]	'
Subordinated Debentures	'
	Subordinated Debentures
	Our wholly-owned subsidiary trusts (which are not consolidated) have issued fixed rate and floating rate trust preferred securities and have used the proceeds from these offerings to purchase subordinated debentures from us. We also issued subordinated debentures to the trusts in exchange for all of the common securities of each trust. The sole assets of the trusts are the subordinated debentures and any interest accrued thereon. The interest payment dates on the subordinated debentures correspond to the distribution dates on the trust preferred securities issued by the trusts. The trust preferred securities mature simultaneously with the subordinated debentures. Our obligations under the subordinated debentures and related agreements provide a full and unconditional guarantee of payments due under the trust preferred securities. All subordinated debentures are callable by us at any time, except for the Trust II subordinated debt obligations.
	Following is a summary of subordinated debt obligations to the trusts at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
		2013		2012		Interest Rate		Due Date
		(Dollars in thousands)
	American Equity Capital Trust II	$	76,440	$	76,259	5%		June 1, 2047
	American Equity Capital Trust III	27,840		27,840		*LIBOR +	3.90%	April 29, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust IV	12,372		12,372		*LIBOR +	4.00%	January 8, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust VII	10,830		10,830		*LIBOR +	3.75%	December 14, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust VIII	20,620		20,620		*LIBOR +	3.75%	December 15, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust IX	15,470		15,470		*LIBOR +	3.65%	June 15, 2035
	American Equity Capital Trust X	20,620		20,620		*LIBOR +	3.65%	September 15, 2035
	American Equity Capital Trust XI	20,620		20,620		*LIBOR +	3.65%	December 15, 2035
	American Equity Capital Trust XII	41,238		41,238		*LIBOR +	3.50%	April 7, 2036
		$	246,050	$	245,869
	*—three month London Interbank Offered Rate
	During 2012, we issued a notice of mandatory redemption of all of our 8% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") and American Equity Capital Trust I, the holder of all of the Debentures, issued notices of mandatory redemption of all of its 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities and all of its 8% Trust Common Securities. As a result of this mandatory redemption, $20.6 million principal amount (688,327 shares) of 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities were converted into 2,549,333 shares of our common stock and 38,001 shares of these trust preferred securities were settled in cash of approximately $1.1 million. The remaining 6,000 shares will be settled in cash of $0.2 million. During 2012, prior to the mandatory redemption, 4,000 shares of these trust preferred securities were converted into 14,814 shares of our common stock.
	The principal amount of the subordinated debentures issued by us to American Equity Capital Trust II ("Trust II") is $100.0 million. These debentures were assigned a fair value of $74.7 million at the date of issue (based upon an effective yield-to-maturity of 6.8%). The difference between the fair value at the date of issue and the principal amount is being accreted over the life of the debentures. The trust preferred securities issued by Trust II were issued to Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, which owns more than 50% of the voting capital stock of FBL Financial Group, Inc. ("FBL"). The consideration received by Trust II in connection with the issuance of its trust preferred securities consisted of fixed income securities of equal value which were issued by FBL.

Retirement_and_Sharebased_Comp

Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans	'
	Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans
	We have adopted a contributory defined contribution plan which is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers substantially all of our full-time employees subject to minimum eligibility requirements. Employees can contribute a percentage of their annual salary (up to a maximum contribution of $17,500 in 2013, $17,000 in 2012 and $16,500 in 2011) to the plan. We contribute an additional amount, subject to limitations, based on the voluntary contribution of the employee. Further, the plan provides for additional employer contributions based on the discretion of the Board of Directors. Plan contributions charged to expense were $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	During 2010, we established the American Equity Investment Life Holding Company Short-Term Performance Incentive Plan. Under this plan, certain members of our senior management may receive incentive awards comprised of a cash component and a restricted stock component. Shares of restricted stock received will be granted pursuant to the 2009 Employee Incentive Plan and will vest on the date three years following the date the Committee approves the payment of the incentive award provided that the participant remains employed by us. Compensation expense is recognized over the three year vesting period. Shares vest immediately for participants 65 years of age with 10 years of service with us and compensation expense under this plan for these participants is recognized upon approval of the incentive award by the compensation committee. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we issued 33,489, 51,810 and 24,497 shares of common stock (23,681, 37,369 and 16,819 shares were restricted stock), respectively, and recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. In April 2013, the Short-Term Performance Incentive Plan was amended and restated to provide for only cash bonuses for awards made with respect to 2013 and following years.
	During 2013, we established a long-term performance incentive plan utilizing restricted stock units granted pursuant to the 2009 Employee Incentive Plan. During 2013, we issued 78,260 restricted stock units under this plan. Vesting is tied to threshold and target performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2015. Fifty percent of the restricted stock units will vest if we meet threshold goals and 100% of the restricted stock units will vest if we meet target performance goals. Compensation expense is recognized over the three year vesting period based on the likelihood of meeting threshold and target goals. During 2013, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million. Restricted stock units that ultimately vest are payable in an equal number of shares of our common stock. Restricted stock units are accounted for as equity awards and the estimated fair value of restricted stock units is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
	During 2013, we issued 26,087 (20,889 shares were restricted stock) shares of common stock under the 2009 Employee Incentive Plan to certain employees. These shares will vest on the date three years following the grant date provided the participant remains employed with us. Compensation expense is recognized over the three year vesting period. Shares vest immediately for participants over 65 years of age with 10 years of service with us. During 2013, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million related to these restricted stock awards.
	In 2013, we adopted the 2013 Director Equity and Incentive Plan which authorized the grant of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units convertible into or based upon our common stock of up to 250,000 shares to our Directors. During 2013, we issued 40,000 shares of common stock, all of which are restricted stock, and which vest one year from the grant date provided the individual remains a Director during that time period. During 2013, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.4 million related to these restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2013, we had 210,000 shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2013 Director and Equity Incentive Plan.
	We have deferred compensation arrangements with certain officers, directors, and consultants, whereby these individuals agreed to take our common stock at a future date in lieu of cash payments at the time of service. The common stock is to be issued in conjunction with a "trigger event," as that term is defined in the individual agreements. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, these individuals have earned, and we have reserved for future issuance, 356,897 and 354,923 shares of common stock, respectively, pursuant to these arrangements. We have incurred share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, under these arrangements.
	We have deferred compensation agreements with certain officers whereby these individuals may defer certain salary and bonus compensation which is deposited into the American Equity Officer Rabbi Trust (Officer Rabbi Trust). The amounts deferred for certain employees are invested in assets at the direction of the employee. The assets of the Officer Rabbi Trust are included in our assets and a corresponding deferred compensation liability is recorded. The deferred compensation liability is recorded at the fair market value of the assets in the Officer Rabbi Trust with the change in fair value included as a component of compensation expense. The deferred compensation liability related to these agreements was $3.1 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During 2011, the Officer Rabbi Trust purchased 1,250 shares of our common stock at a cost of $0.01 million, respectively. The Officer Rabbi Trust did not purchase any shares during 2013 and 2012. The Officer Rabbi Trust held 103,551 shares and 104,551 shares of our common stock at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are treated as treasury shares.
	During 1997, we established the American Equity Investment NMO Deferred Compensation Plan ("NMO Deferred Compensation Plan") whereby agents can earn common stock in addition to their normal commissions. The NMO Deferred Compensation Plan was effective until December 31, 2006 at which time it was suspended. Awards were calculated using formulas determined annually by our Board of Directors. These shares are being distributed at the end of the vesting and deferral period of nine years. We recognize commission expense and an increase to additional paid-in capital as share-based compensation when the awards vest. All outstanding shares issued under this plan were fully vested at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total number of undistributed vested shares under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan was 892,688 and 1,142,332, respectively. These shares are included in the computation of earnings per share and earnings per share—assuming dilution.
	We have a Rabbi Trust, the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust (the "NMO Trust"), which has purchased shares of our common stock to fund the amount of vested shares under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan. The common stock held in the NMO Trust is treated as treasury stock. The NMO Trust purchased 81,745 shares of our common stock during 2011 at a cost of $0.9 million. The NMO Trust did not purchase any shares during 2013 and 2012. The NMO Trust distributed 249,644, 489,216 and 306,032 shares during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The number of shares held by the NMO Trust at December 31, 2013 and 2012, was 892,688 and 1,142,332, respectively.
	Our 1996 Stock Option Plan, 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan, 2000 Directors Stock Option Plan and 2011 Director Stock Option Plan (adopted in 2011) authorized grants of options to officers, directors and employees for an aggregate of up to 3,475,000 shares of our common stock. All options granted under these plans have ten year terms and a six month or three year vesting period after which they become fully exercisable immediately. At December 31, 2013, we had 18,000 shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan. In 2009, we adopted the 2009 Employee Incentive Plan which authorizes the grant of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units convertible into or based upon our common stock up to 2,500,000 shares. All options granted under this plan have six or ten year terms and a three year vesting period after which they become fully exercisable immediately. At December 31, 2013, we had 1,563,907 shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2009 Employee Incentive Plan.
	The fair value for each stock option granted to officers, directors and employees during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012				2011
		Directors and Retirement Eligible Employees		Non-Retirement Eligible Employees		Directors and Retirement Eligible Employees			Non-Retirement Eligible Employees
	Average risk-free interest rate	0.76	%	1.36	%	1.66	%		2	%
	Dividend yield	1.1	%	1.3	%	0.8	%		1	%
	Average expected life (years)	5		8		5			8
	Volatility	62.5	%	50.9	%	66.1	%		52	%
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. We use the historical realized volatility of our stock for the expected volatility assumption within the valuation model. For options granted since 2007, the weighted average expected term for the majority of our options were calculated using average historical behavior.
	During 2007, 2010 and 2012 we established Independent Insurance Agent Stock Option plans. Under these plans, agents of American Equity Life may receive grants of options to acquire shares of our common stock based upon their individual sales. The plans authorize grants of options to agents for an aggregate of up to 8,000,000 shares of our common stock. We recognize commission expense and an increase to additional paid-in capital as share-based compensation equal to the fair value of the options as they are earned.
	The fair value for each stock option granted to agents during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model until the grant date, at which time the options are included as permanent equity, with the following assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Average risk-free interest rate	1.21	%	0.51	%	0.58	%
	Dividend yield	0.7	%	1.2	%	1.2	%
	Average expected life (years)	3.75		3.75		3.75
	Volatility	31.2	%	41.1	%	67.2	%
	American Equity Life's agents earned 1,284,950 options during 2013, which were granted in January 2014, and we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $8.1 million in 2013. American Equity Life's agents earned 1,125,100 options during 2012, which were granted in January 2013, and we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $3.9 million in 2012. American Equity Life's agents earned 1,422,050 options during 2011, which were granted in January 2012, and we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $6.8 million in 2011. All options granted have seven year terms and a six month vesting period after which they become exercisable immediately.
	Changes in the number of stock options outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Number of		Weighted-Average			Total
		Shares		Exercise Price			Exercise
				per Share			Price
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2011	4,120,850		$	8.78		$	36,187
	Granted	1,486,850		12.99			19,309
	Canceled	(177,500	)	9.66			(1,714		)
	Exercised	(585,350	)	8			(4,685		)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	4,844,850		10.13			49,097
	Granted	1,558,900		10.4			16,216
	Canceled	(28,050	)	8.97			(251		)
	Exercised	(643,250	)	8.93			(5,741		)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	5,732,450		10.35			59,321
	Granted	1,210,950		13.13			15,899
	Canceled	(29,400	)	9.96			(293		)
	Exercised	(2,937,275	)	10.81			(31,756		)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	3,976,725		10.86			$	43,171
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013:
			Stock Options Outstanding							Stock Options Vested
	Range of Exercise Prices		Number of		Remaining	Weighted-Average				Number of	Remaining	Weighted-Average
			Awards		Life (yrs)	Exercise Price				Awards	Life (yrs)	Exercise Price
						Per Share						Per Share
	$5.07 - $9.16		756,550		3.17	$	7.48			756,550	3.17	$	7.48
	$9.27 - $11.35		1,681,475		5.04	10.33				1,592,475	4.85	10.31
	$11.87 - $14.62		1,538,700		5.29	13.1				1,433,700	5.11	13.16
	$5.07 - $14.62		3,976,725		4.78	10.86				3,782,725	4.61	10.83
	The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and vested awards was $61.7 million and $58.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the total intrinsic value of options exercised by officers, directors and employees was $10.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Intrinsic value for stock options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the price of our common stock as of the reporting date. Cash received from stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $31.8 million, $5.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively. The tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from the exercise of stock options by officers, directors, employees and agents for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $1.0 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
	We established the American Equity Investment Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") effective July 1, 2007. The principal purpose of the ESOP is to provide each eligible employee with an equity interest in us. Employees become eligible once they have completed a minimum of six months of service. Employees become 100% vested after two years of service. Our contribution to the ESOP is determined by the Board of Directors.
	In August 2007, we issued a loan to the ESOP in the amount of $7.0 million to purchase 650,000 shares of our common stock from David J. Noble, our Executive Chairman. The loan is to be repaid over a period of 20 years with annual interest payments due on December 31 of each year. Required principal payments according to the terms of the loan of $1.8 million are due on December 31, 2017 and 2022 with the final principal payment due on August 31, 2027; however, at December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance on this loan is $0.2 million as we have been prepaying the balance due. The loan is eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The shares purchased by the ESOP were pledged as collateral for this debt and are reported as unallocated common stock held by the ESOP, a contra-equity account in stockholders' equity. When shares are committed for release, the shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations. For each plan year in which a payment or prepayment of principal or interest is made, we will release from the pledge the number of shares determined under the principal and interest method. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares are recorded as a reduction in retained earnings and are credited to employee accounts. Dividends on unallocated shares held by the ESOP will be used to repay indebtedness. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 127,867 shares and 54,971 shares committed for release and compensation expense of $3.5 million, $1.1 million and $1.3 million was recognized in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The fair value of 58,618 unreleased shares and 239,799 unreleased shares was $1.5 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Statutory_Financial_Informatio

Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]	'
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions	'
	Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions
	Statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities for our life insurance subsidiaries differ from GAAP. Net income for our primary life insurance subsidiary as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	American Equity Life	$	205,202		$	82,039		$	169,365
	Statutory capital and surplus for our primary life insurance subsidiary was as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	American Equity Life	$	1,870,728		$	1,658,929
	American Equity Life is domiciled in the state of Iowa and is regulated by the Iowa Insurance Division. Life insurance companies are subject to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") risk-based capital (RBC) requirements which are intended to be used by insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify deteriorating or weakly capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action. Calculations using the NAIC formula indicated that American Equity Life's ratio of total adjusted capital to the highest level of required capital at which regulatory action might be initiated (Company Action Level) is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Total adjusted capital	$	1,995,658		$	1,741,638
	Company Action Level RBC	580,085			524,928
	Ratio of adjusted capital to Company Action Level RBC	344		%	332		%
	Prior approval of regulatory authorities is required for the payment of dividends to American Equity Investment Life Holding Company ("Parent Company") by American Equity Life which exceed an annual limitation. American Equity Life may pay dividends without prior approval, unless such payments, together with all other such payments within the preceding twelve months, exceed the greater of (1) net gain from operations before net realized capital gains/losses for the preceding calendar year or, (2) 10% of the American Equity Life's capital and surplus at the preceding year-end. The amount of dividends permitted to be paid by American Equity Life to its Parent Company without prior approval of regulatory authorities is $195.0 million as of December 31, 2013. No dividends were paid by any of our insurance subsidiaries for any of the years presented in these financial statements.
	The Parent Company relies on its subsidiaries for cash flow, which has primarily been in the form of investment management fees and/or dividends. Retained earnings in our consolidated financial statements primarily represent undistributed earnings of American Equity Life. As such, our ability to pay dividends is limited by the regulatory restriction placed upon insurance companies as described above. In addition, American Equity Life retains funds to allow for sufficient capital for growth.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	We lease our home office space and certain equipment under various operating leases. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 totaled $2.3 million, $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate future minimum lease payments are $12.8 million. The following represents payments due by period for operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31:
	2014	$	1,782
	2015	2,289
	2016	1,685
	2017	1,440
	2018	1,364
	2019 and thereafter	4,228
	We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, FINRA, the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers.
	In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability. In connection with the matter described below, we recorded an estimated litigation liability of $17.5 million during the third quarter of 2012. Based on developments in the claims process discussed below, we increased our estimated litigation liability for this matter to $21.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2013.
	In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We were a defendant in a purported class action, McCormack, et al. v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et al., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division and Anagnostis v. American Equity, et al., coordinated in the Central District, entitled, In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the "Los Angeles Case"), involving allegations of improper sales practices and similar claims as described below.
	The Los Angeles Case was a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by putative class members seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by us. The allegations generally attacked the suitability of sales of deferred annuity products to persons over the age of 65. The plaintiffs sought rescission and injunctive relief including restitution and disgorgement of profits on behalf of all class members under California Business & Professions Code section 17200 et seq. and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; compensatory damages for breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting of breach of fiduciary duty; unjust enrichment and constructive trust; and other pecuniary damages under California Civil Code section 1750 and California Welfare & Institutions Codes section 15600 et seq. On July 30, 2013, the parties entered into a settlement agreement and stipulated to certification of the case as a class action for settlement purposes only. Notice of the terms of the settlement was mailed to the members of the class on October 7, 2013 and settlement claim forms were due from members of the class on or before December 6, 2013. On January 27, 2014, a hearing was held regarding the fairness of the settlement. On January 29, 2014, the Court signed a final order approving the settlement and finding the settlement is fair and represents a complete resolution of all claims asserted on behalf of the class. On January 30, 2014, a final judgment, which is still subject to appeal, was entered dismissing the case on the merits and with prejudice. While review of the claim forms submitted is still ongoing and it is difficult to predict the amount of the liabilities that will ultimately result from the completion of the claim process, the $21.2 million litigation liability referred to above represents our best estimate of probable loss with respect to this litigation. In light of the inherent uncertainties involved in the matter described above, there can be no assurance that such litigation, or any other pending or future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
	In addition to our commitments to fund mortgage loans, we have unfunded commitments at December 31, 2013 to limited partnerships of $24.4 million and to secured bank loans of $20.8 million.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share—assuming dilution:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income—numerator for earnings per common share	$	253,283		$	57,798	$	86,248
	Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit)	—			517		1,034
	Numerator for earnings per common share—assuming dilution	$	253,283		$	58,315	$	87,282
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)	65,543,895			61,258,825		59,482,349
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible subordinated debentures	—			1,348,447		2,727,084
	Convertible senior notes	7,088,149			2,515,067		848,164
	2015 warrants	1,184,549			—		—
	Stock options and deferred compensation agreements	1,224,053			553,312		561,898
	Denominator for earnings per common share—assuming dilution	75,040,646			65,675,651		63,619,495
	Earnings per common share	$	3.86		$	0.94	$	1.45
	Earnings per common share—assuming dilution	$	3.38		$	0.89	$	1.37
	-1	Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP.
	Options to purchase shares of our common stock that were outstanding during the respective periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares are as follows:
	Period		Number of	Range of
			Shares	Exercise Prices
				Minimum		Maximum
	Year ended December 31, 2013		—	—		—
	Year ended December 31, 2012		1,522,100	$11.35		$14.34
	Year ended December 31, 2011		2,290,200	$10.65		$14.34

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	'
	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	Unaudited quarterly results of operations are summarized below.
		Quarter ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2013
	Premiums and product charges	$	34,565		$	35,062		$	36,325		$	42,986
	Net investment income	329,690			336,143			354,147			363,947
	Change in fair value of derivatives	373,962			64,040			193,028			444,985
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding OTTI losses	10,585			15,689			(2,077		)	16,364
	Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	(3,237		)	(2,775		)	(222		)	—
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(589		)	(938		)	(30,988		)
	Total revenues	745,565			447,570			580,263			837,294
	Net income	26,031			120,113			56,181			50,958
	Earnings per common share	0.41			1.87			0.86			0.73
	Earnings per common share—assuming dilution	0.38			1.71			0.75			0.65
	2012
	Premiums and product charges	$	37,731		$	40,817		$	47,413		$	39,720
	Net investment income	326,910			320,259			318,594			321,160
	Change in fair value of derivatives	259,161			(150,847		)	161,090			(48,266		)
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding OTTI losses	(6,076		)	(611		)	(1,238		)	1,471
	Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	(2,881		)	(978		)	(1,686		)	(9,387		)
	Total revenues	614,845			208,640			524,173			304,698
	Net income (loss)	10,471			18,759			(7,829		)	36,397
	Earnings (loss) per common share	0.18			0.31			(0.13		)	0.58
	Earnings (loss) per common share—assuming dilution	0.16			0.3			(0.13		)	0.55
	Earnings per common share for each quarter is computed independently of earnings per common share for the year. As a result, the sum of the quarterly earnings per common share amounts may not equal the earnings per common share for the year.
	The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives for each quarter primarily correspond to the performance of the indices upon which our call options are based. The comparability of net income (loss) is impacted by the application of fair value accounting to our fixed index annuity business is as follows:
		Quarter ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2013	$	10,973		$	(80,658	)	$	(5,601	)	$	(23,418	)
	2012	16,317			5,070			18,148			(8,289		)
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we identified certain classification errors related to life contingent immediate annuities in our consolidated statements of operations as described in Note 1. We evaluated the materiality of the errors from qualitative and quantitative perspectives and concluded they were not material to any prior periods. However, we revised the premiums and product charges listed above for all quarterly periods prior to the quarter ended December 31, 2013 to be consistent with the presentation for the quarter ended December 31, 2013. The changes resulted in increases to premiums and product charges of $10.4 million, $8.6 million and $7.4 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively and increases of $15.1 million, $15.7 million, $20.2 million and $12.8 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2012, June 30, 2012, September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	'
	Schedule I—Summary of Investments—
	Other Than Investments in Related Parties
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
	31-Dec-13
	Column A		Column B		Column C		Column D
	Type of Investment		Amortized		Fair		Amount at
			Cost (1)		Value		which shown
							in the balance
							sheet
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit		$	44,852	$	42,925	$	42,925
	United States Government sponsored agencies		1,313,776		1,194,289		1,194,289
	United States municipalities, states and territories		3,181,032		3,306,743		3,306,743
	Foreign government obligations		86,112		91,557		91,557
	Corporate securities		17,142,118		17,233,037		17,233,037
	Residential mortgage backed securities		1,895,913		1,971,960		1,971,960
	Commercial mortgage backed securities		1,821,988		1,735,460		1,735,460
	Other asset backed securities		1,041,939		1,034,476		1,034,476
			26,527,730		26,610,447		26,610,447
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security		76,255		60,840		76,255
	Total fixed maturity securities		26,603,985		26,671,287		26,686,702
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Common stocks		7,503		7,778		7,778
	Total equity securities		7,503		7,778		7,778
	Mortgage loans on real estate		2,581,082		2,615,410		2,581,082
	Derivative instruments		223,530		856,050		856,050
	Other investments		215,042				215,042
	Total investments		$	29,631,142			$	30,346,654
	-1	On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, original cost for derivative instruments and unpaid principal balance less allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	'
	Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
	Condensed Balance Sheets
	(Dollars in thousands)
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	252,541		$	11,220
	Equity securities of subsidiary trusts	7,403			7,398
	Receivable from subsidiaries	1,158			535
	Deferred income taxes	15,734			2,378
	Federal income tax recoverable, including amount from subsidiaries	11,551			11,613
	Other assets, including 2015 notes hedges	131,424			55,010
		419,811			88,154
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	1,889,648			2,235,403
	Total assets	$	2,309,459		$	2,323,557
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	549,958		$	309,869
	Subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts	246,050			245,869
	Other liabilities, including 2015 notes embedded derivative	128,764			47,582
	Total liabilities	924,772			603,320
	Stockholders' equity:
	Common stock	70,535			61,751
	Additional paid-in capital	550,400			496,715
	Unallocated common stock held by ESOP	(631		)	(2,583		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,196			686,807
	Retained earnings	718,187			477,547
	Total stockholders' equity	1,384,687			1,720,237
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,309,459		$	2,323,557
	See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
	Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
	Condensed Statements of Operations
	(Dollars in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Net investment income	$	130		$	565		$	298
	Dividends from subsidiary trusts	361			403			427
	Investment advisory fees	44,469			36,178			29,765
	Surplus note interest from subsidiary	4,080			4,080			4,080
	Realized gain on investments	—			—			18
	Change in fair value of derivatives	144,012			(7,472		)	(21,146		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(32,515		)	—			—
	Total revenues	160,537			33,754			13,442
	Expenses:
	Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	141,974			(2,488		)	(21,002		)
	Interest expense on notes payable	38,870			28,479			31,633
	Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts	12,088			13,458			13,977
	Other operating costs and expenses	8,163			8,228			7,307
	Total expenses	201,095			47,677			31,915
	Loss before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(40,558		)	(13,923		)	(18,473		)
	Income tax benefit	(13,880		)	(5,944		)	(7,407		)
	Loss before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(26,678		)	(7,979		)	(11,066		)
	Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	279,961			65,777			97,314
	Net income	$	253,283		$	57,798		$	86,248
	See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
	Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Operating activities
Net income	$	253,283		$	57,798		$	86,248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in fair value of 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	141,974			(2,488		)	(21,002		)
Provision for depreciation and amortization	2,831			2,382			2,395
Accrual of discount on equity security	(5		)	(5		)	(5		)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(279,961		)	(65,777		)	(97,314		)
Amortization of premium on fixed maturity security	—			—			1,005
Accrual of discount on contingent convertible notes	12,417			12,261			13,024
Change in fair value of derivatives	(144,012		)	7,472			21,002
Realized gain on investments	—			—			(18		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	32,515			—			—
Accrual of discount on debenture issued to subsidiary trust	181			169			158
Share-based compensation	1,407			1,348			866
ESOP compensation	110			45			45
Deferred income tax benefit	(5,202		)	(2,838		)	(4,355		)
Other	(3,608		)	—			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivable from subsidiaries	995			1,205			1,596
Federal income tax recoverable	62			(2,745		)	142
Other assets	(1,945		)	(549		)	1,702
Other liabilities	20,131			(4,528		)	(1,562		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	31,173			3,750			3,927
Investing activities
Capital contributions to subsidiaries	—			—			(2,450		)
Purchase of fixed maturity security	—			—			(53,610		)
Sales, maturities or repayments of fixed maturity securities—available for sale	—			—			52,623
Net cash used in investing activities	—			—			(3,437		)
See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Financing activities
Financing fees incurred and deferred	$	(11,942	)	$	—		$	(1,566	)
Proceeds from notes payable	415,000			—			—
Repayments of notes payable	(234,154		)	—			(46,251		)
Net proceeds from settlement of notes hedge and warrants	22,170			—			—
Repayment of subordinated debentures	—			(1,141		)	—
Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	159			6			28
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	31,764			5,370			4,686
Dividends paid	(12,849		)	(9,374		)	(7,102		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	210,148			(5,139		)	(50,205		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	241,321			(1,389		)	(49,715		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	11,220			12,609			62,324
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	252,541		$	11,220		$	12,609
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest on notes payable	$	13,758		$	14,564		$	16,917
Interest on subordinated debentures	11,850			13,102			13,703
Non-cash financing activity:
Conversion of subordinated debentures	—			20,770			—
Common stock issued in extinguishment of debt	117,463			—			—
See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
Note to Condensed Financial Statements
31-Dec-13
1.     Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (Parent Company).
In the Parent Company financial statements, its investment in and advances to subsidiaries are stated at cost plus equity in undistributed income (losses) of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition and net unrealized gains/losses on the subsidiaries' fixed maturity securities classified as "available for sale" and equity securities.
See Notes 9 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of the Parent Company's notes payable and subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts.

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	'
	Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
	Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E
		Deferred policy		Future policy		Unearned		Other policy
		acquisition		benefits,		premiums		claims and
		costs		losses, claims				benefits
				and loss				payable
				expenses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	As of December 31, 2013:	$	2,426,652	$	35,789,655	$	—	$	418,033
	Life insurance
	As of December 31, 2012:	$	1,709,799	$	31,773,988	$	—	$	455,752
	Life insurance
	As of December 31, 2011:	$	1,683,857	$	28,118,716	$	—	$	400,594
	Life insurance
	Column A	Column F		Column G		Column H		Column I		Column J
		Premium		Net		Benefits,		Amortization		Other
		revenue		investment		claims,		of deferred		operating
				income		losses and		policy		expenses
						settlement		acquisition
						expenses		costs
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:	$	148,938	$	1,383,927	$	1,713,019	$	365,468	$	142,873
	Life insurance
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:	$	165,681	$	1,286,923	$	1,264,016	$	164,919	$	137,432
	Life insurance
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:	$	195,101	$	1,218,780	$	856,975	$	143,478	$	113,169
	Life insurance
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	'
	Schedule IV—Reinsurance
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
	Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E		Column F
		Gross amount		Ceded to		Assumed		Net amount		Percent of
				other		from				amount
				companies		other				assumed
						companies				to net
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Life insurance in force, at end of year	$	2,250,112	$	13,521	$	57,976	$	2,294,567	2.53	%
	Insurance premiums and other considerations:
	Annuity product charges	$	110,142	$	6,551	$	—	$	103,591	—
	Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums	45,057		328		618		45,347		1.36	%
		$	155,199	$	6,879	$	618	$	148,938	0.41	%
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Life insurance in force, at end of year	$	2,350,473	$	4,742	$	61,488	$	2,407,219	2.55	%
	Insurance premiums and other considerations:
	Annuity product charges	$	95,802	$	6,796	$	—	$	89,006	—
	Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums	76,323		364		716		76,675		0.93	%
		$	172,125	$	7,160	$	716	$	165,681	0.43	%
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Life insurance in force, at end of year	$	2,469,428	$	4,692	$	65,197	$	2,529,933	2.58	%
	Insurance premiums and other considerations:
	Annuity product charges	$	84,338	$	8,149	$	—	$	76,189	—
	Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums	118,538		348		722		118,912		0.61	%
		$	202,876	$	8,497	$	722	$	195,101	0.37	%
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule V—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
		Balance			Charged to Costs			Translation		Write-offs/		Balance
		January 1,			and Expenses			Adjustment		Payments/Other		December 31,
		(Dollars in thousands
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Valuation allowance on mortgage loans	$	(34,234	)	$	(5,621	)	$	—	$	13,808	$	(26,047	)
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Valuation allowance on mortgage loans	$	(32,964	)	$	(16,832	)	$	—	$	15,562	$	(34,234	)
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Valuation allowance on mortgage loans	$	(16,224	)	$	(30,770	)	$	—	$	14,030	$	(32,964	)
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation, Policy	'
	Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries: American Equity Life, American Equity Life of New York, Eagle Life, AERL, L.C., American Equity Capital, Inc., American Equity Investment Properties, L.C., American Equity Advisors, Inc. and American Equity Investment Service Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Estimates and Assumptions, Policy	'
	Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the calculation of deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, policy benefit reserves, valuation of derivatives, including embedded derivatives on index annuity reserves, contingent convertible senior notes, valuation of investments, other than temporary impairment of investments, allowances for loan losses on mortgage loans and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. A description of each critical estimate is incorporated within the discussion of the related accounting policies which follow. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized.
Investments, Policy	'
	Investments
	Fixed maturity securities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks maturing more than one year after issuance) that may be sold prior to maturity are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities are included directly in a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of income taxes and certain adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Fair values, as reported herein, of fixed maturity and equity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available, or for those fixed maturity securities not actively traded, yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics are used. See Note 2 for more information on the determination of fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized/accrued using methods which result in a constant yield over the securities' expected lives. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on residential and commercial mortgage backed securities incorporate prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities' expected lives. Interest income is recognized as earned.
	Fixed maturity securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held for investment. Such securities may, at times, be called prior to maturity. Held for investment securities are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts. Changes in the fair value of these securities, except for declines that are other than temporary, are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
	Equity securities, comprised of common and perpetual preferred stocks, are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are included directly in a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of income taxes and certain adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Dividends are recognized when declared.
	The carrying amounts of our impaired investments in fixed maturity and equity securities are adjusted for declines in value that are other than temporary. Other than temporary impairment losses are reported as a component of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations, which presents the amount of noncredit impairment losses for certain fixed maturity securities that is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 3 for further discussion of other than temporary impairment losses.
	Deterioration in credit quality of the companies or assets backing our investment securities, deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, imbalances in liquidity recurring in the marketplace or declines in real estate values may further affect the fair value of these investment securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses will be recognized as other than temporary impairments in the future.
	Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Interest income is recorded when earned; however, interest ceases to accrue for loans on which interest is more than 90 days past due based upon contractual terms and/or when the collection of interest is not considered probable. We evaluate the mortgage loan portfolio for the establishment of a loan loss reserve by specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss, if any, for each impaired loan identified and an analysis of the mortgage loan portfolio for the need of a general loan allowance for probable losses on all loans. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan's contractual interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell. The amount of the general loan allowance, if any, is based upon our evaluation of the probability of collection, historical loss experience, delinquencies, credit concentrations, underwriting standards and national and local economic conditions. The carrying value of impaired loans is reduced by the establishment of an allowance for loan losses, changes to which are recognized as realized gains or losses on investments. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded on a cash basis.
	Other invested assets include company owned life insurance, real estate, limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method and policy loans. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the end of the reporting period, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Policy loans are stated at current unpaid principal balances.
	Real estate owned is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost is determined at the time ownership is acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans and is the lower of the carrying value of the mortgage loan or fair value of the real estate less its estimated cost to sell. Buildings and improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Impairment losses on real estate owned are recognized when there are indicators of impairment present and the expected future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the real estate's carrying value. Any impairment losses are reported as realized losses and are part of net income.
Derivative Instruments, Policy	'
	Derivative Instruments
	Our derivative instruments include call options used to fund fixed index annuity credits, interest rate swap and caps used to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures, call options to hedge the conversion spread on our convertible senior notes (see Note 9) and certain other derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. All of our derivative instruments are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in operations. See Note 5 for more information on derivative instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	We also consider reverse repurchase agreements, which typically have an initial maturity of 6 weeks or less, to be cash equivalents. Amounts advanced under these agreements represent short-term loans that carry a fixed rate of interest. Borrowers under these agreements are required to post collateral that is investment grade debt securities with fair value in excess of the amount advanced.
	Book Overdrafts
	Under our cash management system, checks issued but not yet presented to banks frequently result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes and are classified as Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We report the changes in the amount of the overdraft balance as a financing activity in our consolidated statement of cash flows as Change in checks in excess of cash balance.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements, Policy	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements
	To the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits, certain costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful production of new business are not expensed when incurred but instead are capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs or deferred sales inducements. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements are subject to loss recognition testing on a quarterly basis or when an event occurs that may warrant loss recognition. Deferred policy acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions and certain costs of policy issuance. Deferred sales inducements consist of premium and interest bonuses credited to policyholder account balances.
	For annuity products, these capitalized costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross profits from investment spreads, including the cost of hedging the fixed indexed annuity obligations, and, to a lesser extent, from product charges and mortality and expense margins. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of net realized gains on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations) to be realized from a group of products are revised. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements are also adjusted for the change in amortization that would have occurred if available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities had been sold at their aggregate fair value at the end of the reporting period and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. The impact of this adjustment is included in accumulated other comprehensive income within consolidated stockholders' equity, net of applicable taxes. See Note 6 for more information on deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.
Policy Benefit Reserves, Policy	'
	Policy Benefit Reserves
	Policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component of the contracts. The host value is established at inception of the contract and accreted over the policy's life at a constant rate of interest. Future policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities earning a fixed rate of interest and other deferred annuity products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, interest crediting rates for these products ranged from 1.50% to 5.00%. These rates include interest bonuses capitalized as deferred sales inducements.
	Policy benefit reserves are not reduced for amounts ceded under coinsurance agreements which are reported as coinsurance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7 for more information on reinsurance.
	The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance is based on net level premium reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality, and other assumptions underlying the guaranteed policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 3.00% to 5.50%. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred.
Deferred Income Taxes, Policy	'
	Deferred Income Taxes
	Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. Deferred income tax assets are subject to ongoing evaluation of whether such assets will more likely than not be realized. The realization of deferred income tax assets primarily depends on generating future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such a determination, all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations, is considered. The realization of deferred income tax assets related to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities is also based upon our intent and ability to hold those securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value and not realize the unrealized loss.
Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs, Policy	'
	Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs
	Revenues for annuity products include surrender and living income benefit rider charges assessed against policyholder account balances during the period. Interest sensitive and index product benefits related to annuity products include interest credited or index credits to policyholder account balances. In addition, the change in fair value of embedded derivatives within fixed index annuity contracts is included in benefits and expenses.
	Considerations from immediate annuities with life contingencies are recognized as revenue when the policy is issued.
	Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. Certain group policies include provisions for annual experience refunds of premiums equal to net premiums received less a 16% administrative fee and less claims incurred. Such amounts (2013 - $1.1 million; 2012 - $1.1 million; and 2011 - $1.8 million) are reported as a reduction of traditional life insurance premiums in the consolidated statements of operations. Future policy benefits are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits.
	All insurance-related revenues, including the change in the fair value of derivatives for call options related to the business ceded under coinsurance agreements (see Note 7), benefits, losses and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded.
Other Comprehensive Income, Policy	'
	Other Comprehensive Income
	Other comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders' equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders. Other comprehensive income excludes net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income which merely represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These amounts totaled $34.3 million, $(21.4) million and $(52.6) million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Such amounts, which have been measured through the date of sale, are net of adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and income taxes totaling $24.1 million in 2013, $(12.8) million in 2012 and $(34.3) million in 2011.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	'
	Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In October 2010, as a result of a consensus of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF), the FASB issued an accounting standards update (ASU) that modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts. This guidance defines the costs that qualify for deferral as incremental direct costs that result directly from and are essential to successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transactions not occurred. In addition, it lists certain costs as deferrable as those that are directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection, and sales force contract selling as deferrable, as well as the portion of an employee's total compensation related directly to time spent performing those activities for actual acquired contracts and other costs related directly to those activities that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been acquired. This amendment to current GAAP became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2011, other operating costs and expenses that were deferred that would not qualify for deferral under this guidance totaled $9.8 million, which if expensed as incurred would have decreased net income $6.2 million and earnings per common share and earnings per common - assuming dilution by $0.10.
	In May 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that addresses fair value measurement and disclosure as part of its convergence efforts with the International Accounting Standards Board. The guidance is intended to create common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This ASU changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Some changes clarify the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The disclosure requirements add information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, information about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those unobservable inputs and the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for which the fair value of such items is required to be disclosed. This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. See Note 2 for disclosures regarding fair value measurements.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that expands the disclosure requirements related to other comprehensive income (loss). A reporting entity is now required to present the total of comprehensive income (loss), the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income (loss) either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (loss) or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both choices, the reporting entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income (loss) along with a total for other comprehensive income (loss) and a total amount for comprehensive income (loss). This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2012.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an ASU that expands the disclosure requirements related to other comprehensive income (loss). A reporting entity is now required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component. In addition, a reporting entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2013.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	'
	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.
	We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
	Level 1—	Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
	Level 2—	Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.
	Level 3—	Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.
Investments, Other Than Temporary Impairment, Policy	'
	The determination of the credit loss component of a corporate bond (including redeemable preferred stocks) is based on the underlying financial performance of the issuer and their ability to meet their contractual obligations. Considerations in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, credit rating changes, financial statement and ratio analysis, changes in management, significant changes in credit spreads, breaches of financial covenants and a review of the economic outlook for the industry and markets in which they trade. In circumstances where an issuer appears unlikely to meet its future obligation, or the security's price decline is deemed other than temporary, an estimate of credit loss is determined. Credit loss is calculated using default probabilities as derived from the credit default swaps markets in conjunction with recovery rates derived from independent third party analysis or a best estimate of credit loss. This credit loss rate is then incorporated into a present value calculation based on an expected principal loss in the future discounted at the yield at the date of purchase and compared to amortized cost to determine the amount of credit loss associated with the security.
	In addition, for debt securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell, but our intent changes due to changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated, an other than temporary impairment charge is recognized. Once an impairment charge has been recorded, we then continue to review the other than temporarily impaired securities for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Unrealized losses may be recognized in future periods through a charge to earnings, should we later conclude that the decline in fair value below amortized cost is other than temporary pursuant to our accounting policy described above. The use of different methodologies and assumptions to determine the fair value of investments and the timing and amount of impairments may have a material effect on the amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements.
	We review and analyze all investments on an ongoing basis for changes in market interest rates and credit deterioration. This review process includes analyzing our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of each investment that has a fair value that is materially lower than its amortized cost and requires a high degree of management judgment and involves uncertainty. The evaluation of securities for other than temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties.
	We have a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other than temporary. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as:
	•	the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;
	•	whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;
	•	the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;
	•	the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;
	•	the fair value of any underlying collateral;
	•	the existence of any credit protection available;
	•	our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;
	•	our assessment in the case of equity securities including perpetual preferred stocks with credit deterioration that the security cannot recover to cost in a reasonable period of time;
	•	our intent and ability to retain equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery;
	•	consideration of rating agency actions; and
	•	changes in estimated cash flows of mortgage and asset backed securities.
	We determine whether other than temporary impairment losses should be recognized for debt and equity securities by assessing all facts and circumstances surrounding each security. Where the decline in market value of debt securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates or to factors such as market volatility, liquidity and spread widening, and we anticipate recovery of all contractual or expected cash flows, we do not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell these investments before a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity. For equity securities, we recognize an impairment charge in the period in which we do not have the intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery of cost or we determine that the security will not recover to book value within a reasonable period of time. We determine what constitutes a reasonable period of time on a security-by-security basis by considering all the evidence available to us, including the magnitude of any unrealized loss and its duration. In any event, this period does not exceed 18 months from the date of impairment for perpetual preferred securities for which there is evidence of deterioration in credit of the issuer and common equity securities. For perpetual preferred securities absent evidence of a deterioration in credit of the issuer we apply an impairment model, including an anticipated recovery period, similar to a debt security.
	Other than temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in operations. If we intend to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, other than temporary impairment has occurred and the difference between amortized cost and fair value will be recognized as a loss in operations.
	If we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security but also do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an impairment loss would be recognized in operations in the amount of the expected credit loss. We determine the amount of expected credit loss by calculating the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected discounted at each security's acquisition yield based on our consideration of whether the security was of high credit quality at the time of acquisition. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security is the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The remaining amount of the other than temporary impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income.
	The determination of the credit loss component of a mortgage backed security is based on a number of factors. The primary consideration in this evaluation process is the issuer's ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments as contractually stated at time of purchase. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of the cash flow modeling under various default scenarios considering independent third party benchmarks, the seniority of the specific tranche within the structure of the security, the composition of the collateral and the actual default, loss severity and prepayment experience exhibited. With the input of third party assumptions for default projections, loss severity and prepayment expectations, we evaluate the cash flow projections to determine whether the security is performing in accordance with its contractual obligation.
	We utilize the models from a leading structured product software specialist serving institutional investors. These models incorporate each security's seniority and cash flow structure. In circumstances where the analysis implies a potential for principal loss at some point in the future, we use the "best estimate" cash flow projection discounted at the security's effective yield at acquisition to determine the amount of our potential credit loss associated with this security. The discounted expected future cash flows equates to our expected recovery value. Any shortfall of the expected recovery when compared to the amortized cost of the security will be recorded as the credit loss component of the other than temporary impairment.
	The cash flow modeling is performed on a security-by-security basis and incorporates actual cash flows on the residential mortgage backed securities through the current period, as well as the projection of remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions including default rates, prepayment rates and loss severity rates. The default curves we use are tailored to the Prime or Alt-A residential mortgage backed securities that we own, which assume lower default rates and loss severity for Prime securities versus Alt-A securities. These default curves are scaled higher or lower depending on factors such as current underlying mortgage loan performance, rating agency loss projections, loan to value ratios, geographic diversity, as well as other appropriate considerations.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Allowance for Loan Losses, Policy	'
	We evaluate our mortgage loan portfolio for the establishment of a loan loss reserve by specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss for each individual loan identified. A mortgage loan is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. In addition, we analyze the mortgage loan portfolio for the need of a general loan allowance for probable losses on all other loans. The amount of the general loan allowance is based upon management's evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, delinquencies, credit concentrations, underwriting standards and national and local economic conditions.
	Our financing receivables currently consist of one portfolio segment which is our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. These are mortgage loans with collateral consisting of commercial real estate and borrowers consisting mostly of limited liability partnerships or limited liability corporations.
	We have a population of mortgage loans that we have been carrying with workout terms (e.g. interest only periods, period of suspended payments, etc.) and a population of mortgage loans that have been in a delinquent status (i.e. more than 60 days past due). It is from this population that we have been recognizing some impairment loss due to nonpayment and, in some cases, eventual satisfaction of the loan by taking ownership of the collateral real estate. In most cases the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell such collateral has been less than the outstanding principal amount of the mortgage loan.
	Our general loan loss allowance for periods through September 30, 2011 was calculated on the cumulative outstanding principal on loans making up the group of loans currently in workout terms and loans currently more than 60 days past due. We applied a factor to the total outstanding principal of these loans that was calculated as the average specific impairment loss for the most recent four quarters divided by the sum of the average of the total outstanding principal of delinquent loans for the most recent four quarters and the average of the total outstanding principal of loans in workout for the most recent four quarters. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we modified the calculation for determining our general loan loss allowance. The group of loans that we utilized to calculate an estimate of general loan loss allowance were those that had a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of less than 1.0. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the net operating income of the mortgaged property by the contractual principal and interest payment due for the corresponding period. We developed the loss rates to apply to this group of loans by dividing the specific impairment loss for the most recent four quarters by the principal outstanding of the loans with a DSCR of less than 1.0.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we utilized a process of rating the mortgage loans in our portfolio based on factors such as historical operating performance, loan to value ratio and economic outlook, among others. We calculated a loss factor to apply to each rating based on historical losses we have recognized in our mortgage loan portfolio. We applied the loss factors to the total principal outstanding within each rating category to determine an appropriate estimate of general loan loss allowance at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The change in methodology utilized to determine the general loan loss allowance did not result in a material adjustment.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure, Policy	'
	Charge-offs include allowances that have been established on loans that were satisfied by taking ownership of the collateral. When the property is taken it is recorded at its fair value as a component of other investments and the mortgage loan is recorded as fully paid, with any allowance for credit loss that has been established charged off. Fair value of the real estate is determined by third party appraisal. There could be other situations that develop where we have established a larger specific loan loss allowance than is needed based on increases in the fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent loans or improvements in the financial position of a borrower so that a loan would become reliant on cash flows from debt service instead of dependent upon sale of the collateral. Charge-offs of the allowance would be recognized in those situations as well. We define collateral dependent loans as those mortgage loans for which we still depend on the value of the collateral real estate to satisfy the outstanding principal of the loan.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Non-Accrual Loan Status, Policy	'
	The loans that are categorized as "in workout" consist of loans that we have agreed to lower or no mortgage payments for a period of time while the borrowers address cash flow and/or operational issues. The key features of these workouts have been determined on a loan-by-loan basis. Most of these loans are in a period of low cash flow due to tenants vacating their space or tenants requesting rent relief during difficult economic periods. Generally, we have allowed the borrower a six month interest only period and in some cases a twelve month period of interest only. Interest only workout loans are expected to return to their regular debt service payments after the interest only period. Interest only loans that are not fully amortizing will have a larger balance at their balloon date than originally contracted. Fully amortizing loans that are in interest only periods will have larger debt service payments for their remaining term due to lost principal payments during the interest only period. In limited circumstances we have allowed borrowers to pay the principal portion of their loan payment into an escrow account that can be used for capital and tenant improvements for a period of not more than twelve months. In these situations new loan amortization schedules are calculated based on the principal not collected during this twelve month workout period and larger payments are collected for the remaining term of each loan. In all cases, original interest rate and maturity date have not been modified, and we have not forgiven any principal amounts.
	Mortgage loans are considered delinquent when they become 60 days past due. When loans become 90 days past due, become collateral dependent or enter a period with no debt service payments required we place them on non-accrual status and discontinue recognizing interest income. If payments are received on a delinquent loan, interest income is recognized to the extent it would have been recognized if normal principal and interest would have been received timely. If the payments are received to bring a delinquent loan back to current we will resume accruing interest income on that loan.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Policy	'
	A Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constitute a concession on our part. We analyze all loans where we have agreed to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:
	•	borrower is in default,
	•	borrower has declared bankruptcy,
	•	there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,
	•	borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,
	•	borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and
	•	there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.
	If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:
	•	assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,
	•	interest rate is modified,
	•	maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,
	•	capitalization of interest,
	•	delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and
	•	partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.
	Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDR are individually evaluated and measured for impairment.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy	'
	In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Premiums and Annuity Deposits, Net of Coinsurance, By Product Type	'
	Premiums and annuity deposits (net of coinsurance) collected in 2013, 2012 and 2011, by product type were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Product Type	2013		2012		2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed index annuities:
	Index strategies	$	2,847,370	$	2,223,652	$	2,835,422
	Fixed strategy	1,017,620		1,206,784		1,375,321
		3,864,990		3,430,436		4,210,743
	Fixed rate annuities	112,740		148,105		247,237
	Single premium immediate annuities (SPIA)	52,142		164,657		305,603
	Life insurance	10,556		12,877		12,151
		$	4,040,428	$	3,756,075	$	4,775,734

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr1

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The following sets forth a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments:
		December 31,
		2013						2012
		Carrying			Fair Value			Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount						Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale	$	26,610,447		$	26,610,447		$	24,172,136	$	24,172,136
	Held for investment	76,255			60,840			76,088		61,521
	Equity securities, available for sale	7,778			7,778			53,422		53,422
	Mortgage loans on real estate	2,581,082			2,615,410			2,623,940		2,848,235
	Derivative instruments	856,050			856,050			415,258		415,258
	Other investments	192,198			193,343			163,193		163,517
	Cash and cash equivalents	897,529			897,529			1,268,545		1,268,545
	Coinsurance deposits	2,999,618			2,669,432			2,910,701		2,563,356
	Interest rate caps	6,103			6,103			3,247		3,247
	Interest rate swap	712			712			—		—
	2015 notes hedges	107,041			107,041			43,105		43,105
	Counterparty collateral	315,824			315,824			63,012		63,012
	Liabilities
	Policy benefit reserves	35,453,166			29,670,827			31,452,496		26,264,831
	Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	417,625			430,835			455,167		469,768
	Notes payable	549,958			699,435			309,869		379,070
	Subordinated debentures	246,050			234,959			245,869		218,283
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041			107,041			43,105		43,105
	Interest rate swap	—			—			4,261		4,261
Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy	'
	Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:
		Total			Quoted			Significant		Significant
		Fair Value			Prices			Other		Unobservable
					in Active			Observable		Inputs
					Markets			Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	42,925		$	4,805		$	38,120	$	—
	United States Government sponsored agencies	1,194,289			—			1,194,289		—
	United States municipalities, states and territories	3,306,743			—			3,306,743		—
	Foreign government obligations	91,557			—			91,557		—
	Corporate securities	17,233,037			20			17,233,017		—
	Residential mortgage backed securities	1,971,960			—			1,970,584		1,376
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,735,460			—			1,735,460		—
	Other asset backed securities	1,034,476			359			1,034,117		—
	Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	7,778			—			7,778		—
	Derivative instruments	856,050			—			856,050		—
	Cash and cash equivalents	897,529			897,529			—		—
	Interest rate caps	6,103			—			6,103		—
	Interest rate swap	712			—			712		—
	2015 notes hedges	107,041			—			107,041		—
	Counterparty collateral	315,824			—			315,824		—
		$	28,801,484		$	902,713		$	27,897,395	$	1,376
	Liabilities
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	$	107,041		$	—		$	107,041	$	—
	Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	4,406,163			—			—		4,406,163
		$	4,513,204		$	—		$	107,041	$	4,406,163
	December 31, 2012
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	5,154		$	5,154		$	—	$	—
	United States Government sponsored agencies	1,772,025			—			1,772,025		—
	United States municipalities, states and territories	3,578,323			—			3,578,323		—
	Foreign government obligations	105,259			—			105,259		—
	Corporate securities	14,466,772			33,131			14,433,641		—
	Residential mortgage backed securities	2,888,113			—			2,886,301		1,812
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	357,982			—			357,982		—
	Other asset backed securities	998,508			378			998,130		—
	Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	53,422			36,928			16,494		—
	Derivative instruments	415,258			—			415,258		—
	Cash and cash equivalents	1,268,545			1,268,545			—		—
	Interest rate caps	3,247			—			3,247		—
	2015 notes hedges	43,105			—			43,105		—
		$	25,955,713		$	1,344,136		$	24,609,765	$	1,812
	Liabilities
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	$	43,105		$	—		$	43,105	$	—
	Interest rate swap	4,261			—			4,261		—
	Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	3,337,556			—			—		3,337,556
		$	3,384,922		$	—		$	47,366	$	3,337,556
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis, Level 3 Reconciliation	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Available for sale securities
	Beginning balance	$	1,812		$	2,098
	Principal returned	(864		)	(300		)
	Accretion of discount	152			67
	Total gains (losses) (unrealized/realized):
	Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	276			250
	Included in operations	—			(303		)
	Ending balance	$	1,376		$	1,812
Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis, Level 3 Reconciliation	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives
	Beginning balance	$	3,337,556		$	2,530,496
	Premiums less benefits	1,485,109			765,942
	Change in unrealized losses (gains), net	(416,502		)	41,118
	Ending balance	$	4,406,163		$	3,337,556

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securites	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities were as follows:
		Amortized				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
		Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	44,852			$	367			$	(2,294	)		$	42,925
	United States Government sponsored agencies	1,313,776				1,875				(121,362		)		1,194,289
	United States municipalities, states and territories	3,181,032				164,785				(39,074		)		3,306,743
	Foreign government obligations	86,112				8,907				(3,462		)		91,557
	Corporate securities	17,142,118				606,948				(516,029		)		17,233,037
	Residential mortgage backed securities	1,895,913				119,230				(43,183		)		1,971,960
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,821,988				3,287				(89,815		)		1,735,460
	Other asset backed securities	1,041,939				23,300				(30,763		)		1,034,476
		$	26,527,730			$	928,699			$	(845,982	)		$	26,610,447
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security	$	76,255			$	—			$	(15,415	)		$	60,840
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Finance, insurance and real estate	$	7,503			$	275			$	—			$	7,778
	December 31, 2012
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,590			$	564			$	—			$	5,154
	United States Government sponsored agencies	1,763,789				11,704				(3,468		)		1,772,025
	United States municipalities, states and territories	3,116,678				461,770				(125		)		3,578,323
	Foreign government obligations	86,099				19,160				—				105,259
	Corporate securities	12,930,173				1,568,223				(31,624		)		14,466,772
	Residential mortgage backed securities	2,743,537				172,304				(27,728		)		2,888,113
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	354,870				5,095				(1,983		)		357,982
	Other asset backed securities	957,291				44,190				(2,973		)		998,508
		$	21,957,027			$	2,283,010			$	(67,901	)		$	24,172,136
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security	$	76,088			$	—			$	(14,567	)		$	61,521
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Finance, insurance and real estate	$	44,598			$	10,227			$	(1,403	)		$	53,422
Schedule of Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity Date	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as separate lines.
		Available for sale								Held for investment
		Amortized				Fair Value				Amortized				Fair Value
		Cost								Cost
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	75,295			$	76,482			$	—			$	—
	Due after one year through five years	851,732				953,159				—				—
	Due after five years through ten years	7,828,092				7,720,501				—				—
	Due after ten years through twenty years	6,494,544				6,472,508				—				—
	Due after twenty years	6,518,227				6,645,901				76,255				60,840
		21,767,890				21,868,551				76,255				60,840
	Residential mortgage backed securities	1,895,913				1,971,960				—				—
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,821,988				1,735,460				—				—
	Other asset backed securities	1,041,939				1,034,476				—				—
		$	26,527,730			$	26,610,447			$	76,255			$	60,840
Schedule of Components of Net Unrealized Gains on Availabe For Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Reported as Separate Component of Stockholders' Equity	'
	Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity were comprised of the following:
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$	82,992			$	2,223,933
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(46,588		)		(1,201,974		)
	Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534				22,534
	Deferred income tax benefit	(12,742		)		(357,686		)
	Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$	46,196			$	686,807
Schedule of Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation	'
	The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:
			December 31,
			2013								2012
	NAIC		Amortized				Fair				Amortized				Fair
	Designation		Cost				Value				Cost				Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
	1		$	16,394,654			$	16,531,250			$	13,737,381			$	15,250,560
	2		9,630,251				9,598,399				7,838,186				8,533,121
	3		502,822				474,165				398,294				387,222
	4		74,493				66,078				53,879				56,151
	5		—				—				—				—
	6		1,765				1,395				5,375				6,603
			$	26,603,985			$	26,671,287			$	22,033,115			$	24,233,657
Schedule of Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments, By Category and Length of Time	'
	The following table shows our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 1,047 and 198 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
		Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized
						Losses								Losses								Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit	$	32,969			$	(2,294	)		$	—			$	—			$	32,969			$	(2,294	)
	United States Government sponsored agencies	692,320				(88,671		)		467,309				(32,691		)		1,159,629				(121,362		)
	United States municipalities, states and territories	614,056				(39,074		)		—				—				614,056				(39,074		)
	Foreign government obligations	26,298				(3,462		)		—				—				26,298				(3,462		)
	Corporate securities:
	Finance, insurance and real estate	1,690,846				(92,426		)		153,037				(12,873		)		1,843,883				(105,299		)
	Manufacturing, construction and mining	3,370,775				(191,245		)		93,608				(16,088		)		3,464,383				(207,333		)
	Utilities and related sectors	1,829,868				(102,758		)		83,550				(11,547		)		1,913,418				(114,305		)
	Wholesale/retail trade	428,407				(25,189		)		17,687				(1,992		)		446,094				(27,181		)
	Services, media and other	834,699				(51,508		)		107,242				(10,403		)		941,941				(61,911		)
	Residential mortgage backed securities	309,599				(41,080		)		31,739				(2,103		)		341,338				(43,183		)
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,450,143				(83,814		)		51,099				(6,001		)		1,501,242				(89,815		)
	Other asset backed securities	356,018				(20,426		)		92,372				(10,337		)		448,390				(30,763		)
		$	11,635,998			$	(741,947	)		$	1,097,643			$	(104,035	)		$	12,733,641			$	(845,982	)
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security:
	Insurance	$	—			$	—			$	60,840			$	(15,415	)		$	60,840			$	(15,415	)
	December 31, 2012
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government sponsored agencies	973,728				(3,468		)		—				—				973,728				(3,468		)
	United States municipalities, states and territories	$	24,393			$	(125	)		$	—			$	—			$	24,393			$	(125	)
	Corporate securities:
	Finance, insurance and real estate	177,962				(4,126		)		85,709				(8,438		)		263,671				(12,564		)
	Manufacturing, construction and mining	426,120				(4,303		)		21,975				(1,281		)		448,095				(5,584		)
	Utilities and related sectors	221,044				(5,187		)		39,224				(4,212		)		260,268				(9,399		)
	Wholesale/retail trade	101,790				(784		)		10,250				(208		)		112,040				(992		)
	Services, media and other	264,421				(3,085		)		—				—				264,421				(3,085		)
	Residential mortgage backed securities	220,622				(8,679		)		260,226				(19,049		)		480,848				(27,728		)
	Commercial mortgage backed securities	161,582				(1,983		)		—				—				161,582				(1,983		)
	Other asset backed securities	145,238				(2,242		)		26,131				(731		)		171,369				(2,973		)
		$	2,716,900			$	(33,982	)		$	443,515			$	(33,919	)		$	3,160,415			$	(67,901	)
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security:
	Insurance	$	—			$	—			$	61,521			$	(14,567	)		$	61,521			$	(14,567	)
	Equity security, available for sale:
	Services	$	—			$	—			$	8,722			$	(1,403	)		$	8,722			$	(1,403	)
Schedule of Changes in Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments	'
	Changes in net unrealized gains/losses on investments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$	(848	)		$	(14,783	)		$	40,668
	Investments carried at fair value:
	Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	(2,132,392	)		$	731,279			$	1,275,061
	Equity securities, available for sale	(8,549		)		4,417				(369		)
		(2,140,941		)		735,696				1,274,692
	Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	1,155,386				(382,498		)		(697,140		)
	Deferred income tax asset/liability	344,944				(123,620		)		(202,143		)
		1,500,330				(506,118		)		(899,283		)
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on investments carried at fair value	$	(640,611	)		$	229,578			$	375,409
Components of Net Investment Income	'
	Components of net investment income are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	1,229,486			$	1,112,296			$	1,048,376
	Equity securities	1,586				3,090				3,315
	Mortgage loans on real estate	159,769				176,354				172,731
	Cash and cash equivalents	775				2,243				554
	Other	5,711				6,348				4,020
		1,397,327				1,300,331				1,228,996
	Less investment expenses	(13,400		)		(13,408		)		(10,216		)
	Net investment income	$	1,383,927			$	1,286,923			$	1,218,780
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments	'
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding net OTTI losses are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
	Gross realized gains	$	39,079			$	10,906			$	12,614
	Gross realized losses	(6,170		)		(562		)		(1,423		)
		32,909				10,344				11,191
	Equity securities:
	Gross realized gains	9,571				562				966
	Other investments:
	Gain on sale of real estate	2,144				5,149				377
	Loss on sale of real estate	(1,317		)		—				—
	Impairment losses on real estate	(1,195		)		(5,677		)		(405		)
		(368		)		(528		)		(28		)
	Mortgage loans on real estate:
	Increase in allowance for credit losses	(5,621		)		(16,832		)		(30,770		)
	Recovery of specific allowance	4,070				—				—
		(1,551		)		(16,832		)		(30,770		)
		$	40,561			$	(6,454	)		$	(18,641	)
Non-Income Producing Investments	'
	The following table summarizes the carrying value of our fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and real estate owned that have been non-income producing for 12 consecutive months:
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	20			4,691
	Mortgage loans on real estate	3,511				2,783
	Real estate owned	—				1,270
		$	3,531			$	8,744
Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Credit Loss Component of Other Than Temporary Impairment on Residential Mortgage Backed Securities	'
	The following table presents the range of significant assumptions used to determine the credit loss component of other than temporary impairments we have recognized on residential mortgage backed securities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, which are all senior level tranches within the structure of the securities:
					Discount Rate						Default Rate						Loss Severity
	Sector		Vintage		Min			Max			Min			Max			Min			Max
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Prime		2003		5.1	%		5.1	%		2	%		2	%		30	%		30	%
			2005		6.5	%		7.7	%		8	%		18	%		50	%		65	%
			2006		5.8	%		6.9	%		9	%		16	%		45	%		50	%
			2007		6.2	%		6.7	%		11	%		25	%		40	%		60	%
			2008		6.6	%		6.6	%		16	%		16	%		45	%		45	%
			2009		6.8	%		6.8	%		17	%		17	%		60	%		60	%
	Alt-A		2005		5.6	%		8.7	%		13	%		81	%		2	%		65	%
			2007		6.2	%		6.9	%		38	%		52	%		60	%		65	%
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Prime		2005		6.5	%		7.7	%		8	%		19	%		40	%		50	%
			2006		5.8	%		7.6	%		9	%		19	%		40	%		55	%
			2007		6.1	%		7.3	%		11	%		38	%		40	%		60	%
	Alt-A		2004		5.8	%		5.8	%		11	%		11	%		60	%		60	%
			2005		5.6	%		8.7	%		12	%		38	%		5	%		55	%
			2006		6	%		6	%		32	%		46	%		55	%		60	%
			2007		6.2	%		7	%		31	%		55	%		55	%		65	%
Other Than Temporary Impairment by Asset Type	'
	The following table summarizes other than temporary impairments by asset type:
		Number			Total				Portion of				Net OTTI
		of Securities			OTTI Losses				OTTI Losses				Losses
									Recognized from				Recognized
									Other				in Operations
									Comprehensive
									Income
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
	United States Government sponsored agencies	2			$	(2,775	)		$	—			$	(2,775	)
	Corporate securities:
	Industrial	1			(1,761		)		—				(1,761		)
	Residential mortgage backed securities	6			—				(1,270		)		(1,270		)
	Equity security, available for sale:
	Industrial	1			(428		)		—				(428		)
		10			$	(4,964	)		$	(1,270	)		$	(6,234	)
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
	Corporate securities:
	Finance	1			$	(1,765	)		$	—			$	(1,765	)
	Retail	1			(622		)		—				(622		)
	Residential mortgage backed securities	39			(3,024		)		(9,521		)		(12,545		)
		41			$	(5,411	)		$	(9,521	)		$	(14,932	)
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
	Residential mortgage backed securities	66			$	(19,420	)		$	(13,796	)		$	(33,216	)
	Equity security, available for sale:
	Finance	1			(760		)		—				(760		)
		67			$	(20,180	)		$	(13,796	)		$	(33,976	)
Other Than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings	'
	The cumulative portion of other than temporary impairments determined to be credit losses which have been recognized in operations for debt securities are summarized as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cumulative credit loss at beginning of year	$	(134,027	)		$	(119,095	)
	Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(4,536		)		(12,365		)
	Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(1,270		)		(2,567		)
	Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	13,873				—
	Cumulative credit loss at end of year	$	(125,960	)		$	(134,027	)
Schedule of Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	'
	The following table summarizes the cumulative noncredit portion of OTTI and the change in fair value since recognition of OTTI, both of which were recognized in other comprehensive income, by major type of security, for securities that are part of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Amortized Cost				OTTI Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income				Change in Fair Value Since OTTI was Recognized				Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	31-Dec-13
	Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
	Corporate securities	$	—			$	—			$	20			$	20
	Residential mortgage backed securities	679,265				(176,334		)		216,061				718,992
		$	679,265			$	(176,334	)		$	216,081			$	719,012
	31-Dec-12
	Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
	Corporate securities	$	10,599			$	(2,151	)		$	5,676			$	14,124
	Residential mortgage backed securities	855,915				(177,604		)		171,514				849,825
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Finance, insurance and real estate	9,976				—				9,668				19,644
		$	876,490			$	(179,755	)		$	186,858			$	883,593

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Summary of Mortgage Loan Portfolio	'
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Principal outstanding	$	2,607,698			$	2,658,883
	Loan loss allowance	(26,047		)		(34,234		)
	Deferred prepayment fees	(569		)		(709		)
	Carrying value	$	2,581,082			$	2,623,940
Mortgage Loan Portfolio Summarized by Geographic Region and Property Type	'
	The portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. The mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:
		December 31,
		2013							2012
		Principal				Percent			Principal				Percent
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Geographic distribution
	East	$	765,717			29.4	%		$	732,762			27.5	%
	Middle Atlantic	156,489				6	%		155,094				5.8	%
	Mountain	356,246				13.7	%		387,599				14.6	%
	New England	21,324				0.8	%		26,385				1	%
	Pacific	317,431				12.2	%		320,982				12.1	%
	South Atlantic	483,852				18.5	%		458,802				17.3	%
	West North Central	351,794				13.5	%		370,168				13.9	%
	West South Central	154,845				5.9	%		207,091				7.8	%
		$	2,607,698			100	%		$	2,658,883			100	%
	Property type distribution
	Office	$	590,414			22.6	%		$	666,467			25.1	%
	Medical Office	125,703				4.8	%		136,764				5.1	%
	Retail	711,364				27.3	%		677,951				25.5	%
	Industrial/Warehouse	673,449				25.8	%		692,637				26.1	%
	Hotel	61,574				2.4	%		94,045				3.5	%
	Apartment	291,823				11.2	%		219,335				8.2	%
	Mixed use/other	153,371				5.9	%		171,684				6.5	%
		$	2,607,698			100	%		$	2,658,883			100	%
Rollforward of Allowance For Credit Losses	'
	The following table presents a rollforward of our specific and general valuation allowances for mortgage loans on real estate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013								2012							2011
		Specific				General				Specific				General			Specific			General
		Allowance				Allowance				Allowance				Allowance			Allowance			Allowance
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning allowance balance	$	(23,134	)		$	(11,100	)		$	(23,664	)		$	(9,300	)	$	(13,224	)	$	(3,000	)
	Charge-offs	9,738				—				15,562				—			14,030			—
	Recoveries	4,070				—				—				—			—			—
	Change in provision for credit losses	(7,521		)		1,900				(15,032		)		(1,800		)	(24,470		)	(6,300		)
	Ending allowance balance	$	(16,847	)		$	(9,200	)		$	(23,134	)		$	(11,100	)	$	(23,664	)	$	(9,300	)
Impaired Mortgage Loans on Real Estate by Basis of Impairment	'
	The following table presents the total outstanding principal of loans evaluated for impairment by basis of impairment method:
		December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	47,018			$	53,110			67,698
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,560,680				2,605,773				2,788,313
	Total loans evaluated for impairment	$	2,607,698			$	2,658,883			2,856,011
Real Estate Acquired Via Foreclosure or Deed In Lieu	'
	The following table summarizes the activity in the real estate owned which was obtained in satisfaction of mortgage loans on real estate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Real estate owned at beginning of period	$	33,172			$	36,821			$	19,122
	Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	8,217				26,324				20,978
	Additions	626				398				387
	Sales	(17,358		)		(23,825		)		(3,027		)
	Impairments	(1,195		)		(5,677		)		—
	Depreciation	(618		)		(869		)		(639		)
	Real estate owned at end of period	$	22,844			$	33,172			$	36,821
Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator	'
	We analyze credit risk of our mortgage loans by analyzing all available evidence on loans that are delinquent and loans that are in a workout period.
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Credit Exposure--By Payment Activity
	Performing	$	2,593,276			2,597,440
	In workout	6,248				26,723
	Delinquent	—				—
	Collateral dependent	8,174				34,720
		$	2,607,698			$	2,658,883
Aging of Financing Receivables	'
	Aging of financing receivables is summarized in the following table, with loans in a "workout" period as of the reporting date considered current if payments are current in accordance with agreed upon terms:
		30 - 59 Days				60 - 89 Days				90 Days				Total			Current			Collateral			Total
										and Over				Past Due						Dependent			Financing
																				Receivables			Receivables
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Commercial Mortgage Loans
	31-Dec-13	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	2,599,524		$	8,174		$	2,607,698
	31-Dec-12	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	2,624,163		$	34,720		$	2,658,883
Impaired Financing Receivables	'
	Financing receivables summarized in the following table represent all loans that we are either not currently collecting or those we feel it is probable we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements (all loans that we have worked with the borrower to alleviate short-term cash flow issues, loans delinquent for more than 60 days at the reporting date, loans we have determined to be collateral dependent and loans that we have recorded specific impairments on that we feel may continue to have performance issues).
		Recorded				Unpaid				Related				Average			Interest
		Investment				Principal				Allowance				Recorded			Income
						Balance								Investment			Recognized
		(Dollars in thousands)
	31-Dec-13
	Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	30,171			$	47,018			$	(16,847	)		$	33,772		$	2,094
	Mortgage loans with no related allowance	3,264				3,264				—				3,264			138
		$	33,435			$	50,282			$	(16,847	)		$	37,036		$	2,232
	31-Dec-12
	Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	29,976			$	53,110			$	(23,134	)		$	37,480		$	1,946
	Mortgage loans with no related allowance	27,765				27,765				—				27,696			1,664
		$	57,741			$	80,875			$	(23,134	)		$	65,176		$	3,610
	31-Dec-11
	Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	44,034			$	67,698			$	(23,664	)		$	53,617		$	3,284
	Mortgage loans with no related allowance	63,023				63,023				—				60,974			3,509
		$	107,057			$	130,721			$	(23,664	)		$	114,591		$	6,793
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables	'
	A summary of mortgage loans on commercial real estate with outstanding principal at December 31, 2013 and 2012 that we determined to be TDRs are as follows:
	Geographic Region		Number of		Principal				Specific Loan				Net
			TDRs		Balance				Loss Allowance				Carrying
					Outstanding								Amount
					(Dollars in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	East		1		$	3,712			$	(949	)		$	2,763
	Mountain		7		22,140				(329		)		21,811
	South Atlantic		7		13,930				(4,177		)		9,753
	East North Central		1		2,219				(467		)		1,752
	West North Central		1		1,938				(475		)		1,463
	West South Central		1		1,714				(256		)		1,458
			18		$	45,653			$	(6,653	)		$	39,000
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	East		1		$	4,208			$	(1,425	)		$	2,783
	Mountain		10		28,786				(1,702		)		27,084
	South Atlantic		9		23,358				(5,047		)		18,311
	East North Central		1		2,232				(467		)		1,765
	West North Central		3		9,466				(2,328		)		7,138
			24		$	68,050			$	(10,969	)		$	57,081

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts and derivative instruments embedded in a convertible debt issue, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Derivative instruments
	Call options	$	856,050			$	415,258
	Other assets
	2015 notes hedges	107,041				43,105
	Interest rate caps	6,103				3,247
	Interest rate swap	712				—
		$	969,906			$	461,610
	Liabilities
	Policy benefit reserves—annuity products
	Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	$	4,406,163			$	3,337,556
	Other liabilities
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041				43,105
	Interest rate swap	—				4,261
		$	4,513,204			$	3,384,922
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'
	The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in fair value of derivatives:
	Call options	$	932,003			$	228,610			$	(93,582	)
	2015 notes hedges	145,751				(2,488		)		(21,002		)
	2015 warrants	(9,568		)		—				—
	Interest rate swap	4,973				(4,261		)		(144		)
	Interest rate caps	2,856				(723		)		—
		$	1,076,015			$	221,138			$	(114,728	)
	Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
	2015 notes embedded conversion derivative (see Note 9)	$	141,974			$	(2,488	)		$	(21,002	)
	Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	(8,006		)		289,387				(84,192		)
		$	133,968			$	286,899			$	(105,194	)
Schedule of Call Options by Counterparty	'
	The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty's current credit rating are as follows:
							December 31,
							2013								2012
	Counterparty		Credit Rating (S&P)		Credit Rating (Moody's)		Notional				Fair Value				Notional				Fair Value
							Amount								Amount
							(Dollars in thousands)
	Bank of America		A		A2		$	1,683,911			$	73,836			$	568,786			$	16,533
	Barclays		A		A2		2,396,839				113,513				3,463,777				103,929
	BNP Paribas		A+		A2		1,382,661				38,849				2,207,097				60,301
	Citibank, N.A.		A		A2		1,536,547				72,310				2,878,588				67,592
	Credit Suisse		A		A1		4,060,352				193,304				936,625				21,518
	Deutsche Bank		A		A2		747,587				41,074				886,688				20,787
	HSBC		AA-		A1		200,011				10,518				295,520				6,539
	J.P. Morgan		A+		Aa3		786,429				36,863				735,016				21,940
	Morgan Stanley		A-		Baa2		3,546,487				150,437				1,590,505				40,113
	Royal Bank of Canada		AA-		Aa3		714,941				25,140				—				—
	Wells Fargo (Wachovia)		AA-		Aa3		2,221,874				100,206				2,060,903				56,006
							$	19,277,639			$	856,050			$	15,623,505			$	415,258
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives	'
	Details regarding the interest rate swap are as follows:
													December 31,
													2013				2012
	Maturity Date		Notional				Receive Rate		Pay Rate		Counterparty		Fair Value				Fair Value
			Amount
													(Dollars in thousands)
	15-Mar-21		$	85,500			LIBOR		2.42%		SunTrust		$	712			$	(4,261	)
	Details regarding the interest rate caps are as follows:
													December 31,
													2013				2012
	Maturity Date		Notional Amount				Floating Rate		Cap Rate		Counterparty		Fair Value				Fair Value
													(Dollars in thousands)
	7-Jul-21		$	40,000			LIBOR		2.50%		SunTrust		$	3,073			$	1,634
	8-Jul-21		12,000				LIBOR		2.50%		SunTrust		923				490
	29-Jul-21		27,000				LIBOR		2.50%		SunTrust		2,107				1,123
			$	79,000									$	6,103			$	3,247

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements [Abstract]	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	Policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,709,799		$	1,683,857		$	1,747,760
	Costs deferred during the year:
	Commissions	420,378			399,001			463,889
	Policy issue costs	5,422			4,410			14,945
	Amortization	(365,468		)	(164,919		)	(143,478		)
	Effect of net unrealized gains/losses	656,521			(212,550		)	(399,259		)
	Balance at end of year	$	2,426,652		$	1,709,799		$	1,683,857
Deferred Sales Inducements	'
	Sales inducements deferred and amortized are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,292,341		$	1,242,787		$	1,227,328
	Costs deferred during the year	337,787			306,659			385,123
	Amortization	(253,113		)	(87,157		)	(71,781		)
	Effect of net unrealized gains/losses	498,865			(169,948		)	(297,883		)
	Balance at end of year	$	1,875,880		$	1,292,341		$	1,242,787

Reinsurance_and_Policy_Provisi1

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Transactions [Abstract]	'
Amounts Ceded to EquiTrust and Athene, Impact on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Cash Flows	'
	Amounts ceded to EquiTrust and Athene under these agreements are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Annuity product charges	$	6,551		$	6,796		$	8,149
	Change in fair value of derivatives	60,876			17,106			(2,771		)
		$	67,427		$	23,902		$	5,378
	Interest sensitive and index product benefits	$	117,934		$	94,113		$	99,724
	Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	2,898			9,373			(12,428		)
	Other operating costs and expenses	9,926			9,333			8,970
		$	130,758		$	112,819		$	96,266
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	Annuity deposits	$	(182,616	)	$	(203,552	)	$	(326,531	)
	Cash payments to policyholders	208,345			208,437			204,116
		$	25,729		$	4,885		$	(122,415	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Income Tax Expense	'
	Our income tax expense as presented in the consolidated financial statements is summarized as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Consolidated statements of operations:
	Current income taxes	$	133,036		$	80,527		$	127,535
	Deferred income taxes (benefits)	3,013			(52,336		)	(80,869		)
	Total income tax expense included in consolidated statements of operations	136,049			28,191			46,666
	Stockholders' equity:
	Expense (benefit) relating to:
	Change in net unrealized investment losses	(344,944		)	123,620			202,143
	Share-based compensation	(4,043		)	(392		)	(1,061		)
	Extinguishment of convertible debt	(4,546		)	—			—
	Total income tax expense included in consolidated financial statements	$	(217,484	)	$	151,419		$	247,748
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations differed from the amount computed at the applicable statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Income before income taxes	$	389,332		$	85,989		$	132,914
	Income tax expense on income before income taxes	$	136,266		$	30,096		$	46,520
	Tax effect of:
	Tax exempt net investment income	(2,657		)	(1,876		)	—
	Extinguishment of convertible debt	2,695			—			—
	Other	(255		)	(29		)	146
	Income tax expense	$	136,049		$	28,191		$	46,666
	Effective tax rate	34.9		%	32.8		%	35.1		%
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Policy benefit reserves	$	1,875,516		$	1,698,831
	Other than temporary impairments	901			8,177
	Investment income items	2,121			—
	Amounts due reinsurer	7,366			—
	Other policyholder funds	9,200			10,860
	Litigation settlement accrual	7,420			7,351
	Deferred compensation	13,430			14,659
	Convertible senior notes	34,818			—
	Net operating loss carryforwards	24,179			16,783
	Other	8,835			7,192
	Gross deferred tax assets	1,983,786			1,763,853
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,475,403		)	(1,425,266		)
	Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities	(12,742		)	(357,686		)
	Convertible senior notes	—			(6,665		)
	Derivative instruments	(193,067		)	(18,280		)
	Investment income items	—			(2,588		)
	Other	(718		)	(2,671		)
	Gross deferred tax liabilities	(1,681,930		)	(1,813,156		)
	Net deferred income tax (liability) asset	$	301,856		$	(49,303	)

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_1

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Liability and Equity Components of Convertible Senior Notes	'
	The convertible senior notes included in notes payable are accounted for separately as a liability component and an equity component in the consolidated balance sheets. The liability component and equity component are as follows:
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		September			December			September			December			December
		2015 Notes			2029 Notes			2015 Notes			2029 Notes			2024 Notes
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Notes payable:
	Principal amount of liability component	$	91,951		$	68,373		$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243
	Unamortized discount	(6,623		)	(3,743		)	(21,944		)	(12,269		)	—
	Net carrying amount of liability component	$	85,328		$	64,630		$	178,056		$	103,570		$	28,243
	Additional paid-in capital:
	Carrying amount of equity component				$	15,586					$	15,586		$	22,637
	Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	$	104,403		$	113,169		$	—		$	30,382		$	—

Subordinated_Debentures_Tables

Subordinated Debentures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subordinated Borrowings [Abstract]	'
Summary of Subordinated Debt Obligations to the Trusts	'
	Following is a summary of subordinated debt obligations to the trusts at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
		2013		2012		Interest Rate		Due Date
		(Dollars in thousands)
	American Equity Capital Trust II	$	76,440	$	76,259	5%		June 1, 2047
	American Equity Capital Trust III	27,840		27,840		*LIBOR +	3.90%	April 29, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust IV	12,372		12,372		*LIBOR +	4.00%	January 8, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust VII	10,830		10,830		*LIBOR +	3.75%	December 14, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust VIII	20,620		20,620		*LIBOR +	3.75%	December 15, 2034
	American Equity Capital Trust IX	15,470		15,470		*LIBOR +	3.65%	June 15, 2035
	American Equity Capital Trust X	20,620		20,620		*LIBOR +	3.65%	September 15, 2035
	American Equity Capital Trust XI	20,620		20,620		*LIBOR +	3.65%	December 15, 2035
	American Equity Capital Trust XII	41,238		41,238		*LIBOR +	3.50%	April 7, 2036
		$	246,050	$	245,869
	*—three month London Interbank Offered Rate

Retirement_and_Sharebased_Comp1

Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Valuation Assumptions of Stock Options Granted to Officers, Directors and Employees	'
	The fair value for each stock option granted to officers, directors and employees during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012				2011
		Directors and Retirement Eligible Employees		Non-Retirement Eligible Employees		Directors and Retirement Eligible Employees			Non-Retirement Eligible Employees
	Average risk-free interest rate	0.76	%	1.36	%	1.66	%		2	%
	Dividend yield	1.1	%	1.3	%	0.8	%		1	%
	Average expected life (years)	5		8		5			8
	Volatility	62.5	%	50.9	%	66.1	%		52	%
Valuation Assumptions of Stock Options Granted to Agents	'
	The fair value for each stock option granted to agents during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model until the grant date, at which time the options are included as permanent equity, with the following assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Average risk-free interest rate	1.21	%	0.51	%	0.58	%
	Dividend yield	0.7	%	1.2	%	1.2	%
	Average expected life (years)	3.75		3.75		3.75
	Volatility	31.2	%	41.1	%	67.2	%
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding	'
	Changes in the number of stock options outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Number of		Weighted-Average			Total
		Shares		Exercise Price			Exercise
				per Share			Price
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2011	4,120,850		$	8.78		$	36,187
	Granted	1,486,850		12.99			19,309
	Canceled	(177,500	)	9.66			(1,714		)
	Exercised	(585,350	)	8			(4,685		)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	4,844,850		10.13			49,097
	Granted	1,558,900		10.4			16,216
	Canceled	(28,050	)	8.97			(251		)
	Exercised	(643,250	)	8.93			(5,741		)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	5,732,450		10.35			59,321
	Granted	1,210,950		13.13			15,899
	Canceled	(29,400	)	9.96			(293		)
	Exercised	(2,937,275	)	10.81			(31,756		)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	3,976,725		10.86			$	43,171
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding, By Exercise Price Range	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013:
			Stock Options Outstanding							Stock Options Vested
	Range of Exercise Prices		Number of		Remaining	Weighted-Average				Number of	Remaining	Weighted-Average
			Awards		Life (yrs)	Exercise Price				Awards	Life (yrs)	Exercise Price
						Per Share						Per Share
	$5.07 - $9.16		756,550		3.17	$	7.48			756,550	3.17	$	7.48
	$9.27 - $11.35		1,681,475		5.04	10.33				1,592,475	4.85	10.31
	$11.87 - $14.62		1,538,700		5.29	13.1				1,433,700	5.11	13.16
	$5.07 - $14.62		3,976,725		4.78	10.86				3,782,725	4.61	10.83

Statutory_Financial_Informatio1

Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]	'
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	'
	Statutory capital and surplus for our primary life insurance subsidiary was as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	American Equity Life	$	1,870,728		$	1,658,929
	Calculations using the NAIC formula indicated that American Equity Life's ratio of total adjusted capital to the highest level of required capital at which regulatory action might be initiated (Company Action Level) is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Total adjusted capital	$	1,995,658		$	1,741,638
	Company Action Level RBC	580,085			524,928
	Ratio of adjusted capital to Company Action Level RBC	344		%	332		%
	Net income for our primary life insurance subsidiary as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	American Equity Life	$	205,202		$	82,039		$	169,365

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	'
	The following represents payments due by period for operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31:
	2014	$	1,782
	2015	2,289
	2016	1,685
	2017	1,440
	2018	1,364
	2019 and thereafter	4,228

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share—assuming dilution:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income—numerator for earnings per common share	$	253,283		$	57,798	$	86,248
	Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit)	—			517		1,034
	Numerator for earnings per common share—assuming dilution	$	253,283		$	58,315	$	87,282
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)	65,543,895			61,258,825		59,482,349
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible subordinated debentures	—			1,348,447		2,727,084
	Convertible senior notes	7,088,149			2,515,067		848,164
	2015 warrants	1,184,549			—		—
	Stock options and deferred compensation agreements	1,224,053			553,312		561,898
	Denominator for earnings per common share—assuming dilution	75,040,646			65,675,651		63,619,495
	Earnings per common share	$	3.86		$	0.94	$	1.45
	Earnings per common share—assuming dilution	$	3.38		$	0.89	$	1.37
	-1	Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP.
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	Options to purchase shares of our common stock that were outstanding during the respective periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares are as follows:
	Period		Number of	Range of
			Shares	Exercise Prices
				Minimum		Maximum
	Year ended December 31, 2013		—	—		—
	Year ended December 31, 2012		1,522,100	$11.35		$14.34
	Year ended December 31, 2011		2,290,200	$10.65		$14.34

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Unaudited quarterly results of operations are summarized below.
		Quarter ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2013
	Premiums and product charges	$	34,565		$	35,062		$	36,325		$	42,986
	Net investment income	329,690			336,143			354,147			363,947
	Change in fair value of derivatives	373,962			64,040			193,028			444,985
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding OTTI losses	10,585			15,689			(2,077		)	16,364
	Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	(3,237		)	(2,775		)	(222		)	—
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(589		)	(938		)	(30,988		)
	Total revenues	745,565			447,570			580,263			837,294
	Net income	26,031			120,113			56,181			50,958
	Earnings per common share	0.41			1.87			0.86			0.73
	Earnings per common share—assuming dilution	0.38			1.71			0.75			0.65
	2012
	Premiums and product charges	$	37,731		$	40,817		$	47,413		$	39,720
	Net investment income	326,910			320,259			318,594			321,160
	Change in fair value of derivatives	259,161			(150,847		)	161,090			(48,266		)
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding OTTI losses	(6,076		)	(611		)	(1,238		)	1,471
	Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	(2,881		)	(978		)	(1,686		)	(9,387		)
	Total revenues	614,845			208,640			524,173			304,698
	Net income (loss)	10,471			18,759			(7,829		)	36,397
	Earnings (loss) per common share	0.18			0.31			(0.13		)	0.58
	Earnings (loss) per common share—assuming dilution	0.16			0.3			(0.13		)	0.55
Comparability of Net Income, Impact of Fair Value Accounting to Fixed Index Annuity Business	'
	The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives for each quarter primarily correspond to the performance of the indices upon which our call options are based. The comparability of net income (loss) is impacted by the application of fair value accounting to our fixed index annuity business is as follows:
		Quarter ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2013	$	10,973		$	(80,658	)	$	(5,601	)	$	(23,418	)
	2012	16,317			5,070			18,148			(8,289		)

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme1

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	'
	Schedule I—Summary of Investments—
	Other Than Investments in Related Parties
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
	31-Dec-13
	Column A		Column B		Column C		Column D
	Type of Investment		Amortized		Fair		Amount at
			Cost (1)		Value		which shown
							in the balance
							sheet
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Available for sale:
	United States Government full faith and credit		$	44,852	$	42,925	$	42,925
	United States Government sponsored agencies		1,313,776		1,194,289		1,194,289
	United States municipalities, states and territories		3,181,032		3,306,743		3,306,743
	Foreign government obligations		86,112		91,557		91,557
	Corporate securities		17,142,118		17,233,037		17,233,037
	Residential mortgage backed securities		1,895,913		1,971,960		1,971,960
	Commercial mortgage backed securities		1,821,988		1,735,460		1,735,460
	Other asset backed securities		1,041,939		1,034,476		1,034,476
			26,527,730		26,610,447		26,610,447
	Held for investment:
	Corporate security		76,255		60,840		76,255
	Total fixed maturity securities		26,603,985		26,671,287		26,686,702
	Equity securities, available for sale:
	Common stocks		7,503		7,778		7,778
	Total equity securities		7,503		7,778		7,778
	Mortgage loans on real estate		2,581,082		2,615,410		2,581,082
	Derivative instruments		223,530		856,050		856,050
	Other investments		215,042				215,042
	Total investments		$	29,631,142			$	30,346,654
	-1	On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, original cost for derivative instruments and unpaid principal balance less allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia1

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Balance Sheets	'
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
	Condensed Balance Sheets
	(Dollars in thousands)
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	252,541		$	11,220
	Equity securities of subsidiary trusts	7,403			7,398
	Receivable from subsidiaries	1,158			535
	Deferred income taxes	15,734			2,378
	Federal income tax recoverable, including amount from subsidiaries	11,551			11,613
	Other assets, including 2015 notes hedges	131,424			55,010
		419,811			88,154
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	1,889,648			2,235,403
	Total assets	$	2,309,459		$	2,323,557
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	549,958		$	309,869
	Subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts	246,050			245,869
	Other liabilities, including 2015 notes embedded derivative	128,764			47,582
	Total liabilities	924,772			603,320
	Stockholders' equity:
	Common stock	70,535			61,751
	Additional paid-in capital	550,400			496,715
	Unallocated common stock held by ESOP	(631		)	(2,583		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,196			686,807
	Retained earnings	718,187			477,547
	Total stockholders' equity	1,384,687			1,720,237
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,309,459		$	2,323,557
	See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Condensed Statements of Operations	'
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
	Condensed Statements of Operations
	(Dollars in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Net investment income	$	130		$	565		$	298
	Dividends from subsidiary trusts	361			403			427
	Investment advisory fees	44,469			36,178			29,765
	Surplus note interest from subsidiary	4,080			4,080			4,080
	Realized gain on investments	—			—			18
	Change in fair value of derivatives	144,012			(7,472		)	(21,146		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(32,515		)	—			—
	Total revenues	160,537			33,754			13,442
	Expenses:
	Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	141,974			(2,488		)	(21,002		)
	Interest expense on notes payable	38,870			28,479			31,633
	Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts	12,088			13,458			13,977
	Other operating costs and expenses	8,163			8,228			7,307
	Total expenses	201,095			47,677			31,915
	Loss before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(40,558		)	(13,923		)	(18,473		)
	Income tax benefit	(13,880		)	(5,944		)	(7,407		)
	Loss before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(26,678		)	(7,979		)	(11,066		)
	Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	279,961			65,777			97,314
	Net income	$	253,283		$	57,798		$	86,248
	See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	'
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
	(Dollars in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Operating activities
	Net income	$	253,283		$	57,798		$	86,248
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Change in fair value of 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	141,974			(2,488		)	(21,002		)
	Provision for depreciation and amortization	2,831			2,382			2,395
	Accrual of discount on equity security	(5		)	(5		)	(5		)
	Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(279,961		)	(65,777		)	(97,314		)
	Amortization of premium on fixed maturity security	—			—			1,005
	Accrual of discount on contingent convertible notes	12,417			12,261			13,024
	Change in fair value of derivatives	(144,012		)	7,472			21,002
	Realized gain on investments	—			—			(18		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	32,515			—			—
	Accrual of discount on debenture issued to subsidiary trust	181			169			158
	Share-based compensation	1,407			1,348			866
	ESOP compensation	110			45			45
	Deferred income tax benefit	(5,202		)	(2,838		)	(4,355		)
	Other	(3,608		)	—			—
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Receivable from subsidiaries	995			1,205			1,596
	Federal income tax recoverable	62			(2,745		)	142
	Other assets	(1,945		)	(549		)	1,702
	Other liabilities	20,131			(4,528		)	(1,562		)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	31,173			3,750			3,927
	Investing activities
	Capital contributions to subsidiaries	—			—			(2,450		)
	Purchase of fixed maturity security	—			—			(53,610		)
	Sales, maturities or repayments of fixed maturity securities—available for sale	—			—			52,623
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			—			(3,437		)
	See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
	Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
	(Dollars in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Financing activities
	Financing fees incurred and deferred	$	(11,942	)	$	—		$	(1,566	)
	Proceeds from notes payable	415,000			—			—
	Repayments of notes payable	(234,154		)	—			(46,251		)
	Net proceeds from settlement of notes hedge and warrants	22,170			—			—
	Repayment of subordinated debentures	—			(1,141		)	—
	Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	159			6			28
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	31,764			5,370			4,686
	Dividends paid	(12,849		)	(9,374		)	(7,102		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	210,148			(5,139		)	(50,205		)
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	241,321			(1,389		)	(49,715		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	11,220			12,609			62,324
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	252,541		$	11,220		$	12,609
	Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest on notes payable	$	13,758		$	14,564		$	16,917
	Interest on subordinated debentures	11,850			13,102			13,703
	Non-cash financing activity:
	Conversion of subordinated debentures	—			20,770			—
	Common stock issued in extinguishment of debt	117,463			—			—
	See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins1

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Insurance Information	'
	Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
	Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E
		Deferred policy		Future policy		Unearned		Other policy
		acquisition		benefits,		premiums		claims and
		costs		losses, claims				benefits
				and loss				payable
				expenses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	As of December 31, 2013:	$	2,426,652	$	35,789,655	$	—	$	418,033
	Life insurance
	As of December 31, 2012:	$	1,709,799	$	31,773,988	$	—	$	455,752
	Life insurance
	As of December 31, 2011:	$	1,683,857	$	28,118,716	$	—	$	400,594
	Life insurance
	Column A	Column F		Column G		Column H		Column I		Column J
		Premium		Net		Benefits,		Amortization		Other
		revenue		investment		claims,		of deferred		operating
				income		losses and		policy		expenses
						settlement		acquisition
						expenses		costs
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:	$	148,938	$	1,383,927	$	1,713,019	$	365,468	$	142,873
	Life insurance
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:	$	165,681	$	1,286,923	$	1,264,016	$	164,919	$	137,432
	Life insurance
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:	$	195,101	$	1,218,780	$	856,975	$	143,478	$	113,169
	Life insurance
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Tables

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance	'
	Schedule IV—Reinsurance
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
	Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E		Column F
		Gross amount		Ceded to		Assumed		Net amount		Percent of
				other		from				amount
				companies		other				assumed
						companies				to net
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Life insurance in force, at end of year	$	2,250,112	$	13,521	$	57,976	$	2,294,567	2.53	%
	Insurance premiums and other considerations:
	Annuity product charges	$	110,142	$	6,551	$	—	$	103,591	—
	Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums	45,057		328		618		45,347		1.36	%
		$	155,199	$	6,879	$	618	$	148,938	0.41	%
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Life insurance in force, at end of year	$	2,350,473	$	4,742	$	61,488	$	2,407,219	2.55	%
	Insurance premiums and other considerations:
	Annuity product charges	$	95,802	$	6,796	$	—	$	89,006	—
	Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums	76,323		364		716		76,675		0.93	%
		$	172,125	$	7,160	$	716	$	165,681	0.43	%
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Life insurance in force, at end of year	$	2,469,428	$	4,692	$	65,197	$	2,529,933	2.58	%
	Insurance premiums and other considerations:
	Annuity product charges	$	84,338	$	8,149	$	—	$	76,189	—
	Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums	118,538		348		722		118,912		0.61	%
		$	202,876	$	8,497	$	722	$	195,101	0.37	%
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali1

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule V—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
		Balance			Charged to Costs			Translation		Write-offs/		Balance
		January 1,			and Expenses			Adjustment		Payments/Other		December 31,
		(Dollars in thousands
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Valuation allowance on mortgage loans	$	(34,234	)	$	(5,621	)	$	—	$	13,808	$	(26,047	)
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Valuation allowance on mortgage loans	$	(32,964	)	$	(16,832	)	$	—	$	15,562	$	(34,234	)
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Valuation allowance on mortgage loans	$	(16,224	)	$	(30,770	)	$	—	$	14,030	$	(32,964	)
	See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	states								NMOs	NMOs	NMOs
									states
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of states in which entity is licensed to sell insurance products	50	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50	'	'
National marketing organizations, number of organizations accounting for more than 10% of annuity deposits and insurance premium collections	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	3	2
Number of days past due, non-accrual status	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'90 days	'	'
Administrative fee, group policies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16.00%	'	'
Provision for annual experience refunds of premiums	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,100,000	$1,100,000	$1,800,000
Net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,300,000	-21,400,000	-52,600,000
Adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and income taxes for net realized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,100,000	-12,800,000	-34,300,000
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and other considerations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	45,347,000	76,675,000	118,912,000
Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	53,071,000	81,481,000	115,291,000
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,272,867,000	808,479,000	775,097,000
Other operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	91,915,000	95,495,000	67,559,000
Net income	50,958,000	56,181,000	120,113,000	26,031,000	36,397,000	-7,829,000	18,759,000	10,471,000	253,283,000	57,798,000	86,248,000
Earnings per common share	$0.73	$0.86	$1.87	$0.41	$0.58	($0.13)	$0.31	$0.18	$3.86	$0.94	$1.45
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$0.65	$0.75	$1.71	$0.38	$0.55	($0.13)	$0.30	$0.16	$3.38	$0.89	$1.37
Accounting Standards Update 2010-26 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,800,000
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,200,000
Earnings per common share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($0.10)
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($0.10)
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest crediting rate, range for fixed index annuities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.50%	'	'
Reserve interest assumptions, range	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest crediting rate, range for fixed index annuities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'
Reserve interest assumptions, range	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.50%	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment maturity period (less than)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 months	'	'
Repurchase Agreements [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment maturity period (less than)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'42 days	'	'
Restatement Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and other considerations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	63,800,000	106,800,000
Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	73,400,000	107,400,000
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($9,600,000)	($600,000)
National Marketing Organization, Greater than 10%, NMO 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
National marketing organizations, percent of annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected individually	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11.00%	12.00%	14.00%
National Marketing Organization, Greater than 10%, NMO 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
National marketing organizations, percent of annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected individually	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11.00%	12.00%
National Marketing Organization, Greater than 10%, NMO 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
National marketing organizations, percent of annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected individually	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Premiums and Annuity Deposits, By Product Type) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed index annuities: index strategies	$2,847,370	$2,223,652	$2,835,422
Fixed index annuities: fixed strategy	1,017,620	1,206,784	1,375,321
Fixed index annuities	3,864,990	3,430,436	4,210,743
Fixed rate annuities	112,740	148,105	247,237
Single premium immediate annuities (SPIA)	52,142	164,657	305,603
Life insurance	10,556	12,877	12,151
Premiums and annuity deposits, net of coinsurance	$4,040,428	$3,756,075	$4,775,734

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr2

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers, amount	$0	$0
Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers, amount	0	0
Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 transfers, amount	0	0
Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 transfers, amount	0	0
Assets, transfers into Level 3, amount	0	0
Liabilities, transfers into Level 3, amount	0	0
Assets, transfers out of Level 3, amount	0	0
Liabilities, transfers out of Level 3, amount	0	0
Other investments	215,042,000	196,366,000
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Increase in Discount Rate by 10 Percent [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, sensitivity, discount rate adjustment (basis points)	100	'
Fixed index annuities embedded derivative, adjustment due to change in discount rate	-279,300,000	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, combined balance, adjustment due to change in discount rate	-192,900,000	'
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Decrease in Discount Rate by 10 Percent [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, sensitivity, discount rate adjustment (basis points)	100	'
Fixed index annuities embedded derivative, adjustment due to change in discount rate	309,900,000	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, combined balance, adjustment due to change in discount rate	183,500,000	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	$0	'

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr3

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Held for investment, fair value	$60,840	$61,521
Equity securities, available for sale	7,778	53,422
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,581,082	2,623,940
Other investments	215,042	196,366
Coinsurance deposits	2,999,618	2,910,701
Liabilities	'	'
Policy benefit reserves	35,789,655	31,773,988
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,581,082	2,623,940
Derivative assets	856,050	415,258
Other investments	192,198	163,193
Cash and cash equivalents	897,529	1,268,545
Coinsurance deposits	2,999,618	2,910,701
Counterparty collateral	315,824	63,012
Liabilities	'	'
Policy benefit reserves	35,453,166	31,452,496
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	417,625	455,167
Notes payable	549,958	309,869
Subordinated debentures	246,050	245,869
Carrying Amount [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	6,103	3,247
Carrying Amount [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	712	0
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities	0	4,261
Carrying Amount [Member] | 2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
2015 notes hedges	107,041	43,105
Carrying Amount [Member] | 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041	43,105
Carrying Amount [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	26,610,447	24,172,136
Held for investment, fair value	76,255	76,088
Carrying Amount [Member] | Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Equity securities, available for sale	7,778	53,422
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,615,410	2,848,235
Derivative assets	856,050	415,258
Other investments	193,343	163,517
Cash and cash equivalents	897,529	1,268,545
Coinsurance deposits	2,669,432	2,563,356
Counterparty collateral	315,824	63,012
Liabilities	'	'
Policy benefit reserves	29,670,827	26,264,831
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	430,835	469,768
Notes payable	699,435	379,070
Subordinated debentures	234,959	218,283
Fair Value [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	6,103	3,247
Fair Value [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	712	0
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities	0	4,261
Fair Value [Member] | 2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
2015 notes hedges	107,041	43,105
Fair Value [Member] | 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041	43,105
Fair Value [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	26,610,447	24,172,136
Held for investment, fair value	60,840	61,521
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Equity securities, available for sale	$7,778	$53,422

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr4

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Derivative assets	$856,050	$415,258
Cash and cash equivalents	897,529	1,268,545
Counterparty collateral	315,824	'
Assets	28,801,484	25,955,713
Liabilities	'	'
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	4,406,163	3,337,556
Liabilities	4,513,204	3,384,922
Total Fair Value [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	6,103	3,247
Total Fair Value [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	712	'
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities	'	4,261
Total Fair Value [Member] | 2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
2015 notes hedges	107,041	43,105
Total Fair Value [Member] | 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041	43,105
Total Fair Value [Member] | Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	7,778	53,422
Total Fair Value [Member] | United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	42,925	5,154
Total Fair Value [Member] | United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,194,289	1,772,025
Total Fair Value [Member] | United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	3,306,743	3,578,323
Total Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	91,557	105,259
Total Fair Value [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	17,233,037	14,466,772
Total Fair Value [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,971,960	2,888,113
Total Fair Value [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,735,460	357,982
Total Fair Value [Member] | Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,034,476	998,508
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	897,529	1,268,545
Counterparty collateral	0	'
Assets	902,713	1,344,136
Liabilities	'	'
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	0	'
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities	'	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | 2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
2015 notes hedges	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	36,928
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	4,805	5,154
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	20	33,131
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	359	378
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Derivative assets	856,050	415,258
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Counterparty collateral	315,824	'
Assets	27,897,395	24,609,765
Liabilities	'	'
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	0	0
Liabilities	107,041	47,366
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	6,103	3,247
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	712	'
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities	'	4,261
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | 2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
2015 notes hedges	107,041	43,105
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	107,041	43,105
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	7,778	16,494
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	38,120	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,194,289	1,772,025
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	3,306,743	3,578,323
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	91,557	105,259
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	17,233,017	14,433,641
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,970,584	2,886,301
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,735,460	357,982
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,034,117	998,130
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Counterparty collateral	0	'
Assets	1,376	1,812
Liabilities	'	'
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	4,406,163	3,337,556
Liabilities	4,406,163	3,337,556
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Interest rate derivative assets	0	'
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities	'	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | 2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
2015 notes hedges	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	1,376	1,812
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Available for sale securities	$0	$0

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr5

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Assets) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$1,812	$2,098
Principal returned	-864	-300
Accretion of discount	152	67
Total gains (losses) (unrealized/realized): included in other comprehensive income (loss)	276	250
Total gains (losses) (unrealized/realized): included in operations	0	-303
Ending balance	$1,376	$1,812

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr6

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$3,337,556	$2,530,496
Premiums less benefits	1,485,109	765,942
Change in unrealized losses (gains), net	-416,502	41,118
Ending balance	$4,406,163	$3,337,556

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Securities	Securities
Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fixed income securities with call features, percentage	31.00%	'	'
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, percentage	0.50%	'	'
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, amount	$100,000,000	'	'
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, percentage	5.00%	'	'
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, amount	1,200,000,000	'	'
Percentage of fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade based on NAIC designations	98.00%	98.00%	'
Number of individual securities with unrealized losses	1,047	198	'
Percentage of unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities where securities are rated investment grade	95.00%	75.00%	'
Assets held by insurance regulators	31,700,000,000	27,200,000,000	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from calls of United States Government sponsored agency securities	1,100,000,000	4,600,000,000	'
Available for sale, amortized cost	26,527,730,000	21,957,027,000	'
Principal repayments, calls and tenders of available for sale securities	3,456,719,000	3,298,623,000	3,705,605,000
Calls of held for investment fixed maturity securities	0	2,618,207,000	219,372,000
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	2,100,000,000	2,800,000,000	3,400,000,000
Calls of held for investment fixed maturity securities	'	2,600,000,000	200,000,000
Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available for sale securities, impairment, recovery of book value, reasonable period	'18 months	'	'
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Investments, External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of securities in unrealized loss position	0	'	'
Held For Investment [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from calls of United States Government sponsored agency securities	'	2,600,000,000	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of securities in unrealized loss position	36	'	'
Available for sale, amortized cost	310,600,000	'	'
Available for sale securities, fair value	328,000,000	'	'
Available For Sale [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	1,500,000,000	492,500,000	252,200,000
Available For Sale [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available for sale securities, fair value	26,610,447,000	24,172,136,000	'
Available For Sale [Member] | Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available for sale securities, fair value	7,778,000	53,422,000	'
Available For Sale [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available for sale securities, fair value	1,971,960,000	2,888,113,000	'
Available For Sale [Member] | Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available for sale securities, fair value	$1,034,476,000	$998,508,000	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Fixed_

Investments (Schedule of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Held for investment, amortized cost	$76,255	$76,088
Held for investment, fair value	60,840	61,521
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	26,527,730	21,957,027
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	928,699	2,283,010
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-845,982	-67,901
Available for sale securities, fair value	26,610,447	24,172,136
Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	7,503	44,598
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	275	10,227
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	-1,403
Available for sale securities, fair value	7,778	53,422
United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	44,852	4,590
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	367	564
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-2,294	0
Available for sale securities, fair value	42,925	5,154
United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	1,313,776	1,763,789
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	1,875	11,704
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-121,362	-3,468
Available for sale securities, fair value	1,194,289	1,772,025
United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	3,181,032	3,116,678
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	164,785	461,770
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-39,074	-125
Available for sale securities, fair value	3,306,743	3,578,323
Foreign Government Obligations [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	86,112	86,099
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	8,907	19,160
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-3,462	0
Available for sale securities, fair value	91,557	105,259
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	17,142,118	12,930,173
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	606,948	1,568,223
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-516,029	-31,624
Available for sale securities, fair value	17,233,037	14,466,772
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Held For Investment [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Held for investment, amortized cost	76,255	76,088
Held for investment, gross unrealized gains	0	0
Held for investment, gross unrealized losses	-15,415	-14,567
Held for investment, fair value	60,840	61,521
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	1,895,913	2,743,537
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	119,230	172,304
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-43,183	-27,728
Available for sale securities, fair value	1,971,960	2,888,113
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	1,821,988	354,870
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	3,287	5,095
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-89,815	-1,983
Available for sale securities, fair value	1,735,460	357,982
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	1,041,939	957,291
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized gains	23,300	44,190
Available for sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-30,763	-2,973
Available for sale securities, fair value	$1,034,476	$998,508

Investments_Fixed_Maturity_Sec

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, due in one year or less, amortized cost	$75,295	'
Available for sale, due after one year through five years, amortized cost	851,732	'
Available for sale, due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	7,828,092	'
Available for sale, due after ten years through twenty years, amortized cost	6,494,544	'
Available for sale, due after twenty years, amortized cost	6,518,227	'
Available for sale, securities with a single maturity date, amortized cost	21,767,890	'
Available for sale, amortized cost	26,527,730	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, due in one year or less, fair value	76,482	'
Available for sale, due after one year through five years, fair value	953,159	'
Available for sale, due after five years through ten years, fair value	7,720,501	'
Available for sale, due after ten years through twenty years, fair value	6,472,508	'
Available for sale, due after twenty years, fair value	6,645,901	'
Available for sale, securities with a single maturity date, fair value	21,868,551	'
Available for sale, fair value	26,610,447	24,172,136
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, due in one year or less, amortized cost	0	'
Held for investment, due after one year through five years, amortized cost	0	'
Held for investment, due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	0	'
Held for investment, due after ten years through twenty years, amortized cost	0	'
Held for investment, due after twenty years, amortized cost	76,255	'
Held for investment, securities with a single maturity date, amortized cost	76,255	'
Held for investment, amortized cost	76,255	76,088
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, due in one year or less, fair value	0	'
Held for investment, due after one year through five years, fair value	0	'
Held for investment, due after five years through ten years, fair value	0	'
Held for investment, due after ten years through twenty years, fair value	0	'
Held for investment, due after twenty years, fair value	60,840	'
Held for investment, securities with a single maturity date, fair value	60,840	'
Held for investment, fair value	60,840	61,521
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	1,895,913	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	1,971,960	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	0	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	0	'
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	1,821,988	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	1,735,460	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	0	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	0	'
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	1,041,939	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	1,034,476	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	0	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	$0	'

Investments_Net_Unrealized_Gai

Investments (Net Unrealized Gains on Available for Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Reported as a Seperate Component of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Net Unrealized Gains or Losses Reported as Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$82,992	$2,223,933
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	-46,588	-1,201,974
Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534	22,534
Deferred income tax benefit	-12,742	-357,686
Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$46,196	$686,807

Investments_Credit_Quality_of_

Investments (Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized cost	$26,603,985	$22,033,115
Fair value	26,671,287	24,233,657
NAIC, Class 1 Designation [Member] | Investments, External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized cost	16,394,654	13,737,381
Fair value	16,531,250	15,250,560
NAIC, Class 2 Designation [Member] | Investments, External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized cost	9,630,251	7,838,186
Fair value	9,598,399	8,533,121
NAIC, Class 3 Designation [Member] | Investments, External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized cost	502,822	398,294
Fair value	474,165	387,222
NAIC, Class 4 Designation [Member] | Investments, External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized cost	74,493	53,879
Fair value	66,078	56,151
NAIC, Class 5 Designation [Member] | Investments, External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized cost	0	0
Fair value	0	0
NAIC, Class 6 Designation [Member] | Investments, External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized cost	1,765	5,375
Fair value	$1,395	$6,603

Investments_Gross_Unrealized_L

Investments (Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments, By Category and Length of Time) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	$11,635,998	$2,716,900
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-741,947	-33,982
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	1,097,643	443,515
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-104,035	-33,919
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	12,733,641	3,160,415
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-845,982	-67,901
Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member] | Services [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	'	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	'	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	'	8,722
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	'	-1,403
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	'	8,722
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	'	-1,403
United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	32,969	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-2,294	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	0	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	0	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	32,969	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-2,294	'
United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	692,320	973,728
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-88,671	-3,468
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	467,309	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-32,691	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	1,159,629	973,728
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-121,362	-3,468
United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	614,056	24,393
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-39,074	-125
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	0	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	0	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	614,056	24,393
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-39,074	-125
Foreign Government Obligations [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	26,298	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-3,462	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	0	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	0	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	26,298	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-3,462	'
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Finance, Insurance and Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	1,690,846	177,962
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-92,426	-4,126
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	153,037	85,709
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-12,873	-8,438
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	1,843,883	263,671
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-105,299	-12,564
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Manufacturing, Construction and Mining [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	3,370,775	426,120
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-191,245	-4,303
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	93,608	21,975
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-16,088	-1,281
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	3,464,383	448,095
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-207,333	-5,584
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Utilities and Related Sectors [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	1,829,868	221,044
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-102,758	-5,187
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	83,550	39,224
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-11,547	-4,212
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	1,913,418	260,268
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-114,305	-9,399
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Wholesale/Retail Trade [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	428,407	101,790
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-25,189	-784
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	17,687	10,250
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-1,992	-208
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	446,094	112,040
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-27,181	-992
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Services, Media and Other [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	834,699	264,421
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-51,508	-3,085
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	107,242	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-10,403	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	941,941	264,421
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-61,911	-3,085
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Insurance [Member]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Held for investment, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	0	0
Held for investment, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	0
Held for investment, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	60,840	61,521
Held for investment, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-15,415	-14,567
Held for investment, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	60,840	61,521
Held for investment, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-15,415	-14,567
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	309,599	220,622
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-41,080	-8,679
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	31,739	260,226
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-2,103	-19,049
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	341,338	480,848
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-43,183	-27,728
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	1,450,143	161,582
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-83,814	-1,983
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	51,099	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-6,001	0
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	1,501,242	161,582
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	-89,815	-1,983
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	356,018	145,238
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	-20,426	-2,242
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, fair value	92,372	26,131
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	-10,337	-731
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	448,390	171,369
Available for sale, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	($30,763)	($2,973)

Investments_Changes_in_Net_Unr

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	($848)	($14,783)	$40,668
Investments carried at fair value	-2,140,941	735,696	1,274,692
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	1,155,386	-382,498	-697,140
Deferred income tax asset/liability	344,944	-123,620	-202,143
Total adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts	1,500,330	-506,118	-899,283
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on investments carried at fair value	-640,611	229,578	375,409
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investments carried at fair value	-2,132,392	731,279	1,275,061
Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investments carried at fair value	($8,549)	$4,417	($369)

Investments_Components_of_Net_

Investments (Components of Net Investment Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,397,327	$1,300,331	$1,228,996
Less investment expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,400	-13,408	-10,216
Net investment income	363,947	354,147	336,143	329,690	321,160	318,594	320,259	326,910	1,383,927	1,286,923	1,218,780
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,229,486	1,112,296	1,048,376
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,586	3,090	3,315
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	159,769	176,354	172,731
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	775	2,243	554
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income, gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,711	$6,348	$4,020

Investments_Net_Realized_Gains

Investments (Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Invesments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	$16,364	($2,077)	$15,689	$10,585	$1,471	($1,238)	($611)	($6,076)	$40,561	($6,454)	($18,641)
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39,079	10,906	12,614
Gross realized losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,170	-562	-1,423
Gross realized gains (losses), excluding other than temporary impairments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,909	10,344	11,191
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,571	562	966
Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of real estate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,144	5,149	377
Loss on sale of real estate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,317	0	0
Impairment losses on real estate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,195	-5,677	-405
Gain (loss) on other investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-368	-528	-28
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate: Increase in allowance for credit losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,621	-16,832	-30,770
Mortgage loans on real estate: recovery of specific allowance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,070	0	0
Mortgage loans on real estate: change in allowance for provision and recoveries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($1,551)	($16,832)	($30,770)

Investments_NonIncome_Producin

Investments (Non-Income Producing Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-Income Producing Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Non-income producing investments	$3,531	$8,744
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Non-Income Producing Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Non-income producing investments	20	4,691
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Non-Income Producing Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Non-income producing investments	3,511	2,783
Real Estate Owned [Member]	'	'
Non-Income Producing Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Non-income producing investments	$0	$1,270

Investments_Significant_Assump

Investments (Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Credit Loss Component of Other Than Temporary Impariment on Residential Mortgage Backed Securities) (Details) (Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2003 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	5.10%	'
Default rate	2.00%	'
Loss severity	30.00%	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2003 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	5.10%	'
Default rate	2.00%	'
Loss severity	30.00%	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2005 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.50%	6.50%
Default rate	8.00%	8.00%
Loss severity	50.00%	40.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2005 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	7.70%	7.70%
Default rate	18.00%	19.00%
Loss severity	65.00%	50.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2006 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	5.80%	5.80%
Default rate	9.00%	9.00%
Loss severity	45.00%	40.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2006 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.90%	7.60%
Default rate	16.00%	19.00%
Loss severity	50.00%	55.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2007 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.20%	6.10%
Default rate	11.00%	11.00%
Loss severity	40.00%	40.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2007 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.70%	7.30%
Default rate	25.00%	38.00%
Loss severity	60.00%	60.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2008 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.60%	'
Default rate	16.00%	'
Loss severity	45.00%	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2008 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.60%	'
Default rate	16.00%	'
Loss severity	45.00%	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2009 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.80%	'
Default rate	17.00%	'
Loss severity	60.00%	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2009 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.80%	'
Default rate	17.00%	'
Loss severity	60.00%	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2004 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	5.80%
Default rate	'	11.00%
Loss severity	'	60.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2004 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	5.80%
Default rate	'	11.00%
Loss severity	'	60.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2005 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	5.60%	5.60%
Default rate	13.00%	12.00%
Loss severity	2.00%	5.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2005 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	8.70%	8.70%
Default rate	81.00%	38.00%
Loss severity	65.00%	55.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2006 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	6.00%
Default rate	'	32.00%
Loss severity	'	55.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2006 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	6.00%
Default rate	'	46.00%
Loss severity	'	60.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2007 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.20%	6.20%
Default rate	38.00%	31.00%
Loss severity	60.00%	55.00%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Vintage Year 2007 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	6.90%	7.00%
Default rate	52.00%	55.00%
Loss severity	65.00%	65.00%

Investments_Other_Than_Tempora

Investments (Other Than Temporary Impairment by Asset Type) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
									Securities	Securities	Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10	41	67
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($4,964)	($5,411)	($20,180)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,270	-9,521	-13,796
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	0	-222	-2,775	-3,237	-9,387	-1,686	-978	-2,881	-6,234	-14,932	-33,976
United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,775	'	'
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,775	'	'
Corporate Securities [Member] | Industrial [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,761	'	'
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,761	'	'
Corporate Securities [Member] | Finance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,765	'
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,765	'
Corporate Securities [Member] | Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-622	'
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-622	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6	39	66
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-3,024	-19,420
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,270	-9,521	-13,796
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,270	-12,545	-33,216
Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member] | Industrial [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-428	'	'
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-428	'	'
Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member] | Finance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1
Total OTTI losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-760
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($760)

Investments_Other_Than_Tempora1

Investments (Other Than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of year	($134,027)	($119,095)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	-4,536	-12,365
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	-1,270	-2,567
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	13,873	0
Cumulative credit loss at end of year	($125,960)	($134,027)

Investments_Schedule_of_Other_

Investments (Schedule of Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized cost	$679,265	$876,490
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	-176,334	-179,755
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	216,081	186,858
Fair value	719,012	883,593
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized cost	0	10,599
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	0	-2,151
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	20	5,676
Fair value	20	14,124
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized cost	679,265	855,915
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	-176,334	-177,604
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	216,061	171,514
Fair value	718,992	849,825
Equity Securities, Available For Sale [Member] | Finance, Insurance and Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized cost	'	9,976
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	'	0
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	'	9,668
Fair value	'	$19,644

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_1

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	loans	loans
	Quarters
	portfolio_segment
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	$2,581,082,000	$2,623,940,000
Commitments outstanding	79,600,000	'
Number of portfolio segments that make up financing receivables	1	'
Number of days past due, delinquent status	'60 days	'
Number of quarters of data utilized to calculate loss rates in determining the general allowance for loan losses	4	'
Debt service coverage ratio (less than amount)	100.00%	'
Number of loans satisfied by foreclosure	5	13
Number of days past due, non-accrual status	'90 days	'
Outstanding principal of non-accrual loans	$8,200,000	$34,700,000
Impaired mortgage loans, workout terms, interest only payments, six month terms	'6 months	'
Impaired mortgage loans, workout terms, interest only payments, twelve month terms	'12 months	'
Impaired mortgage loans, workout terms, cash flow sweep, number of months	'12 months	'

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_2

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Summary of Mortgage Loan Portfolio) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	$2,607,698	$2,658,883	$2,856,011
Loan loss allowance	-26,047	-34,234	'
Deferred prepayment fees	-569	-709	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	$2,581,082	$2,623,940	'

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_3

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Mortgage Loan Portfolio Summarized by Geographic Region and Property Type) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	$2,607,698	$2,658,883	$2,856,011
Percent	100.00%	100.00%	'
East [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	765,717	732,762	'
Percent	29.40%	27.50%	'
Middle Atlantic [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	156,489	155,094	'
Percent	6.00%	5.80%	'
Mountain [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	356,246	387,599	'
Percent	13.70%	14.60%	'
New England [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	21,324	26,385	'
Percent	0.80%	1.00%	'
Pacific [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	317,431	320,982	'
Percent	12.20%	12.10%	'
South Atlantic [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	483,852	458,802	'
Percent	18.50%	17.30%	'
West North Central [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	351,794	370,168	'
Percent	13.50%	13.90%	'
West South Central [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	154,845	207,091	'
Percent	5.90%	7.80%	'
Office [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	590,414	666,467	'
Percent	22.60%	25.10%	'
Medical Office [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	125,703	136,764	'
Percent	4.80%	5.10%	'
Retail [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	711,364	677,951	'
Percent	27.30%	25.50%	'
Industrial/Warehouse [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	673,449	692,637	'
Percent	25.80%	26.10%	'
Hotel [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	61,574	94,045	'
Percent	2.40%	3.50%	'
Apartment [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	291,823	219,335	'
Percent	11.20%	8.20%	'
Mixed Use/Other [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal outstanding	$153,371	$171,684	'
Percent	5.90%	6.50%	'

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_4

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Rollforward of Allowance for Loan Losses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Ending allowance balance	($26,047)	($34,234)	'
Specific Allowance [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning allowance balance	-23,134	-23,664	-13,224
Charge-offs	9,738	15,562	14,030
Recoveries	4,070	0	0
Change in provision for credit losses	-7,521	-15,032	-24,470
Ending allowance balance	-16,847	-23,134	-23,664
General Allowance [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning allowance balance	-11,100	-9,300	-3,000
Charge-offs	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0
Change in provision for credit losses	1,900	-1,800	-6,300
Ending allowance balance	($9,200)	($11,100)	($9,300)

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_5

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Impaired Mortgage Loans on Real Estate By Basis of Impairment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	$47,018	$53,110	$67,698
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,560,680	2,605,773	2,788,313
Principal outstanding	$2,607,698	$2,658,883	$2,856,011

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_6

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Real Estate Owned) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate Owned [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Real estate owned at beginning of period	$33,172	$36,821	$19,122
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	8,217	26,324	20,978
Additions	626	398	387
Sales	-17,358	-23,825	-3,027
Impairments	-1,195	-5,677	0
Depreciation	-618	-869	-639
Real estate owned at end of period	$22,844	$33,172	$36,821

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_7

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Mortgage Loans by Credit Quality Indicator) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Performing	$2,593,276	$2,597,440	'
In workout	6,248	26,723	'
Delinquent	0	0	'
Collateral dependent	8,174	34,720	'
Principal outstanding	$2,607,698	$2,658,883	$2,856,011

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_8

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Aging of Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'
30 to 59 days	$0	$0	'
60 to 89 days	0	0	'
90 days and over	0	0	'
Total past due	0	0	'
Current	2,599,524	2,624,163	'
Collateral dependent receivables	8,174	34,720	'
Principal outstanding	$2,607,698	$2,658,883	$2,856,011

Mortgage_Loans_on_Real_Estate_9

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Impaired Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'
Mortgage loans with an allowance, recorded investment	$30,171	$29,976	$44,034
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, recorded investment	3,264	27,765	63,023
Impaired mortgage loans, recorded investment	33,435	57,741	107,057
Mortgage loans with an allowance, unpaid principal balance	47,018	53,110	67,698
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, unpaid principal balance	3,264	27,765	63,023
Impaired mortgage loans, unpaid principal balance	50,282	80,875	130,721
Mortgage loans with an allowance, related allowance	-16,847	-23,134	-23,664
Mortgage loans with an allowance, average recorded investment	33,772	37,480	53,617
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, average recorded investment	3,264	27,696	60,974
Impaired mortgage loans, average recorded investment	37,036	65,176	114,591
Mortgage loans with an allowance, interest income recognized	2,094	1,946	3,284
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, interest income recognized	138	1,664	3,509
Impaired mortgage loans, interest income recognized	$2,232	$3,610	$6,793

Recovered_Sheet1

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Troubled Debt Restructurings) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	loans	loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of TDRs	18	24
Principal balance outstanding	$45,653	$68,050
Specific loan loss allowance	-6,653	-10,969
Net carrying amount	39,000	57,081
East [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of TDRs	1	1
Principal balance outstanding	3,712	4,208
Specific loan loss allowance	-949	-1,425
Net carrying amount	2,763	2,783
Mountain [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of TDRs	7	10
Principal balance outstanding	22,140	28,786
Specific loan loss allowance	-329	-1,702
Net carrying amount	21,811	27,084
South Atlantic [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of TDRs	7	9
Principal balance outstanding	13,930	23,358
Specific loan loss allowance	-4,177	-5,047
Net carrying amount	9,753	18,311
East North Central [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of TDRs	1	1
Principal balance outstanding	2,219	2,232
Specific loan loss allowance	-467	-467
Net carrying amount	1,752	1,765
West North Central [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of TDRs	1	3
Principal balance outstanding	1,938	9,466
Specific loan loss allowance	-475	-2,328
Net carrying amount	1,463	7,138
West South Central [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of TDRs	1	'
Principal balance outstanding	1,714	'
Specific loan loss allowance	-256	'
Net carrying amount	$1,458	'

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	partial_unwind_agreement		2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	2015 Warrants [Member]	2015 Warrants [Member]	September 2015 Notes [Member]	September 2015 Notes [Member]	SunTrust [Member]	SunTrust [Member]	Call Options [Member]
	counterparties			counterparties	counterparties				Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Three Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
										Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit risk, maximum exposure	$71,700,000	$93,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of partial unwind agreements	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of counterparties, partial unwind agreements	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of outstanding call options and warrants settled pursuant to partial unwind agreements	54.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net cash received from counterparties for settlement of call options and warrants	22,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants reclassified from equity to liability, at fair value	-47,991,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment maturity period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year
Derivative collateral	818,200,000	328,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,700,000	'	'
Derivative instruments, interest rate swaps and caps, duration	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'7 years	'	'
Cap rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.50%	'
Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable at issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	200,000,000	'	'	'
Interest rate, stated percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.50%	'	'	'	'
Number of counterparties	'	'	'	2	2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion spread, shares of common stock	'	'	7,474,817	16,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative asset, strike price	'	'	$12.35	$12.50	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of securities called by warrants	'	'	'	'	16,000,000	7,500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants, exercise price	$15.75	'	'	'	$16	$15.75	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants, number of shares of common stock deliverable	'	'	'	'	11,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	'	'	'	'	$15,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_Fair_Va

Derivative Instruments (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	$856,050	$415,258
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	969,906	461,610
Derivative liabilities	4,513,204	3,384,922
Call Options [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	856,050	415,258
2015 Notes Hedges [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	107,041	43,105
Interest Rate Caps [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	6,103	3,247
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	712	0
Derivative liabilities	0	4,261
Fixed Index Annuities - Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	4,406,163	3,337,556
2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	$107,041	$43,105

Derivative_Instruments_Change_

Derivative Instruments (Change in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	$1,076,015	$221,138	($114,728)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	133,968	286,899	-105,194
Call Options [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	932,003	228,610	-93,582
2015 Notes Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	145,751	-2,488	-21,002
2015 Warrants [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	-9,568	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	4,973	-4,261	-144
Interest Rate Caps [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	2,856	-723	0
2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	141,974	-2,488	-21,002
Fixed Index Annuities - Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	($8,006)	$289,387	($84,192)

Derivative_Instruments_Schedul

Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Call Options by Counterparty) (Details) (Call Options [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	$19,277,639	$15,623,505
Fair value	856,050	415,258
Bank of America [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	1,683,911	568,786
Fair value	73,836	16,533
Barclays [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	2,396,839	3,463,777
Fair value	113,513	103,929
BNP Paribas [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	1,382,661	2,207,097
Fair value	38,849	60,301
Citibank, N.A. [Member] [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	1,536,547	2,878,588
Fair value	72,310	67,592
Credit Suisse [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	4,060,352	936,625
Fair value	193,304	21,518
Deutsche Bank [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	747,587	886,688
Fair value	41,074	20,787
HSBC [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	200,011	295,520
Fair value	10,518	6,539
J.P. Morgan [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	786,429	735,016
Fair value	36,863	21,940
Morgan Stanley [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	3,546,487	1,590,505
Fair value	150,437	40,113
Royal Bank of Canada [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	714,941	0
Fair value	25,140	0
Wells Fargo (Wachovia) [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	2,221,874	2,060,903
Fair value	$100,206	$56,006

Derivative_Instruments_Interes

Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Interest Rate Swaps, Maturity Date, March 15, 2021, 2.415% [Member], SunTrust [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps, Maturity Date, March 15, 2021, 2.415% [Member] | SunTrust [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	$85,500	'
Pay rate	2.42%	'
Derivative assets	712	'
Derivative liabilities	'	($4,261)

Derivative_Instruments_Interes1

Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Caps) (Details) (Interest Rate Caps [Member], SunTrust [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	$79,000	'
Derivative assets	6,103	3,247
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 7, 2021, 2.50% [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	40,000	'
Cap rate	2.50%	'
Derivative assets	3,073	1,634
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 8, 2021, 2.50% [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	12,000	'
Cap rate	2.50%	'
Derivative assets	923	490
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 29, 2021, 2.50% [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	27,000	'
Cap rate	2.50%	'
Derivative assets	$2,107	$1,123

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co2

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs, unlocking adjustment	($18.50)	$3.70	($9.10)
Deferred sales inducements, unlocking adjustment	($11.10)	($0.20)	($5)

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co3

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$1,709,799	$1,683,857	$1,747,760
Costs deferred during the year: commissions	420,378	399,001	463,889
Costs deferred during the year: policy issue costs	5,422	4,410	14,945
Amortization	-365,468	-164,919	-143,478
Effect of net unrealized gains/losses	656,521	-212,550	-399,259
Balance at end of year	$2,426,652	$1,709,799	$1,683,857

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co4

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Deferred Sales Inducements) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$1,292,341	$1,242,787	$1,227,328
Costs deferred during the year	337,787	306,659	385,123
Amortization	-253,113	-87,157	-71,781
Effect of net unrealized gains/losses	498,865	-169,948	-297,883
Balance at end of year	$1,875,880	$1,292,341	$1,242,787

Reinsurance_and_Policy_Provisi2

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Coinsurance deposits	$2,999,618,000	$2,910,701,000	'
Equitrust Coinsurance Agreements, All Periods [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of coinsurance agreements	2	'	'
Coinsurance deposits	900,000,000	1,000,000,000	'
Reinsurance payable	20,700,000	9,200,000	'
Equitrust Coinsurance Agreement, August 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001 [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Coninsurance percentage on certain annuities	70.00%	'	'
Equitrust Coinsurance Agreement, January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003 [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Coninsurance percentage on certain annuities	40.00%	'	'
Equitrust Coinsurance Agreement, January 1, 2004 to July 31, 2004 [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Coninsurance percentage on certain annuities	20.00%	'	'
Athene Coinsurance Agreements, All Periods [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of coinsurance agreements	2	'	'
Coinsurance deposits	2,100,000,000	1,900,000,000	'
Reinsurance payable	27,300,000	14,000,000	'
Athene Coinsurance Agreement, January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Coninsurance percentage on certain annuities	20.00%	'	'
Years until eligibilty for recapture	7	'	'
Athene Coinsurance Agreement, July 1, 2009 to Current [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Coninsurance percentage on certain annuities	80.00%	'	'
Hannover Reinsurance Agreement, All Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of reinsurance agreements	2	'	'
2011 Hannover Reinsurance Agreement [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Duration of statutory surplus benefit reduction	'5 years	'	'
Net pretax statutory surplus benefit	49,200,000	'	'
Reduction in pretax statutory surplus	11,300,000	11,800,000	9,200,000
Reduction in pretax statutory surplus due in one year	10,800,000	'	'
Reduction in pretax statutory surplus due in two years	10,300,000	'	'
Reduction in pretax statutory surplus due in three years	2,500,000	'	'
Risk charge rate	1.25%	'	'
Risk charges	1,300,000	1,800,000	1,700,000
2013 Hannover Reinsurance Agreement [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Risk charge rate	1.25%	'	'
Risk charges	7,000,000	'	'
Waived surrender charges on penalty free withdrawals and deaths on certain business, percentage	45.60%	'	'
Reserve credit	288,200,000	'	'
2008 Hannover Reinsurance Agreement [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net pretax statutory surplus benefit	29,500,000	'	'
Reduction in pretax statutory surplus	6,900,000	6,800,000	'
Risk charge rate	1.25%	'	'
Risk charges	100,000	500,000	800,000
2005 Hannover Reinsurance Agreement [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Risk charges	5,400,000	9,900,000	8,600,000
Waived surrender charges on penalty free withdrawals and deaths on certain business, percentage	47.00%	'	'
Reserve credit	'	$180,300,000	'

Reinsurance_and_Policy_Provisi3

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Amounts Ceded to Equitrust and Athene, Impact on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Coinsurance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annuity product charges	$103,591	$89,006	$76,189
Change in fair value of derivatives	1,076,015	221,138	-114,728
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	1,272,867	808,479	775,097
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	133,968	286,899	-105,194
Other operating costs and expenses	91,915	95,495	67,559
Cash payments to policyholders	1,763,913	1,575,340	1,494,554
Coinsurance deposits	-25,729	-4,885	122,415
Coinsurance Agreements, EquiTrust and Athene [Member]	'	'	'
Coinsurance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annuity product charges	6,551	6,796	8,149
Change in fair value of derivatives	60,876	17,106	-2,771
Coinsurance, revenues included in consolidated statement of operations	67,427	23,902	5,378
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	117,934	94,113	99,724
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	2,898	9,373	-12,428
Other operating costs and expenses	9,926	9,333	8,970
Coinsurance, benefits and expenses included in the consolidated statement of operations	130,758	112,819	96,266
Annuity deposits	-182,616	-203,552	-326,531
Cash payments to policyholders	208,345	208,437	204,116
Coinsurance deposits	$25,729	$4,885	($122,415)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	'
Securities with other than temporary impairment losses recognized held and not deemed worthless resulting in a deferred tax asset	$2,600,000	$23,400,000
Other Information Pertaining to Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	0	0
Non-Life Subsidiaries [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	'	'
Other Information Pertaining to Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Non-life net operating loss carryforwards	36,800,000	'
Deferred Tax Asset, Valuation Allowance, Unrealized Losses on Available For Sale Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Other Information Pertaining to Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$0	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated statements of operations:	'	'	'
Current income taxes	$133,036	$80,527	$127,535
Deferred income taxes (benefits)	3,013	-52,336	-80,869
Total income tax expense included in consolidated statements of operations	136,049	28,191	46,666
Stockholders' equity:	'	'	'
Expense (benefit) relating to: change in net unrealized investment losses	-344,944	123,620	202,143
Expense (benefit) relating to: share-based compensation	-4,043	-392	-1,061
Expense (benefit) relating to: extinguishment of convertible debt	-4,546	0	0
Total income tax expense included in consolidated financial statements	($217,484)	$151,419	$247,748

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	$389,332	$85,989	$132,914
Income tax expense on income before income taxes	136,266	30,096	46,520
Tax effect of: tax exempt net investment income	-2,657	-1,876	0
Tax effect of: extinguishment of convertible debt	2,695	0	0
Tax effect of: other	-255	-29	146
Total income tax expense included in consolidated statements of operations	$136,049	$28,191	$46,666
Effective tax rate	34.90%	32.80%	35.10%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets:	'	'
Policy benefit reserves	$1,875,516	$1,698,831
Other than temporary impairments	901	8,177
Investment income items	2,121	0
Amounts due reinsurer	7,366	0
Other policyholder funds	9,200	10,860
Litigation settlement accrual	7,420	7,351
Deferred compensation	13,430	14,659
Convertible senior notes	34,818	0
Net operating loss carryforwards	24,179	16,783
Other	8,835	7,192
Gross deferred tax assets	1,983,786	1,763,853
Deferred income tax liabilities:	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	-1,475,403	-1,425,266
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities	-12,742	-357,686
Convertible senior notes	0	-6,665
Derivative instruments	-193,067	-18,280
Investment income items	0	-2,588
Other	-718	-2,671
Gross deferred tax liabilities	-1,681,930	-1,813,156
Net deferred income tax (liability) asset	$301,856	($49,303)

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_2

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (Liability and Equity Components of Convertible Senior Notes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Principal amount of liability component	$160,300	'
September 2015 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Principal amount of liability component	91,951	200,000
Unamortized discount	-6,623	-21,944
Net carrying amount of liability component	85,328	178,056
Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	104,403	0
December 2029 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Principal amount of liability component	68,373	115,839
Unamortized discount	-3,743	-12,269
Net carrying amount of liability component	64,630	103,570
Carrying amount of equity component	15,586	15,586
Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	113,169	30,382
December 2024 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Principal amount of liability component	'	28,243
Unamortized discount	'	0
Net carrying amount of liability component	'	28,243
Carrying amount of equity component	'	22,637
Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	'	$0

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_3

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (2021 Notes Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 17, 2013
		2011 Line of Credit [Member]	July 2021 Notes [Member]	July 2021 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, face amount	'	'	'	$400,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	'	'	6.63%	'
Repayments of line of credit	'	15,000,000	'	'
Extinguishment of debt, cash paid	168,700,000	'	'	'
Net cash received from counterparties for settlement of call options and warrants	22,200,000	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount of convertible notes outstanding	$160,300,000	'	'	'

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_4

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (2015 Notes, 2015 Notes Hedges and 2015 Warrants Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

counterparties

Convertible Debt [Member]

Convertible Debt [Member]

Convertible Debt [Member]

2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]

2015 Notes Embedded Derivative [Member]

2015 Notes Hedges [Member]

2015 Notes Hedges [Member]

September 2015 Notes [Member]

September 2015 Notes [Member]

September 2015 Notes [Member]

September 2015 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable at issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

Deferred financing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,800,000

'

'

'

Debt instrument, number of days holders may convert

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 days

'

'

'

Debt instrument, measurement period of convertible senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 days

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

Product of last reported common stock sale price and conversion rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98.00%

'

'

'

Debt instrument, number of days to measure stock value against conversion value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 days

'

'

'

Debt instrument, consecutive trading day period to determine convertibility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

Stock price must exceed conversion price to allow conversion

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

130.00%

'

'

'

Debt instrument, convertible, number of equity instruments, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.9486

80

'

Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12.35

$12.50

'

Debt instrument, convertible, fundamental change stock price floor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

'

Debt instrument, convertible, conversion rate increase upon fundamental change

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

Derivative, liability, fair value at issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

107,000,000

43,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion spread, shares of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,474,817

16,000,000

'

'

'

'

Derivative asset, strike price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12.35

$12.50

'

'

'

'

Warrants, exercise price

$15.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extinguishment of debt, amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108,000,000

'

'

'

Extinguishment of debt, cash paid

168,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116,100,000

'

'

'

Extinguishment of debt, cash paid for shares of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,200,000

'

'

'

Extinguishment of debt, shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,643,402

'

'

'

Extinguishment of debt, carrying value at extinguishment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99,600,000

'

'

'

Extinguishment of debt, gain (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15,200,000

'

'

'

Net cash received from counterparties for settlement of call options and warrants

22,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants outstanding

7,474,817

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of counterparties remaining under outstanding call options

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate, effective percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.90%

'

'

'

Interest expense on convertible notes

$38,870,000

$28,479,000

$31,633,000

$26,400,000

$28,500,000

$31,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_5

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (2024 Notes Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares of common stock issued upon extinguishment of convertible senior notes	5,489,808	'	'
Repayments of notes payable	$234,154,000	$0	$46,251,000
Interest expense on convertible notes	38,870,000	28,479,000	31,633,000
Convertible Debt [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest expense on convertible notes	26,400,000	28,500,000	31,600,000
December 2024 Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable at issuance	260,000,000	'	'
Adjustments to additional paid in capital, equity component of convertible debt	22,900,000	'	'
Deferred income tax liability, equity component of convertible debt	16,100,000	'	'
Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable, extinguished in exchange for subsequent issuance	63,600,000	'	'
Repayments of convertible debt	25,800,000	'	'
Shares of common stock issued upon extinguishment of convertible senior notes	216,729	'	'
Repayments of notes payable	$2,500,000	'	'
Interest rate, effective percentage	8.50%	'	'

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_6

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (2029 Notes Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
				Convertible Debt [Member]	Convertible Debt [Member]	Convertible Debt [Member]	December 2029 Notes [Member]	December 2029 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate, stated percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.25%
Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable at issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$115,800,000
Adjustments to additional paid in capital, equity component of convertible debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,600,000
Deferred income tax liability, equity component of convertible debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,000,000
Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable at issuance, issued for cash	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,200,000
Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable at issuance, issued in exchange of debt outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	63,600,000
Debt instrument, interest payment period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'6 months
Convertible senior notes, contingent interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.50%
Debt instrument, number of days to measure stock value against conversion value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'20 days
Debt instrument, consecutive trading day period to determine convertibility	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'30 days
Stock price must exceed conversion price to allow conversion	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	120.00%
Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$9.57
Debt instrument, convertible, number of equity instruments, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	104.5
Debt instrument, face amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,000
Debt instrument, number of days of average closing stock price used in conversion value calculation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 days
Debt instrument, number of consecutive trading days used to calculate average closing stock price for the conversion value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 days
Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%
Extinguishment of debt, amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,700,000	47,500,000
Extinguishment of debt, cash paid	168,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	74,800,000
Extinguishment of debt, cash paid for shares of common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,900,000
Extinguishment of debt, shares issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	946,793	1,629,677
Extinguishment of debt, carrying value at extinguishment	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,600,000	44,500,000
Extinguishment of debt, gain (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,700,000	-5,200,000
Interest rate, effective percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11.90%
Interest expense on convertible notes	$38,870,000	$28,479,000	$31,633,000	$26,400,000	$28,500,000	$31,600,000	'	'

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_7

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (Line of Credit Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	2011 Line of Credit [Member]	2011 Line of Credit [Member]	2013 Line of Credit [Member]
			guarantor
			occasions
			banks
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$160	'	$140
Line of credit, number of banks in agreement	'	'	5
Line of credit, length of credit agreement, years	'	'	'4 years
Line of credit, interest rate, floating, applicable margin	'	'	1.00%
Line of credit, interest rate, floating, adjusted LIBOR	'	'	2.00%
Line of credit, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	'	'	0.35%
Minimum risk-based captial ratio	'	'	275.00%
Maximum debt to capital ratio	'	'	0.35
Minimum capital to be retained	'	'	80.00%
Minimum portion of net income to be retained	'	'	50.00%
Minimum capital contributions to be retained	'	'	50.00%
Line of credit, number of occasions borrowing capacity can be increased	'	'	3
Line of credit, additional borrowing capacity, aggregate amount	'	'	50
Line of credit, duration of maturity date extension available, years	'	'	'1 year
Line of credit, number of guarantors	'	'	0
Line of credit, amount outstanding	'	0	0
Cash in excess of amount required by covenants	'	'	$389

Notes_Payable_and_Amounts_Due_8

Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (Repurchase Agreements Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'	'	'
Repurchase agreement, maximum amount borrowed	$258,600,000	$0	'
Repurchase agreement, average borrowings	$38,300,000	'	$12,900,000
Repurchase agreement, weighted average interest rate	0.20%	'	0.23%

Subordinated_Debentures_Narrat

Subordinated Debentures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
	American Equity Capital Trust I [Member]	American Equity Capital Trust II [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate, stated percentage	8.00%	5.00%
Trust preferred securities, mandatory redemption, principal amount converted	$20.60	'
Trust preferred securities, mandatory redemption, number of shares converted	688,327	'
Common stock issued during period, mandatory redemption, number of shares issued	2,549,333	'
Trust preferred securities, mandatory redemption, number of shares settled in cash	38,001	'
Payments to acquire trust preferred securities	1.1	'
Trust preferred securities, remaining shares to be settled in cash	6,000	'
Trust preferred securities, cash payments to settle remaining shares	0.2	'
Trust preferred securities, number of shares converted	4,000	'
Common stock issued during period, number of shares issued	14,814	'
Subordinated debentures, principal amount	'	100
Subordinated debentures, fair value at issuance	'	$74.70
Interest rate, effective percentage	'	6.80%
Ownership percentage, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation	'	50.00%

Subordinated_Debentures_Summar

Subordinated Debentures (Summary of Subordinated Debt Obligations to the Trusts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	$246,050	$245,869
American Equity Capital Trust II [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	76,440	76,259
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.00%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	1-Jun-47	'
American Equity Capital Trust III [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	27,840	27,840
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.90%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	29-Apr-34	'
American Equity Capital Trust IV [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	12,372	12,372
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	4.00%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	8-Jan-34	'
American Equity Capital Trust VII [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	10,830	10,830
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.75%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	14-Dec-34	'
American Equity Capital Trust VIII [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	20,620	20,620
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.75%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	15-Dec-34	'
American Equity Capital Trust IX [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	15,470	15,470
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.65%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	15-Jun-35	'
American Equity Capital Trust X [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	20,620	20,620
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.65%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	15-Sep-35	'
American Equity Capital Trust XI [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	20,620	20,620
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.65%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	15-Dec-35	'
American Equity Capital Trust XII [Member]	'	'
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated debentures	$41,238	$41,238
Description of variable rate basis	'*LIBOR +	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.50%	'
Subordinated borrowing, due date	7-Apr-36	'

Retirement_and_Sharebased_Comp2

Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined contribution plan, employee maximum annual contribution	$17,500	$17,000	$16,500
Defined contribution plan, employer plan contributions	400,000	400,000	300,000
Options outstanding, intrinsic value	61,700,000	'	'
Options vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value	58,800,000	'	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised	31,800,000	5,700,000	4,700,000
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	1,000,000	100,000	100,000
ESOP, requisite service period	'6 months	'	'
ESOP, vesting percentage	100.00%	'	'
ESOP, vesting period	'2 years	'	'
ESOP, employer loan amount	7,000,000	'	'
ESOP, shares purchased with ESOP employer loan	650,000	'	'
ESOP, debt structure, employer loan, duration	'20 years	'	'
ESOP, loan terms, required principal payments	1,800,000	'	'
ESOP, loan amount outstanding	200,000	'	'
ESOP, number of shares committed for release	127,867	54,971	'
ESOP, compensation expense	3,500,000	1,100,000	1,300,000
ESOP, number of unreleased shares	58,618	239,799	'
ESOP, fair value of unreleased shares	1,500,000	2,900,000	'
Short-Term Performance Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Participant age for full vesting	'65 years	'	'
Requisite service period	'10 years	'	'
Shares issued in period	33,489	51,810	24,497
Share-based compensation expense	400,000	500,000	100,000
Short-Term Performance Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares issued in period	23,681	37,369	16,819
2009 Employee Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Participant age for full vesting	'65 years	'	'
Requisite service period	'10 years	'	'
Shares issued in period	26,087	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	200,000	'	'
Number of shares authorized	2,500,000	'	'
Number of shares available for future grant	1,563,907	'	'
Duration of award	'10 years	'	'
2009 Employee Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares issued in period	20,889	'	'
2009 Employee Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Shares issued in period	78,260	'	'
Duration used to measure performance and threshold goals	'3 years	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	300,000	'	'
2009 Employee Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Threshold Goals, Vesting Percentage [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting rights, percentage	50.00%	'	'
2009 Employee Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Target Performance Goals, Vesting Percentage [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting rights, percentage	100.00%	'	'
2013 Director Equity And Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'1 year	'	'
Shares issued in period	40,000	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	400,000	'	'
Number of shares authorized	250,000	'	'
Number of shares available for future grant	210,000	'	'
Deferred Compensation Plans, Certain Officers, Directors and Consultants [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	200,000	200,000	300,000
Shares earned and reserved for future issuance	356,897	354,923	'
Deferred Compensation Plans, Officer Rabbi Trust [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred compensation liability	3,100,000	1,400,000	'
Shares of common stock purchased	'	0	1,250
Cost of shares purchased	'	'	10,000
Shares held	103,551	104,551	'
Deferred Compensation Plans, NMO Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'9 years	'	'
Undistributed vested shares	892,688	1,142,332	'
Deferred Compensation Plans, NMO Trust [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares of common stock purchased	'	0	81,745
Cost of shares purchased	'	'	900,000
Shares held	892,688	1,142,332	'
Shares distributed	249,644	489,216	306,032
Stock Option Plans, 1996 Stock Option Plan, 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan, 2000 Directors Stock Option Plan, 2011 Directors Stock Option Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized	3,475,000	'	'
Duration of award	'10 years	'	'
Stock Option Plans, 1996 Stock Option Plan, 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan, 2000 Directors Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'6 months	'	'
Stock Option Plans, 2011 Directors Stock Option Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Number of shares available for future grant	18,000	'	'
Stock Option Plans, All Stock Option Plans For Officers, Directors And Employees [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options exercised in period, total intrinsic value	10,400,000	900,000	300,000
Stock Option Plans, Independent Insurance Agent Stock Option Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'6 months	'	'
Number of shares authorized	8,000,000	'	'
Duration of award	'7 years	'	'
Options, grants in period, net of forfeitures	1,284,950	1,125,100	1,422,050
Commission expense	$8,100,000	$3,900,000	$6,800,000
March 2010 Option Grant [Member] | 2009 Employee Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Duration of award	'6 years	'	'

Retirement_and_Sharebased_Comp3

Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Valuation Assumptions of Stock Options Granted to Officers, Directors and Employees) (Details) (Stock Option Plans, All Stock Option Plans For Officers, Directors And Employees [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Directors and Retirement Eligible Employees [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Average risk-free interest rate	0.76%	1.66%
Dividend yield	1.10%	0.80%
Average expected life (years)	'5 years	'5 years
Volatility	62.50%	66.10%
Non-Retirement Eligible Employees [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Average risk-free interest rate	1.36%	2.00%
Dividend yield	1.30%	1.00%
Average expected life (years)	'8 years	'8 years
Volatility	50.90%	52.00%

Retirement_and_Sharebased_Comp4

Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Valuation Assumptions of Stock Options Granted to Agents) (Details) (Stock Option Plans, Independent Insurance Agent Stock Option Plans [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Option Plans, Independent Insurance Agent Stock Option Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Average risk-free interest rate	1.21%	0.51%	0.58%
Dividend yield	0.70%	1.20%	1.20%
Average expected life (years)	'3 years 9 months	'3 years 9 months	'3 years 9 months
Volatility	31.20%	41.10%	67.20%

Retirement_and_Sharebased_Comp5

Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Changes in the Number of Stock Options Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, number of shares	3,976,725	5,732,450	4,844,850	4,120,850
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price per share	$10.86	$10.35	$10.13	$8.78
Outstanding, total exercise price	$43,171	$59,321	$49,097	$36,187
Granted, number of shares	1,210,950	1,558,900	1,486,850	'
Granted, weighted-average exercise price per share	$13.13	$10.40	$12.99	'
Granted, total exercise price	15,899	16,216	19,309	'
Canceled, number of shares	-29,400	-28,050	-177,500	'
Canceled, weighted-average exercise price per share	$9.96	$8.97	$9.66	'
Canceled, total exercise price	-293	-251	-1,714	'
Exercised, number of shares	-2,937,275	-643,250	-585,350	'
Exercised, weighted-average exercise price per share	$10.81	$8.93	$8	'
Exercised, total exercise price	($31,756)	($5,741)	($4,685)	'

Retirement_and_Sharebased_Comp6

Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding, By Exercise Price Range) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Exercise Price Range I [Member]

Exercise Price Range II [Member]

Exercise Price Range III [Member]

Exercise Price Range, All Options [Member]

Stock Options Outstanding [Member]

Stock Options Outstanding [Member]

Stock Options Outstanding [Member]

Stock Options Outstanding [Member]

Stock Options Vested [Member]

Stock Options Vested [Member]

Stock Options Vested [Member]

Stock Options Vested [Member]

Exercise Price Range I [Member]

Exercise Price Range II [Member]

Exercise Price Range III [Member]

Exercise Price Range, All Options [Member]

Exercise Price Range I [Member]

Exercise Price Range II [Member]

Exercise Price Range III [Member]

Exercise Price Range, All Options [Member]

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range, lower range limit

'

'

'

'

$5.07

$9.27

$11.87

$5.07

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range, upper range limit

'

'

'

'

$9.16

$11.35

$14.62

$14.62

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

756,550

1,681,475

1,538,700

3,976,725

756,550

1,592,475

1,433,700

3,782,725

Remaining life (yrs)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 2 months 3 days

'5 years 15 days

'5 years 3 months 16 days

'4 years 9 months 12 days

'3 years 2 months 3 days

'4 years 10 months 6 days

'5 years 1 month 9 days

'4 years 7 months 11 days

Weighted-average exercise price per share

$10.86

$10.35

$10.13

$8.78

'

'

'

'

$7.48

$10.33

$13.10

$10.86

$7.48

$10.31

$13.16

$10.83

Statutory_Financial_Informatio2

Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Narrative and Statutory Accounting Practices Tables) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]	'	'	'
American Equity Life, statutory net income	$205,202,000	$82,039,000	$169,365,000
American Equity Life, statutory capital and surplus balance	1,870,728,000	1,658,929,000	'
Total adjusted capital	1,995,658,000	1,741,638,000	'
Company Action Level RBC	580,085,000	524,928,000	'
Ratio of adjusted capital to Company Action Level RBC	344.00%	332.00%	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Dividends paid by insurance subsidiaries	0	0	0
Statutory amount available for dividend payments without regulatory approval	$195,000,000	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative and Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
2014	$1,782,000	'	$1,782,000	'	'
2015	2,289,000	'	2,289,000	'	'
2016	1,685,000	'	1,685,000	'	'
2017	1,440,000	'	1,440,000	'	'
2018	1,364,000	'	1,364,000	'	'
2019 and thereafter	4,228,000	'	4,228,000	'	'
Rent expense	'	'	2,300,000	2,000,000	1,900,000
Aggregate future minimum payments due	12,800,000	'	12,800,000	'	'
Loss contingency, loss in period	21,200,000	17,500,000	'	'	'
Estimated litigation liability	21,200,000	'	21,200,000	'	'
Unfunded commitments to limited partnerships	24,400,000	'	24,400,000	'	'
Unfunded commitments to secured bank loans	$20,800,000	'	$20,800,000	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Dilutive [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

$50,958

$56,181

$120,113

$26,031

$36,397

($7,829)

$18,759

$10,471

$253,283

$57,798

$86,248

Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

517

1,034

Numerator for earnings per common sharebassuming dilution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$253,283

$58,315

$87,282

Weighted average common shares outstanding (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,543,895

[1]

61,258,825

[1]

59,482,349

[1]

Effect of dilutive securities: 2015 warrants (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,184,549

0

0

Effect of dilutive securities: stock options and deferred compensation agreements (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,224,053

553,312

561,898

Denominator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,040,646

65,675,651

63,619,495

Earnings per common share

$0.73

$0.86

$1.87

$0.41

$0.58

($0.13)

$0.31

$0.18

$3.86

$0.94

$1.45

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution

$0.65

$0.75

$1.71

$0.38

$0.55

($0.13)

$0.30

$0.16

$3.38

$0.89

$1.37

Convertible Subordinated Debentures [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Dilutive [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of dilutive securities: conversion of debt securities (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,348,447

2,727,084

Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Dilutive [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of dilutive securities: conversion of debt securities (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,088,149

2,515,067

848,164

[1]

Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP.

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of1

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares	0	1,522,100	2,290,200
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Range of exercise prices	0	11.35	10.65
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Range of exercise prices	0	14.34	14.34

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums and product charges	$42,986	$36,325	$35,062	$34,565	$39,720	$47,413	$40,817	$37,731	'	'	'
Net investment income	363,947	354,147	336,143	329,690	321,160	318,594	320,259	326,910	1,383,927	1,286,923	1,218,780
Change in fair value of derivatives	444,985	193,028	64,040	373,962	-48,266	161,090	-150,847	259,161	1,076,015	221,138	-114,728
Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	16,364	-2,077	15,689	10,585	1,471	-1,238	-611	-6,076	40,561	-6,454	-18,641
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	0	-222	-2,775	-3,237	-9,387	-1,686	-978	-2,881	-6,234	-14,932	-33,976
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-30,988	-938	-589	0	'	'	'	'	-32,515	0	0
Total revenues	837,294	580,263	447,570	745,565	304,698	524,173	208,640	614,845	2,610,692	1,652,356	1,246,536
Net income (loss)	50,958	56,181	120,113	26,031	36,397	-7,829	18,759	10,471	253,283	57,798	86,248
Earnings (loss) per common share	$0.73	$0.86	$1.87	$0.41	$0.58	($0.13)	$0.31	$0.18	$3.86	$0.94	$1.45
Earnings (loss) per common sharebassuming dilution	$0.65	$0.75	$1.71	$0.38	$0.55	($0.13)	$0.30	$0.16	$3.38	$0.89	$1.37
Restatement Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums and product charges	'	$7,400	$8,600	$10,400	$12,800	$20,200	$15,700	$15,100	'	'	'

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio3

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Comparability of Net Income, Impact of Fair Value Accounting to Fixed Index Annuity Business) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fixed index annuity derivatives, fair value accounting impact on comparability of net income	($23,418)	($5,601)	($80,658)	$10,973	($8,289)	$18,148	$5,070	$16,317

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme2

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	$29,631,142	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	30,346,654
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	26,603,985	[1]
Fair value	26,671,287
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	26,686,702
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	26,527,730	[1]
Fair value	26,610,447
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	26,610,447
United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	44,852	[1]
Fair value	42,925
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	42,925
United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	1,313,776	[1]
Fair value	1,194,289
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,194,289
United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	3,181,032	[1]
Fair value	3,306,743
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	3,306,743
Foreign Government Obligations [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	86,112	[1]
Fair value	91,557
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	91,557
Corporate Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	17,142,118	[1]
Fair value	17,233,037
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	17,233,037
Corporate Securities [Member] | Held For Investment [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	76,255	[1]
Fair value	60,840
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	76,255
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	1,895,913	[1]
Fair value	1,971,960
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,971,960
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	1,821,988	[1]
Fair value	1,735,460
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,735,460
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	1,041,939	[1]
Fair value	1,034,476
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,034,476
Equity Securities [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	7,503	[1]
Fair value	7,778
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	7,778
Common Stocks [Member] | Available For Sale [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	7,503	[1]
Fair value	7,778
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	7,778
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	2,581,082	[1]
Fair value	2,615,410
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	2,581,082
Derivative Instruments [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	223,530	[1]
Fair value	856,050
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	856,050
Other Investments [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	215,042	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	$215,042
[1]	On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, original cost for derivative instruments and unpaid principal balance less allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia2

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$897,529	$1,268,545	$404,952	$597,766
Deferred income taxes	301,856	0	'	'
Other assets, including 2015 notes hedges	471,669	153,049	'	'
Total assets	39,621,499	35,133,478	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	549,958	309,869	'	'
Other liabilities, including 2015 notes embedded derivative	1,222,963	573,704	'	'
Total liabilities	38,236,812	33,413,241	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	70,535	61,751	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	550,400	496,715	'	'
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP	-631	-2,583	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,196	686,807	'	'
Retained earnings	718,187	477,547	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	1,384,687	1,720,237	1,408,679	938,047
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	39,621,499	35,133,478	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	252,541	11,220	12,609	62,324
Equity securities of subsidiary trusts	7,403	7,398	'	'
Receivable from subsidiaries	1,158	535	'	'
Deferred income taxes	15,734	2,378	'	'
Federal income tax recoverable, including amount from subsidiaries	11,551	11,613	'	'
Other assets, including 2015 notes hedges	131,424	55,010	'	'
Total assets, excluding investment in and advances to subsidiaries	419,811	88,154	'	'
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	1,889,648	2,235,403	'	'
Total assets	2,309,459	2,323,557	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	549,958	309,869	'	'
Subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts	246,050	245,869	'	'
Other liabilities, including 2015 notes embedded derivative	128,764	47,582	'	'
Total liabilities	924,772	603,320	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	70,535	61,751	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	550,400	496,715	'	'
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP	-631	-2,583	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,196	686,807	'	'
Retained earnings	718,187	477,547	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	1,384,687	1,720,237	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$2,309,459	$2,323,557	'	'

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia3

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	$363,947	$354,147	$336,143	$329,690	$321,160	$318,594	$320,259	$326,910	$1,383,927	$1,286,923	$1,218,780
Realized gain on investments	16,364	-2,077	15,689	10,585	1,471	-1,238	-611	-6,076	40,561	-6,454	-18,641
Change in fair value of derivatives	444,985	193,028	64,040	373,962	-48,266	161,090	-150,847	259,161	1,076,015	221,138	-114,728
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-30,988	-938	-589	0	'	'	'	'	-32,515	0	0
Total revenues	837,294	580,263	447,570	745,565	304,698	524,173	208,640	614,845	2,610,692	1,652,356	1,246,536
Expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	133,968	286,899	-105,194
Interest expense on notes payable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,870	28,479	31,633
Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,088	13,458	13,977
Other operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	91,915	95,495	67,559
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,221,360	1,566,367	1,113,622
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	136,049	28,191	46,666
Net income	50,958	56,181	120,113	26,031	36,397	-7,829	18,759	10,471	253,283	57,798	86,248
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	130	565	298
Dividends from subsidiary trusts	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	361	403	427
Investment advisory fees	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,469	36,178	29,765
Surplus note interest from subsidiary	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,080	4,080	4,080
Realized gain on investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	18
Change in fair value of derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	144,012	-7,472	-21,146
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-32,515	0	0
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	160,537	33,754	13,442
Expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	141,974	-2,488	-21,002
Interest expense on notes payable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,870	28,479	31,633
Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,088	13,458	13,977
Other operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,163	8,228	7,307
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	201,095	47,677	31,915
Loss before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-40,558	-13,923	-18,473
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,880	-5,944	-7,407
Loss before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-26,678	-7,979	-11,066
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	279,961	65,777	97,314
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$253,283	$57,798	$86,248

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia4

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$253,283	$57,798	$86,248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Change in fair value of 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	133,968	286,899	-105,194
Provision for depreciation and amortization	18,375	18,404	18,970
Amortization of premium on fixed maturity security	6,861	-69,828	-154,483
Change in fair value of derivatives	-1,076,015	-221,138	112,608
Realized gain on investments	-40,561	6,454	18,641
Loss on extinguishment of debt	32,515	0	0
Share-based compensation	10,476	6,552	9,339
ESOP compensation	3,500	1,100	1,300
Deferred income taxes (benefits)	3,013	-52,336	-80,869
Other	-7,059	-857	59
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Other assets	1,113	-7,090	5,005
Other liabilities	-11,435	5,927	-77,082
Net cash provided by operating activities	862,668	784,314	277,791
Investing activities	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-3,879,296	-2,129,490	-3,605,833
Financing activities	'	'	'
Financing fees incurred and deferred	-11,942	0	-1,566
Repayment of notes payable	-234,154	0	-46,251
Net proceeds from settlement of notes hedge and warrants	22,170	0	0
Repayment of subordinated debentures	0	-1,141	0
Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	4,043	481	1,061
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	31,764	5,741	4,686
Dividends paid	-12,643	-9,203	-6,916
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,645,612	2,208,769	3,135,228
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-371,016	863,593	-192,814
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,268,545	404,952	597,766
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	897,529	1,268,545	404,952
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'	'	'
Interest paid	25,608	27,666	30,650
Non-cash financing activity:	'	'	'
Conversion of subordinated debentures	0	20,770	0
Common stock issued in extinguishment of debt	117,463	0	0
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	253,283	57,798	86,248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Change in fair value of 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	141,974	-2,488	-21,002
Provision for depreciation and amortization	2,831	2,382	2,395
Accrual of discount on equity security	-5	-5	-5
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	-279,961	-65,777	-97,314
Amortization of premium on fixed maturity security	0	0	1,005
Accrual of discount on contingent convertible notes	12,417	12,261	13,024
Change in fair value of derivatives	-144,012	7,472	21,002
Realized gain on investments	0	0	-18
Loss on extinguishment of debt	32,515	0	0
Accrual of discount on debenture issued to subsidiary trust	181	169	158
Share-based compensation	1,407	1,348	866
ESOP compensation	110	45	45
Deferred income taxes (benefits)	-5,202	-2,838	-4,355
Other	-3,608	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivable from subsidiaries	995	1,205	1,596
Federal income tax recoverable	62	-2,745	142
Other assets	-1,945	-549	1,702
Other liabilities	20,131	-4,528	-1,562
Net cash provided by operating activities	31,173	3,750	3,927
Investing activities	'	'	'
Capital contributions to subsidiaries	0	0	-2,450
Purchase of fixed maturity security	0	0	-53,610
Sales, maturities or repayments of fixed maturity securitiesbavailable for sale	0	0	52,623
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0	-3,437
Financing activities	'	'	'
Financing fees incurred and deferred	-11,942	0	-1,566
Proceeds from notes payable	415,000	0	0
Repayment of notes payable	-234,154	0	-46,251
Net proceeds from settlement of notes hedge and warrants	22,170	0	0
Repayment of subordinated debentures	0	-1,141	0
Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	159	6	28
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	31,764	5,370	4,686
Dividends paid	-12,849	-9,374	-7,102
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	210,148	-5,139	-50,205
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	241,321	-1,389	-49,715
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	11,220	12,609	62,324
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	252,541	11,220	12,609
Non-cash financing activity:	'	'	'
Conversion of subordinated debentures	0	20,770	0
Common stock issued in extinguishment of debt	117,463	0	0
Parent Company [Member] | Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'	'	'
Interest paid	13,758	14,564	16,917
Parent Company [Member] | Convertible Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'	'	'
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'	'	'
Interest paid	$11,850	$13,102	$13,703

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins2

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$2,426,652	$1,709,799	$1,683,857
Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses	35,789,655	31,773,988	28,118,716
Unearned premiums	0	0	0
Other policy claims and benefits payable	418,033	455,752	400,594
Premium revenue	148,938	165,681	195,101
Net investment income	1,383,927	1,286,923	1,218,780
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	1,713,019	1,264,016	856,975
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	365,468	164,919	143,478
Other operating expenses	$142,873	$137,432	$113,169

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross amount, life insurance in force	$2,250,112	$2,350,473	$2,469,428
Ceded to other companies, life insurance in force	13,521	4,742	4,692
Assumed from other companies, life insurance in force	57,976	61,488	65,197
Net amount, life insurance in force	2,294,567	2,407,219	2,529,933
Net amount, insurance premiums and other considerations	45,347	76,675	118,912
Percent of amount assumed to net, life insurance in force	2.53%	2.55%	2.58%
Insurance Premiums and Other Considerations [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross amount, insurance premiums and other considerations	155,199	172,125	202,876
Ceded to other companies, insurance premiums and other considerations	6,879	7,160	8,497
Assumed from other companies, insurance premiums and other considerations	618	716	722
Net amount, insurance premiums and other considerations	148,938	165,681	195,101
Percent of amount assumed to net, insurance premiums and other considerations	0.41%	0.43%	0.37%
Annuity Product Charges [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross amount, insurance premiums and other considerations	110,142	95,802	84,338
Ceded to other companies, insurance premiums and other considerations	6,551	6,796	8,149
Assumed from other companies, insurance premiums and other considerations	0	0	0
Net amount, insurance premiums and other considerations	103,591	89,006	76,189
Percent of amount assumed to net, insurance premiums and other considerations	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Traditional Life, Accident and Health Insurance, and Life Contingent Immediate Annuity Premiums [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross amount, insurance premiums and other considerations	45,057	76,323	118,538
Ceded to other companies, insurance premiums and other considerations	328	364	348
Assumed from other companies, insurance premiums and other considerations	618	716	722
Net amount, insurance premiums and other considerations	$45,347	$76,675	$118,912
Percent of amount assumed to net, insurance premiums and other considerations	1.36%	0.93%	0.61%

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali2

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Valuation Allowance on Mortgage Loans [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation Allowance on Mortgage Loans [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	($34,234)	($32,964)	($16,224)
Charged to costs and expenses	-5,621	-16,832	-30,770
Translation adjustment	0	0	0
Write-offs/payments/other	13,808	15,562	14,030
Ending balance	($26,047)	($34,234)	($32,964)