Primerica (PRI) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Primerica, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001475922	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	54,829,477

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale, at fair value	$1,688,096	$1,887,014
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value	37,016	37,147
Trading securities, at fair value	11,185	7,762
Policy loans	25,795	24,613
Total investments	1,762,092	1,956,536
Cash and cash equivalents	147,468	112,216
Accrued investment income	19,595	19,540
Due from reinsurers	4,033,138	4,005,194
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net	1,179,143	1,066,422
Premiums and other receivables	182,702	170,656
Intangible assets, net	69,432	69,816
Income taxes	31,999	17,256
Other assets	261,225	302,126
Separate account assets	2,512,886	2,618,115
Total assets	10,199,680	10,337,877
Liabilities:	'	'
Future policy benefits	5,022,048	4,850,488
Unearned premiums	4,501	6,056
Policy claims and other benefits payable	248,592	254,533
Other policyholders’ funds	334,553	345,721
Notes payable	374,469	374,433
Income taxes	101,708	114,611
Other liabilities	329,566	358,577
Payable under securities lending	75,852	139,927
Separate account liabilities	2,512,886	2,618,115
Total liabilities	9,004,175	9,062,461
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock	547	564
Paid-in capital	464,783	602,269
Retained earnings	609,778	503,173
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	48,671	55,487
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):	'	'
Net unrealized investment gains not other-than-temporarily impaired	72,773	114,958
Net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired	-1,047	-1,035
Total stockholders’ equity	1,195,505	1,275,416
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$10,199,680	$10,337,877

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale, amortized cost	$1,581,341	$1,711,582
Equity securities available for sale, cost	30,852	29,955
Trading securities, cost	11,208	7,740
Intangible assets, net	'	'
Accumulated amortization on definite-lived intangible assets	$64,173	$61,621
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,687	56,374

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Direct premiums	$576,095	$567,273	$1,724,202	$1,698,383
Ceded premiums	-407,488	-414,991	-1,235,543	-1,248,969
Net premiums	168,607	152,282	488,659	449,414
Commissions and fees	118,443	104,607	347,899	315,974
Net investment income	22,103	26,881	66,345	76,583
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairment losses	-407	3,872	5,347	10,324
Other, net	10,711	11,446	31,958	33,919
Total revenues	319,457	299,088	940,208	886,214
Benefits and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Benefits and claims	81,912	70,738	225,927	207,596
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net	32,192	29,234	93,556	83,970
Sales commissions	58,388	49,370	171,074	150,562
Insurance expenses	25,083	23,744	80,319	70,777
Insurance commissions	5,329	6,684	16,818	21,638
Interest expense	8,726	8,828	26,314	24,244
Other operating expenses	41,273	39,934	131,968	121,485
Total benefits and expenses	252,903	228,532	745,976	680,272
Income before income taxes	66,554	70,556	194,232	205,942
Income taxes	23,364	24,957	68,707	72,407
Net income	43,190	45,599	125,525	133,535
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.78	$0.74	$2.20	$2.09
Diluted (usd per share)	$0.78	$0.72	$2.16	$2.05
Weighted-average shares used in computing earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (shares)	54,957	60,060	56,019	62,241
Weighted-average vested shares, diluted (shares)	54,958	61,563	57,069	63,519
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'	'	'
Total impairment losses	-347	-162	-438	-1,066
Impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income before income taxes	0	0	19	563
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	-347	-162	-419	-503
Other net realized investment gains	-60	4,034	5,766	10,827
Realized investment gains (losses)	($407)	$3,872	$5,347	$10,324
Common stock, dividends, per share, declared	$0.11	$0.07	$0.33	$0.15

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$43,190	$45,599	$125,525	$133,535
Unrealized investment gains (losses):	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities	-3,004	24,139	-60,502	45,584
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income	-184	-3,654	-4,416	-10,115
Foreign currency translation adjustments:	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	5,586	7,867	-6,907	6,998
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	2,398	28,352	-71,825	42,467
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,044	7,260	-22,812	12,426
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	3,442	21,092	-49,013	30,041
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$46,632	$66,691	$76,512	$163,576

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity balance, beginning of period	'	'	$1,275,416	'
Common stock:	'	'	'	'
Common stock, value, outstanding (beginning of period)	'	'	564	649
Stock repurchased and retired during period, par value	'	'	-29	-65
Stock granted during period, par value, share-based compensation, net of forfeitures	'	'	12	13
Common stock, value, outstanding (ending of period)	547	597	547	597
Paid-in capital:	'	'	'	'
Additional paid in capital, beginning of period	'	'	602,269	835,232
Share-based compensation	'	'	31,161	24,643
Net issuance of common stock	'	'	-12	-13
Repurchases of common stock	'	'	-101,044	-169,938
Repurchases of warrants	'	'	-68,399	0
Adjustments to additional paid-in capital, other	'	'	808	1,961
Additional paid in capital, ending of period	464,783	691,885	464,783	691,885
Retained earnings:	'	'	'	'
Retained earnings, beginning of period	'	'	503,173	344,104
Net income	43,190	45,599	125,525	133,535
Dividends	'	'	-18,920	-9,416
Retained earnings, ending of period	609,778	468,223	609,778	468,223
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	'	'	169,410	146,665
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax (benefit) expense	'	'	-6,816	6,986
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period, net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than temporarily impaired, net of tax	'	'	-42,185	22,754
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income tax (benefit) expense	'	'	-12	301
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending of period	120,397	176,706	120,397	176,706
Stockholders' equity balance, end of period	$1,195,505	$1,337,411	$1,195,505	$1,337,411

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Parenthetical (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, income tax expense (benefit)	($91)	$12
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than-temporarily impaired, income tax expense (benefit)	-22,713	12,251
Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains other-than-temporarily impaired, income tax expense (benefit)	($8)	$163

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$125,525	$133,535
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Change in future policy benefits and other policy liabilities	166,936	174,134
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	-200,082	-204,283
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net	93,556	83,970
Change in income taxes	-4,117	2,666
Realized investment gains, including other-than-temporary impairments	-5,347	-10,324
Accretion and amortization of investments	-2,924	-1,686
Depreciation and amortization	8,182	7,555
Change in due from reinsurers	-39,379	-125,965
Change in premiums and other receivables	-12,627	-11,208
Trading securities sold, matured, or called (acquired), net	-3,448	26,434
Share-based compensation	10,689	14,122
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net	-46,407	13,720
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	90,557	102,670
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:	'	'
Fixed-maturity securities - sold	88,332	229,523
Fixed-maturity securities - matured or called	207,445	203,256
Equity securities	4,694	1,965
Available-for-sale investments acquired:	'	'
Fixed-maturity securities	-156,360	-370,141
Equity securities	-461	-5,632
Payments for (proceeds from) other investing activities	-18,473	-4,622
Cash collateral received (returned) on loaned securities, net	-64,075	28,308
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments using securities lending collateral, net	64,075	-28,308
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	125,177	54,349
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends	-18,920	-9,416
Common stock repurchased	-101,073	-170,003
Payments for Repurchase of Warrants	-68,399	0
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	8,440	4,723
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of discount	0	374,411
Payment of note issued to Citigroup	0	-300,000
Payments of deferred financing costs	0	-7,729
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-179,952	-108,014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-530	740
Change in cash and cash equivalents	35,252	49,745
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	112,216	136,078
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$147,468	$185,823

Organization_Consolidation_and

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting
	Policies
	Description of Business. Primerica, Inc. (the "Parent Company") together with its subsidiaries (collectively, "we", "us" or the "Company") is a leading distributor of financial products to middle income households in the United States and Canada. We assist our clients in meeting their needs for term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. Our primary subsidiaries include the following entities: Primerica Financial Services, Inc. ("PFS"), a general agency and marketing company; Primerica Life Insurance Company ("Primerica Life"), our principal life insurance company; Primerica Financial Services (Canada) Ltd., a holding company for our Canadian operations, which includes Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada ("Primerica Life Canada") and PFSL Investments Canada Ltd. ("PFSL Investments Canada"); and PFS Investments, Inc. ("PFS Investments"), an investment products company and broker-dealer. Primerica Life, domiciled in Massachusetts, owns National Benefit Life Insurance Company ("NBLIC"), a New York life insurance company.
	We capitalized Peach Re, Inc. ("Peach Re"), a special purpose financial captive insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of Primerica Life, and Primerica Life ceded to Peach Re certain level premium term life insurance policies pursuant to a coinsurance agreement (the "Peach Re Coinsurance Agreement") effective March 31, 2012.
	Basis of Presentation. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect financial statement balances, revenues and expenses and cash flows, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers available facts and knowledge of existing circumstances when establishing the estimates included in our financial statements.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary to fairly present the balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and the statements of stockholders' equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or of the results to be expected in future periods.
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 ("2012 Annual Report").
	Use of Estimates. The most significant items that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to change in the future are the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC"), and liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims. Estimates for these and other items are subject to change and are reassessed by management in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Consolidation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany profits, transactions, and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.
	Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-period amounts to conform to current-period reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net income or total stockholders' equity.
	Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements at September 30, 2013.
	Significant Accounting Policies. All significant accounting policies remain unchanged from the 2012 Annual Report.
	New Accounting Principles. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The amendments of ASU 2013-02 require an entity to provide additional information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 were applied prospectively for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013. The disclosures required by this update are included in this report and had no impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recently issued accounting guidance not otherwise disclosed is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or will not have an impact on our business.

Segment_Information_Notes

Segment Information (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We have two primary operating segments – Term Life Insurance and Investment and Savings Products. We also have a Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. Total assets and results of operations by segment were as follows:
								September 30,			December 31,
								2013			2012
								(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Term life insurance segment							$	6,678,705		$	6,400,126
	Investment and savings products segment							2,722,684			2,810,137
	Corporate and other distributed products segment							798,291			1,127,614
	Total assets							$	10,199,680		$	10,337,877
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Term life insurance segment	$	177,811		$	163,028		$	514,828		$	475,960
	Investment and savings products segment	114,723			101,163			336,805			304,264
	Corporate and other distributed products segment	26,923			34,897			88,575			105,990
	Total revenues	$	319,457		$	299,088		$	940,208		$	886,214
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Term life insurance segment	$	50,136		$	47,593		$	147,159		$	141,996
	Investment and savings products segment	31,498			31,608			85,339			89,922
	Corporate and other distributed products segment	(15,080		)	(8,645		)	(38,266		)	(25,976		)
	Total income before income taxes	$	66,554		$	70,556		$	194,232		$	205,942
	The Investment and Savings Products segment includes assets held in separate accounts. Excluding separate accounts, the Investment and Savings Products segment assets were approximately $210.4 million and $192.8 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	In the second quarter of 2013, Primerica changed its measurement of segment information to reclassify the deposit asset underlying the 10% reinsurance agreement with Citigroup Inc. ("Citigroup"), as well as the related mark-to-market adjustments included in the calculation of its effective yield, to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment instead of the Term Life Insurance segment. The deposit asset reflects a unique corporate financing-related asset, changes in the market value of which are no longer viewed by management for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the Term Life Insurance segment and assessing its performance. All prior period information has been adjusted to consistently reflect this change in segment measurement. The change does not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	The change in measurement of segment information increased total assets in the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment and decreased total assets in the Term Life Insurance segment by approximately $91.5 million as of December 31, 2012. The amount of segment revenues and segment income (loss) before income taxes reclassified from the Term Life Insurance segment to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment was approximately $1.0 million and $2.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Long-lived assets and results of operations by country were as follows:
								September 30,			December 31,
								2013			2012
								(In thousands)
	Long-lived assets by country:
	United States							$	95,551		$	82,724
	Canada							643			450
	Total long-lived assets							$	96,194		$	83,174
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues by country:
	United States	$	262,925		$	245,574		$	767,759		$	723,034
	Canada	56,532			53,514			172,449			163,180
	Total revenues	$	319,457		$	299,088		$	940,208		$	886,214
	Income before income taxes by country:
	United States	$	50,951		$	54,587		$	145,143		$	156,625
	Canada	15,603			15,969			49,089			49,317
	Total income before income taxes	$	66,554		$	70,556		$	194,232		$	205,942

Investments_Notes

Investments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The period-end cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of fixed-maturity and equity securities available for sale follow:
		September 30, 2013
		Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair value
		amortized			unrealized			unrealized
		cost			gains			losses
		(In thousands)
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	7,370		$	574		$	(80	)		$	7,864
	Foreign government	112,041			9,697			(1,550		)		120,188
	States and political subdivisions	32,522			2,148			(436		)		34,234
	Corporates	1,187,752			91,959			(10,419		)		1,269,292
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	241,656			15,632			(770		)		256,518
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)	1,581,341			120,010			(13,255		)		1,688,096
	Equity securities	30,852			6,888			(724		)		37,016
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities available for sale	$	1,612,193		$	126,898		$	(13,979	)		$	1,725,112
	____________________
	(1)	Includes approximately $1.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
		December 31, 2012
		Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair value
		amortized			unrealized			unrealized
		cost			gains			losses
		(In thousands)
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	6,722		$	812		$	—			$	7,534
	Foreign government	101,171			16,238			(17		)		117,392
	States and political subdivisions	31,176			3,596			(19		)		34,753
	Corporates	1,265,179			134,710			(2,763		)		1,397,126
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	307,334			23,999			(1,124		)		330,209
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)	1,711,582			179,355			(3,923		)		1,887,014
	Equity securities	29,955			7,529			(337		)		37,147
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities available for sale	$	1,741,537		$	186,884		$	(4,260	)		$	1,924,161
	____________________
	(1)	Includes approximately $1.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The net effect on stockholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities was as follows:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Net unrealized investment gains (losses) including foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments:
	Fixed-maturity and equity securities	$	112,919		$	182,624
	Currency swaps	81			97
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,653		)	(7,456		)
	Other-than-temporary impairments	1,612			1,592
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments	111,959			176,857
	Deferred income taxes	(39,186		)	(61,899		)
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments, net of tax	$	72,773		$	114,958
	We also maintain a portfolio of fixed-maturity securities that are classified as trading securities. The carrying value of the fixed-maturity securities classified as trading securities were approximately $11.2 million and $7.8 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	All of our available-for-sale mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent investments in variable interest entities ("VIEs"). We are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement in these VIEs equals the carrying value of the securities.
	As required by law, we have investments on deposit with governmental authorities and banks for the protection of policyholders. The fair values of investments on deposit were approximately $19.6 million and $20.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	We participate in securities lending transactions with broker-dealers and other financial institutions to increase investment income with minimal risk. We require minimum collateral on securities loaned equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities. We accept collateral in the form of securities, which we are not able to sell or encumber, and to the extent the collateral declines in value below 100%, we require additional collateral from the borrower. Any securities collateral received is not reflected on our balance sheet. We also accept collateral in the form of cash, all of which we reinvest. For loaned securities involving unrestricted cash collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability representing our obligation to return the collateral. We continue to carry the lent securities as investment assets on our balance sheet during the terms of the loans, and we do not report them as sales. Cash collateral received and reinvested was approximately $75.9 million and $139.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The scheduled contractual maturity distribution of the available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio at September 30, 2013 follows:
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized cost			Fair value
		(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	162,789		$	168,096
	Due after one year through five years	471,070			509,900
	Due after five years through 10 years	664,430			708,301
	Due after 10 years	41,396			45,281
		1,339,685			1,431,578
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	241,656			256,518
	Total fixed-maturity securities	$	1,581,341		$	1,688,096
Actual maturities may differ from scheduled contractual maturities because issuers of securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows:
	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013				2012
	(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities	$	21,785		$	26,601		$	67,643			$	76,160
Equity securities	277			245			841				712
Policy loans and other invested assets	325			315			972				926
Cash and cash equivalents	54			103			215				349
Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% reinsurance agreement	829			983			331				2,587
Gross investment income	23,270			28,247			70,002				80,734
Investment expenses	(1,167		)	(1,366		)	(3,657		)		(4,151		)
Net investment income	$	22,103		$	26,881		$	66,345			$	76,583
The components of net realized investment gains (losses) as well as details on gross realized investment gains and losses and proceeds from sales or other redemptions were as follows:
	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013				2012
	(In thousands)
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Gross gains from sales	$	1,234		$	3,843		$	5,989			$	10,385
Gross losses from sales	(703		)	(27		)	(1,154		)		(84		)
Gross gains from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading	—			—			—				323
Gross losses from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading	—			—			—				(6		)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(347		)	(162		)	(419		)		(503		)
Gains (losses) from bifurcated options	(591		)	218			931				209
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	(407	)	$	3,872		$	5,347			$	10,324
Supplemental information:
Gross realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings	$	184		$	3,654		$	4,416			$	10,115
Tax expense (benefit) associated with realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings	$	64		$	1,279		$	1,546			$	3,540
Proceeds from sales or other redemptions	$	79,864		$	95,861		$	300,471			$	434,744
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment. We conduct a review each quarter to identify and evaluate impaired investments that have indications of possible other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"). An investment in a debt or equity security is impaired if its fair value falls below its cost. Factors considered in determining whether an unrealized loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects for the issue, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery, which may be maturity. For additional information, see Note 3 (Investments) to the consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2012 Annual Report.
Investments in fixed-maturity and equity securities with a cost basis in excess of their fair values were approximately $331.3 million and $111.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and the gross unrealized loss by length of time such securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
	September 30, 2013
	Less than 12 months									12 months or longer
	Fair value			Unrealized			Number			Fair value				Unrealized				Number
				losses			of							losses				of
							securities											securities
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities:
U.S. government and agencies	$	3,122		$	(69	)	3			$	244			$	(11	)		1
Foreign government	33,360			(1,312		)	45			3,483				(238		)		8
States and political subdivisions	10,673			(384		)	14			164				(52		)		1
Corporates	213,962			(8,885		)	243			11,170				(1,534		)		13
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	27,057			(363		)	31			7,640				(407		)		7
Total fixed-maturity securities	288,174			(11,013		)				22,701				(2,242		)
Equity securities	6,469			(724		)	10			—				—				—
Total fixed-maturity and equity securities	$	294,643		$	(11,737	)				$	22,701			$	(2,242	)
	December 31, 2012
	Less than 12 months								12 months or longer
	Fair value			Unrealized			Number		Fair value				Unrealized				Number
				losses			of						losses				of
							securities										securities
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities:
Foreign government	$	5,146		$	(17	)	12		$	—			$	—			—
States and political subdivisions	1,498			(19		)	3		—				—				—
Corporates	70,176			(1,189		)	58		7,055				(1,574		)		11
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	15,367			(22		)	18		6,409				(1,102		)		10
Total fixed-maturity securities	92,187			(1,247		)			13,464				(2,676		)
Equity securities	1,461			(147		)	6		522				(190		)		1
Total fixed-maturity and equity securities	$	93,648		$	(1,394	)			$	13,986			$	(2,866	)
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows:
	September 30,						December 31,
	2013						2012
	Amortized cost			Fair value			Amortized cost				Fair value
	(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities in default	$	63		$	338		$	165			$	712
Impairment charges recognized in earnings on available-for-sale securities were as follows:
	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013				2012
	(In thousands)
Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default	$	347		$	3		$	419			$	343
Impairments on equity securities	—			159			—				160
Total impairment charges	$	347		$	162		$	419			$	503
The securities noted above were considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to adverse credit events, such as news of an impending filing for bankruptcy; analyses of the issuer’s most recent financial statements or other information in which liquidity deficiencies, significant losses and large declines in capitalization were evident; or analyses of rating agency information for issuances with severe ratings downgrades that indicated a significant increase in the possibility of default.
As of September 30, 2013, the unrealized losses on our invested asset portfolio were largely caused by interest rate sensitivity and, to a lesser extent, changes in credit spreads. We believe that fluctuations caused by interest rate movement have little bearing on the recoverability of our investments. The overall increase in interest rates during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 contributed to the declines in fair value of our invested asset portfolio. Because we have the ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or maturity and we have no present intention to dispose of them, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows:
	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013				2012
	(In thousands)
Impairment losses related to securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell:
Total OTTI losses recognized	$	345		$	4		$	365			$	855
Less portion of OTTI loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			(19		)		(563		)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before recovery	345			4			346				292
OTTI losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company intends to sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery	2			158			73				211
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	$	347		$	162		$	419			$	503
The roll-forward of the credit-related losses recognized in income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows:
	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013				2012
	(In thousands)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, beginning of period	$	14,243		$	15,970		$	14,171			$	17,403
Additions for OTTI securities where no credit losses were recognized prior to the beginning of the period	345			—			416				10
Additions for OTTI securities where credit losses have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period	2			3			3				333
Reductions due to sales, maturities or calls of credit impaired securities	(264		)	(938		)	(264		)		(2,711		)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, end of period	$	14,326		$	15,035		$	14,326			$	15,035
Derivatives. We use foreign currency swaps to reduce our foreign exchange risk attributable to investments held by our subsidiaries in debt securities that are denominated in a currency other than its functional currency. The aggregate notional balance and fair value of these currency swaps follow:
	September 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Aggregate notional balance of currency swaps	$	5,878		$	5,878
Aggregate fair value of currency swaps	(2,031		)	(2,048		)
The change in fair value of these currency swaps is reflected in other comprehensive income as they effectively hedge the variability in cash flows from these foreign currency-denominated debt securities.
The embedded conversion options associated with fixed-maturity securities are bifurcated from the fixed-maturity security host contracts and separately recognized as equity securities. The change in fair value of these bifurcated conversion options is reflected in realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI losses. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of these bifurcated options was approximately $4.1 million and $10.2 million, respectively.
We have a deferred loss related to closed forward contracts that were used to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates that resulted from the net investment in our Canadian operations. The amount of deferred loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income was approximately $26.4 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. While we have no current intention to do so, these deferred losses will not be recognized until such time as we sell or substantially liquidate our Canadian operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We classify and disclose all invested assets carried at fair value in one of the following three categories:
	•	Level 1. Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices in active markets, such as exchange-traded common stocks and actively traded mutual fund investments;
	•	Level 2. Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies, models or other valuation methodologies. Various inputs are considered in deriving the fair value of the underlying financial instrument, including interest rate, credit spread, and foreign exchange rates. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable information in the marketplace or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include: certain public and private corporate fixed-maturity and equity securities; government or agency securities; certain mortgage- and asset-backed securities and certain non-exchange-traded derivatives, such as currency swaps and forwards; and
	•	Level 3. Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Level 3 consists of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on industry-standard pricing methodologies and models using significant inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, readily available market information. Valuations for this category primarily consist of non-binding broker quotes. Financial instruments in this category primarily include less liquid corporate, mortgage-backed, and asset-backed fixed-maturity securities.
	As of each reporting period, all assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input (Level 3 being the lowest) that is significant to the fair value measurement. Significant levels of estimation and judgment are required to determine the fair value of certain of our investments. The factors influencing these estimations and judgments are subject to change in subsequent reporting periods.
	The estimated fair value and hierarchy classifications for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	—		$	7,864		$	—		$	7,864
	Foreign government	—			120,188			—			120,188
	States and political subdivisions	—			34,234			—			34,234
	Corporates	1,299			1,265,498			2,495			1,269,292
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	—			254,905			1,613			256,518
	Total available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities	1,299			1,682,689			4,108			1,688,096
	Available-for-sale equity securities	32,562			4,381			73			37,016
	Trading securities	—			11,185			—			11,185
	Separate accounts	—			2,512,886			—			2,512,886
	Total fair value assets	$	33,861		$	4,211,141		$	4,181		$	4,249,183
	Fair value liabilities:
	Currency swaps	$	—		$	2,031		$	—		$	2,031
	Separate accounts	—			2,512,886			—			2,512,886
	Total fair value liabilities	$	—		$	2,514,917		$	—		$	2,514,917
		December 31, 2012
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	—		$	7,534		$	—		$	7,534
	Foreign government	—			117,392			—			117,392
	States and political subdivisions	—			34,753			—			34,753
	Corporates	1,301			1,392,446			3,379			1,397,126
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	—			328,415			1,794			330,209
	Total available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities	1,301			1,880,540			5,173			1,887,014
	Available-for-sale equity securities	26,608			10,491			48			37,147
	Trading securities	—			7,762			—			7,762
	Separate accounts	—			2,618,115			—			2,618,115
	Total fair value assets	$	27,909		$	4,516,908		$	5,221		$	4,550,038
	Fair value liabilities:
	Currency swaps	$	—		$	2,048		$	—		$	2,048
	Separate accounts	—			2,618,115			—			2,618,115
	Total fair value liabilities	$	—		$	2,620,163		$	—		$	2,620,163
	In assessing fair value of our investments, we use a third-party pricing service for approximately 94% of our securities. The remaining securities are primarily thinly traded securities valued using models based on observable inputs on public corporate spreads having similar tenors (e.g., sector, average life and quality rating) and liquidity and yield based on quality rating, average life and treasury yields. All observable data inputs are corroborated by independent third-party data. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, we utilize non-binding broker quotes, which are reflected in our Level 3 classification as we are unable to evaluate the valuation technique(s) or significant inputs used to develop the quotes. Therefore, we do not internally develop the quantitative unobservable inputs used in measuring the fair value of Level 3 investments. However, we do corroborate pricing information provided by our third-party pricing service by performing a review of selected securities. Our review activities include obtaining detailed information about the assumptions, inputs and methodologies used in pricing the security; documenting this information; and corroborating it by comparison to independently obtained prices and or independently developed pricing methodologies.
	Furthermore, we perform internal reasonableness assessments on fair value determinations within our portfolio throughout the quarter and at quarter-end, including pricing variance analyses and comparisons to alternative pricing sources and benchmark returns. If a fair value appears unusual relative to these assessments, we will re-examine the inputs and may challenge a fair value assessment made by the pricing service. If there is a known pricing error, we will request a reassessment by the pricing service. If the pricing service is unable to perform the reassessment on a timely basis, we will determine the appropriate price by requesting a reassessment from an alternative pricing service or other qualified source as necessary. We do not adjust quotes or prices except in a rare circumstance to resolve a known error.
	Because many fixed-maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, fair value is determined using industry-standard methodologies by applying available market information through processes such as U.S. Treasury curves, benchmarking of similar securities, sector groupings, quotes from market participants and matrix pricing. Observable information is compiled and integrates relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Additionally, security prices are periodically back-tested or compared to actual transactions, if available, to validate and/or refine models as conditions warrant. Market indicators and industry and economic events are also monitored as triggers to obtain additional data. For certain structured securities with limited trading activity, industry-standard pricing methodologies use adjusted market information, such as index prices or discounting expected future cash flows, to estimate fair value. If these measures are not deemed observable for a particular security, the security will be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
	Where specific market information is unavailable for certain securities, pricing models produce estimates of fair value primarily using Level 2 inputs along with certain Level 3 inputs. These models include matrix pricing. The pricing matrix uses current treasury rates and credit spreads received from third-party sources to estimate fair value. The credit spreads incorporate the issuer’s industry- or issuer-specific credit characteristics and the security’s time to maturity, if warranted. Remaining unpriced securities are valued using an estimate of fair value based on indicative market prices that include significant unobservable inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, market information, including the utilization of non-binding broker quotes.
	The roll-forward of the Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Level 3 assets, beginning of period	$	8,433		$	10,131		$	5,221		$	6,937
	Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(122		)	206			(288		)	(130		)
	Net realized gains (losses) included in realized investment gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairment losses	171			50			301			10
	Purchases	—			757			4,383			3,173
	Sales	(10		)	—			(25		)	—
	Settlements	(1,163		)	(3,162		)	(1,862		)	(3,900		)
	Transfers into Level 3	371			—			1,357			2,951
	Transfers out of Level 3	(3,499		)	(1,140		)	(4,906		)	(2,199		)
	Level 3 assets, end of period	$	4,181		$	6,842		$	4,181		$	6,842
	We obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs as of the end of the reporting period for all securities in Level 2. Those inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are not active, and other relevant data. We monitor these inputs for market indicators, industry and economic events. We recognize transfers into new levels and out of previous levels as of the end of the reporting period, including interim reporting periods, as applicable. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. In addition, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 3 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Invested assets included in the transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 primarily were fixed-maturity investments for which we were able to obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs. Invested assets included in the transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 primarily were fixed-maturity investments for which we were unable to corroborate independent broker quotes with observable market data.
The table below is a summary of the estimated fair value for financial instruments.
	September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
	value			fair value			value			fair value
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale	$	1,688,096		$	1,688,096		$	1,887,014		$	1,887,014
Equity securities available for sale	37,016			37,016			37,147			37,147
Trading securities	11,185			11,185			7,762			7,762
Policy loans	25,795			25,795			24,613			24,613
Deposit asset underlying 10% reinsurance agreement	112,279			112,279			91,524			91,524
Separate accounts	2,512,886			2,512,886			2,618,115			2,618,115
Liabilities:
Notes payable	$	374,469		$	392,319		$	374,433		$	418,777
Currency swaps	2,031			2,031			2,048			2,048
Separate accounts	2,512,886			2,512,886			2,618,115			2,618,115
The fair values of financial instruments presented above are estimates of the fair values at a specific point in time using various sources and methods, including market quotations and a complex matrix system that takes into account issuer sector, quality, and spreads in the current marketplace.
Recurring fair value measurements. Estimated fair values of investments in available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities are principally a function of current spreads and interest rates that are corroborated by independent third-party data. Therefore, the fair values presented are indicative of amounts we could realize or settle at the respective balance sheet date. We do not necessarily intend to dispose of or liquidate such instruments prior to maturity. Trading securities, which primarily consist of fixed-maturity securities, are carried at fair value. Equity securities, including common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are carried at fair value. Currency swaps are stated at fair value. Segregated funds in separate accounts are carried at the underlying value of the variable insurance contracts, which is fair value.
Nonrecurring fair value measurements. Policy loans, which are categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements, are carried at the unpaid principal balances. The fair value of policy loans approximate the unpaid principal balances as the timing of repayment is uncertain and the loans are collateralized by the amount of the policy. The deposit asset underlying the 10% reinsurance agreement represents the value of the assets necessary to back the economic reserves held in support of the reinsurance agreement. The carrying value of this deposit asset approximates fair value, which is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable represent our publicly-traded senior notes and are valued as a Level 2 fair value measurement using the quoted market price for our notes.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued investment income, accounts payable, cash collateral and payables for security transactions approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Consequently, such financial instruments are not included in the above table.

Reinsurance_Notes

Reinsurance (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	Reinsurance
	On March 31, 2010, we entered into certain reinsurance transactions with affiliates of Citigroup and ceded between 80% and 90% of the risks and rewards of our term life insurance policies that were in force at year-end 2009.
	Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not relieve the Company of its primary obligation to the policyholder. We monitor the concentration of credit risk we have with any reinsurer, as well as the financial condition of the reinsurers. Details on in force life insurance follow:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Direct life insurance in force	$	680,980,955		$	675,164,992
	Amounts ceded to other companies	(602,857,339		)	(599,133,626		)
	Net life insurance in force	$	78,123,616		$	76,031,366
	Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force	89		%	89		%
	Due from reinsurers includes ceded reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. Reinsurance receivable and financial strength ratings by reinsurer were as follows:
		September 30, 2013					December 31, 2012
		Reinsurance			A.M. Best		Reinsurance		A.M. Best
		receivable			rating		receivable		rating
		(In thousands)
	Prime Reinsurance Company(1)	$	2,557,492		NR		$	2,505,157	NR
	Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd.(1)	350,337			NR		352,073		NR
	American Health and Life Insurance Company(1)	174,502			A-		174,905		A-
	Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.(2)	254,179			A+		266,841		A+
	SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies(3)	151,231			A		161,876		A
	Generali USA Life Reassurance Company(3)	117,997			A-		117,284		A-
	Transamerica Reinsurance Companies	101,323			A+		108,237		A+
	Munich American Reassurance Company	99,065			A+		101,349		A+
	Korean Reinsurance Company	87,995			A		86,287		A
	RGA Reinsurance Company	75,669			A+		72,230		A+
	All other reinsurers	63,348			-		58,955		-
	Due from reinsurers	$	4,033,138				$	4,005,194
	____________________
	NR – not rated
	(1)	Reinsurers are affiliates of Citigroup. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers.
	(2)	Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and 100% retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
	(3)	Reinsurers are commonly owned entities due to the purchase of Generali USA Life Reassurance Company by the parent company of SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies in October 2013.

Notes_Payable_Notes

Notes Payable (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Notes payable consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2013					December 31, 2012
		Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Senior notes payable, due July 15, 2022	$	375,000		4.75	%	$	375,000		4.75	%
	Original issuance discount remaining on notes payable	(531		)			(567		)
	Total notes payable	$	374,469				$	374,433
	On July 16, 2012, we issued $375.0 million in principal amount of senior unsecured notes in a public offering (the "Senior Notes"), and used a portion of the net cash proceeds to repay a $300.0 million note to Citigroup in whole at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Notes at September 30, 2013. No events of default occurred on the Senior Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Further discussion on the Company’s notes payable is included in Note 9 (Notes Payable) to our consolidated and combined financial statements within our 2012 Annual Report.

Stockholders_Equity_Notes

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows.
		Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Common stock, beginning of period	56,374		64,883
	Shares of restricted common stock issued	289		438
	Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs")	975		878
	Common stock retired	(2,951	)	(6,476	)
	Common stock, end of period	54,687		59,723
	The above reconciliation excludes RSUs issued to our sales force, our Canadian subsidiaries' employees, and our non-employee directors, which do not have voting rights. As the restrictions on the RSUs lapse, we issue common shares with voting rights. As of September 30, 2013, we had a total of approximately 1.1 million RSUs outstanding.
	On June 3, 2013, we repurchased 2,488,621 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 4,103,110 shares of our common stock beneficially owned by certain private equity funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC ("Warburg Pincus") at a purchase price of $34.67 per outstanding common share and at a purchase price for the warrants equal to $16.67 per underlying share. The per-share purchase price was determined based on the closing price of our common stock on May 28, 2013, which was the execution date of the agreement to repurchase the shares, and the purchase price per warrant was equal to the per-share purchase price less the warrant exercise price of $18.00 per underlying share. The aggregate purchase price for the shares and warrants was approximately $154.7 million. Warburg Pincus no longer owns an equity interest in the Company. Proceeds from the ordinary dividend of $150.0 million paid on May 7, 2013 from Primerica Life to the Parent Company were used to fund the repurchase transaction.

Earnings_Per_Share_Notes

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of restricted stock, RSUs and stock options. In addition, warrants to purchase 4,103,110 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $18.00 per underlying share were outstanding until we repurchased and retired these warrants on June 3, 2013. The restricted stock and outstanding RSUs maintain non-forfeitable dividend rights that result in dividend payment obligations on a one-to-one ratio with common shares for any future dividend declarations. These restricted stock and outstanding RSUs are deemed participating securities for purposes of calculating earnings per share ("EPS").
	As a result of issuing restricted stock and outstanding RSUs that are deemed participating securities, we calculate EPS using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, we allocate earnings to common shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) and vested RSUs outstanding for the period. Earnings attributable to unvested participating securities, along with the corresponding share counts, are excluded from EPS as reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of income.
	In calculating basic EPS, we deduct any dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock and unvested RSUs from net income and then divide the result by the weighted-average number of common shares, fully vested restricted stock, and fully vested RSUs outstanding for the period.
	We determine the potential dilutive effect of warrants and stock options outstanding on EPS using the treasury-stock method. Under this method, we determine the proceeds that would be received from the exercise of the warrants and stock options outstanding, which includes cash received for the exercise price, the remaining unrecognized stock option compensation expense and the resulting effect on the income tax deduction from the exercise of stock options. We then use the average market price of our common shares during the period the warrants and stock options were outstanding to determine how many shares we could repurchase with the proceeds raised from the exercise of the warrants and stock options outstanding. The net incremental share count issued represents the potential dilutive securities. We then reallocate earnings to common shares, fully vested restricted stock and fully vested RSUs outstanding by incorporating the increased fully diluted share count to determine diluted EPS.
	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS follows.
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Basic EPS
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	43,190		$	45,599		$	125,525		$	133,535
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities	(557		)	(1,116		)	(2,173		)	(3,624		)
	Net income used in calculating basic EPS	$	42,633		$	44,483		$	123,352		$	129,911
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares	54,957			60,060			56,019			62,241
	Basic EPS	$	0.78		$	0.74		$	2.2		$	2.09
	Diluted EPS
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	43,190		$	45,599		$	125,525		$	133,535
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities	(557		)	(1,092		)	(2,140		)	(3,558		)
	Net income used in calculating diluted EPS	$	42,633		$	44,507		$	123,385		$	129,977
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares	54,957			60,060			56,019			62,241
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares if issued for warrants outstanding	—			1,503			1,050			1,278
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for options outstanding	1			—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS	54,958			61,563			57,069			63,519
	Diluted EPS	$	0.78		$	0.72		$	2.16		$	2.05

ShareBased_Compensation_Notes

Share-Based Compensation (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company has outstanding equity awards under its Omnibus Incentive Plan ("OIP"). The OIP provides for the issuance of equity awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, RSUs, unrestricted stock, as well as cash-based awards. In addition to time-based vesting requirements, awards granted under the OIP also may be subject to specified performance criteria. Since 2010, the Company has issued equity awards to our management (officers and other key employees), non-employee directors, and sales force leaders under the OIP. As of September 30, 2013, we had approximately 2.9 million shares available for future grants under this plan.
	Employee and Director Share-Based Compensation
	Restricted Stock and RSUs. The Company has granted shares of restricted stock to management of its U.S. based subsidiaries and RSUs to management of its Canadian subsidiaries (collectively, "management restricted stock awards"). Members of the Board of Directors were granted shares of restricted stock prior to 2013 and were granted RSUs on May 22, 2013 (collectively, "director restricted stock awards"). All of our outstanding management restricted stock awards and the director restricted stock awards granted prior to 2013 have time-based vesting requirements, with equal and annual graded vesting over three years. RSUs granted to members of the Board of Directors in 2013 have time-based vesting requirements that lapse on May 21, 2014 and contain post-vesting sale restrictions until the director no longer serves on our Board. All of our outstanding management and director restricted stock awards are eligible for dividends or dividend equivalents regardless of vesting status. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we granted annual equity compensation of approximately 322,000 management and director restricted stock awards under the OIP with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $32.78 per share.
	In connection with our granting of management and director restricted stock awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2010	$	—	$	3,104	$	3,200	$	9,371
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2011	817		753		2,316		2,294
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2012	928		954		2,811		2,457
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2013	898		—		2,134		—
	Total management and director restricted stock awards expense	$	2,643	$	4,811	$	10,461	$	14,122
	Tax benefit associated with total management and director restricted stock awards expense	$	885	$	1,167	$	3,052	$	3,396
	As of September 30, 2013, total compensation cost not yet recognized in our financial statements related to management and director restricted stock awards with time-based vesting conditions yet to be reached was approximately $14.7 million, and the weighted-average period over which cost will be recognized was approximately two years.
	Stock Options. On February 20, 2013, the Company granted stock options under the OIP to certain of its executive officers with a fair market value equal to approximately one-third of the executive officer's total annual equity compensation. The remaining annual equity compensation for these executive officers were granted in the form of management restricted stock awards discussed above. A total of 134,222 stock options was granted with an exercise price of $32.63, which was equal to the fair market value of our common stock on that date, and they expire 10 years from the date of grant. These options have time-based restrictions with equal and annual graded vesting over a three-year period. The fair market value of the options on the grant date and the compensation expense that will be recognized over the vesting period was approximately $1.1 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized for these stock option awards were approximately $94,000 and $33,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized for these stock option awards were approximately $228,000 and $80,000, respectively.
	No options were exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and no options are expected to be exercised earlier than the first scheduled vesting date of March 1, 2014.
	Non-Employee Share-Based Compensation
	Restricted Stock Units. Quarterly incentive awards to our sales force leaders ("agent equity awards") have performance-based vesting requirements for which the grant and the service period occur within the same calendar quarter. These awards are granted in the form of RSUs that vest upon the conclusion of short-term quarterly contests and are subject to sale restrictions expiring over the three years subsequent to vesting. Because the awards are subject to sale restrictions following their vesting, their fair value is discounted to reflect a corresponding illiquidity discount. These awards are an incremental direct cost of successful acquisitions or renewals of life insurance policies that result directly from and are essential to the policy acquisition(s) and would not have been incurred had the policy acquisition(s) not occurred, and therefore are deferred and amortized in the same manner as other deferred policy acquisition costs.
	In connection with these awards, we recognized and deferred expense as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred	3,893		1,915		12,034		5,340
	Concurrent tax benefit of deferred expense	1,249		592		3,855		1,622
	As of September 30, 2013, all agent equity awards were fully vested with the exception of quarterly incentive awards granted during the third quarter of 2013 that vested on October 1, 2013. As such, any related compensation cost not recognized as either expense or deferred acquisition costs in our financial statements as of and through September 30, 2013 is immaterial.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	'
	Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
	Effective March 31, 2012, Peach Re entered into a Credit Facility Agreement with Deutsche Bank (the "Credit Facility Agreement") to support certain obligations for a portion of the statutory accounting-based reserves (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX reserves) related to level premium term life insurance policies ceded to Peach Re from Primerica Life under the Peach Re Coinsurance Agreement.
	Under the Credit Facility Agreement, Deutsche Bank issued a letter of credit in the initial amount of $450.0 million with a term of approximately fourteen years (the "LOC") for the benefit of Primerica Life, the direct parent of Peach Re. Subject to certain conditions, the amount of the LOC will be periodically increased up to a maximum amount of $510.0 million in 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility Agreement, in the event amounts are drawn under the LOC by Primerica Life, Peach Re will be obligated, subject to certain limited conditions, to reimburse Deutsche Bank for the amount of any draws and interest thereon. Peach Re has collateralized its obligations to Deutsche Bank by granting it a security interest in all of its assets with the exception of amounts held in a special account established to meet minimum asset thresholds required by state regulatory authorities. As of September 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility Agreement.
	Further discussion on the Company’s letter of credit is included Note 15 (Commitments and Contingent Liabilities) to our consolidated and combined financial statements within our 2012 Annual Report.
	The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. As such, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters.
	Beginning in late 2011, numerous arbitration claims were filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Association ("FINRA") against our subsidiary, PFS Investments, and certain of its registered representatives seeking unspecified damages arising from the allegation that the representatives improperly recommended that the claimants transfer their retirement benefits from the Florida Retirement System's defined benefit plan to its defined contribution plan. The arbitrations have been brought by a law firm in Miami, Florida, that engaged in efforts to solicit public employees to bring these claims against us.
	Currently, there are 23 pending arbitrations. We have completed three arbitrations. In two arbitrations, the public employee received no monetary award. In a third arbitration, the panel dismissed the claims against our representative but awarded a monetary judgment that was individually immaterial to the Company and considerably less than the amount sought by the claimant. We filed a motion to vacate the award, which was granted in October 2013.
	In addition to the arbitrations, there are a number of pending lawsuits in state trial courts brought by this same law firm alleging the same claims against PFS Investments and certain of its registered representatives. Most of the claims arose between 2002 and 2008, and remain susceptible to statute of limitations defenses. Where appropriate, we are asking the trial courts to dismiss the cases based on statute of limitations defenses. These motions have been granted, but the courts have allowed the plaintiffs to re-plead some of their claims. At our initiative, a court also has separated cases with multiple plaintiffs into individual actions. Currently, there are 32 lawsuits pending in trial courts. While the number of cases has increased (due largely to the cases with multiple plaintiffs being re-filed as individual actions), the aggregate number of plaintiffs has decreased.
	In addition to the 32 cases pending in state trial courts, there is one case in a state appellate court (following a ruling in our favor on the statute of limitations) and a Federal Court case in the Middle District of Florida (which also is on appeal, though, in that case, the appeal will determine whether the claim is subject to arbitration).
	Although some new court cases have been filed, the total number of claimants in all the various legal proceedings (arbitrations and lawsuits) is 81, down from 91 last quarter. The lower figure is due in part because some claimants have not re-filed following dismissal of their cases and some others have voluntarily removed themselves from the proceedings.
	We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims, and we intend to vigorously defend against them. Despite our defenses, we will incur significant costs, and possibly liabilities, defending and/or resolving these claims. At this time, we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses.
	Since 2011, Primerica Life, a Massachusetts domestic insurer, has regularly consulted the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (“Death Master File”) in accordance with Massachusetts Division of Insurance best practices, and NBLIC, a New York domestic insurer, has regularly consulted the Death Master File in accordance with New York State insurance requirements, to identify potential deceased policyholders for whom claims have not been presented to us in the normal course of business. If unreported deaths are identified, Primerica Life and NBLIC attempt to determine if a valid claim exists, to locate beneficiaries, and to pay benefits accordingly. Prior to 2011, the Company did not use the Death Master File in any aspect of its business.
	The Company is currently undergoing targeted multi-state treasurer audits by 30 jurisdictions with respect to unclaimed property laws, and Primerica Life and NBLIC are engaged in targeted multi-state market conduct examinations by six jurisdictions with respect to their claims-paying practices. Additionally, Primerica Life is one of many defendants to a suit by the Treasurer of the State of West Virginia alleging violations of the West Virginia unclaimed property act. Other jurisdictions may pursue similar audits, examinations and litigation. The audits, examinations and litigation are expected to take significant time to complete, and it is unclear whether the Company will be required to compare the Death Master File to its records for periods prior to 2011, including with respect to policies which have lapsed, to determine whether benefits are owed in instances where an insured appears to have died but no claim for death benefits has been made. The potential outcome of such actions is difficult to predict but could subject the Company to adverse consequences, including, but not limited to, settlement payments, additional payments to beneficiaries and additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the likelihood or the impact of additional costs or liabilities that could result from the resolution of these matters. These actions may also result in changes to the Company's procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property and other financial liability.

Organization_Consolidation_and1

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation, Policy	'
	Basis of Presentation. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect financial statement balances, revenues and expenses and cash flows, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers available facts and knowledge of existing circumstances when establishing the estimates included in our financial statements.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary to fairly present the balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and the statements of stockholders' equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or of the results to be expected in future periods.
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 ("2012 Annual Report").
Use of Estimates, Policy	'
	Use of Estimates. The most significant items that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to change in the future are the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC"), and liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims. Estimates for these and other items are subject to change and are reassessed by management in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Consolidation, Policy	'
	Consolidation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany profits, transactions, and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Reclassifications, Policy	'
	Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-period amounts to conform to current-period reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net income or total stockholders' equity.
Subsequent Events, Policy	'
	Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements at September 30, 2013.
New Accounting Principles, Policy	'
	New Accounting Principles. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The amendments of ASU 2013-02 require an entity to provide additional information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 were applied prospectively for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013. The disclosures required by this update are included in this report and had no impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recently issued accounting guidance not otherwise disclosed is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or will not have an impact on our business.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Total assets and results of operations by segment were as follows:
								September 30,			December 31,
								2013			2012
								(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Term life insurance segment							$	6,678,705		$	6,400,126
	Investment and savings products segment							2,722,684			2,810,137
	Corporate and other distributed products segment							798,291			1,127,614
	Total assets							$	10,199,680		$	10,337,877
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Term life insurance segment	$	177,811		$	163,028		$	514,828		$	475,960
	Investment and savings products segment	114,723			101,163			336,805			304,264
	Corporate and other distributed products segment	26,923			34,897			88,575			105,990
	Total revenues	$	319,457		$	299,088		$	940,208		$	886,214
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Term life insurance segment	$	50,136		$	47,593		$	147,159		$	141,996
	Investment and savings products segment	31,498			31,608			85,339			89,922
	Corporate and other distributed products segment	(15,080		)	(8,645		)	(38,266		)	(25,976		)
	Total income before income taxes	$	66,554		$	70,556		$	194,232		$	205,942
Schedule of Results of Operations and Long-lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-lived assets and results of operations by country were as follows:
								September 30,			December 31,
								2013			2012
								(In thousands)
	Long-lived assets by country:
	United States							$	95,551		$	82,724
	Canada							643			450
	Total long-lived assets							$	96,194		$	83,174
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues by country:
	United States	$	262,925		$	245,574		$	767,759		$	723,034
	Canada	56,532			53,514			172,449			163,180
	Total revenues	$	319,457		$	299,088		$	940,208		$	886,214
	Income before income taxes by country:
	United States	$	50,951		$	54,587		$	145,143		$	156,625
	Canada	15,603			15,969			49,089			49,317
	Total income before income taxes	$	66,554		$	70,556		$	194,232		$	205,942

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The period-end cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of fixed-maturity and equity securities available for sale follow:
		September 30, 2013
		Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair value
		amortized			unrealized			unrealized
		cost			gains			losses
		(In thousands)
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	7,370		$	574		$	(80	)		$	7,864
	Foreign government	112,041			9,697			(1,550		)		120,188
	States and political subdivisions	32,522			2,148			(436		)		34,234
	Corporates	1,187,752			91,959			(10,419		)		1,269,292
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	241,656			15,632			(770		)		256,518
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)	1,581,341			120,010			(13,255		)		1,688,096
	Equity securities	30,852			6,888			(724		)		37,016
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities available for sale	$	1,612,193		$	126,898		$	(13,979	)		$	1,725,112
	____________________
	(1)	Includes approximately $1.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
		December 31, 2012
		Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair value
		amortized			unrealized			unrealized
		cost			gains			losses
		(In thousands)
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	6,722		$	812		$	—			$	7,534
	Foreign government	101,171			16,238			(17		)		117,392
	States and political subdivisions	31,176			3,596			(19		)		34,753
	Corporates	1,265,179			134,710			(2,763		)		1,397,126
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	307,334			23,999			(1,124		)		330,209
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)	1,711,582			179,355			(3,923		)		1,887,014
	Equity securities	29,955			7,529			(337		)		37,147
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities available for sale	$	1,741,537		$	186,884		$	(4,260	)		$	1,924,161
	____________________
	(1)	Includes approximately $1.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Net Effect on Stockholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	The net effect on stockholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities was as follows:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Net unrealized investment gains (losses) including foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments:
	Fixed-maturity and equity securities	$	112,919		$	182,624
	Currency swaps	81			97
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,653		)	(7,456		)
	Other-than-temporary impairments	1,612			1,592
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments	111,959			176,857
	Deferred income taxes	(39,186		)	(61,899		)
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments, net of tax	$	72,773		$	114,958
Fixed-maturity Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The scheduled contractual maturity distribution of the available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio at September 30, 2013 follows:
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized cost			Fair value
		(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	162,789		$	168,096
	Due after one year through five years	471,070			509,900
	Due after five years through 10 years	664,430			708,301
	Due after 10 years	41,396			45,281
		1,339,685			1,431,578
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	241,656			256,518
	Total fixed-maturity securities	$	1,581,341		$	1,688,096
Net Investment Income [Table Text Block]	'
	Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities	$	21,785		$	26,601		$	67,643			$	76,160
	Equity securities	277			245			841				712
	Policy loans and other invested assets	325			315			972				926
	Cash and cash equivalents	54			103			215				349
	Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% reinsurance agreement	829			983			331				2,587
	Gross investment income	23,270			28,247			70,002				80,734
	Investment expenses	(1,167		)	(1,366		)	(3,657		)		(4,151		)
	Net investment income	$	22,103		$	26,881		$	66,345			$	76,583
Schedule of Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of net realized investment gains (losses) as well as details on gross realized investment gains and losses and proceeds from sales or other redemptions were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	Net realized investment gains (losses):
	Gross gains from sales	$	1,234		$	3,843		$	5,989			$	10,385
	Gross losses from sales	(703		)	(27		)	(1,154		)		(84		)
	Gross gains from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading	—			—			—				323
	Gross losses from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading	—			—			—				(6		)
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(347		)	(162		)	(419		)		(503		)
	Gains (losses) from bifurcated options	(591		)	218			931				209
	Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	(407	)	$	3,872		$	5,347			$	10,324
	Supplemental information:
	Gross realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings	$	184		$	3,654		$	4,416			$	10,115
	Tax expense (benefit) associated with realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings	$	64		$	1,279		$	1,546			$	3,540
	Proceeds from sales or other redemptions	$	79,864		$	95,861		$	300,471			$	434,744
Schedule of Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and the gross unrealized loss by length of time such securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
		September 30, 2013
		Less than 12 months									12 months or longer
		Fair value			Unrealized			Number			Fair value				Unrealized				Number
					losses			of							losses				of
								securities											securities
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	3,122		$	(69	)	3			$	244			$	(11	)		1
	Foreign government	33,360			(1,312		)	45			3,483				(238		)		8
	States and political subdivisions	10,673			(384		)	14			164				(52		)		1
	Corporates	213,962			(8,885		)	243			11,170				(1,534		)		13
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	27,057			(363		)	31			7,640				(407		)		7
	Total fixed-maturity securities	288,174			(11,013		)				22,701				(2,242		)
	Equity securities	6,469			(724		)	10			—				—				—
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities	$	294,643		$	(11,737	)				$	22,701			$	(2,242	)
		December 31, 2012
		Less than 12 months								12 months or longer
		Fair value			Unrealized			Number		Fair value				Unrealized				Number
					losses			of						losses				of
								securities										securities
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	Foreign government	$	5,146		$	(17	)	12		$	—			$	—			—
	States and political subdivisions	1,498			(19		)	3		—				—				—
	Corporates	70,176			(1,189		)	58		7,055				(1,574		)		11
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	15,367			(22		)	18		6,409				(1,102		)		10
	Total fixed-maturity securities	92,187			(1,247		)			13,464				(2,676		)
	Equity securities	1,461			(147		)	6		522				(190		)		1
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities	$	93,648		$	(1,394	)			$	13,986			$	(2,866	)
Fixed-maturity Securities in Default [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows:
		September 30,						December 31,
		2013						2012
		Amortized cost			Fair value			Amortized cost				Fair value
		(In thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities in default	$	63		$	338		$	165			$	712
Impairment Charges on Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	Impairment charges recognized in earnings on available-for-sale securities were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default	$	347		$	3		$	419			$	343
	Impairments on equity securities	—			159			—				160
	Total impairment charges	$	347		$	162		$	419			$	503
Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block]	'
	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	Impairment losses related to securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell:
	Total OTTI losses recognized	$	345		$	4		$	365			$	855
	Less portion of OTTI loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			(19		)		(563		)
	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before recovery	345			4			346				292
	OTTI losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company intends to sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery	2			158			73				211
	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	$	347		$	162		$	419			$	503
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block]	'
	The roll-forward of the credit-related losses recognized in income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, beginning of period	$	14,243		$	15,970		$	14,171			$	17,403
	Additions for OTTI securities where no credit losses were recognized prior to the beginning of the period	345			—			416				10
	Additions for OTTI securities where credit losses have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period	2			3			3				333
	Reductions due to sales, maturities or calls of credit impaired securities	(264		)	(938		)	(264		)		(2,711		)
	Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, end of period	$	14,326		$	15,035		$	14,326			$	15,035
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Currency Swaps [Table Text Block]	'
	We use foreign currency swaps to reduce our foreign exchange risk attributable to investments held by our subsidiaries in debt securities that are denominated in a currency other than its functional currency. The aggregate notional balance and fair value of these currency swaps follow:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Aggregate notional balance of currency swaps	$	5,878		$	5,878
	Aggregate fair value of currency swaps	(2,031		)	(2,048		)
	The change in fair value of these currency swaps is reflected in other comprehensive income as they effectively hedge the variability in cash flows from these foreign currency-denominated debt securities.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The estimated fair value and hierarchy classifications for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	—		$	7,864		$	—		$	7,864
	Foreign government	—			120,188			—			120,188
	States and political subdivisions	—			34,234			—			34,234
	Corporates	1,299			1,265,498			2,495			1,269,292
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	—			254,905			1,613			256,518
	Total available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities	1,299			1,682,689			4,108			1,688,096
	Available-for-sale equity securities	32,562			4,381			73			37,016
	Trading securities	—			11,185			—			11,185
	Separate accounts	—			2,512,886			—			2,512,886
	Total fair value assets	$	33,861		$	4,211,141		$	4,181		$	4,249,183
	Fair value liabilities:
	Currency swaps	$	—		$	2,031		$	—		$	2,031
	Separate accounts	—			2,512,886			—			2,512,886
	Total fair value liabilities	$	—		$	2,514,917		$	—		$	2,514,917
		December 31, 2012
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	—		$	7,534		$	—		$	7,534
	Foreign government	—			117,392			—			117,392
	States and political subdivisions	—			34,753			—			34,753
	Corporates	1,301			1,392,446			3,379			1,397,126
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	—			328,415			1,794			330,209
	Total available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities	1,301			1,880,540			5,173			1,887,014
	Available-for-sale equity securities	26,608			10,491			48			37,147
	Trading securities	—			7,762			—			7,762
	Separate accounts	—			2,618,115			—			2,618,115
	Total fair value assets	$	27,909		$	4,516,908		$	5,221		$	4,550,038
	Fair value liabilities:
	Currency swaps	$	—		$	2,048		$	—		$	2,048
	Separate accounts	—			2,618,115			—			2,618,115
	Total fair value liabilities	$	—		$	2,620,163		$	—		$	2,620,163
Rollforward of Level 3 Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The roll-forward of the Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Level 3 assets, beginning of period	$	8,433		$	10,131		$	5,221		$	6,937
	Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(122		)	206			(288		)	(130		)
	Net realized gains (losses) included in realized investment gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairment losses	171			50			301			10
	Purchases	—			757			4,383			3,173
	Sales	(10		)	—			(25		)	—
	Settlements	(1,163		)	(3,162		)	(1,862		)	(3,900		)
	Transfers into Level 3	371			—			1,357			2,951
	Transfers out of Level 3	(3,499		)	(1,140		)	(4,906		)	(2,199		)
	Level 3 assets, end of period	$	4,181		$	6,842		$	4,181		$	6,842
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below is a summary of the estimated fair value for financial instruments.
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
		value			fair value			value			fair value
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Fixed-maturity securities available for sale	$	1,688,096		$	1,688,096		$	1,887,014		$	1,887,014
	Equity securities available for sale	37,016			37,016			37,147			37,147
	Trading securities	11,185			11,185			7,762			7,762
	Policy loans	25,795			25,795			24,613			24,613
	Deposit asset underlying 10% reinsurance agreement	112,279			112,279			91,524			91,524
	Separate accounts	2,512,886			2,512,886			2,618,115			2,618,115
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	374,469		$	392,319		$	374,433		$	418,777
	Currency swaps	2,031			2,031			2,048			2,048
	Separate accounts	2,512,886			2,512,886			2,618,115			2,618,115

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Reinsured Life Insurance In Force [Table Text Block]	'
	Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not relieve the Company of its primary obligation to the policyholder. We monitor the concentration of credit risk we have with any reinsurer, as well as the financial condition of the reinsurers. Details on in force life insurance follow:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Direct life insurance in force	$	680,980,955		$	675,164,992
	Amounts ceded to other companies	(602,857,339		)	(599,133,626		)
	Net life insurance in force	$	78,123,616		$	76,031,366
	Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force	89		%	89		%
Schedule of Reinsurance Receivables by Reinsurer [Table Text Block]	'
	Due from reinsurers includes ceded reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. Reinsurance receivable and financial strength ratings by reinsurer were as follows:
		September 30, 2013					December 31, 2012
		Reinsurance			A.M. Best		Reinsurance		A.M. Best
		receivable			rating		receivable		rating
		(In thousands)
	Prime Reinsurance Company(1)	$	2,557,492		NR		$	2,505,157	NR
	Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd.(1)	350,337			NR		352,073		NR
	American Health and Life Insurance Company(1)	174,502			A-		174,905		A-
	Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.(2)	254,179			A+		266,841		A+
	SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies(3)	151,231			A		161,876		A
	Generali USA Life Reassurance Company(3)	117,997			A-		117,284		A-
	Transamerica Reinsurance Companies	101,323			A+		108,237		A+
	Munich American Reassurance Company	99,065			A+		101,349		A+
	Korean Reinsurance Company	87,995			A		86,287		A
	RGA Reinsurance Company	75,669			A+		72,230		A+
	All other reinsurers	63,348			-		58,955		-
	Due from reinsurers	$	4,033,138				$	4,005,194
	____________________
	NR – not rated
	(1)	Reinsurers are affiliates of Citigroup. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers.
	(2)	Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and 100% retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
	(3)	Reinsurers are commonly owned entities due to the purchase of Generali USA Life Reassurance Company by the parent company of SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies in October 2013.

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Notes payable consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2013					December 31, 2012
		Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Senior notes payable, due July 15, 2022	$	375,000		4.75	%	$	375,000		4.75	%
	Original issuance discount remaining on notes payable	(531		)			(567		)
	Total notes payable	$	374,469				$	374,433

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Rollforward of Common Stock [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows.
		Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Common stock, beginning of period	56,374		64,883
	Shares of restricted common stock issued	289		438
	Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs")	975		878
	Common stock retired	(2,951	)	(6,476	)
	Common stock, end of period	54,687		59,723

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS follows.
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Basic EPS
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	43,190		$	45,599		$	125,525		$	133,535
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities	(557		)	(1,116		)	(2,173		)	(3,624		)
	Net income used in calculating basic EPS	$	42,633		$	44,483		$	123,352		$	129,911
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares	54,957			60,060			56,019			62,241
	Basic EPS	$	0.78		$	0.74		$	2.2		$	2.09
	Diluted EPS
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	43,190		$	45,599		$	125,525		$	133,535
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities	(557		)	(1,092		)	(2,140		)	(3,558		)
	Net income used in calculating diluted EPS	$	42,633		$	44,507		$	123,385		$	129,977
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares	54,957			60,060			56,019			62,241
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares if issued for warrants outstanding	—			1,503			1,050			1,278
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for options outstanding	1			—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS	54,958			61,563			57,069			63,519
	Diluted EPS	$	0.78		$	0.72		$	2.16		$	2.05

Sharebased_Compensation_Tables

Share-based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments, Management and Director Equity Awards [Table Text Block]	'
	In connection with our granting of management and director restricted stock awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2010	$	—	$	3,104	$	3,200	$	9,371
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2011	817		753		2,316		2,294
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2012	928		954		2,811		2,457
	Expense for management and director restricted stock awards granted in 2013	898		—		2,134		—
	Total management and director restricted stock awards expense	$	2,643	$	4,811	$	10,461	$	14,122
	Tax benefit associated with total management and director restricted stock awards expense	$	885	$	1,167	$	3,052	$	3,396
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments, Quarterly Incentive Awards [Table Text Block]	'
	In connection with these awards, we recognized and deferred expense as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred	3,893		1,915		12,034		5,340
	Concurrent tax benefit of deferred expense	1,249		592		3,855		1,622

Schedule_of_Segment_Reporting_

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	$10,199,680	'	$10,199,680	'	$10,337,877
Revenues	319,457	299,088	940,208	886,214	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	66,554	70,556	194,232	205,942	'
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	798,291	'	798,291	'	1,127,614
Revenues	26,923	34,897	88,575	105,990	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	-15,080	-8,645	-38,266	-25,976	'
Term Life Insurance Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	6,678,705	'	6,678,705	'	6,400,126
Revenues	177,811	163,028	514,828	475,960	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	50,136	47,593	147,159	141,996	'
Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	2,722,684	'	2,722,684	'	2,810,137
Revenues	114,723	101,163	336,805	304,264	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	$31,498	$31,608	$85,339	$89,922	'

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]	Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]	Investment Income [Member]	Investment Income [Member]	Market Return on Deposit Asset Underlying 10% Insurance Agreement [Member]
			Corporate and Other [Member]	Corporate and Other [Member]	Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets, excluding separate account assets	$210.40	$192.80	'	'	'
Segment reporting, change in measurement methods	'	'	'1.0	'2.6	'91.5

Schedule_of_Results_of_Operati

Schedule of Results of Operations and Long-lived Assets by Geographical Areas (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	$96,194	'	$96,194	'	$83,174
Revenues	319,457	299,088	940,208	886,214	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	66,554	70,556	194,232	205,942	'
UNITED STATES	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	95,551	'	95,551	'	82,724
Revenues	262,925	245,574	767,759	723,034	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	50,951	54,587	145,143	156,625	'
CANADA	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	643	'	643	'	450
Revenues	56,532	53,514	172,449	163,180	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	$15,603	$15,969	$49,089	$49,317	'

Schedule_of_Availableforsale_S

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	$1,612,193,000		$1,741,537,000
Gross unrealized gains	126,898,000		186,884,000
Gross unrealized losses	-13,979,000		-4,260,000
Fair value	1,725,112,000		1,924,161,000
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion in other comprehensive income (loss)	1,600,000		1,600,000
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	1,581,341,000	[1]	1,711,582,000	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	120,010,000	[1]	179,355,000	[1]
Gross unrealized losses	-13,255,000	[1]	-3,923,000	[1]
Fair value	1,688,096,000	[1]	1,887,014,000	[1]
U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	7,370,000		6,722,000
Gross unrealized gains	574,000		812,000
Gross unrealized losses	-80,000		0
Fair value	7,864,000		7,534,000
Foreign Government [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	112,041,000		101,171,000
Gross unrealized gains	9,697,000		16,238,000
Gross unrealized losses	-1,550,000		-17,000
Fair value	120,188,000		117,392,000
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	32,522,000		31,176,000
Gross unrealized gains	2,148,000		3,596,000
Gross unrealized losses	-436,000		-19,000
Fair value	34,234,000		34,753,000
Corporates [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	1,187,752,000		1,265,179,000
Gross unrealized gains	91,959,000		134,710,000
Gross unrealized losses	-10,419,000		-2,763,000
Fair value	1,269,292,000		1,397,126,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	241,656,000		307,334,000
Gross unrealized gains	15,632,000		23,999,000
Gross unrealized losses	-770,000		-1,124,000
Fair value	256,518,000		330,209,000
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost or amortized cost	30,852,000		29,955,000
Gross unrealized gains	6,888,000		7,529,000
Gross unrealized losses	-724,000		-337,000
Fair value	$37,016,000		$37,147,000
[1]	(1) Includes approximately $1.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Net_Effect_on_Stockholders_Equ

Net Effect on Stockholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) including FCTA and OTTI, Fixed-maturity and Equity securities	$112,919	$182,624
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) including FCTA and OTTI, currency swaps	81	97
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,653	-7,456
Other-than-temporary impairments	1,612	1,592
Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments	111,959	176,857
Less deferred income taxes	39,186	61,899
Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments, net of tax	$72,773	$114,958

Fixedmaturity_Securities_Class

Fixed-maturity Securities Classified as Trading Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	$11,185	$7,762
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	$11,200	$7,800

Fair_Value_of_Investments_on_D

Fair Value of Investments on Deposit with Governmental Authorities Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Assets held by insurance regulators	$19.60	$20.50

Securities_Lending_Collateral_

Securities Lending Collateral Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Securities Received as Collateral [Abstract]	'	'
Securities loaned, minimum collateral to loan ratio	102.00%	'
Securities loaned, additional collateral requirement, decline in collateral value threshold percentage	100.00%	'
Collateral securities repledged, delivered, or used	$75.90	$139.90

Fixedmaturity_Securities_Class1

Fixed-maturity Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$162,789	'
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	471,070	'
Due after five years through 10 years, amortized cost	664,430	'
Due after 10 years, amortized cost	41,396	'
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, amortized cost	1,339,685	'
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, amortized cost	241,656	'
Total fixed-maturity securities, amortized cost	1,581,341	1,711,582
Due in one year or less, fair value	168,096	'
Due after one year through five years, fair value	509,900	'
Due after five years through 10 years, fair value	708,301	'
Due after 10 years, fair value	45,281	'
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, fair value	1,431,578	'
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, fair value	256,518	'
Total fixed-maturity securities, fair value	$1,688,096	$1,887,014

Net_Investment_Income_Details

Net Investment Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	$23,270	$28,247	$70,002	$80,734
Investment expenses	-1,167	-1,366	-3,657	-4,151
Net investment income	22,103	26,881	66,345	76,583
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	21,785	26,601	67,643	76,160
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	277	245	841	712
Policy Loans and Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	325	315	972	926
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	54	103	215	349
Market Return on Deposit Asset Underlying 10% Insurance Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	$829	$983	$331	$2,587

Schedule_of_Net_Realized_Inves

Schedule of Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross gains from sales	$1,234	$3,843	$5,989	$10,385
Gross losses from sales	-703	-27	-1,154	-84
Gross gains from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading	0	0	0	323
Gross losses from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading	0	0	0	-6
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, portion recognized in earnings	347	162	419	503
Gains (losses) from bifurcated options	-591	218	931	209
Realized investment gains (losses) including other than temporary impairment losses	-407	3,872	5,347	10,324
Gross realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	184	3,654	4,416	10,115
Other comprehensive income (loss), reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income, tax	-64	-1,279	-1,546	-3,540
Proceeds from sales or other redemptions	$79,864	$95,861	$300,471	$434,744

Securities_with_Cost_Basis_in_

Securities with Cost Basis in Excess of Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed-maturity and equity securities with cost basis in excess of fair value, cost basis	$331.30	$111.90

Schedule_of_Securities_in_an_U

Schedule of Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	$294,643	$93,648
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-11,737	-1,394
12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	22,701	13,986
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-2,242	-2,866
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	288,174	92,187
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-11,013	-1,247
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | 12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	22,701	13,464
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-2,242	-2,676
U.S. Government and Agencies [Member] | Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	3,122	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-69	'
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	3	'
U.S. Government and Agencies [Member] | 12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	1	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	244	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-11	'
Foreign Government [Member] | Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	33,360	5,146
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-1,312	-17
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	45	12
Foreign Government [Member] | 12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	8	0
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	3,483	0
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-238	0
States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	10,673	1,498
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-384	-19
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	14	3
States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | 12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	1	0
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	164	0
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-52	0
Corporates [Member] | Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	213,962	70,176
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-8,885	-1,189
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	243	58
Corporates [Member] | 12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	13	11
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	11,170	7,055
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-1,534	-1,574
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	27,057	15,367
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-363	-22
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	31	18
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | 12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	7	10
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	7,640	6,409
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-407	-1,102
Equity Securities [Member] | Less Than 12 Months [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	6,469	1,461
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-724	-147
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	10	6
Equity Securities [Member] | 12 Months or Longer [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, number of securities	0	1
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	0	522
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$0	($190)

Fixedmaturity_Securities_in_De

Fixed-maturity Securities in Default (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, amortized cost	$63	$165
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, fair value	$338	$712

Impairment_Charges_on_Availabl

Impairment Charges on Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	($347)	($162)	($419)	($503)
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	0	-159	0	-160
Investments in Fixed-maturity Securities Not in Default [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	($347)	($3)	($419)	($343)

Schedule_of_Net_Impairment_Los

Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other-than-temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	$347	$162	$438	$1,066
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, portion recognized in earnings	347	162	419	503
Does Not Intend to Sell or More-likely-than-not Will Not be Required to Sell before Recovery [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	345	4	365	855
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, portion in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	-19	-563
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, portion recognized in earnings	345	4	346	292
Intends to Sell or More-likely-than-not Will be Required to Sell before Recovery [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, portion recognized in earnings	$2	$158	$73	$211

Rollforward_of_Otherthantempor

Rollforward of Other-than-temporary Impairment Credit-related Losses Recognized in Income, Fixed-maturity Securities Still Held (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Cumulative other-than-temporary impairment, credit losses for securities still held, beginning balance	$14,243	$15,970	$14,171	$17,403
Additions for other-than-temporary impaired securities where no credit losses were recognized prior to the beginning of the period	345	0	416	10
Additions for other-than-temporary impaired securities where credit losses have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period	2	3	3	333
Reductions due to sales, maturities or calls of credit impaired securities	-264	-938	-264	-2,711
Cumulative other-than-temporary impairment, credit losses for securities still held, ending balance	$14,326	$15,035	$14,326	$15,035

Schedule_of_Derivative_Instrum

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Currency Swaps (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'
Aggregate notional balance of currency swaps	$5,878	$5,878
Aggregate fair value of currency swaps	($2,031)	($2,048)

Schedule_of_Derivative_Insrume

Schedule of Derivative Insruments, Embedded Conversion Options Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Aggregate fair value of embedded conversion options	$4.10	$10.20

Loss_from_Closed_Currency_Forw

Loss from Closed Currency Forward Contracts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred loss related to closed forward contracts	($26.40)	($26.40)

Schedule_of_Fair_Value_Assets_

Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value assumptions, percentage of securities assessed by third-party pricing service	94.00%	'
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	$11,185	$7,762
Total fair value assets	4,249,183	4,550,038
Currency swaps	2,031	2,048
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	2,514,917	2,620,163
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	2,512,886	2,618,115
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,688,096	1,887,014
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	256,518	330,209
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,269,292	1,397,126
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	34,234	34,753
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	120,188	117,392
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	7,864	7,534
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	37,016	37,147
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	2,512,886	2,618,115
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	0	0
Total fair value assets	33,861	27,909
Currency swaps	0	0
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,299	1,301
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,299	1,301
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	32,562	26,608
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	11,185	7,762
Total fair value assets	4,211,141	4,516,908
Currency swaps	2,031	2,048
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	2,514,917	2,620,163
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	2,512,886	2,618,115
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,682,689	1,880,540
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	254,905	328,415
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,265,498	1,392,446
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	34,234	34,753
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	120,188	117,392
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	7,864	7,534
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	4,381	10,491
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	2,512,886	2,618,115
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	0	0
Total fair value assets	4,181	5,221
Currency swaps	0	0
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	4,108	5,173
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,613	1,794
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	2,495	3,379
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	73	48
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	$0	$0

Rollforward_of_Level_3_Assets_

Rollforward of Level 3 Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member], Level 3 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Level 3 assets, beginning of period	$8,433	$10,131	$5,221	$6,937
Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	-122	206	-288	-130
Net realized gains (losses) included in realized investments gains, including other-than-temporary impairment losses	171	50	301	10
Purchases	0	757	4,383	3,173
Sales	-10	0	-25	0
Settlements	-1,163	-3,162	-1,862	-3,900
Transfers into level 3	371	0	1,357	2,951
Transfers out of level 3	-3,499	-1,140	-4,906	-2,199
Level 3 assets, end of period	$4,181	$6,842	$4,181	$6,842

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	$11,185	$7,762
Currency swaps	2,031	2,048
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	2,512,886	2,618,115
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	2,512,886	2,618,115
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	0	0
Currency swaps	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	11,185	7,762
Currency swaps	2,031	2,048
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	2,512,886	2,618,115
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	2,512,886	2,618,115
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	11,185	7,762
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Currency swaps	2,031	2,048
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	2,512,886	2,618,115
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	2,512,886	2,618,115
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,688,096	1,887,014
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	37,016	37,147
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Policy loans	25,795	24,613
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Deposit Asset Underlying 10% Reinsurance Agreement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deposit asset fair value disclosure, nonrecurring	112,279	91,524
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	374,469	374,433
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	11,185	7,762
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Currency swaps	2,031	2,048
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts liabilities	2,512,886	2,618,115
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Seperate Accounts Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Separate accounts assets	2,512,886	2,618,115
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	1,688,096	1,887,014
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure	37,016	37,147
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Policy loans	25,795	24,613
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Deposit Asset Underlying 10% Reinsurance Agreement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deposit asset fair value disclosure, nonrecurring	112,279	91,524
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	$392,319	$418,777

Schedule_of_Reinsured_Life_Ins

Schedule of Reinsured Life Insurance In Force (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Direct in-force face amount	$680,980,955	$675,164,992
Amounts ceded to other companies	-602,857,339	-599,133,626
Net in-force face amount	$78,123,616	$76,031,366
Percentage of reinsured in-force face amount	89.00%	89.00%

Schedule_of_Reinsured_Receivab

Schedule of Reinsured Receivables by Reinsurer (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	$4,033,138		$4,005,194
Prime Reinsurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	2,557,492	[1]	2,505,157	[1]
Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	350,337	[1]	352,073	[1]
American Health and Life Insurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	174,502	[1]	174,905	[1]
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	254,179	[2]	266,841	[2]
Reinsurance receivable, retroceded percentage	100.00%		'
SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	151,231	[3]	161,876	[3]
Generali USA Life Reassurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	117,997	[3]	117,284	[3]
Transamerica Reinsurance Companies [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	101,323		108,237
Munich American Reassurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	99,065		101,349
Korean Reinsurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	87,995		86,287
RGA Reinsurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	75,669		72,230
All Other Reinsurers [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable	$63,348		$58,955
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'-		'-
External Credit Rating, Not Rated [Member] | Prime Reinsurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'NR	[1]	'NR	[1]
External Credit Rating, Not Rated [Member] | Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'NR	[1]	'NR	[1]
A.M. A Minus Rating [Member] | American Health and Life Insurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A-	[1]	'A-	[1]
A.M. A Minus Rating [Member] | Generali USA Life Reassurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A-	[3]	'A-	[3]
A.M. A Plus Rating [Member] | Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A+	[2]	'A+	[2]
A.M. A Plus Rating [Member] | Transamerica Reinsurance Companies [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A+		'A+
A.M. A Plus Rating [Member] | Munich American Reassurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A+		'A+
A.M. A Plus Rating [Member] | RGA Reinsurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A+		'A+
A.M. A Rating [Member] | SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A	[3]	'A	[3]
A.M. A Rating [Member] | Korean Reinsurance Company [Member]	'		'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	'A		'A
[1]	(1) Reinsurers are affiliates of Citigroup. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers.
[2]	(2) Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and 100% retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
[3]	(3) Reinsurers are commonly owned entities due to the purchase of Generali USA Life Reassurance Company by the parent company of SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies in October 2013.

Notes_Payable_Narrative_Detail

Notes Payable Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 16, 2012	Mar. 31, 2010	Jul. 16, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Issuance of Debt [Member]	Issuance of Debt [Member]	Repayment of Debt [Member]
					Rate
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable, face amount	$375,000	$375,000	$375,000	$300,000	'
Debt instrument, redemption price as a percentage of principal amount	'	'	'	'	100.00%

Notes_Payable_Details

Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Rate	Rate
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Notes payable, face amount	$375,000	$375,000
Unamortized discount on notes payable	-531	-567
Total notes payable	$374,469	$374,433
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%	4.75%

Rollforward_of_Common_Stock_De

Rollforward of Common Stock (Details)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Common Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, shares, outstanding, beginning balance	56,374	64,883
Shares of restricted common stock issued, net	289	438
Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units , RSUs	975	878
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	-2,951	-6,476
Common stock, shares, outstanding, ending balance	54,687	59,723

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	'	-2,951,000	-6,476,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value	'	$101,044,000	$169,938,000
Cash dividends paid to parent company by consolidated subsidiaries	150,000,000	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-option equity instruments, outstanding, number	'	1,100,000	'
Warburg Pincus [Member] | Repurchase of Equity [Member]	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	2,488,621	'	'
Stock repurchased and retired during period, cost per share	$34.67	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Repurchased	4,103,110	'	'
Class of warrant or right, cost per share	$16.67	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	18	'	'
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value	$154,700,000	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
					Repurchase of Equity [Member]
					Warburg Pincus [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$43,190	$45,599	$125,525	$133,535	'
Income attributable to unvested participating securities - basic	-557	-1,116	-2,173	-3,624	'
Net income used in calculating basic EPS	42,633	44,483	123,352	129,911	'
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic (shares)	54,957,000	60,060,000	56,019,000	62,241,000	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.78	$0.74	$2.20	$2.09	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	43,190	45,599	125,525	133,535	'
Income attributable to unvested participating securities - diluted	557	1,092	2,140	3,558	'
Net income used in calculating diluted EPS	$42,633	$44,507	$123,385	$129,977	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Call Options and Warrants	0	1,503,000	1,050,000	1,278,000	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	1,000	0	0	0	'
Weighted-average vested shares, diluted (shares)	54,958,000	61,563,000	57,069,000	63,519,000	'
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share)	$0.78	$0.72	$2.16	$2.05	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Repurchased	'	'	'	'	4,103,110
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	'	'	'	'	18

Disclosure_of_Restricted_Stock

Disclosure of Restricted Stock Awards (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares available for future grants	2,900,000	'	2,900,000	'
Management and director equity award per share grant date fair value	'	'	$32.78	'
Total compensation cost not yet recognized	$14,700,000	'	$14,700,000	'
Estimated recognition period-weighted average	'	'	'2 years	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, grants in period	'	'	322,000	'
Management and Director Equity Award Expense for Awards Granted in Connection with the Corporate Reorganization in 2010 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management and director equity award expense	0	3,104,000	3,200,000	9,371,000
Management and Director Equity Award Expense for Awards Granted in 2011 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management and director equity award expense	817,000	753,000	2,316,000	2,294,000
Management and Director Equity Award Expense for Awards Granted in 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management and director equity award expense	928,000	954,000	2,811,000	2,457,000
Management and Director Equity Award Expense for Awards Granted in 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management and director equity award expense	898,000	0	2,134,000	0
Nonemployee Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales restrictions	'	'	'3 years	'
Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently	0	0	0	0
Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred, deferred policy acquisition	3,893,000	1,915,000	12,034,000	5,340,000
Deferred policy acquisition costs related to nonemployee share-based transactions, tax benefit	1,249,000	592,000	3,855,000	1,622,000
Management and Director Equity Award Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management and director award vesting period	'	'	'3 years	'
Management and director equity award expense	2,643,000	4,811,000	10,461,000	14,122,000
Tax benefit associated with management and director equity awards	$885,000	$1,167,000	$3,052,000	$3,396,000

Disclosure_of_Stock_Option_Awa

Disclosure of Stock Option Awards (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Employee Stock Option [Member]	Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management and director equity award expense	'	'	$94,000	$228,000
Tax benefit associated with management and director equity awards	'	'	33,000	80,000
Stock options grants in period	134,222	'	'	'
Stock options, grants in period, exercise price	$32.63	'	'	'
Stock options, grants in period, contractual term	'10 years	'	'	'
Stock options, grants in period, grant date fair value	'	$1,100,000	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) (Letter of Credit [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Letter of Credit, Initial Amount [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Narrative [Line Items]	'
Letter of credit, amount	$450
Letter Of Credit, Maximum Amount [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Narrative [Line Items]	'
Letter of credit, amount	$510