Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entitiy Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document type	'10-K	'	'
Document period end date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment flag	'false	'	'
Entity registrant name	'REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA INC	'	'
Entity central index key	'0000898174	'	'
Entity current reporting status	'Yes	'	'
Entity voluntary filers	'No	'	'
Current fiscal year end date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity filer category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity well known seasoned issuer	'Yes	'	'
Common Shares Outstanding	'	70,790,937	'
Entity public float	'	'	$4.90
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed Maturity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale at fair value (amortized cost of $20,270,734 and $19,559,432)	$21,474,136	$22,291,614
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $10,106 and $11,580)	2,486,680	2,300,587
Policy loans	1,244,469	1,278,175
Funds withheld at interest	5,771,467	5,594,182
Short-term investments	139,395	288,082
Other invested assets	1,324,960	1,159,543
Total investments	32,441,107	32,912,183
Cash and cash equivalents	923,647	1,259,892
Accrued investment income	267,908	201,344
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	1,439,528	1,356,087
Reinsurance ceded receivables	594,515	620,901
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,517,796	3,619,274
Other assets	489,972	390,757
Total assets	39,674,473	40,360,438
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	'	'
Future policy benefits	11,866,776	11,372,856
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	12,947,557	13,353,502
Other policy claims and benefits	3,571,761	3,160,250
Other reinsurance balances	275,138	233,630
Deferred income taxes	1,837,577	2,120,501
Other liabilities	541,035	742,249
Long-term debt	2,214,350	1,815,253
Collateral finance facility	484,752	652,010
Total liabilities	33,738,946	33,450,251
Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 12)	'	'
Stockholders Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding)	0	0
Common stock (par value $.01 per share; 140,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 79,137,758 at December 31, 2013 and 2012)	791	791
Additional paid-in-capital	1,777,906	1,755,421
Retained earnings	3,659,938	3,357,255
Treasury stock, at cost - 8,369,540 and 5,210,427 shares	-508,715	-312,182
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,005,607	2,108,902
Total stockholders’ equity	5,935,527	6,910,187
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$39,674,473	$40,360,438

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_PA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICAL (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available for Sale at Fair value - Amortized cost	$20,270,734	$19,559,432
Preferred stock par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock shares authorized	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common stock shares issued	79,137,758	79,137,758
Common stock shares outstanding	70,768,218	73,927,331
Treasury Shares Held	8,369,540	5,210,427
Allowances for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	$10,106	$11,580

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'
Net premiums	$8,254,027	$7,906,596	$7,335,687
Investment income, net of related expenses	1,699,865	1,436,206	1,281,197
Investment related gains (losses), net:	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	-12,654	-15,908	-30,873
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income	-247	-7,618	3,924
Other investment related gains (losses), net	76,891	277,662	-9,107
Total investment related gains (losses), net	63,990	254,136	-36,056
Other revenues	300,471	243,973	248,710
Total revenues	10,318,353	9,840,911	8,829,538
Benefits and expenses	'	'	'
Claims and other policy benefits	7,304,332	6,665,999	6,225,183
Interest credited	476,514	379,915	316,394
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	1,300,780	1,306,470	990,021
Other operating expenses	466,717	451,759	419,340
Interest expense	124,307	105,348	102,638
Collateral finance facility expense	10,449	12,197	12,391
Total benefits and expenses	9,683,099	8,921,688	8,065,967
Income before income taxes	635,254	919,223	763,571
Provision for income taxes	216,417	287,330	217,526
Net income	$418,837	$631,893	$546,045
Earnings per share	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$5.82	$8.57	$7.42
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$5.78	$8.52	$7.37
Dividends declared per share	$1.08	$0.84	$0.60

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net Income	$418,837	$631,893	$546,045
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-60,392	37,680	-25,500
Change in net unrealized gain on investments	-1,060,308	451,905	769,105	[1]
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities	2,896	6,434	-1,236
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	14,509	-5,270	-16,400
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,103,295	490,749	725,969
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($684,458)	$1,122,642	$1,272,014
[1]	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock Member	Warrants Member	Additional Paid In Capital Member	Retained Earnings Member	Treasury Stock Member	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Member
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total stockholders equity at Dec. 31, 2010	$4,765,406	$734	$66,912	$1,478,398	$2,327,473	($295)	$892,184
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income	546,045	'	'	'	546,045	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	725,969	'	'	'	'	'	725,969
Dividends to stockholders	-44,229	'	'	'	-44,229	'	'
Common stock issuance	2	2	'	'	'	'	'
Warrant redemption	154,585	55	-66,912	221,442	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-380,345	'	'	'	'	-380,345	'
Reissuance of treasury stock	51,265	'	'	27,934	-10,860	34,191	'
Total stockholders equity at Dec. 31, 2011	5,818,698	791	0	1,727,774	2,818,429	-346,449	1,618,153
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income	631,893	'	'	'	631,893	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	490,749	'	'	'	'	'	490,749
Dividends to stockholders	-61,945	'	'	'	-61,945	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-6,924	'	'	'	'	-6,924	'
Reissuance of treasury stock	37,716	'	'	27,647	-31,122	41,191	'
Total stockholders equity at Dec. 31, 2012	6,910,187	791	0	1,755,421	3,357,255	-312,182	2,108,902
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income	418,837	'	'	'	418,837	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,103,295	'	'	'	'	'	-1,103,295
Dividends to stockholders	-77,642	'	'	'	-77,642	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-269,204	'	'	'	'	-269,204	'
Reissuance of treasury stock	56,644	'	'	22,485	-38,512	72,671	'
Total stockholders equity at Dec. 31, 2013	$5,935,527	$791	$0	$1,777,906	$3,659,938	($508,715)	$1,005,607

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net Income	$418,837	$631,893	$546,045
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accrued investment income	-69,875	-12,088	-17,426
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	-106,136	-285,193	-83,650
Deferred policy acquisition costs	58,313	-65,050	-241,903
Reinsurance ceded receivables	62,058	5,293	143,505
Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and other reinsurance balances	1,429,697	1,792,207	970,685
Deferred income taxes	230,778	198,112	168,994
Other assets and other liabilities, net	-186,978	-37,831	-104,423
Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other	-95,547	-83,787	-172,688
Investment related (gains) losses, net	-63,990	-254,136	36,056
Gain on repurchase of collateral finance facility securities	-46,506	0	-65,565
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	-3,125	-416	-4,933
Other, net	99,634	85,523	134,835
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,727,160	1,974,527	1,309,532
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	3,629,378	5,465,014	3,165,479
Maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	155,237	145,423	218,696
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	-4,766,275	-6,818,378	-4,011,985
Cash invested in mortgage loans	-613,413	-491,466	-209,194
Cash invested in policy loans	-18	-58,240	-61,073
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest	-90,707	-107,289	-37,721
Principal payments on mortgage loans on real estate	391,654	173,962	92,806
Principal payments on policy loans	33,724	40,466	29,091
Purchase of a business, net of cash acquired of $9,709	-2,805	0	0
Change in short-term investments	138,024	-101,214	30,408
Change in other invested assets	-209,900	-216,274	-122,288
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,335,101	-1,967,996	-905,781
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Dividends to stockholders	-77,642	-61,945	-44,229
Repurchase and repayment of collateral finance facility securities	-119,255	0	-130,798
Proceeds from long-term debt issuance	398,492	400,000	397,788
Debt issuance costs	-3,400	-6,255	-3,400
Principal payments and repurchase of long-term debt	0	0	-200,000
Proceeds from redemption and remarketing of trust preferred securities	0	0	154,588
Maturity of trust preferred securities	0	0	-159,473
Purchases of treasury stock	-269,204	-6,924	-380,345
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	3,125	416	4,933
Exercise of stock options, net	28,390	-3,087	6,449
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements	-73,338	-132,933	231,180
Deposits on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	201,957	457,711	367,771
Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	-770,338	-365,044	-142,469
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-681,213	281,939	101,995
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-47,091	8,552	-6,537
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-336,245	297,022	499,209
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,259,892	962,870	463,661
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	923,647	1,259,892	962,870
Supplementary information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	116,809	100,984	100,733
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$110,773	$97,000	$129,009

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS PARENTHETICAL (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	$9,709

Business_and_Basis_of_Presenta

Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Business and Basis of Presentation	'
	BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of RGA, RGA Reinsurance Company (“RGA Reinsurance”), Reinsurance Company of Missouri, Incorporated (“RCM”), RGA Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Ltd. (“RGA Barbados”), RGA Americas Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“RGA Americas”), RGA Atlantic Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“RGA Atlantic”), RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada (“RGA Canada”), RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia, Limited (“RGA Australia”) and RGA International Reinsurance Company (“RGA International”) as well as other subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned (collectively, the “Company”).
	The Company is primarily engaged in the reinsurance of individual and group coverages for traditional life and health, longevity, disability, annuity and critical illness products, and financial reinsurance. Reinsurance is an arrangement under which an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurance company, the ceding company, for all or a portion of the insurance risks underwritten by the ceding company. Reinsurance is designed to (i) reduce the net liability on individual risks, thereby enabling the ceding company to increase the volume of business it can underwrite, as well as increase the maximum risk it can underwrite on a single life or risk; (ii) stabilize operating results by leveling fluctuations in the ceding company’s loss experience; (iii) assist the ceding company to meet applicable regulatory requirements; and (iv) enhance the ceding company’s financial strength and surplus position.
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred policy acquisition costs, premiums receivable, future policy benefits, incurred but not reported claims, income taxes, valuation of investments and investment impairments, and valuation of embedded derivatives. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used by management.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, and any variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary. Entities in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financing decisions but are not required to be consolidated are reported under the equity method of accounting. The Company evaluates variable interest entities in accordance with the general accounting principles for Consolidation. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	There were no subsequent events, other than as disclosed in Note 20 - "Subsequent Event", that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying consolidated financial statements through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.
	Reclassification
	Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Investments
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value and are so classified based upon the possibility that such securities could be sold prior to maturity if that action enables the Company to execute its investment philosophy and appropriately match investment results to operating and liquidity needs.
	Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale, less applicable deferred income taxes as well as related adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, if applicable, are reflected as a direct charge or credit to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Investment income is recognized as it accrues or is legally due. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in investment related gains (losses), net, as are credit impairments that are other-than-temporary in nature. The cost of investments sold is primarily determined based upon the specific identification method.
	Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
	Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any unamortized premium or discount and valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the mortgage loan based on its contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. The Company accrues interest on loans until it is probable the Company will not receive interest or the loan is 90 days past due. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts and prepayment fees are reported in investment income, net of related expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
	A mortgage loan is considered to be impaired when, based on the current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the mortgage agreement. Valuation allowances on mortgage loans are established based upon inherent losses expected by management to be realized in connection with future dispositions or settlement of mortgage loans, including foreclosures. The Company establishes valuation allowances for estimated impairments on an individual loan basis as of the balance sheet date. Such valuation allowances are based on the excess carrying value of the loan over the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, the value of the loan’s collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or the loan’s market value if the loan is being sold. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for mortgage loans based upon several loan factors, including the Company’s historical experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics and industry statistics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. In addition to historical experience, management considers qualitative factors that include the impact of changing macro economic conditions, which may not be currently reflected in the loan portfolio performance, and the quality of the loan portfolio per internal credit quality ratings. Any interest accrued or received on the net carrying amount of the impaired loan will be included in investment income or applied to the principal of the loan, depending on the assessment of the collectability of the loan. Mortgage loans deemed to be uncollectible or that have been foreclosed are charged off against the valuation allowances and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the valuation allowances. Changes in valuation allowances are reported in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company evaluates whether a mortgage loan modification represents a troubled debt restructuring. In a troubled debt restructuring, the Company grants concessions related to the borrower’s financial difficulties. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The Company considers the amount, timing and extent of the concession granted in determining any impairment or changes in the specific valuation allowance recorded in connection with the troubled debt restructuring. Through the continuous monitoring process, the Company may have recorded a specific valuation allowance prior to when the mortgage loan is modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Accordingly, the carrying value (after specific valuation allowance) before and after modification through a troubled debt restructuring may not change significantly, or may increase if the expected recovery is higher than the pre-modification recovery assessment.
	The Company’s internal credit quality rating model is used to estimate the probability of mortgage loan default and the likelihood of loss upon default. The rating scale ranges from “high investment grade” to “in or near default” with high investment grade being the highest quality and least likely to default and lose principal. Likewise, a rating of in or near default indicates the lowest quality and the most likely to default or lose principal. All loans are assigned a rating at origination and ratings are updated at least annually. Lower rated loans appear on the Company’s watch list and are re-evaluated more frequently. The debt service coverage ratio and the loan to value ratio are the most heavily weighted factors in determining the loan rating. Other factors involved in determining the final rating are loan amortization, tenant rollover, location and market stability, and borrowers’ financial condition and experience.
	Policy Loans
	Policy loans are reported at the unpaid principal balance. Interest income on such loans is recorded as earned using the contractually agreed upon interest rate. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy.
	Funds Withheld at Interest
	Funds withheld at interest represent amounts contractually withheld by ceding companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements. For agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets which support the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned by the ceding company. Interest, recorded in investment income in the consolidated statements of income, accrues to these assets at calculated rates as defined by the treaty terms.
	Short-term Investments
	Short-term investments represent investments with remaining maturities greater than three months but less than twelve months, at the date of purchase, and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value. Interest on short-term investments is recorded in investment income in the consolidated statements of income.
	Other Invested Assets
	In addition to derivative contracts discussed below, other invested assets include equity securities, contractholder-directed investments, limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures, real estate-held-for-investment and structured loans. Equity securities are primarily carried at fair value. The fair value option ("FVO") was elected for contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate accounts. Changes in estimated fair value of these securities are included in investment related gains (losses), net. Limited partnership interests and structured loans are primarily carried at cost. Based on the nature and structure of these investments, they do not meet the characteristics of an equity security in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Real estate joint ventures and certain limited partnerships are reported using the equity method of accounting.
	Real estate held-for-investment, including related improvements, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the property. The Company’s real estate held-for-investment is primarily acquired upon foreclosure of mortgage loans and is recorded at the lower of estimated fair value or the carrying value of the respective mortgage loan, less cost to sell, at the date of foreclosure.
	Other-than-Temporary Impairment
	The Company identifies fixed maturity and equity securities that could potentially have credit impairments that are other-than-temporary by monitoring market events that could impact issuers’ credit ratings, business climates, management changes, litigation, government actions and other similar factors. The Company also monitors late payments, pricing levels, rating agency actions, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.
	The Company reviews all securities on a case-by-case basis to determine whether an other-than-temporary decline in value exists and whether losses should be recognized. The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether a credit or interest rate-related impairment of a security is other-than-temporary. Relevant facts and circumstances considered include: (1)the extent and length of time the fair value has been below cost; (2) the reasons for the decline in fair value; (3) the issuers financial position and access to capital; and (4) for fixed maturity securities, the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost which, in some cases, may extend to maturity and for equity securities, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time that allows for the recovery in value. To the extent the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.
	Impairment losses on equity securities are reported in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income. Impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in the financial statements are dependent on the facts and circumstances related to the specific security. If the Company intends to sell a security or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, less any recorded credit loss, it recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If neither of these two conditions exists then the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated and the Company recognizes the credit loss portion in investment related gains (losses), net and the non-credit loss portion in AOCI.
	The Company estimates the amount of the credit loss component of a fixed maturity security impairment as the difference between amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows of the security. The present value is determined using the best estimate cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an asset-backed or floating rate security. The techniques and assumptions for establishing the best estimate cash flows vary depending on the type of security. The asset-backed securities’ cash flow estimates are based on security-specific facts and circumstances that may include collateral characteristics, expectations of delinquency and default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds and structural support, including subordination and guarantees. The corporate fixed maturity security cash flow estimates are derived from scenario-based outcomes of expected corporate restructurings or the disposition of assets using security specific facts and circumstances including timing, security interests and loss severity.
	In periods after an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized on a fixed maturity security, the Company will report the impaired security as if it had been purchased on the date it was impaired and will continue to estimate the present value of the estimated cash flows of the security. Accordingly, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis is accreted into net investment income over the remaining term of the fixed maturity security in a prospective manner based on the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows.
	The cost of other invested assets is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other-than-temporary in the period in which the determination is made. These impairments are included within investment related gains (losses), net and the cost basis of the investment securities is reduced accordingly. The Company does not change the revised cost basis for subsequent recoveries in value.
	The Company considers its cost method investments for other-than-temporary impairment when the carrying value of these investments exceeds the net asset value. The Company takes into consideration the severity and duration of this excess when deciding if the cost method investment is other-than-temporarily impaired. For equity method investments (including real estate ventures), the Company considers financial and other information provided by the investee, other known information and inherent risks in the underlying investments, as well as future capital commitments, in determining whether an impairment has occurred.
	The Company periodically reviews its real estate held-for-investment for impairment and tests these investments for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable and the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair value. Properties for which carrying values are greater than their undiscounted cash flows are written down to the estimated fair value.
	Derivative Instruments
	Overview
	The Company utilizes a variety of derivative instruments including swaps, options, forwards and futures, primarily to manage or hedge interest rate risk, credit risk, inflation risk, foreign currency risk, market volatility and various other market risks associated with its business. The Company does not invest in derivatives for speculative purposes. It is the Company’s policy to enter into derivative contracts primarily with highly rated parties. See Note 5 – “Derivative Instruments” for additional detail on the Company’s derivative positions.
	Accounting and Financial Statement Presentation of Derivatives
	Derivatives are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Certain derivatives are subject to master netting provisions and reported as a net asset or liability. On the date a derivative contract is executed, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a fair value hedge, (2) a cash flow hedge, (3) a net investment hedge in a foreign operation or (4) free-standing derivatives held for other risk management purposes, which primarily involve managing asset or liability risks associated with the Company’s reinsurance treaties which do not qualify for hedge accounting.
	Changes in the fair value of free-standing derivative instruments, which do not receive accounting hedge treatment, are reflected in investment related gains (losses), net.
	Hedge Documentation and Hedge Effectiveness
	To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge as either (i) a fair value hedge; (ii) a cash flow hedge; or (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. In this documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method which will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.
	Under a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative, including amounts measured as ineffective, and changes in the fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported within investment related gains (losses), net. The fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item.
	Under a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative measured as effective are reported within AOCI and the deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the consolidated statement of income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffective are reported within investment related gains (losses), net. The fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item.
	In a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative that are measured as effective are reported within AOCI consistent with the translation adjustment for the hedged net investment in the foreign operation. Changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffective are reported within investment related gains (losses), net.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.
	When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in investment related gains (losses), net. The carrying value of the hedged asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction occurrence is still probable, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the consolidated statement of income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
	When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in investment related gains (losses), net. Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in investment related gains (losses), net.
	In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as investment related gains (losses), net.
	Embedded Derivatives
	The Company reinsures certain annuity products that contain terms that are deemed to be embedded derivatives, primarily equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits. The Company assesses reinsurance contract terms to identify embedded derivatives which are required to be bifurcated under the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. If the contract is not reported for in its entirety at fair value and it is determined that the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and that a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for separately.
	Such embedded derivatives are carried on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value in the same line item as the host contract. Changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with equity-indexed annuities are reflected in interest credited on the consolidated statements of income and changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity guaranteed minimum benefits are reflected in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income. See “Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities” below for additional information on embedded derivatives related to equity-indexed and variable annuities. The Company has implemented an economic hedging strategy to mitigate the volatility associated with its reinsurance of variable annuity guaranteed minimum benefits. The hedging strategy is designed such that changes in the fair value of the hedge contracts, primarily futures, swap contracts and options, move in the opposite direction of changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives. While the Company actively manages its hedging program, the hedges that are in place may not be totally effective in offsetting the embedded derivative changes due to the many variables that must be managed. The Company has elected not to assess this hedging strategy for hedge accounting treatment.
	Additionally, reinsurance treaties written on a modified coinsurance or funds withheld basis are subject to the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging related to embedded derivatives. The Company’s funds withheld at interest balances are primarily associated with its reinsurance treaties structured on a modified coinsurance or funds withheld basis, the majority of which were subject to the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging related to embedded derivatives. Management believes the embedded derivative feature in each of these reinsurance treaties is similar to a total return swap on the assets held by the ceding companies. The valuation of the embedded derivatives related to these reinsurance treaties is sensitive to the credit spread environment. The calculation of the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives includes the effect associated with the Company’s own credit risk. A decline in the Company’s credit ratings would result in a decrease in the embedded derivative liability. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is included in the funds withheld at interest line item on the consolidated balance sheets. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives is recorded in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company has entered into various financial reinsurance treaties on a funds withheld and modified coinsurance basis. These treaties do not transfer significant insurance risk and are recorded on a deposit method of accounting with the Company earning a net fee. As a result of the experience refund provisions contained in these treaties, the value of the embedded derivatives in these contracts is currently considered immaterial. The Company monitors the performance of these treaties on a quarterly basis. Significant adverse performance or losses on these treaties may result in a loss associated with the embedded derivative.
	Fair Value Measurements
	General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, establish a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. In compliance with these principles, the Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), the second highest priority to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
	If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
	See Note 6 - “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” for further details on the Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
	Premiums Receivable
	Premiums are accrued when due and in accordance with information received from the ceding company. When the Company enters into a new reinsurance agreement, it records accruals based on the terms of the reinsurance treaty. Similarly, when a ceding company fails to report information on a timely basis, the Company records accruals based on the terms of the reinsurance treaty as well as historical experience. Other management estimates include adjustments for increased in force on existing treaties, lapsed premiums given historical experience, the financial health of specific ceding companies, collateral value and the legal right of offset on related amounts (i.e. allowances and claims) owed to the ceding company. Under the legal right of offset provisions in its reinsurance treaties, the Company can withhold payments for allowances and claims from unpaid premiums. Based on its review of these factors and historical experience, the Company did not believe a provision for doubtful accounts was necessary as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	Costs of acquiring new business, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new business, have been deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Such costs include commissions and allowances as well as certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting. Non-commission costs related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts may be deferred only if they meet the following criteria:
	•	Incremental direct costs of a successful contract acquisition
	•	Portions of employees’ salaries and benefits directly related to time spent performing specified acquisition activities for a contract that has been acquired or renewed
	•	Other costs directly related to the specified acquisition or renewal activities that would not have been incurred had that acquisition contract transaction not occurred
	The Company tests the recoverability for each year of business at issue before establishing additional deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”). The Company also performs annual tests to establish that DAC are expected to remain recoverable, and if financial performance significantly deteriorates to the point where a deficiency exists, a cumulative charge to current operations will be recorded. No such adjustments related to DAC recoverability were made in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
DAC related to traditional life insurance contracts are amortized with interest over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of individual period premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues over the life of the policy. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits.
DAC related to interest-sensitive life and investment-type policies are amortized over the lives of the policies, in proportion to the gross profits realized from mortality, investment income less interest credited, and expense margins.
Other Reinsurance Balances
The Company assumes and retrocedes financial reinsurance contracts that do not expose it to a reasonable possibility of loss from insurance risk. These contracts are reported as deposits and are included in other reinsurance assets/liabilities. The amount of revenue reported in other revenues on these contracts represents fees and the cost of insurance under the terms of the reinsurance agreement. Assets and liabilities are reported on a net or gross basis, depending on the specific details within each treaty. Reinsurance agreements reported on a net basis, where a legal right of offset exists, are generally included in other reinsurance balances on the consolidated balance sheets. Balances resulting from the assumption and/or subsequent transfer of benefits and obligations resulting from cash flows related to variable annuities have also been classified as other reinsurance balance assets and/or liabilities. Other reinsurance assets are included in premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances while other reinsurance liabilities are included in other reinsurance balances on the consolidated balance sheets.
Goodwill and Value of Business Acquired
Goodwill, reported in other assets, is not amortized into results of operations, but instead is reviewed at least annually for impairment and written down only in the periods in which the recorded value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Goodwill as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $7.0 million. The value of business acquired (“VOBA”) is amortized in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues or in relation to the present value of estimated profits. Anticipated premium revenues have been estimated using assumptions consistent with those used in estimating reserves for future policy benefits. The carrying value is reviewed at least annually for indicators of impairment in value. The VOBA was approximately $5.5 million and $0.6 million, including accumulated amortization of $13.0 million and $24.8 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The VOBA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. These amortized balances are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Future amortization of the VOBA is not material.
The increase in the VOBA balance as of December 31, 2013 is related to acquisition of Leidsche Verzekeringen Maatschappij N.V. On August 13, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of the Dutch life insurance company for a total purchase price of $12.5 million. The purchase price was allocated to $147.3 million of assets and $134.8 million of liabilities at the date of acquisition. The purchased life insurance company primarily sells term life and unit-linked variable annuity policies. The acquisition will allow the Company to better pursue additional reinsurance opportunities in the Dutch market.
Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired
Value of distribution agreements (“VODA”) is reported in other assets and represents the present value of future profits associated with the expected future business derived from the distribution agreements. Value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) is also reported in other assets and represents the present value of the expected future profits associated with the expected future business acquired through existing customers of the acquired company or business. The Company’s VODA and VOCRA are related to the acquisition of Reliastar Life Insurance Company’s U.S. and Canadian group life, accident and health reinsurance business in 2010. The VODA is amortized over a useful life of 15 years and the VOCRA is also amortized over a 15 year period in proportion to expected revenues generated. Such amortization is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses. Each year the Company reviews VODA and VOCRA to determine the recoverability of these balances. VODA and VOCRA totaled approximately $85.8 million and $95.9 million, including accumulated amortization of $34.9 million and $24.8 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The VODA and VOCRA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $10.1 million, $10.5 million and $10.9 million, respectively. Amortization of the VODA and VOCRA is estimated to be $9.5 million, $9.4 million, $9.0 million, $8.7 million and $8.3 million during 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Other Assets
In addition to the goodwill, VOBA, VODA and VOCRA, other assets primarily includes unamortized debt issuance costs, corporate-owned life insurance, capitalized software, and other capitalized assets. Capitalized software is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Purchased software costs, as well as internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had unamortized computer software costs of approximately $49.6 million and $43.2 million, respectively. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company amortized computer software costs of $6.9 million, $6.5 million, and $4.3 million, respectively. Amortization of software costs is recorded on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to ten years. Carrying values are reviewed periodically for indicators of impairment in value.
Future Policy Benefits
Liabilities for future benefits on life policies are established in an amount adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. Liabilities for future policy benefits under long-term life insurance policies have been computed based upon expected investment yields, mortality and withdrawal (lapse) rates, and other assumptions. These assumptions include a margin for adverse deviation and vary with the characteristics of the plan of insurance, year of issue, age of insured, and other appropriate factors. Interest rates range from 3.0% to 6.0%. The mortality and withdrawal assumptions are based on the Company’s experience as well as industry experience and standards. In establishing reserves for future policy benefits, the Company assigns policy liability assumptions to particular timeframes (eras) in such a manner as to be consistent with the underlying assumptions and economic conditions at the time the risks are assumed. The Company maintains a consistent approach to setting the provision for adverse deviation between eras.
Liabilities for future benefits on longevity business are established in an amount adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. Liabilities for future benefits related to the longevity business have been calculated using expected mortality, investment yields, and other assumptions. These assumptions include a margin for adverse deviation and vary with the characteristics of the plan of insurance, year of issue, age of insured, and other appropriate factors. The mortality assumptions are based on the Company’s experience as well as industry experience and standards. A deferred profit liability is established when the gross premium exceeds the net premium.
The Company periodically reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the assumptions used to establish policy benefits. The Company establishes premium deficiency reserves if actual and anticipated experience indicates that existing policy liabilities together with the present value of future gross premiums will not be sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs and to recover unamortized acquisition costs. Anticipated investment income is considered in the calculation of premium deficiency losses for short duration contracts. The premium deficiency reserve is established by a charge to income, as well as a reduction in unamortized acquisition costs and, to the extent there are no unamortized acquisition costs, an increase in future policy benefits.
The reserving process includes normal periodic reviews of assumptions used and adjustments of reserves to incorporate the refinement of the assumptions. Any such adjustments relate only to policies assumed in recent periods and the adjustments are reflected by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations.
The Company reinsures disability products in various markets. Liabilities for future benefits on disability policies’ active lives are established in an amount adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. These reserves are the amounts which, with the additional premiums to be received and interest thereon compounded annually at certain assumed rates, are calculated to be sufficient to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature.
The Company establishes future policy benefits for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) relating to the reinsurance of certain variable annuity contracts by estimating the expected value of death benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognizing the excess proportionally over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The Company regularly evaluates estimates used and adjusts the additional liability balance, with a related charge or credit to claims and other policy benefits, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised. The assumptions used in estimating the GMDB liabilities are consistent with those used for amortizing DAC, and are thus subject to the same variability and risk. The Company’s GMDB liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were not material.
Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities
Liabilities for future benefits on interest-sensitive life and investment-type contract liabilities are carried at the accumulated contract holder values without reduction for potential surrender or withdrawal charges. The Company reinsures asset-intensive products, including annuities and corporate-owned life insurance. The investment portfolios for these products are segregated for management purposes within the general account of RGA Reinsurance. The liabilities under asset-intensive reinsurance contracts reinsured on a coinsurance basis are included in interest-sensitive contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Asset-intensive contracts principally include traditional individual fixed annuities in the accumulation phase, single premium immediate annuities, equity-indexed annuities and individual variable annuity contracts. Interest-sensitive contract liabilities are equal to (i) policy account values, which consist of an accumulation of gross premium payments; (ii) credited interest less expenses, mortality charges, and withdrawals; and (iii) fair value adjustments relating to business combinations. Liabilities for immediate annuities are calculated as the present value of the expected cash flows, with the locked-in discount rate determined such that there is no gain or loss at inception. Additionally, certain annuity contracts the Company reinsures contain terms, such as guaranteed minimum benefits and equity participation options, which are deemed to be embedded derivatives and are accounted for based on the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging.
The Company establishes liabilities for guaranteed minimum living benefits relating to certain variable annuity products as follows:
Guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) provide the contract holder, after a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, with a minimum level of income (annuity) payments. Under the reinsurance treaty, the Company makes a payment to the ceding company equal to the GMIB net amount-at-risk at the time of annuitization and thus these contracts meet the net settlement criteria of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging and the Company assumes no mortality risk. Accordingly, the GMIB is considered an embedded derivative, which is measured at fair value separately from the host variable annuity product.
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) guarantee the contract holder a return of their purchase payment via partial withdrawals, even if the account value is reduced to zero, provided that the contract holder’s cumulative withdrawals in a contract year do not exceed a certain limit. The initial guaranteed withdrawal amount is equal to the initial benefit base as defined in the contract (typically, the initial purchase payments plus applicable bonus amounts). The GMWB is also an embedded derivative, which is measured at fair value separately from the host variable annuity product.
Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) provide the contract holder, after a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, with a minimum accumulation of their purchase payments even if the account value is reduced to zero. The initial guaranteed accumulation amount is equal to the initial benefit base as defined in the contract (typically, the initial purchase payments plus applicable bonus amounts). The GMAB is also an embedded derivative, which is measured at fair value separately from the host variable annuity product.
For GMIB, GMWB and GMAB, the initial benefit base is increased by additional purchase payments made within a certain time period and decreased by benefits paid and/or withdrawal amounts. After a specified period of time, the benefit base may also increase as a result of an optional reset as defined in the contract.
The fair values of the GMIB, GMWB and GMAB embedded derivative liabilities are reflected in interest-sensitive contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and are calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges over the lives of the contracts. These projected cash flows incorporate expectations concerning policyholder behavior, such as lapses, withdrawals and benefit selections, and capital market assumptions such as interest rates and equity market volatilities. In measuring the fair value of GMIBs, GMWBs and GMABs, the Company attributes a portion of the fees collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of expected future guaranteed minimum income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits (at inception). The changes in fair value are reported in investment related gains (losses), net. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in other revenues on the consolidated statements of income. These variable annuity guaranteed living benefits may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining markets, causing an increase in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, negatively affecting net income.
The Company reinsures equity-indexed annuity contracts. These contracts allow the contract holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity market component where interest credited is based on the performance of common stock market indices, such as the S&P 500 Index®, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, or the NASDAQ. The equity market option is considered an embedded derivative, similar to a call option, which is reflected at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in interest-sensitive contract liabilities. The fair value of embedded derivatives is computed based on a projection of future equity option costs using a budget methodology, discounted back to the balance sheet date using current market indicators of volatility and interest rates. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are included as a component of interest credited on the consolidated statements of income.
The Company reviews its estimates of actuarial liabilities for interest-sensitive contract liabilities and compares them with its actual experience. Differences between actual experience and the assumptions used in pricing these guarantees and benefits and in the establishment of the related liabilities result in variances in profit and could result in losses. The effects of changes in such estimated liabilities are included in the results of operations in the period in which the changes occur.
Other Policy Claims and Benefits
Claims payable for incurred but not reported losses are determined using case-basis estimates and lag studies of past experience. The time lag from the date of the claim or death to when the ceding company reports the claim to the Company can vary significantly by ceding company, business segment and product type, but generally averages around 3.0 months. Incurred but not reported claims are estimates on an undiscounted basis, using actuarial estimates of historical claims expense, adjusted for current trends and conditions. These estimates are continually reviewed and the ultimate liability may vary significantly from the amount recognized, which are reflected in claims and other policy benefits in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which they are determined.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities primarily include investments in transit, separate accounts, employee benefits and current federal income taxes payable.
Income Taxes
RGA and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The U.S. consolidated tax return includes the operations of RGA, RGA Americas, RGA Reinsurance, RGA Barbados, RGA Technology Partners, Inc., RCM, Timberlake Reinsurance Company II (“Timberlake Re”), Reinsurance Partners, Inc., RGA Worldwide Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“RGA Worldwide”), Rockwood Reinsurance Company (“Rockwood Re”), Parkway Reinsurance Company (“Parkway Re”), Castlewood Reinsurance Company (“Castlewood Re”) and RGA Capital LLC. The Company’s Australian, certain Barbadian, Bermudian, Canadian, South African, Indian, Irish, Singaporean, Brazilian, United Arab Emirates, Dutch and United Kingdom subsidiaries are taxed under applicable local statutes.
The Company provides for federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are recognized in net income or in certain cases in OCI. The Company’s accounting for income taxes represents management’s best estimate of various events and transactions considering the laws enacted as of the reporting date.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates in the relevant jurisdictions expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable tax jurisdiction. The Company has deferred tax assets related to net operating and capital losses. The Company has projected its ability to utilize its U.S. and foreign net operating losses and has determined that all of the U.S. losses are expected to be utilized prior to their expiration and established a valuation allowance on the portion of the foreign deferred tax assets the Company believes more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
The Company will establish a valuation allowance if management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established as well as the amount of such allowances. When making such a determination, consideration is given to, among other things, the following:
(i)	future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;
(ii)	future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
(iii)	taxable income in prior carryback years; and
(iv)	tax planning strategies.
Any such changes could significantly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements in the year these changes occur. The Company accounts for its total liability for uncertain tax positions considering the recognition and measurement thresholds established in general accounting principles for income taxes. The tax effects of a position are recognized in the consolidated statement of income only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Unrecognized tax benefits due to tax uncertainties that do not meet the more likely than not criteria are included within other liabilities and are charged to earnings in the period that such determination is made. The Company classifies interest related to tax uncertainties as interest expense whereas penalties related to tax uncertainties are classified as a component of income tax.
Collateral Finance Facility
Collateral finance facility represents financing transactions to fund collateral requirements for regulatory reserves on specified insurance policies reinsured by the Company’s regulated subsidiaries. The cost of the facility is reflected in collateral finance facility expense. See Note 14 - "Collateral Finance Facility" for additional information.
Foreign Currency Translation
The translation of the foreign currency into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using weighted-average exchange rates during each year. Gains or losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, resulting from such translation are included in accumulated currency translation adjustments, in AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets until the underlying functional currency operation is sold or substantially liquidated. The Company’s material functional currencies are the U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Korean won, Euro and South African rand.
Recognition of Revenues and Related Expenses
Life and health premiums are recognized as revenue when due from the insured, and are reported net of amounts retroceded. Benefits and expenses are reported net of amounts retroceded and are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the related contract. This association is accomplished through the provision for future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Other revenue includes items such as treaty recapture fees, fees associated with financial reinsurance and policy changes on interest-sensitive and investment-type products that the Company reinsures. Any fees that are collected in advance of the period benefited are deferred and recognized over the period benefited.
For certain reinsurance transactions involving in force blocks of business, the ceding company pays a premium equal to the initial required reserve (future policy benefit). In such transactions, for income statement presentation, the Company nets the expense associated with the establishment of the reserve on the consolidated balance sheets against the premiums from the transaction.
Revenues for interest-sensitive and investment-type products consist of investment income, policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders that have been assessed against policy account balances during the period. Interest-sensitive contract liabilities for these products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expenses include claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policies or contracts.
For each of its reinsurance contracts, the Company must determine if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with GAAP. The Company must review all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the Company is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. If the Company determines that a contract does not expose it to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the contract on a deposit method of accounting with any net amount receivable reflected as an asset within premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances, and any net amount payable reflected as a liability within other reinsurance balances on the consolidated balance sheets. Fees earned on the contracts are reflected as other revenues, rather than premiums, on the consolidated statements of income.
Equity Based Compensation
The Company expenses the fair value of stock awards included in its incentive compensation plans. As of the date stock awards are approved, the fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes options valuation methodology, and the fair value of other stock awards is based upon the market value of the stock. The fair value of the awards is expensed over the performance or service period, which generally corresponds to the vesting period, and is recognized as an increase to additional paid-in-capital in stockholders’ equity. Stock-based compensation expense is reflected in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share exclude any dilutive effects of any outstanding options. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effects assuming outstanding stock options were exercised.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Basis of Presentation
In December 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Balance Sheet as it relates to the disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendment requires disclosures about the Company’s rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. This amendment also requires the disclosure of both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Balance Sheet as it relates to the disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. This amendment clarifies that the scope of the Balance Sheet amendment made in December 2011 applies only to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or a similar agreement. These amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company adopted these amendments and the required disclosures are provided in Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments”.
Transfers and Servicing
In April 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the reconsideration of effective control for repurchase agreements. This amendment removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets and also removes the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
In May 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures as it relates to the measurement and disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. This amendment clarifies the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. It also changes particular principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this amendment and the required disclosures are provided in Note 6 - “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities.”
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
In October 2010, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Financial Services – Insurance as it relates to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This amendment clarifies that only those costs that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction not occurred can be capitalized. It also defines acquisitions costs as costs that are related directly to the successful acquisitions of new or renewal insurance contracts. The amendment is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The retrospective adoption of this amendment on January 1, 2012, resulted in a reduction in the Company’s deferred acquisition cost asset and a corresponding reduction to equity, reflected in the financial statements. There will be a decrease in amortization subsequent to adoption due to the reduced deferred acquisition cost asset. There has also been a reduction in the level of future costs the Company defers; thereby increasing expenses incurred in future periods. The cumulative effect of the adoption of this amendment was a decrease to total stockholders’ equity of $318.4 million and a decrease in the deferred policy acquisition costs balance of $470.1 million on January 1, 2012.
Comprehensive Income
In February 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendment requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. This amendment also requires entities to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. However, this is only necessary if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this amendment and the required disclosures are provided in Note 18 - “Comprehensive Income.”
In June 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the presentation of comprehensive income. This amendment requires entities to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the presentation of comprehensive income. This amendment defers the requirement to present the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s consolidated statements of income, which was required in the Comprehensive Income amendment made in June 2011. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted these amendments and the required presentation is provided in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
In July 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Income Taxes as it relates to the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Stock_Transactions

Stock Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stock Transactions	'
	STOCK TRANSACTIONS
	During 2013, in connection with the distribution of benefits due under its employee benefit plans, RGA issued 346,561 shares of common stock from treasury and repurchased from recipients 125,829 of its common shares, at $64.13 per share, in settlement of income tax withholding requirements incurred by recipients. Additionally, in 2013, non-employee directors were granted a total of 14,200 shares of common stock.
	In January 2013, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, with no expiration date, for up to $200.0 million of RGA’s outstanding common stock. In April 2013, RGA’s board of directors authorized an increase of $100.0 million to the share repurchase program previously authorized in January 2013. In July 2013, RGA’s board of directors authorized an additional increase of $100.0 million to the share repurchase program previously authorized in January 2013. During 2013, RGA repurchased 4,151,312 shares of common stock under this program for $261.3 million. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes.
	On February 20, 2014, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300.0 million of the RGA’s outstanding common stock. The authorization is effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2013.
	In anticipation of the redemption and remarketing of the Company’s trust preferred securities discussed in Note 13 – “Debt,” the Company purchased 3,000,000 shares of its outstanding common stock from MetLife, Inc. in February 2011, at a price of $61.14 per share, reflecting the most recent closing price of the Company’s common stock. The purchased common shares were placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes.
	In March 2011, approximately 4,402,078 of outstanding warrants were exercised at a price of $35.44 per warrant, resulting in the issuance of 5,506,088 common shares. See Note 13 – “Debt,” for more information on the exercise of these warrants. Also in March 2011, RGA entered into an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with a financial counterparty. Under the ASR agreement, RGA purchased 2,500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock at an initial price of $59.76 per share and an aggregate price of approximately $149.4 million. The purchase price was funded from cash on hand. The counterparty completed its purchases during the second quarter of 2011 and as a result, RGA was required to pay $4.3 million to the counterparty for the final settlement which resulted in a final price of $61.47 per share on the repurchased common stock. The common shares repurchased were placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes.
	RGA’s share repurchase transactions during 2011 were intended to substantially offset share dilution associated with the issuance of 5,506,088 common shares from the exercise of warrants as discussed above.
	At the beginning of 2011, RGA had $43.4 million remaining under its January 2002 board of directors approved stock repurchase program. Under this repurchase program, RGA was authorized to purchase its common stock in the open market, pursuant to the terms of a pre-set trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. During 2011, RGA repurchased 838,362 shares of common stock under this program for $43.1 million at an average price per share of $51.39. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	INVESTMENTS
	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
	The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity and equity securities by sector as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2013:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated		% of Total		Other-than-
			Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value				temporary
																			impairments
																			in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	11,697,394			$	616,147			$	202,786			$	12,110,755	56.4	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,728,111				669,762				16,848				3,381,025		15.7		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		970,434				38,126				18,917				989,643		4.6		(300		)
	Asset-backed securities		891,751				18,893				15,812				894,832		4.2		(2,259		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,314,782				91,651				17,487				1,388,946		6.5		(1,609		)
	U.S. government and agencies		489,631				16,468				4,748				501,351		2.3		—
	State and political subdivisions		313,252				21,907				14,339				320,820		1.5		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,865,379				45,347				23,962				1,886,764		8.8		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	20,270,734			$	1,518,301			$	314,899			$	21,474,136	100	%	$	(4,168	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	81,993			$	5,342			$	5,481			$	81,854	20.2	%
	Other equity securities		327,479				618				4,220				323,877		79.8
	Total equity securities		$	409,472			$	5,960			$	9,701			$	405,731	100	%
	December 31, 2012:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated		% of Total		Other-than-
			Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value				temporary
																			impairments
																			in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	11,333,431			$	1,085,973			$	39,333			$	12,380,071	55.5	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,676,777				1,372,731				174				4,049,334		18.2		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		969,267				76,520				3,723				1,042,064		4.7		(241		)
	Asset-backed securities		700,455				19,898				28,798				691,555		3.1		(2,259		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,608,376				142,369				51,842				1,698,903		7.6		(6,125		)
	U.S. government and agencies		231,256				33,958				24				265,190		1.2		—
	State and political subdivisions		270,086				38,058				5,646				302,498		1.4		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,769,784				94,929				2,714				1,861,999		8.3		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	19,559,432			$	2,864,436			$	132,254			$	22,291,614	100	%	$	(8,625	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	68,469			$	6,542			$	170			$	74,841	33.6	%
	Other equity securities		148,577				416				1,134				147,859		66.4
	Total equity securities		$	217,046			$	6,958			$	1,304			$	222,700	100	%
	The Company enters into various collateral arrangements that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral, which are excluded from the tables above. The Company pledged fixed maturity securities as collateral to derivative and reinsurance counterparties with an amortized cost of $57.2 million and $16.9 million, and an estimated fair value of $58.0 million and $17.0 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively. The pledged fixed maturity securities are included in fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, and are included in other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.
	The Company received fixed maturity securities as collateral from derivative and reinsurance counterparties with an estimated fair value of $94.1 million and $95.6 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The collateral is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral; however, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company held securities with a fair value of $1,222.3 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Ontario and $1,389.1 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Quebec, both of which exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2012, the Company held securities with a fair value of $1,400.0 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Ontario and $1,785.0 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Quebec, both of which exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity.
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2013 are shown by contractual maturity in the table below (dollars in thousands). Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table below, as they are not due at a single maturity date.
			Amortized				Fair
			Cost				Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	551,195			$	557,981
	Due after one year through five years		3,570,831				3,743,631
	Due after five years through ten years		7,090,140				7,295,566
	Due after ten years		5,881,601				6,603,537
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities		3,176,967				3,273,421
	Total		$	20,270,734			$	21,474,136
	Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
	The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2013:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
							Fair Value
	Finance		$	3,838,716			$	3,983,623			32.9	%
	Industrial		5,943,353				6,138,150				50.7
	Utility		1,904,100				1,978,218				16.3
	Other		11,225				10,764				0.1
	Total		$	11,697,394			$	12,110,755			100	%
	December 31, 2012:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
							Fair Value
	Finance		$	3,619,455			$	3,900,152			31.5	%
	Industrial		5,881,967				6,443,846				52
Utility		1,799,658				2,002,611				16.2
Other		32,351				33,462				0.3
Total		$	11,333,431			$	12,380,071			100	%
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments—Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
As discussed in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” a portion of certain other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses on fixed maturity securities is recognized in AOCI. For these securities the net amount recognized in earnings (“credit loss impairments”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The following table sets forth the amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
Balance, beginning of period		$	16,675			$	63,947			$	47,291
Initial impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired		—				1,962				8,349
Additional impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired		134				10,186				9,059
Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period		(1,449		)		(22,290		)		—
Credit loss previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period		(3,664		)		(37,130		)		(752		)
Balance, end of period		$	11,696			$	16,675			$	63,947
Purchased Credit Impaired Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
Securities acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at the acquisition date that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are classified as purchased credit impaired securities. For each security, the excess of the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date over its acquisition date fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized as net investment income on an effective yield basis. At the date of acquisition, the timing and amount of the cash flows expected to be collected was determined based on a best estimate using key assumptions, such as interest rates, default rates and prepayment speeds. If subsequently, based on current information and events, it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected to be collected, the accretable yield is adjusted prospectively. The excess of the contractually required payments (including interest) as of the acquisition date over the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date is referred to as the nonaccretable difference, and this amount is not expected to be realized as net investment income. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected can result in OTTI.
The following tables present information on the Company’s purchased credit impaired securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities available-for-sale (dollars in thousands):
	31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
Outstanding principal and interest balance(1)	$	192,644			$	108,831
Carrying value, including accrued interest(2)	$	148,822			$	84,765
-1	Represents the contractually required payments which is the sum of contractual principal, whether or not currently due, and accrued interest.
-2	Estimated fair value plus accrued interest.
The following table presents information about purchased credit impaired investments acquired during the periods, as of the acquisition dates (dollars in thousands).
	31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
Contractually required payments (including interest)	$	161,975			$	152,988
Cash flows expected to be collected(1)	$	130,578			$	125,449
Fair value of investments acquired	$	87,643			$	85,298
-1	Represents undiscounted principal and interest cash flow expectations at the date of acquisition.
The following table presents activity for the accretable yield on purchased credit impaired securities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	2013				2012
Balance, beginning of period	$	39,239			$	—
Investments purchased	42,935				40,151
Accretion	(7,755		)		(1,388		)
Disposals	(3,564		)		—
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference	(1,386		)		476
Balance, end of period	$	69,469			$	39,239
Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 1,396 and 567 fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
		Gross				% of Total			Gross				% of Total
		Unrealized							Unrealized
		Losses							Losses
Less than 20%		$	296,731			91.4	%		$	54,951			41.2	%
20% or more for less than six months		6,444				2			734				0.5
20% or more for six months or greater		21,425				6.6			77,873				58.3
Total		$	324,600			100	%		$	133,558			100	%
The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration given the lack of contractual cash flows or deferability features.
The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for 1,396 and 567 fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (dollars in thousands). These investments are presented by class and grade of security, as well as the length of time the related fair value has remained below amortized cost.
		Less than 12 months								12 months or greater						Total
December 31, 2013:		Estimated				Gross				Estimated				Gross		Estimated			Gross
		Fair  Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized		Fair Value			Unrealized
						Losses								Losses					Losses
Investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		$	3,141,179			$	148,895			$	301,303			$	40,548	$	3,442,482		$	189,443
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		188,491				14,419				12,029				2,429		200,520			16,848
Residential mortgage-backed securities		283,967				15,900				23,068				1,688		307,035			17,588
Asset-backed securities		255,656				4,916				56,668				4,983		312,324			9,899
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		219,110				3,725				20,068				5,745		239,178			9,470
U.S. government and agencies		133,697				4,469				4,406				279		138,103			4,748
State and political subdivisions		120,193				9,723				15,202				4,616		135,395			14,339
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		665,313				21,075				36,212				2,847		701,525			23,922
Total investment grade securities		5,007,606				223,122				468,956				63,135		5,476,562			286,257
Non-investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		283,603				9,451				38,256				3,892		321,859			13,343
Residential mortgage-backed securities		62,146				1,075				3,945				254		66,091			1,329
Asset-backed securities		28,670				415				32,392				5,498		61,062			5,913
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		15,762				81				10,980				7,936		26,742			8,017
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		9,403				40				—				—		9,403			40
Total non-investment grade securities		399,584				11,062				85,573				17,580		485,157			28,642
Total fixed maturity securities		$	5,407,190			$	234,184			$	554,529			$	80,715	$	5,961,719		$	314,899
Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	51,386			$	5,479			$	1			$	2	$	51,387		$	5,481
Other equity securities		218,834				1,748				32,550				2,472		251,384			4,220
Total equity securities		$	270,220			$	7,227			$	32,551			$	2,474	$	302,771		$	9,701
		Less than 12 months								12 months or greater						Total
December 31, 2012:		Estimated				Gross				Estimated				Gross		Estimated			Gross
		Fair  Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized		Fair Value			Unrealized
						Losses								Losses					Losses
Investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		$	786,203			$	13,276			$	108,187			$	17,386	$	894,390		$	30,662
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		12,349				174				—				—		12,349			174
Residential mortgage-backed securities		22,288				97				19,394				3,199		41,682			3,296
Asset-backed securities		59,119				449				96,179				9,508		155,298			9,957
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		89,507				797				29,181				7,974		118,688			8,771
U.S. government and agencies		7,272				24				—				—		7,272			24
State and political subdivisions		20,602				1,514				11,736				4,132		32,338			5,646
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		244,817				1,953				7,435				761		252,252			2,714
Total investment grade securities		1,242,157				18,284				272,112				42,960		1,514,269			61,244
Non-investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		181,168				3,170				39,123				5,501		220,291			8,671
Residential mortgage-backed securities		15,199				80				2,633				347		17,832			427
Asset-backed securities		3,421				26				31,938				18,815		35,359			18,841
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,317				764				68,405				42,307		71,722			43,071
Total non-investment grade securities		203,105				4,040				142,099				66,970		345,204			71,010
Total fixed maturity securities		$	1,445,262			$	22,324			$	414,211			$	109,930	$	1,859,473		$	132,254
Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	5,577			$	52			$	5,679			$	118	$	11,256		$	170
Other equity securities		85,374				1,134				—				—		85,374			1,134
Total equity securities		$	90,951			$	1,186			$	5,679			$	118	$	96,630		$	1,304
As of December 31, 2013, the Company does not intend to sell these fixed maturity securities and does not believe it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell these fixed maturity securities before the recovery of the fair value up to the current amortized cost of the investment, which may be maturity. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell fixed maturity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality, asset-liability management and liquidity guidelines.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company has the ability and intent to hold the equity securities until the recovery of the fair value up to the current cost of the investment. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell equity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality and liquidity guidelines.
Unrealized losses on non-investment grade securities are principally related to high-yield corporate securities due to interest rate movements during 2013. Unrealized losses on non-investment grade securities related to asset and mortgage-backed securities decreased significantly during 2013 driven principally by commercial mortgage-backed securities. During the year ended 2013, commercial mortgage-backed securities benefited from improvement in delinquency rates and the Company sold several non-investment grade commercial mortgage-backed securities.
Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses
Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	966,759			$	868,682			$	757,726
Mortgage loans on real estate		121,476				96,901				55,931
Policy loans		57,099				62,855				66,621
Funds withheld at interest		545,550				393,586				388,694
Short-term investments		2,236				4,173				2,378
Other invested assets		58,771				49,199				39,939
Investment income		1,751,891				1,475,396				1,311,289
Investment expense		(52,026		)		(39,190		)		(30,092		)
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	1,699,865			$	1,436,206			$	1,281,197
Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net
Investment related gains (losses), net, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities		$	(12,654	)		$	(15,908	)		$	(30,873	)
Portion of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		(247		)		(7,618		)		3,924
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings		(12,901		)		(23,526		)		(26,949		)
Impairment losses on equity securities		—				(3,025		)		(4,116		)
Gain on investment activity		82,744				145,268				132,045
Loss on investment activity		(60,575		)		(27,474		)		(26,996		)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision		(6,933		)		(16,602		)		(10,238		)
Derivatives and other, net		61,655				179,495				(99,802		)
Total investment related gains (losses), net		$	63,990			$	254,136			$	(36,056	)
The other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities and the increase on the losses on investment activity during 2013 were primarily due to the decision to sell certain subordinated commercial mortgage-backed securities. The other-than-temporary impairments in 2012 and 2011 were primarily due to a decline in value of structured securities with exposure to commercial mortgages and general credit deterioration in select corporate and foreign securities. Investment gains decreased during 2013 as the Company repositioned certain assets received from a large fixed annuity reinsurance transaction during 2012 while interest rates were at historic lows causing for elevated realized gains during 2012. The volatility in derivatives and other is primarily due to changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities associated with modified coinsurance and funds withheld treaties and guaranteed minimum benefit riders.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012 the Company held non-income producing securities with amortized costs of $38.5 million and $54.2 million, and estimated fair values of $47.6 million and $58.5 million, respectively. Generally, securities are non-income producing when principal or interest is not paid primarily as a result of bankruptcies or credit defaults, but also include securities where amortization has been discontinued. During 2013, 2012 and 2011 the Company sold fixed maturity and equity securities with fair values of $1,104.0 million, $828.0 million, and $476.6 million, which were below amortized cost, at gross realized losses of $60.6 million, $27.5 million and $27.0 million, respectively. The Company generally does not engage in short-term buying and selling of securities.
Securities Borrowing and Other
The Company participates in a securities borrowing program whereby securities, which are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are borrowed from a third party. The Company is required to maintain a minimum of 100% of the fair value of the borrowed securities as collateral. The Company had borrowed securities with an amortized cost of $93.0 million and $87.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was equal to the fair value in both periods. The borrowed securities are used to provide collateral under an affiliated reinsurance transaction.
The Company also participates in a repurchase/reverse repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives securities from the third party with an estimated fair value equal to a minimum of 100% of the securities pledged. The securities received are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 the Company had pledged securities with an amortized cost of $300.3 million and an estimated fair value of $310.8 million, in return the Company received securities with an estimated fair value of $344.2 million. As of December 31, 2012 the Company had pledged securities with an amortized cost of $290.2 million and an estimated fair value of $305.9 million, in return the Company received securities with an estimated fair value of $342.0 million.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 7.7% and 7.0% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company makes mortgage loans on income producing properties, such as apartments, retail and office buildings, light warehouses and light industrial facilities. Loan-to-value ratios at the time of loan approval are 75% or less. The distribution of mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, by property type is as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		2013							2012
		Recorded				Percentage of			Recorded				Percentage of
		Investment				Total			Investment				Total
Property type:
Apartment		$	289,394			11.6	%		$	229,266			9.9	%
Retail		748,731				30			669,958				29
Office building		917,284				36.7			825,406				35.7
Industrial		439,890				17.6			455,682				19.7
Other commercial		101,487				4.1			131,855				5.7
Total		$	2,496,786			100	%		$	2,312,167			100	%
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, were distributed throughout the United States as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2013							2012
		Recorded				Percentage of			Recorded				Percentage of
		Investment				Total			Investment				Total
Pacific		$	671,822			26.9	%		$	593,589			25.7	%
South Atlantic		543,658				21.8			477,068				20.5
Mountain		334,446				13.4			233,174				10.1
Middle Atlantic		266,802				10.7			300,475				13
West North Central		138,442				5.5			168,063				7.3
East North Central		236,766				9.5			224,122				9.7
West South Central		168,246				6.7			161,451				7
East South Central		59,625				2.4			62,789				2.7
New England		76,979				3.1			91,436				4
Total		$	2,496,786			100	%		$	2,312,167			100	%
The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012
Due within five years		$	987,109			$	1,187,387
Due after five years through ten years		984,289				776,655
Due after ten years		525,388				348,125
Total		$	2,496,786			$	2,312,167
Information regarding the Company’s credit quality indicators, as determined by the Company's internal evaluation methodology for its recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Internal credit quality grade:		2013				2012
High investment grade		$	1,437,244			$	1,235,605
Investment grade		827,993				834,494
Average		155,914				132,607
Watch list		49,404				76,463
In or near default		26,231				32,998
Total		$	2,496,786			$	2,312,167
The age analysis of the Company’s past due recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012
31-60 days past due		$	—			$	7,504
61-90 days past due		—				—
Greater than 90 days		—				16,886
Total past due		—				24,390
Current		2,496,786				2,287,777
Total		$	2,496,786			$	2,312,167
The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances, at (dollars in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013				2012
Mortgage loans:
Individually measured for impairment		$	37,841			$	39,956
Collectively measured for impairment		2,458,945				2,272,211
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		2,496,786				2,312,167
Valuation allowances:
Individually measured for impairment		3,211				6,980
Collectively measured for impairment		6,895				4,600
Total valuation allowances		10,106				11,580
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances		$	2,486,680			$	2,300,587
Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
Balance, beginning of period		$	11,580			$	11,793			$	6,239
Charge-offs		(3,431		)		(6,474		)		(3,947		)
Provision		1,957				6,261				9,501
Balance, end of period		$	10,106			$	11,580			$	11,793
Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Unpaid				Recorded				Related				Carrying
		Principal				Investment				Allowance				Value
		Balance
December 31, 2013:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	21,698			$	21,100			$	—			$	21,100
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		16,772				16,741				3,211				13,530
Total impaired mortgage loans		$	38,470			$	37,841			$	3,211			$	34,630
December 31, 2012:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	13,039			$	12,496			$	—			$	12,496
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		27,527				27,460				6,980				20,480
Total impaired mortgage loans		$	40,566			$	39,956			$	6,980			$	32,976
The Company’s average investment balance of impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
		2013								2012						2011
		Average				Interest				Average				Interest		Average			Interest
		Investment(1)				Income				Investment(1)				Income		Investment(1)			Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	15,023			$	852			$	15,549			$	1,244	$	14,877		$	630
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		22,818				951				34,434				425		27,712			418
Total		$	37,841			$	1,803			$	49,983			$	1,669	$	42,589		$	1,048
-1	Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.
The Company did not acquire any impaired mortgage loans during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company had no mortgage loans that were on a nonaccrual status at December 31, 2013, and $16.9 million of mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, that were on a nonaccrual status at December 31, 2012.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.8% and 3.9% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, substantially all of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due to the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. As policy loans represent premature distributions of policy liabilities, they have the effect of reducing future disintermediation risk. In addition, the Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 17.8% and 17.0% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of the $5.8 billion funds withheld at interest balance, net of embedded derivatives, as of December 31, 2013, $4.1 billion of the balance is associated with one client. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances with amounts owed to the Company from the ceding company. Interest accrues to these assets at rates defined by the treaty terms and the Company estimates the yield was approximately 9.68%, 6.97% and 6.87% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Changes in these estimated yields are affected by equity options held in the funds withheld portfolio associated with equity-indexed annuity treaties. The Company is subject to the investment performance on the withheld assets, although it does not directly control them. These assets are primarily fixed maturity investment securities and pose risks similar to the fixed maturity securities the Company owns. To mitigate this risk, the Company helps set the investment guidelines followed by the ceding company and monitors compliance.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures, structured loans, derivative contracts, FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB") common stock (included in other), and real estate held-for-investment (included in other). The fair value option was elected for contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate accounts. Other invested assets represented approximately 4.1% and 3.5% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Carrying values of these assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013				2012
Equity securities		$	405,731			$	222,700
Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures		411,456				356,419
Structured loans		223,549				306,497
Derivatives		75,227				168,208
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		138,892				—
Other		70,105				105,719
Total other invested assets		$	1,324,960			$	1,159,543
Cash and Investments Transferred to the Company
During the second quarter of 2012, the Company added a large fixed deferred annuity reinsurance transaction in its U.S. Asset-Intensive segment. This transaction increased the Company’s invested asset base by approximately $5.4 billion which was reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2012 as an investment receivable. In satisfaction of this investment receivable, the Company received the following on July 31, 2012 and August 3, 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		Amortized Cost/				Estimated Fair Value
		Recorded Investment				at Date of Transfer
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale:
Corporate securities		$	2,585,095			$	2,606,816
Asset-backed securities		137,251				138,918
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		703,313				704,065
U.S. Government and agencies securities		240,952				256,168
State and political subdivision securities		27,297				27,555
Other foreign government, supranational, and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		56,776				55,437
Total fixed maturity securities – available for sale		3,750,684				3,788,959
Mortgage loans on real estate		1,009,454				1,021,661
Short-term investments		101,428				101,338
Cash and cash equivalents		501,593				501,593
Accrued interest		43,739				43,739
Total		$	5,406,898			$	5,457,290
The securities transferred to the Company related to the transaction are considered a non-cash transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Derivatives, except embedded derivatives, are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements are included on the consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in funds withheld at interest, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on indexed annuity and variable annuity products are included on the consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, at fair value. Embedded derivative assets are included on the consolidated balance sheets in reinsurance ceded receivables. The following table presents the notional amounts and gross fair value of derivative instruments prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Dec-13												31-Dec-12
			Notional				Carrying Value/Fair Value								Notional				Carrying Value/Fair Value
			Amount				Assets				Liabilities				Amount				Assets				Liabilities
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		$	1,592,943			$	32,555			$	21,873			$	2,195,059			$	123,085			$	17,867
	Interest rate options		240,000				2,554				—				—				—				—
	Financial futures		123,780				—				—				127,877				—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		79,618				—				12,772				74,400				1,017				2,105
	Consumer price index swaps		59,922				—				309				85,135				1,446				—
	Credit default swaps		682,700				10,438				2,156				714,000				2,228				5,922
	Equity options		757,352				33,902				—				696,776				62,514				—
	Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts		4,629,859				—				—				2,018,073				—				—
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		—				—				176,270				—				—				243,177
	Indexed annuity products		—				—				838,670				—				—				740,256
	Variable annuity products		—				—				30,055				—				—				172,105
	Total non-hedging derivatives		8,166,174				79,449				1,082,105				5,911,320				190,290				1,181,432
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		49,131				—				4,606				57,275				344				786
	Foreign currency swaps		728,674				21,903				620				629,512				—				27,398
	Total hedging derivatives		777,805				21,903				5,226				686,787				344				28,184
	Total derivatives		$	8,943,979			$	101,352			$	1,087,331			$	6,598,107			$	190,634			$	1,209,616
	Netting Arrangements
	Certain of the Company’s derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and reported as a net asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company nets all derivatives that are subject to such arrangements.
	The Company has elected to include all derivatives, except embedded derivatives, in the tables below, irrespective of whether they are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or a similar agreement. See Note 4 – "Investments" for information regarding the Company’s securities borrowing and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs. See “Embedded Derivatives” below for information regarding the Company’s bifurcated embedded derivatives.
	The following table provides information relating to the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):
															Gross Amounts Not
															Offset in the Balance Sheet
			Gross Amounts				Gross Amounts				Net Amounts				Financial				Cash Collateral				Net Amount
			Recognized				Offset in the				Presented in the				Instruments				Pledged/
							Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet								Received
	December 31, 2013:
	Derivative assets		$	101,352			$	(26,125	)		$	75,227			$	(11,095	)		$	(51,006	)		$	13,126
	Derivative liabilities		42,336				(26,125		)		16,211				(18,081		)		(8,033		)		(9,903		)
	December 31, 2012:
	Derivative assets		$	190,634			$	(22,426	)		$	168,208			$	(22,458	)		$	(136,414	)		$	9,336
	Derivative liabilities		54,078				(22,426		)		31,652				(1,565		)		(27,867		)		2,220
	Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. As discussed below under “Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging,” the Company uses various derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held interest rate swaps that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, held foreign currency swaps that were designated and qualified as hedges of a portion of its net investment in its foreign operations and had derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value and generally require an insignificant amount of cash at inception of the contracts.
	Fair Value Hedges
	During the fourth quarter of 2011 the Company removed the fair value hedge designation for certain interest rate swaps. However, prior to the fourth quarter of 2011 the Company designated and reported certain interest rate swaps that convert fixed rate investments to floating rate investments as fair value hedges when they met the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. The gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate and the offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps for the year ended December 31, 2011 was (dollars in thousands):
	Type of Fair Value		Hedged Item		Gains (Losses)				Gains (Losses)				Ineffectiveness
	Hedge				Recognized for				Recognized for				Recognized in
					Derivatives				Hedged Items				Investment Related
													Gains (Losses)
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:
	Interest rate swaps		Fixed rate fixed maturities		$	(785	)		$	1,402			$	617
	A regression analysis was used, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, to determine whether each derivative used in a hedge transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	The Company designates and accounts for certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows are denominated in different currencies, commonly referred to as cross-currency swaps, as cash flow hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging.
	The following table presents the components of AOCI, before income tax, and the consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of year		$	403			$	(828	)
	Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		(3,969		)		2,613
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,012		)		(1,382		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period		$	(4,578	)		$	403
	As of December 31, 2013, the before-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are $0.6 million. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to investment income over the term of the investment cash flows. There were no hedged forecasted transactions, other than the receipt or payment of variable interest payments on existing financial instruments, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of Gains				Amount and Location of Gains (Losses)								Amount and Location of Gains (Losses)
	Hedging Relationships		(Losses) Deferred in				Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)								Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
			AOCI on Derivatives
		(Effective Portion)				(Effective Portion)								(Ineffective Portion and Amounts Excluded
														from Effectiveness Testing)
						Investment Related				Investment				Investment Related				Investment
						Gains (Losses)				Income				Gains (Losses)				Income
For the year ended December 31, 2013:
Interest rate swaps		$	(3,969	)		$	—			$	1,012			$	6			$	—
For the year ended December 31, 2012:
Interest rate swaps		$	2,613			$	—			$	1,382			$	(41	)		$	—
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The following table illustrates the Company’s net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
		Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
		For the year ended
Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)		2013				2012				2011
Foreign currency swaps		$	40,347			$	(20,470	)		$	4,858
-1	There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented.
-2	There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
The cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) recorded in AOCI related to these hedges was $23.9 million and $(16.4) million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. If a foreign operation was sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI would be reclassified to the consolidated statements of income. A pro rata portion would be reclassified upon partial sale of a foreign operation.
Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. The gain or loss related to the change in fair value for these derivative instruments is recognized in investment related gains (losses), in the consolidated statements of income, except where otherwise noted. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized investment related gains (losses) of $(177.3) million, $(61.4) million and $188.6 million, respectively, related to derivatives (not including embedded derivatives) that do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting.
A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
				Gain (Loss) for the Years Ended  December 31,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement		2013				2012				2011
		Location of Gain (Loss)
Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	(84,398	)		$	16,028			$	178,338
Interest rate options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(11,518		)		—				—
Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net		(11,157		)		(20,245		)		(945		)
Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net		(13,201		)		(5,644		)		1,675
CPI swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,942		)		(267		)		1,821
Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		24,188				18,359				(63		)
Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(79,230		)		(69,677		)		7,818
Embedded derivatives in:
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		Investment related gains (losses), net		70,177				115,009				(87,236		)
Indexed annuity products		Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—				(630		)		(24,551		)
Indexed annuity products		Interest credited		(115,409		)		(29,804		)		(90,370		)
Variable annuity products		Investment related gains (losses), net		142,050				104,613				(224,184		)
Total non-hedging derivatives				$	(80,440	)		$	127,742			$	(237,697	)
Types of Derivatives Used by the Company
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). With an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between two rates, which can be either fixed-rate or floating-rate interest amounts, tied to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments at each due date.
Interest Rate Options
Interest rate options, commonly referred to as swaptions, are used by the Company primarily to hedge living benefit guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. A swaption, used to hedge against adverse changes in interest rates, is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. The Company pays an upfront premium for the right to exercise this option in the future.
Financial Futures
Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products. With exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the relevant stock indices, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference between the daily estimated fair values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded equity futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange.
Equity Options
Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices volatility, the Company buys put options. The contracts are net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price.
Consumer Price Index Swaps
Consumer price index (“CPI”) swaps are used by the Company primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain insurance products where value is directly affected by changes in a designated benchmark consumer price index. With a CPI swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange the actual amount of inflation realized over a specified period of time for a fixed amount of inflation determined at inception. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Most of these swaps will require a single payment to be made by one counterparty at the maturity date of the swap.
Foreign Currency Swaps
Foreign currency swaps are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a forward exchange rate calculated by reference to an agreed upon principal amount. The principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates.
Foreign Currency Forwards
Foreign currency forwards are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made in a different currency at the specified future date.
Credit Default Swaps
The Company sells protection under single name credit default swaps and credit default swap index tranches to diversify its credit risk exposure in certain portfolios and, in combination with purchasing securities, to replicate characteristics of similar investments based on the credit quality and term of the credit default swap. Credit default triggers for indexed reference entities and single name reference entities are defined in the contracts. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss equals the notional value for credit default swaps. In the event of default of a referencing entity, the Company is typically required to pay the protection holder the full notional value less a recovery amount determined at auction.
The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of credit default swaps sold by the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013											2012
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations(1)		Estimated Fair				Maximum				Weighted			Estimated Fair				Maximum				Weighted
		Value of Credit				Amount of Future				Average			Value of Credit				Amount of Future				Average
		Default Swaps				Payments under				Years to			Default Swaps				Payments under				Years to
						Credit Default				Maturity(3)							Credit Default				Maturity(3)
						Swaps(2)											Swaps(2)
AAA/AA-/A+/A/A-
Single name credit default swaps		$	614			$	117,500			5.1			$	(2,077	)		$	124,500			5.9
Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
Subtotal		614				117,500				5.1			(2,077		)		124,500				5.9
BBB+/BBB/BBB-
Single name credit default swaps		656				142,200				4.9			(2,345		)		135,500				5.5
Credit default swaps referencing indices		7,295				405,000				5			937				430,000				5
Subtotal		7,951				547,200				5			(1,408		)		565,500				5.1
BB+
Single name credit default swaps		—				—				—			(222		)		6,000				4.5
Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
Subtotal		—				—				—			(222		)		6,000				4.5
Total		$	8,565			$	664,700			4.4			$	(3,707	)		$	696,000			5.2
-1	The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”).
-2	Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
-3	The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.
The Company also purchases credit default swaps to reduce its risk against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs, the Company is able to put the bond back to the counterparty at par.
Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts
The Company sells fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts which include investment-only, stable value contracts, to retirement plans. The assets are owned by the trustees of such plans, who invest the assets under the terms of investment guidelines agreed to with the Company. The contracts contain a guarantee of a minimum rate of return on participant balances supported by the underlying assets, and a guarantee of liquidity to meet certain participant-initiated plan cash flow requirements. These contracts are reported as derivatives, recorded at fair value and classified as interest rate derivatives.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company has certain embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. Host contracts include reinsurance treaties structured on a modified coinsurance or funds withheld basis. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on modified coinsurance or funds withheld treaties are net of an increase (decrease) in investment related gains (losses), net of $(1.6) million, $(62.7) million and $23.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, associated with the Company’s own credit risk. Additionally, the Company reinsures equity-indexed annuity and variable annuity contracts with benefits that are considered embedded derivatives, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits, and guaranteed minimum income benefits. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on variable annuity contracts are net of an increase (decrease) in investment related gains (losses), net of $(12.5) million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, associated with the Company’s own credit risk. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on variable annuity contracts associated with the Company’s own credit risk for the year ended December 31, 2011 was not material. The changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on equity-indexed annuities described below relate to changes in the fair value associated with capital market and other related assumptions. The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of DAC and income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
Embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains		$	70,177			$	115,009			$	(87,236	)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		18,920				25,454				(7,599		)
Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains		142,050				104,613				(224,184		)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		70,123				6,367				(30,230		)
Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses		(115,409		)		(30,434		)		(114,921		)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		(106,792		)		6,110				(55,915		)
Credit Risk
The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master netting agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination.
The credit exposure of the Company's OTC derivative transactions is represented by the contracts with a positive fair value (market value) at the reporting date. To reduce credit exposures, the Company seeks to (i) enter into OTC derivative transactions pursuant to master netting agreements that provide for a netting of payments and receipts with a single counterparty, and (ii) enter into agreements that allow the use of credit support annexes, which are bilateral rating-sensitive agreements that require collateral postings at established threshold levels. Certain of the Company's OTC derivatives are cleared derivatives, which are bilateral transactions between the Company and a counterparty where the transactions are cleared through a clearinghouse, such that each derivative counterparty is only exposed to the default of the clearinghouse. These cleared transactions require initial and daily variation margin collateral postings and include certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps entered into on or after June 10, 2013, related to new guidelines implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Also, the Company enters into exchange-traded futures through regulated exchanges and these transactions are settled on a daily basis, thereby reducing credit risk exposure in the event of non-performance by counterparties to such financial instruments.
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that may vary depending on the posting party’s ratings. Additionally, a decline in the Company’s or the counterparty’s credit ratings to specified levels could result in potential settlement of the derivative positions under the Company’s agreements with its counterparties. The Company also has exchange-traded futures, which require the maintenance of a margin account. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties.
The Company’s credit exposure related to derivative contracts is generally limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. Information regarding the Company’s credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position		$	59,016			$	136,558
Cash provided as collateral(1)		8,033				27,867
Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)		18,081				1,565
Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)		(51,006		)		(136,414		)
Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)		(11,095		)		(22,458		)
Initial margin for cleared derivatives		(13,350		)		—
Net credit exposure		$	9,679			$	7,118
Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)		$	2,566			$	5,605
-1	Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
-2	Included in other invested assets, primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
-3	Included in cash and cash equivalents, with obligation to return cash collateral recorded in other liabilities.
-4	Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
-5	Included in cash and cash equivalents.

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	'
	FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
	Fair Value Measurement
	General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. These principles also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are defined as having the following characteristics for the measured asset/liability: (i) many transactions, (ii) current prices, (iii) price quotes not varying substantially among market makers, (iv) narrow bid/ask spreads and (v) most information publicly available. The Company’s Level 1 assets include investment securities that are traded in exchange markets.
	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or market standard valuation techniques and assumptions with significant inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active, liquid markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include investment securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose values are determined using market standard valuation techniques. This category primarily includes corporate securities, Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Level 2 valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities or through the use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs. Prices from servicers are validated through analytical reviews and assessment of current market activity.
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the related assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using market standard valuation techniques described above. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value and that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, management believes these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing similar assets and liabilities. For the Company’s invested assets, this category generally includes corporate securities (primarily private placements and bank loans), asset-backed securities (including collateralized debt obligations and those with exposure to subprime mortgages), and to a lesser extent, certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Prices are determined using valuation methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. Non-binding broker quotes, which are utilized when pricing service information is not available, are reviewed for reasonableness based on the Company’s understanding of the market, and are generally considered Level 3. Under certain circumstances, based on its observations of transactions in active markets, the Company may conclude the prices received from independent third party pricing services or brokers are not reasonable or reflective of market activity. In those instances, the Company would apply internally developed valuation techniques to the related assets or liabilities. Additionally, the Company’s embedded derivatives, all of which are associated with reinsurance treaties, are classified in Level 3 since their values include significant unobservable inputs.
	When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).
	Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2013:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	12,110,755		$	68,934		$	10,696,532		$	1,345,289
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		3,381,025			—			3,381,025			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		989,643			—			836,138			153,505
	Asset-backed securities		894,832			—			422,984			471,848
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,388,946			—			1,287,161			101,785
	U.S. government and agencies securities		501,351			396,092			64,340			40,919
	State and political subdivision securities		320,820			—			277,044			43,776
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,886,764			304,487			1,544,280			37,997
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		21,474,136			769,513			18,509,504			2,195,119
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		(176,270		)	—			—			(176,270		)
	Cash equivalents		371,345			371,345			—			—
	Short-term investments		111,572			105,649			5,923			—
	Other invested assets:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		81,854			74,220			2,672			4,962
	Other equity securities		323,877			323,877			—			—
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		9,904			—			9,904			—
	Financial futures		2,554			—			2,554			—
	CPI swaps		(309		)	—			(309		)	—
	Credit default swaps		7,926			—			7,926			—
	Equity options		33,869			—			33,869			—
	Foreign currency swaps		21,283			—			21,283			—
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		138,892			132,643			6,249			—
	Other		9,142			9,142			—			—
	Total other invested assets		628,992			539,882			84,148			4,962
	Total		$	22,409,775		$	1,786,389		$	18,599,575		$	2,023,811
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	868,725		$	—		$	—		$	868,725
	Other liabilities:
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		3,828			—			3,828			—
	Foreign currency forwards		12,772			—			12,772			—
	Credit default swaps		(356		)	—			(356		)	—
	Equity options		(33		)	—			(33		)	—
	Total		$	884,936		$	—		$	16,211		$	868,725
	December 31, 2012:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	12,380,071		$	43,544		$	10,667,964		$	1,668,563
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		4,049,334			—			4,049,334			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,042,064			—			948,133			93,931
	Asset-backed securities		691,555			—			459,164			232,391
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,698,903			—			1,531,897			167,006
	U.S. government and agencies securities		265,190			192,780			67,872			4,538
	State and political subdivision securities		302,498			—			259,286			43,212
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,861,999			297,025			1,536,694			28,280
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		22,291,614			533,349			19,520,344			2,237,921
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		(243,177		)	—			—			(243,177		)
	Cash equivalents		575,864			575,864			—			—
Short-term investments		239,131			178,923			38,177			22,031
Other invested assets:
Non-redeemable preferred stock		74,841			64,268			10,573			—
Other equity securities		147,859			147,859			—			—
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps		104,972			—			104,972			—
Foreign currency forwards		1,017			—			1,017			—
CPI swaps		1,446			—			1,446			—
Credit default swaps		(1,741		)	—			(1,741		)	—
Equity options		62,514			—			62,514			—
Collateral		17,002			1,323			15,679			—
Other		11,951			11,951			—			—
Total other invested assets		419,861			225,401			194,460			—
Total		$	23,283,293		$	1,513,537		$	19,752,981		$	2,016,775
Liabilities:
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	912,361		$	—		$	—		$	912,361
Other liabilities:
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps		196			—			196			—
Foreign currency forwards		2,105			—			2,105			—
Credit default swaps		1,953			—			1,953			—
Foreign currency swaps		27,398			—			27,398			—
Total		$	944,013		$	—		$	31,652		$	912,361
The Company may utilize information from third parties, such as pricing services and brokers, to assist in determining the fair value for certain assets and liabilities; however, management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the Company’s financial statements. This includes responsibility for monitoring the fair value process, ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices and pricing of financial instruments, and approving changes to valuation methodologies and pricing sources. The selection of the valuation technique(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and the nature of the asset or liability being valued and significant expertise and judgment is required.
The Company performs initial and ongoing analysis and review of the various techniques utilized in determining fair value to ensure that the valuation approaches utilized are appropriate and consistently applied, and that the various assumptions are reasonable. The Company also performs ongoing analysis and review of the information and prices received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value and to monitor controls around pricing, which includes quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by the Company’s investment and accounting personnel. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, review of pricing trends, comparison of a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparison of fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, and ongoing confirmation that third party pricing services use, wherever possible, market-based parameters for valuation. In addition, the Company utilizes both internal and external cash flow models to analyze the reasonableness of fair values utilizing credit spread and other market assumptions, where appropriate. As a result of the analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. The Company also determines if the inputs used in estimated fair values received from pricing services are observable by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data.
The fair value of embedded derivative liabilities, including those calculated by third parties, are monitored through the use of attribution reports to quantify the effect of underlying sources of fair value change, including capital market inputs based on policyholder account values, interest rates and short-term and long-term implied volatilities, from period to period. Actuarial assumptions are based on experience studies performed internally in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually.
For assets and liabilities reported at fair value, the Company utilizes when available, fair values based on quoted prices in active markets that are regularly and readily obtainable. Generally, these are very liquid investments and the valuation does not require management judgment. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, fair value is based on market valuation techniques, market comparable pricing and the income approach. The use of different techniques, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s securities holdings. For the quarters ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the application of market standard valuation techniques applied to similar assets and liabilities has been consistent.
The methods and assumptions the Company uses to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
Fixed Maturity Securities – The fair values of the Company’s publicly-traded fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices from pricing services are sourced from multiple vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company generally receives prices from multiple pricing services for each security, but ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. To validate reasonableness, prices are periodically reviewed as explained above. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. If the pricing information received from third party pricing services is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process with the pricing service.
If the Company ultimately concludes that pricing information received from the independent pricing service is not reflective of market activity, non-binding broker quotes are used, if available. If the Company concludes the values from both pricing services and brokers are not reflective of market activity, it may override the information from the pricing service or broker with an internally developed valuation; however, this occurs infrequently. Internally developed valuations or non-binding broker quotes are also used to determine fair value in circumstances where vendor pricing is not available. These estimates may use significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset. Circumstances where observable market data are not available may include events such as market illiquidity and credit events related to the security. Pricing service overrides, internally developed valuations and non-binding broker quotes are generally based on significant unobservable inputs and are reflected as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy.
The inputs used in the valuation of corporate and government securities include, but are not limited to standard market observable inputs which are derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. For structured securities, valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market inputs including spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, rating, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates, geographic region, debt-service coverage ratios and issuance-specific information including, but not limited to: collateral type, payment terms of the underlying assets, payment priority within the tranche, structure of the security, deal performance and vintage of loans.
When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain types of securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little or no price transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation, and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are believed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities.
The fair values of private placement securities are primarily determined using a discounted cash flow model. In certain cases these models primarily use observable inputs with a discount rate based upon the average of spread surveys collected from private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, taking into account, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Generally, these securities have been reflected within Level 3. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model may also incorporate significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the security. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are not significant to the price of a security, a Level 2 classification is made. Otherwise, a Level 3 classification is used.
Embedded Derivatives – For embedded derivative liabilities associated with the underlying products in reinsurance treaties, primarily equity-indexed and variable annuity treaties, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which includes an estimate of future equity option purchases and an adjustment for the Company’s own credit risk. The variable annuity embedded derivative calculations are performed by third parties based on methodology and input assumptions provided by the Company. To validate the reasonableness of the resulting fair value, the Company’s internal actuaries perform reviews and analytical procedures on the results. The capital market inputs to the model, such as equity indexes, short-term equity volatility and interest rates, are generally observable. The valuation also requires certain significant inputs, which are generally not observable and accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see “Level 3 Measurements and Transfers” below for a description.
The fair value of embedded derivatives associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties is determined based upon a total return swap technique with reference to the fair value of the investments held by the ceding company that support the Company’s funds withheld at interest asset with an adjustment for the Company’s own credit risk. The fair value of the underlying assets is generally based on market observable inputs using industry standard valuation techniques. The valuation also requires certain significant inputs, which are generally not observable and accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see “Level 3 Measurements and Transfers” below for a description.
Company’s Own Credit Risk – The Company uses a structural default risk model to estimate its own credit risk. The input assumptions are a combination of externally derived and published values (default threshold and uncertainty), market inputs (interest rate, Company equity price per share, Company debt per share, Company equity price volatility) and insurance industry data (Loss Given Default), adjusted for market recoverability.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments – Cash equivalents and short-term investments include money market instruments, commercial paper and other highly liquid debt instruments. Money market instruments are generally valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for identical assets and are primarily classified as Level 1. The fair value of certain other short-term investments, such as floating rate notes and bonds with original maturities less than twelve months, are based upon other market observable data and are typically classified as Level 2. However, certain short-term investments may incorporate significant unobservable inputs resulting in a Level 3 classification. Various time deposits carried as cash equivalents or short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value and therefore are excluded from the tables presented.
Equity Securities – Equity securities consist principally of exchange-traded funds and preferred stock of publicly and privately traded companies. The fair values of publicly traded equity securities are primarily based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of preferred equity securities, for which quoted market prices are not readily available, are based on prices obtained from independent pricing services and these securities are generally classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Non-binding broker quotes for equity securities are generally based on significant unobservable inputs and are reflected as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
FVO Contractholder-Directed Unit-Linked Investments – FVO contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities primarily consist of exchange-traded funds and, to a lesser extent, fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents. The fair values of the exchange-traded securities are primarily based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. The fair value of the fixed maturity contractholder-directed securities is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described above for fixed maturity securities and are classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy.
Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities – All of the derivative instruments utilized by the Company are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy. These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations of interest rate contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, and repurchase rates. Valuations of foreign currency contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates, and cross currency basis curves. Valuations of credit contracts, non-option-based, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves, and recovery rates. Valuations of equity market contracts, non-option-based, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, and dividend yield curves. Valuations of equity market contracts, option-based, are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves, and equity volatility. The Company does not currently have derivatives included in Level 3 measurement.
Level 3 Measurements and Transfers
As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, the Company classified approximately 10.2% and 10.0% of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category. These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities and bank loans with inactive trading markets. Additionally, the Company has included asset-backed securities with subprime exposure and mortgage-backed securities with below investment grade ratings in the Level 3 category due to market uncertainty associated with these securities and the Company’s utilization of unobservable information from third parties for the valuation of these securities.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s corporate, sovereign, government-backed, and other political subdivision investments are probability of default, liquidity premium and subordination premium. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumptions used for the liquidity premium and subordination premium. For securities with a fair value derived using the market comparable pricing valuation technique, liquidity premium is the only significant unobservable input.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s asset and mortgage-backed securities are prepayment rates, probability of default, liquidity premium and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the liquidity premium and loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.
The actuarial assumptions used in the fair value of embedded derivatives which include assumptions related to lapses, withdrawals, and mortality, are based on experience studies performed by the Company in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of embedded derivatives are assumptions associated with policyholder experience and selected capital market assumptions for equity-indexed and variable annuities. The selected capital market assumptions, which include long-term implied volatilities, are projections based on short-term historical information. Changes in interest rates, equity indices, equity volatility, the Company’s own credit risk, and actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder experience may result in significant fluctuations in the value of embedded derivatives.
Fair value measurements associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties are generally not materially sensitive to changes in unobservable inputs associated with policyholder experience. The primary drivers of change in these fair values are related to movements of credit spreads, which are generally observable. Increases (decreases) in market credit spreads tend to decrease (increase) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the own credit assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.
Fair value measurements associated with variable annuity treaties are sensitive to both capital markets inputs and policyholder experience inputs. Increases (decreases) in lapse rates tend to decrease (increase) the value of the embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity treaties. Increases (decreases) in the long-term volatility assumption tend to increase (decrease) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the own credit assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.
The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed by the Company, which does not include unobservable Level 3 asset and liability measurements provided by third parties, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2013:					Valuation		Unobservable	Range
		Fair Value			Technique(s)		Input	(Weighted Average)
Assets:
State and political subdivision securities		$	29,024		Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
					securities
Corporate securities		312,887			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-2%  (1%)
					securities
U.S. Government and agencies securities		37,539			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-1%  (1%)
					securities
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		(176,270		)	Total return swap		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
							Lapse	0-35%  (7%)
							Withdrawal	0-5%  (3%)
							Own Credit	0-1%  (1%)
							Crediting rate	2-4%  (3%)
Liabilities:
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		838,670			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
							Lapse	0-35% (7%)
							Withdrawal	0-5% (3%)
							Option budget projection	2-4% (3%)
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities		30,055			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
							Lapse	0-25% (6%)
							Withdrawal	0-7% (3%)
							Own Credit	0-1% (1%)
							Long-term volatility	0-27% (10%)
December 31, 2012:					Valuation		Unobservable	Range
		Fair Value			Technique(s)		Input	(Weighted Average)
Assets:
State and political subdivision securities		$	5,451		Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
					securities
Corporate securities		450,177			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-2%  (1%)
					securities
Short-term investments		22,031			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
					securities
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		(243,177		)	Total return swap		Mortality	0-100%  (1%)
							Lapse	0-35%  (6%)
							Withdrawal	0-5%  (3%)
							Own Credit	0-1%  (1%)
							Crediting rate	2-4% (3%)
Liabilities:
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		740,256			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (1%)
							Lapse	0-35% (6%)
							Withdrawal	0-5% (3%)
							Option budget projection	2-4% (3%)
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities		172,105			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
							Lapse	0-25% (5%)
							Withdrawal	0-7% (3%)
							Own Credit	0-1% (1%)
							Long-term volatility	0-27% (14%)
The Company recognizes transfers of financial instruments into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the beginning of the quarter in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. Financial instruments transferred into Level 3 are due to a lack of observable market transactions and price information. Financial instruments are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that significant inputs can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity for the financial instrument, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. Transfers out of Level 3 were primarily the result of the Company using observable pricing information or a third party pricing quotation that appropriately reflects the fair value of those financial instruments, without the need for adjustment based on the Company’s own assumptions regarding the characteristics of a specific financial instrument or the current liquidity in the market. In addition, certain transfers out of Level 3 were also due to increased observations of market transactions and price information for those financial instruments.
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 are due to the lack of observable market data when pricing these securities, while transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 are due to an increase in the availability of market observable data in an active market. The following tables present the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		Twelve months ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Transfers from			Transfers from			Transfers from			Transfers from
		Level 1 to			Level 2 to			Level 1 to			Level 2 to
		Level 2			Level 1			Level 2			Level 1
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale:
Corporate securities		$	—		$	30,599		$	14,773		$	4
U.S. government and agencies securities		—			—			—			11,152
State and political subdivision securities		—			—			12,794			—
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		—			—			3,222			—
Total fixed maturity securities		—			30,599			30,789			11,156
Non-redeemable preferred stock		—			—			9,646			11,068
Total		$	—		$	30,599		$	40,435		$	22,224
The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2013, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2013 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2013:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Corporate			Residential			Asset-backed			Commercial			U.S.			State
		securities			mortgage-backed			securities			mortgage-backed			Government			and political
					securities						securities			and agencies			subdivision
														securities			securities
Balance January 1, 2013		$	1,668,563		$	93,931		$	232,391		$	167,006		$	4,538		$	43,212
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(8,194		)	19			6,430			1,917			(156		)	36
Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,078		)	(294		)	(1,131		)	(16,704		)	(175		)	(16		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		(44,299		)	821			17,150			36,731			(639		)	222
Purchases(1)		331,439			73,563			264,804			19,420			128			—
Sales(1)		(271,402		)	(7,146		)	(26,005		)	(83,974		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		(285,586		)	(26,661		)	(20,872		)	(7,970		)	(2,633		)	(657		)
Transfers into Level 3		33,776			24,727			9,031			4,081			44,394			979
Transfers out of Level 3		(77,930		)	(5,455		)	(9,950		)	(18,722		)	(4,538		)	—
Balance December 31, 2013		$	1,345,289		$	153,505		$	471,848		$	101,785		$	40,919		$	43,776
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(7,885	)	$	47		$	6,425		$	1,741		$	(156	)	$	36
Investment related gains (losses), net		(202		)	—			—			(10,243		)	—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
For the year ended December 31, 2013 (continued):	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises			Funds withheld at interest-embedded derivative			Short-term			Other invested			Interest
								investments			assets - non- redeemable preferred stock			sensitive contract
														liabilities embedded derivative
Balance January 1, 2013		$	28,280		$	(243,177	)	$	22,031		$	—		$	(912,361	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(305		)	—			(4		)	—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			66,907			—			—			142,050
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(115,409		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		(1,570		)	—			(27		)	323			—
Purchases(1)		—			—			—			—			(57,391		)
Sales(1)		—			—			—			—			—
Settlements(1)		(295		)	—			(22,000		)	—			74,386
Transfers into Level 3		11,887			—			—			4,639			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—			—			—
Balance December 31, 2013		$	37,997		$	(176,270	)	$	—		$	4,962		$	(868,725	)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(305	)	$	—		$	(4	)	$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			66,907			—			—			138,683
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(189,794		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—
-1	The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2012, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2012 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands).
For the year ended December 31, 2012:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Corporate			Residential			Asset-backed			Commercial			U.S.			State
		securities			mortgage-backed			securities			mortgage-backed			Government			and political
					securities						securities			and agencies			subdivision
														securities			securities
Balance January 1, 2012		$	974,169		$	81,655		$	193,492		$	115,976		$	—		$	10,373
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(6,839		)	431			1,214			2,032			(89		)	14
Investment related gains (losses), net		(2,884		)	(311		)	(516		)	(9,503		)	—			(16		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		34,488			2,863			21,463			24,663			(12		)	4,491
Purchases(1)		853,848			77,781			111,567			31,699			4,639			—
Sales(1)		(60,224		)	(48,828		)	(13,140		)	(14,060		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		(144,667		)	(8,541		)	(16,235		)	(813		)	—			(413		)
Transfers into Level 3		65,283			19,632			11,832			64,116			—			37,588
Transfers out of Level 3		(44,611		)	(30,751		)	(77,286		)	(47,104		)	—			(8,825		)
Balance December 31, 2012		$	1,668,563		$	93,931		$	232,391		$	167,006		$	4,538		$	43,212
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(6,852	)	$	295		$	1,156		$	2,032		$	(89	)	$	14
Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,329		)	(269		)	(849		)	(14,163		)	—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
For the year ended December 31, 2012 (continued):	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises			Funds withheld at interest-embedded derivative			Short-term			Other invested			Reinsurance ceded			Interest
								investments			assets - other			receivable - embedded derivative			sensitive contract
											equity						liabilities embedded derivative
											securities
Balance January 1, 2012		$	—		$	(361,456	)	$	—		$	11,489		$	4,945		$	(1,028,241	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(44		)	—			(11		)	—			—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			118,279			—			1,098			—			104,613
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			770
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			(31,552		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			(449		)	—
Included in other comprehensive income		(139		)	—			28			843			—			—
Purchases(1)		28,463			—			22,014			108			—			(63,934		)
Sales(1)		—			—			—			(3,788		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		—			—			—			—			(4,496		)	105,983
Transfers into Level 3		—			—			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—			(9,750		)	—			—
Balance December 31, 2012		$	28,280		$	(243,177	)	$	22,031		$	—		$	—		$	(912,361	)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(44	)	$	—		$	(11	)	$	—		$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			118,279			—			(183		)	—			97,216
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			56
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			(129,828		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			(33		)	—
-1	The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2011 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands).
For the year ended December 31, 2011:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Corporate			Residential			Asset-backed			Commercial			State			Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government - sponsored
		securities			mortgage-backed			securities			mortgage-backed			and political			enterprises
					securities						securities			subdivision
														securities
Balance January 1, 2011		$	872,179		$	183,291		$	228,558		$	147,556		$	6,983		$	6,736
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		218			836			1,686			2,321			361			2
Investment related gains (losses), net		1,863			(2,032		)	(10,236		)	(12,354		)	(15		)	—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		21,011			4,580			3,902			8,060			3,390			4
Purchases(1)		305,401			6,478			65,467			7,683			2,334			—
Sales(1)		(48,653		)	(21,178		)	(27,844		)	—			—			—
Settlements(1)		(125,797		)	(16,672		)	(24,092		)	(3,548		)	(88		)	—
Transfers into Level 3		80,302			30,159			45,984			76,955			48,469			20
Transfers out of Level 3		(132,333		)	(103,807		)	(89,933		)	(110,697		)	(51,061		)	(6,762		)
Balance December 31, 2011		$	974,191		$	81,655		$	193,492		$	115,976		$	10,373		$	—
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	162		$	816		$	1,595		$	2,307		$	361		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,223		)	(594		)	(5,058		)	(12,366		)	—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
For the year ended December 31, 2011 (continued):		Funds withheld			Other invested			Other invested			Reinsurance			Interest sensitive
		at interest-			assets- non-			assets- other			ceded receivable-			contract liabilities
		embedded			redeemable			equity securities			embedded			embedded
		derivative			preferred stock						derivative			derivative
Balance January 1, 2011		$	(274,220	)	$	420		$	16,416		$	75,431		$	(721,485	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		—			—			—			—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		(87,236		)	—			3,504			—			(224,184		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			(2,230		)
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(88,255		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			9,421			—
Included in other comprehensive income		—			—			(4,663		)	—			—
Purchases(1)		—			—			797			6,201			(71,505		)
Sales(1)		—			(420		)	(4,565		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		—			—			—			(86,108		)	79,418
Transfers into Level 3		—			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—			—			—
Balance December 31, 2011		$	(361,456	)	$	—		$	11,489		$	4,945		$	(1,028,241	)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		(87,236		)	—			—			—			(228,910		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			(2,346		)
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(167,673		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			18,589			—
-1	The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods presented; that is, they are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The estimated fair values for these assets were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013									2012
		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair			Net			Carrying Value			Estimated Fair			Net
		Prior to			Value After			Investment			Prior to			Value After			Investment
		Measurement			Measurement			Gains (Losses)			Measurement			Measurement			Gains (Losses)
Mortgage loans(1)		$	9,620		$	10,330		$	710		$	24,295		$	20,480		$	(3,815	)
Limited partnership interests(2)		11,615			8,952			(2,663		)	25,191			16,944			(8,247		)
Real estate investments(3)		12,672			10,508			(2,164		)	6,593			4,500			(2,093		)
-1	Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on mortgage loans are based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows.
-2	Limited partnership interests — The impaired limited partnership interests presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The market for these investments has limited activity and price transparency.
-3	Real estate investments — The impaired real estate investments presented above were written down to their estimated fair value at the date of impairment and are reported as losses above. The impairments were based on third-party appraisal values obtained and reviewed by the Company.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company is required by general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):
					Estimated Fair			Fair Value Measurement Using:
December 31, 2013		Carrying Value			Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Assets:
Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,486,680		$	2,489,721		$	—		$	—		$	2,489,721
Policy loans		1,244,469			1,244,469			—			1,244,469			—
Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,948,374			6,207,342			—			—			6,207,342
Cash and cash equivalents(2)		552,302			552,302			552,302			—			—
Short-term investments(2)		27,823			27,823			27,823			—			—
Other invested assets(2)		491,545			534,442			5,070			33,886			495,486
Accrued investment income		267,908			267,908			—			267,908			—
Liabilities:
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	10,228,120		$	9,989,514		$	—		$	—		$	9,989,514
Long-term debt		2,214,350			2,333,023			—			—			2,333,023
Collateral finance facility		484,752			374,984			—			—			374,984
December 31, 2012
Assets:
Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,300,587		$	2,426,688		$	—		$	—		$	2,426,688
Policy loans		1,278,175			1,278,175			—			1,278,175			—
Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,837,359			6,362,324			—			—			6,362,324
Cash and cash equivalents(2)		684,028			684,028			684,028			—			—
Short-term investments(2)		48,951			48,951			48,951			—			—
Other invested assets(2)		596,336			626,358			—			32,250			594,108
Accrued investment income		201,344			201,344			—			201,344			—
Liabilities:
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	11,566,962		$	11,926,339		$	—		$	—		$	11,926,339
Long-term debt		1,815,253			2,014,062			—			—			2,014,062
Collateral finance facility		652,010			456,050			—			—			456,050
-1	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
-2	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates for mortgage loans with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. As such, inputs include current treasury yields and spreads, which are based on the credit rating and average life of the loan, corresponding to the market spreads. The valuation of mortgage loans on real estate is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Policy Loans – Policy loans typically carry an interest rate that is adjusted annually based on an observable market index and therefore carrying value approximates fair value. The valuation of policy loans is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Funds Withheld at Interest – The carrying value of funds withheld at interest approximates fair value except where the funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement. When funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement, the fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets which are held by the ceding company. Ceding companies use a variety of sources and pricing methodologies, which are not transparent to the Company and may include significant unobservable inputs, to value the securities that are held in distinct portfolios, therefore the valuation of these funds withheld assets are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments – The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximates fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Other Invested Assets – This primarily includes limited partnership interests accounted for using the cost method, structured loans, FHLB common stock and cash collateral. The fair value of limited partnerships and other investments accounted for using the cost method is determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The valuation of these investments is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments. The fair value of structured loans is estimated based on a discounted cash flow analysis using discount rates applicable to each structured loan, this is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s common stock investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is considered to be the carrying value and it is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company's cash collateral is considered to be the carrying value and considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Accrued Investment Income – The carrying value for accrued investment income approximates fair value as there are no adjustments made to the carrying value. This is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities – The carrying and fair values of interest-sensitive contract liabilities reflected in the table above exclude contracts with significant mortality risk. The fair value of the Company’s interest-sensitive contract liabilities utilizes a market standard technique with both capital market inputs and policyholder behavior assumptions, as well as cash values adjusted for recapture fees. The capital market inputs to the model, such as interest rates, are generally observable. Policyholder behavior assumptions are generally not observable and may require use of significant management judgment. The valuation of interest-sensitive contract liabilities is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Long-term Debt and Collateral Finance Facility – The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt and collateral finance facility is generally estimated by discounting future cash flows using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities and reflecting the credit risk of the Company, including inputs when available, from actively traded debt of the Company or other companies with similar credit quality. The valuation of long-term debt and collateral finance facility are generally obtained from brokers and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	REINSURANCE
	The Company generally reports retrocession activity on a gross basis. Amounts paid or deemed to have been paid for reinsurance are reflected in reinsurance ceded receivables. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is recognized over the terms of the reinsured policies on a basis consistent with the reporting of those policies.
	Retrocession reinsurance treaties do not relieve the Company from its obligations to direct writing companies. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. Consequently, allowances would be established for amounts deemed uncollectible. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, no allowances were deemed necessary. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of the insurance companies from which it assumes and to which it cedes reinsurance.
	In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. In the individual life markets, the Company retains a maximum of $8.0 million of coverage per individual life. Claims in excess of this retention amount are retroceded to retrocessionaires; however, the Company remains fully liable to the ceding company for the entire amount of risk it assumes. In certain limited situations the Company has retained more than $8.0 million per individual policy. The Company enters into agreements with other reinsurers to mitigate the residual risk related to the over-retained policies. Additionally, due to some lower face amount reinsurance coverages provided by the Company in addition to individual life, such as group life, disability and health, under certain circumstances, the Company could potentially incur net claims totaling more than $8.0 million per individual life.
	Retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of the Company’s retention limit. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, all rated retrocession pool participants followed by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A- (excellent)” or better except one pool member that was rated “B++ (good)” in 2012. The Company verifies retrocession pool participants’ ratings on a quarterly basis. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, security in the form of letters of credit or trust assets has been given as additional security. In addition, the Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. In addition to its third party retrocessionaires, various RGA reinsurance subsidiaries retrocede amounts in excess of their retention to RGA Reinsurance, Parkway Re, RGA Barbados, RGA Americas, Rockwood Re, Manor Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Manor Re”), RGA Worldwide or RGA Atlantic.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had $594.5 million of ceded reinsurance receivables, of which $359.2 million, or 60.4%, were with the Company’s four largest ceded reinsurers. Included in the December 31, 2013 total ceded reinsurance receivables balance were $134.1 million of claims recoverable, of which $4.2 million were in excess of 90 days past due. At December 31, 2012, the Company had $620.9 million of ceded reinsurance receivables, of which $367.5 million, or 59.2%, were with the Company’s four largest ceded reinsurers. Included in the December 31, 2012 total ceded reinsurance receivables balance were $156.0 million of claims recoverable, of which $10.4 million were in excess of 90 days past due.
	The effect of reinsurance on net premiums is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Direct	$	5,224		$	3,784		$	2,590
	Reinsurance assumed	8,568,222			8,228,811			7,701,594
	Reinsurance ceded	(319,419		)	(325,999		)	(368,497		)
	Net premiums	$	8,254,027		$	7,906,596		$	7,335,687
	The effect of reinsurance on claims and other policy benefits as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Direct	$	8,078		$	3,694		$	4,179
	Reinsurance assumed	7,515,524			6,912,942			6,472,041
	Reinsurance ceded	(219,270		)	(250,637		)	(251,037		)
	Net claims and other policy benefits	$	7,304,332		$	6,665,999		$	6,225,183
	The effect of reinsurance on life insurance in force is shown in the following schedule (dollars in millions):
	Life Insurance In Force:	Direct			Assumed			Ceded			Net		Assumed/Net %
	31-Dec-13	$	77		$	2,889,804		$	36,830		$	2,853,051	101.3	%
	31-Dec-12	76			2,927,573			38,048			2,889,601		101.3
	31-Dec-11	76			2,664,353			39,987			2,624,442		101.5
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company provided approximately $6.8 billion and $6.3 billion of financial reinsurance, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial reinsurance structures, to other insurance companies under financial reinsurance transactions to assist ceding companies in meeting applicable regulatory requirements. Generally, such financial reinsurance is provided by the Company committing cash or assuming insurance liabilities, which are collateralized by future profits on the reinsured business. The Company earns a fee based on the amount of net outstanding financial reinsurance.
	Reinsurance agreements, whether facultative or automatic, may provide for recapture rights on the part of the ceding company. Recapture rights permit the ceding company to reassume all or a portion of the risk formerly ceded to the reinsurer after an agreed-upon period of time, generally 10 years, or in some cases due to changes in the financial condition or ratings of the reinsurer. Recapture of business previously ceded does not affect premiums ceded prior to the recapture of such business, but would reduce premiums in subsequent periods. Additionally, some treaties give the ceding company the right to request the Company to place assets in trust for their benefit to support their reserve credits, in the event of a downgrade of the Company’s ratings to specified levels, generally non-investment grade levels, or if minimum levels of financial condition are not maintained. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, these treaties had approximately$1,552.3 million and $1,522.1 million, respectively, in statutory reserves. Assets placed in trust continue to be owned by the Company, but their use is restricted based on the terms of the trust agreement. Securities with an amortized cost of $2,124.7 million and $2,140.7 million were held in trust to satisfy collateral requirements for reinsurance business for the benefit of certain RGA subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, the Company’s collateral finance facility has asset in trust requirements. See Note 14 – “Collateral Finance Facility” for additional information. Securities with an amortized cost of $7,842.9 million and $7,549.0 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were held in trust to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties. Under certain conditions, RGA may be obligated to move reinsurance from one RGA subsidiary company to another or make payments under the treaty. These conditions include change in control or ratings of the subsidiary, insolvency, nonperformance under a treaty, or loss of reinsurance license of such subsidiary.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
	The following reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized (dollars in thousands):
	As of December 31,	2013			2012
	Deferred policy acquisition costs:
	Assumed	$	3,573,054		$	3,677,804
	Retroceded	(55,258		)	(58,530		)
	Net	$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274
	Years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of year	$	3,619,274		$	3,543,925		$	3,314,715
	Capitalized
	Assumed	862,767			1,081,599			947,014
	Retroceded	(8,604		)	(11,814		)	(13,411		)
	Amortized (including interest):
	Assumed	(826,539		)	(975,844		)	(820,084		)
	Allocated to change in value of embedded derivatives	(98,141		)	(42,183		)	114,877
	Retroceded	11,877			14,970			14,084
	Attributed to unrealized investment gains (losses)	16,181			(14,938		)	(7,448		)
	Foreign currency changes	(59,019		)	23,559			(5,822		)
	Balance, end of year	$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274		$	3,543,925
	Some reinsurance agreements involve reimbursing the ceding company for allowances and commissions in excess of first-year premiums. These amounts represent acquisition costs and are capitalized to the extent deemed recoverable from the future premiums and amortized against future profits of the business. This type of agreement presents a risk to the extent that the business lapses faster than originally anticipated, resulting in future profits being insufficient to recover the Company’s investment.

Income_Tax

Income Tax	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax	'
	INCOME TAX
	Pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Pre-tax income - U.S.	$	473,223		$	644,219		$	400,278
	Pre-tax income - foreign	162,031			275,004			363,293
	Total pre-tax income	$	635,254		$	919,223		$	763,571
	The provision for income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	$	(48,831	)	$	52,378		$	(1,606	)
	Foreign	34,470			36,840			50,138
	Total current	(14,361		)	89,218			48,532
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	226,771			183,929			155,896
	Foreign	4,007			14,183			13,098
	Total deferred	230,778			198,112			168,994
	Total provision for income taxes	$	216,417		$	287,330		$	217,526
	Provision for income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax statutory rate of 35% to pre-tax income as a result of the following for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate	$	222,339		$	321,728		$	267,250
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate	(8,032		)	(14,705		)	(9,681		)
	Differences in tax basis in foreign jurisdictions	(26,484		)	(21,086		)	(11,584		)
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	26,507			635			4,147
	Amounts related to tax audit contingencies	9,034			2,260			5,562
	Corporate rate changes - Canada	(414		)	1,374			(40,593		)
	Corporate rate changes - other	(1,184		)	(1,070		)	(1,933		)
	Subpart F	8,255			13,571			9,340
	Foreign tax credits	(1,786		)	(7,808		)	(3,546		)
	Return to provision adjustments	(12,465		)	(7,351		)	(1,863		)
	Other, net	647			(218		)	427
	Total provision for income taxes	$	216,417		$	287,330		$	217,526
	Effective tax rate	34.1		%	31.3		%	28.5		%
	The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “Act”) was signed into law on January 2, 2013. The Act retroactively restored several expired business tax provisions, including the active financing exception. Because a change in tax law is reflected in operations in the period of enactment, the retroactive effect of the Act on the Company’s U.S. federal taxes for 2012 of a benefit of $1.0 million was recognized in 2013.
	In 2011, the Company recognized an income tax benefit associated with previously enacted reductions in federal statutory tax rates and adjustments to various provincial statutory tax rates in Canada. This 2007 tax rate change enactment included phased in effective dates through 2012. These adjustments in tax rates should have been recognized beginning in 2007, when the Canadian tax legislation was enacted. The Company recorded a cumulative tax benefit adjustment of $30.7 million in 2011 in “Provision for income taxes” to correct the deferred tax liabilities that were not properly recorded. If the impact of the tax rates had been recorded in the prior years, the Company estimates that it would have recognized approximately $3.0 million, $6.0 million, $9.0 million and $12.0 million of tax benefit in the years ended 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
	Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Provision for income taxes	$	216,417		$	287,330		$	217,526
	Income tax from OCI and additional paid-in-capital:
	Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt and equity securities recognized for financial reporting purposes	(467,454		)	246,682			275,975
	Exercise of stock options	(3,125		)	(2,902		)	(4,934		)
	Foreign currency translation	12,330			(921		)	1,579
	Unrealized pension and post retirement	7,640			(2,779		)	(8,581		)
	Total income taxes provided	$	(234,192	)	$	527,410		$	481,565
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax asset and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are presented in the following tables (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Nondeductible accruals	$	106,587		$	77,116
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	59,942			17,054
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	2,106			—
	Investment income differences	108,462			109,275
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for tax	90,187			91,886
	Net operating loss carryforward	252,192			159,821
	Differences in foreign currency translation	—			621
	Capital loss and tax credit carryforwards	2,356			23,595
	Subtotal	621,832			479,368
	Valuation allowance	(102,228		)	(10,100		)
	Total deferred income tax assets	519,604			469,268
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for financial reporting	1,066,351			1,082,394
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	906,197			637,002
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	310,332			832,940
	Investment income differences	12,959			12,719
Differences in foreign currency translation	19,704			—
Total deferred income tax liabilities	2,315,543			2,565,055
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	1,795,939		$	2,095,787
Balance sheet presentation of net deferred income tax liabilities:
Included in other assets	$	41,638		$	24,714
Included in deferred income taxes	1,837,577			2,120,501
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	1,795,939		$	2,095,787
As of December 31, 2013, a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of approximately $102.2 million was provided on the total deferred tax assets of RGA Holdings Limited, RGA Technology Partners, Inc. ("RTP") Canadian Branch, RTP UK Branch, RGA International German Branch, RGA International Netherlands Branch, RGA International Poland Branch, Leidsche Verzekering Maatschappij N.V., RGA Reinsurance Company New Zealand Branch, RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia New Zealand Branch, RGA Capital Limited (U.K.), a portion of RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia's deferred tax assets and on RGA's deferred tax asset related to share expense for foreign entities. As of December 31, 2012 a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of approximately $10.1 million was provided on the total deferred tax assets of RGA Holdings Limited, RTP Canadian Branch, RTP UK Branch, RGA International German Branch, RGA International Netherlands Branch, RGA International Poland Branch, and on RGA's deferred tax asset related to share expense for foreign entities. Of the total valuation allowance, $25.9 million if released will not result in a benefit to operations because the branches are taxed in multiple countries. Any dual tax is reduced through a foreign tax credit and dual loss utilization is prohibited by the dual consolidated loss rules. The Company utilizes valuation allowances when it believes, based on the weight of the available evidence, that it is more likely than not that the deferred income taxes will not be realized.
The earnings of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. A provision of $4.2 million has been made for U.S. taxes on repatriation. No other provision has been made for U.S. tax or foreign withholding taxes that may be applicable upon any repatriation or sale. The determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is not practicable. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the financial reporting basis in excess of the tax basis for which no deferred taxes have been recognized was approximately $1,154.4 million and $663.9 million, respectively.
During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company received federal and foreign income tax refunds of approximately $2.6 million, $16.2 million and $11.1 million, respectively. The Company made cash income tax payments of approximately $113.4 million, $113.2 million and $140.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized gross deferred tax assets associated with net operating losses of approximately $916.4 million and $555.4 million, respectively, $419.2 million of which will begin to expire in 2025. The remaining net operating losses have either a valuation allowance or indefinite carryforward periods. However, these net operating losses, other than the net operating losses for which there is a valuation allowance, are expected to be utilized in the normal course of business during the period allowed for carryforwards and in any event, are not expected to be lost, due to the application of tax planning strategies that management would utilize.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service and is subject to audit by taxing authorities in other foreign jurisdictions in which the Company has significant business operations. The income tax years under examination vary by jurisdiction. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and foreign tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2006.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $279.8 million and the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $40.0 million. Management believes there will be no material impact to the Company’s effective tax rate related to unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	2013			2012			2011
Beginning balance, January 1	$	245,636		$	194,260		$	182,354
Additions for tax positions of prior years	41,228			47,438			7,968
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(10,401		)	—			—
Additions for tax positions of current year	3,338			3,938			3,938
Ending balance, December 31	$	279,801		$	245,636		$	194,260
The Company recognized interest expense associated with uncertain tax positions in 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $7.6 million , $9.9 million and $7.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $57.3 million and $49.6 million, respectively, of accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Certain subsidiaries of the Company are sponsors or administrators of both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans (“Pension Plans”). The largest of these plans is a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan sponsored by RGA Reinsurance that covers U.S. employees. The benefits under the Pension Plans are generally based on years of service and compensation levels.
	The Company also provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. The health care benefits are provided through a self-insured welfare benefit plan. Employees become eligible for these benefits if they meet minimum age and service requirements. The retiree’s cost for health care benefits varies depending upon the credited years of service. The Company recorded benefits expense of approximately $4.1 million, $3.6 million, and $2.5 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively that are related to these postretirement plans. Virtually all retirees, or their beneficiaries, contribute a portion of the total cost of postretirement health benefits. Prepaid benefit costs and accrued benefit liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	A December 31 measurement date is used for all of the defined benefit and postretirement plans. The status of these plans as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below (dollars in thousands):
			December 31,
	Pension Benefits							Other Benefits
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	112,759			$	93,101			$	33,953			$	28,854
	Service cost		8,023				7,531				1,881				1,641
	Interest Cost		4,072				4,072				1,353				1,246
	Participant contributions		—				—				128				122
	Actuarial (gains) losses		(8,957		)		13,270				(5,949		)		2,341
	Benefits paid		(3,347		)		(5,776		)		(607		)		(251		)
	Foreign currency rate change effect		(1,355		)		561				—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	111,195			$	112,759			$	30,759			$	33,953
			December 31,
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	49,516			$	41,300			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		6,027				5,449				—				—
	Employer contributions		7,363				8,543				479				129
	Participant contributions		—				—				128				122
	Benefits paid and expenses		(3,347		)		(5,776		)		(607		)		(251		)
	Administrative expense		—				—				—				—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	59,559			$	49,516			$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(51,636	)		$	(63,243	)		$	(30,759	)		$	(33,953	)
			December 31,
			Qualified Plans								Non-Qualified Plans(1)								Total
			2013				2012				2013				2012				2013			2012
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		$	59,559			$	49,516			$	—			$	—			$	59,559		$	49,516
	Aggregate projected benefit obligations		63,502				62,397				47,693				50,362				111,195			112,759
	Under funded		$	(3,943	)		$	(12,881	)		$	(47,693	)		$	(50,362	)		$	(51,636	)	$	(63,243	)
	-1	For non-qualified plans, there are no required funding levels.
		December 31,
		Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial loss	$	22,507			$	37,314			$	8,655			$	15,472
	Net prior service cost	1,981				2,506				—				—
	Total	$	24,488			$	39,820			$	8,655			$	15,472
	The following table presents information for qualified and non-qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Projected benefit obligation		$	111,195			$	112,759
	Fair value of plan assets		59,559				49,516
	The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined benefit pension plans were $107.7 million and $106.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table presents information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	107,722			$	106,845
	Fair value of plan assets		59,559				49,516
	The components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Pension Benefits												Other Benefits
			2013				2012				2011				2013				2012			2011
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	8,023			$	7,531			$	5,985			$	1,881			$	1,641		$	1,116
	Interest cost		4,072				4,072				3,916				1,353				1,246			1,035
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,734		)		(3,066		)		(2,937		)		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior actuarial losses		3,270				3,439				980				868				743			353
	Amortization of prior service cost		373				376				399				—				—			—
	Settlements		—				841				—				—				—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		12,004				13,193				8,343				4,102				3,630			2,504
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial (gains) losses		(11,250		)		10,888				18,561				(5,949		)		2,341			8,348
Prior service cost		—				—				—				—				—			—
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses		(3,270		)		(3,439		)		(980		)		(868		)		(743		)	(353		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(373		)		(376		)		(399		)		—				—			—
Settlements		—				(841		)		—				—				—			—
Foreign exchange translations and other adjustments		(439		)		219				(196		)		—				—			—
Total recognized in other comprehensive income		(15,332		)		6,451				16,986				(6,817		)		1,598			7,995
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income		$	(3,328	)		$	19,644			$	25,329			$	(2,715	)		$	5,228		$	10,499
The Company expects to contribute to the plans $5.7 million in pension benefits and $0.4 million in other benefits during 2014.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
2014		$	5,730			$	431
2015		5,860				502
2016		8,500				594
2017		7,148				685
2018		7,936				776
2019-2023		47,544				5,388
The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $1.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
Assumptions
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the accumulated benefit obligation and net benefit cost or income for the year ended December 31:
		Pension Benefits									Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation		4.45	%		3.8	%		4.48	%		5.05	%		4.15	%		4.5	%
Discount rate used to determine net benefit cost or income		3.83	%		4.12	%		5.22	%		4.15	%		4.5	%		5.4	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.35	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—	%		—	%		—	%
Rate of compensation increases		4.21	%		4.2	%		4.2	%		—	%		—	%		—	%
The expected rate of return on plan assets is based on anticipated performance of the various asset sectors in which the plan invests, weighted by target allocation percentages. Anticipated future performance is based on long-term historical returns of the plan assets by sector, adjusted for the long-term expectations on the performance of the markets. While the precise expected return derived using this approach may fluctuate from year to year, the policy is to hold this long-term assumption constant as long as it remains within reasonable tolerance from the derived rate. This process is consistent for all plan assets as all the assets are invested in mutual funds.
The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated non-pension post-retirement benefit obligation were as follows:
		December 31,
		2013		2012
Pre-Medicare eligible claims		9% down to 5% in 2017		9% down to 5% in 2016
Medicare eligible claims		9% down to 5% in 2017		9% down to 5% in 2015
Assumed health care cost trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (dollars in thousands):
		One Percent Increase				One Percent Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components		$	869			$	(648	)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		$	6,813			$	(5,228	)
Plan Assets
Target allocations of assets are determined with the objective of maximizing returns and minimizing volatility of net assets through adequate asset diversification and partial liability immunization. Adjustments are made to target allocations based on the Company’s assessment of the effect of economic factors and market conditions. The target allocations for plan assets are 60% equity securities and 40% debt securities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company’s plan assets are primarily invested in mutual funds. The mutual funds include holdings of S&P 500 securities, large-cap securities, mid-cap securities, small-cap securities, international securities, corporate debt securities, U.S. and other government securities, mortgage-related securities and cash.
Equity and debt securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, changes in the values of investment securities will occur and any change would affect the amounts reported in the financial statements.
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
		31-Dec-13
						Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Mutual Funds(1)		$	59,485			$	59,485			$	—			$	—
Cash		74				74				—				—
Total		$	59,559			$	59,559			$	—			$	—
-1	Mutual funds were invested 33% in U.S. equity funds, 26% in U.S. fixed income funds, 25% in non-U.S. equity funds and 16% in other.
		31-Dec-12
						Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Mutual Funds(2)		$	49,456			$	49,456			$	—			$	—
Cash		60				60				—				—
Total		$	49,516			$	49,516			$	—			$	—
-2	Mutual funds were invested 42% in U.S. equity funds, 39% in U.S. fixed income funds, 16% in non-U.S. equity funds and 3% in other.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company classified all of its pension plan assets in the Level 1 category as quoted prices in active markets are available for these assets. See Note 6 – “Fair Value of Asset and Liabilities” for additional detail on the fair value hierarchy.
Savings and Investment Plans
Certain subsidiaries of RGA also sponsor saving and investment plans under which a portion of employee contributions are matched. Subsidiary contributions to these plans, which are partially tied to RGA’s financial results, were $7.3 million, $6.4 million and $5.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Financial_Condition_and_Net_In

Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Basis [Abstract]	'
Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries	'
	FINANCIAL CONDITION AND NET INCOME ON A STATUTORY BASIS – SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
	The domestic and foreign insurance subsidiaries of RGA prepare their statutory financial statements in conformity with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the applicable state insurance department or local regulatory authority, which vary materially from statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting practices in the U.S. include publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), as well as state laws, local regulations and general administrative rules. The differences between statutory financial statements and financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP vary between jurisdictions. The principal differences between GAAP and NAIC are that statutory financial statements do not reflect deferred policy acquisition costs and limit deferred tax assets, life benefit reserves predominately use interest rate and mortality assumptions prescribed by the NAIC and local regulatory agencies, bonds are generally carried at amortized cost and reinsurance assets and liabilities are presented net of reinsurance.
	Statutory net income, and capital and surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed by the applicable state insurance department or local regulatory authority are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Statutory Capital & Surplus						Statutory Net Income (Loss)
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2011
	RGA Reinsurance (U.S.)	$	1,550,070		$	1,644,589		$	115,814		$	3,497		$	129,717
	RCM (U.S.)	1,633,356			1,692,200			109,084			58,549			37,142
	RGA Canada	767,108			725,738			89,428			95,861			102,229
	RGA Barbados	716,116			596,388			70,941			81,942			149,015
	RGA Australia	406,437			437,055			(36,548		)	37,180			47,211
	RGA Atlantic	379,889			449,769			(27,159		)	91,898			70,160
	RGA Americas	261,404			330,064			50,833			59,531			65,283
	Other reinsurance subsidiaries	1,004,479			818,759			255,418			(428,049		)	(439,625		)
	Each U.S. domestic insurance subsidiary’s state of domicile imposes minimum risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for determining the amount of RBC specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action. Each of RGA’s U.S. domestic insurance subsidiaries exceeded the minimum RBC requirements for all periods presented herein. These requirements do not represent a significant constraint for the payment of dividends by RGA’s U.S. domestic insurance companies.
	The licensing orders of the Company’s special purpose companies stipulate a minimum amount of capital required based on the purpose of the entity and the underlying business. These companies are subject to enhanced oversight by the regulator which includes filing detailed plans of operations before commencing operations or making material changes to existing agreements or entering into new agreements. Each of the Company’s Special Purpose Life Reinsurance Captives (“SPLRC”) exceeded the minimum capital requirements for all periods presented herein, except for Timberlake Re in 2012. See Note 14 – “Collateral Finance Facility” for additional information.
	The Company’s foreign insurance subsidiaries prepare financial statements in accordance with local regulatory requirements. The regulatory authorities in these foreign jurisdictions establish some form of minimum regulatory capital and surplus requirements. All of the Company’s foreign insurance subsidiaries have regulatory capital and surplus that exceed the local minimum requirements. These requirements do not represent a significant constraint for the payment of dividends by the Company’s foreign insurance companies.
	The state of domicile of certain of the Company’s SPLRCs follow prescribed accounting practices differing from NAIC statutory accounting practices (“NAIC SAP”) applicable to their statutory financial statements. Specifically, these prescribed practices require that surplus note interest accrued but not approved for payment be reported as a direct reduction of surplus and an addition to the surplus note balance. Under NAIC SAP, surplus note interest is not to be reported until approved for payment and is reported as a reduction of net investment income in the Summary of Operations. In addition, these prescribed practices allow the SPLRC to reflect letters of credit issued for its benefit as an admitted asset and a direct credit to unassigned surplus. Under NAIC SAP, letters of credit issued on behalf of the reporting company are not reported on the balance sheet.
	A reconciliation of the Company’s surplus between NAIC SAP and practices prescribed by the state of domicile is shown below (dollars in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Prescribed practice – surplus note	$	343,780		$	230,291
	Prescribed practice – letters of credit	(436,300		)	(488,000		)
	Surplus (deficit) – NAIC SAP	$	(92,520	)	$	(257,709	)
	RCM and RGA Reinsurance are subject to Missouri statutory provisions that restrict the payment of dividends. They may not pay dividends in any 12-month period in excess of the greater of the prior year’s statutory operating income or 10% of capital and surplus at the preceding year-end, without regulatory approval. The applicable statutory provisions only permit an insurer to pay a shareholder dividend from unassigned surplus. Any dividends paid by RGA Reinsurance would be paid to RCM, its parent company, which in turn has restrictions related to its ability to pay dividends to RGA. The assets of RCM consist primarily of its investment in RGA Reinsurance. As of January 1, 2014, RCM and RGA Reinsurance could pay maximum dividends, without prior approval, of approximately $145.9 million and $155.0 million, respectively. The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institution and Professional Registration, allows RCM to pay a dividend to RGA to the extent RCM received the dividend from RGA Reinsurance, without limitation related to the level of unassigned surplus. Dividend payments by other subsidiaries are subject to regulations in the jurisdiction of domicile.
	There are no regulatory restrictions that limit the payment of dividends by RGA, except those generally applicable to Missouri corporations. Dividends are payable by Missouri corporations only under the circumstances specified in The General and Business Corporation Law of Missouri. RGA would not be permitted to pay common stock dividends if there is any accrued and unpaid interest on its 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042 and its 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065. Furthermore, the ability of RGA to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions, income, cash requirements of the Company, receipt of dividends from its subsidiaries, financial covenant provisions and other relevant factors.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	At December 31, 2013, the Company’s commitments to fund investments were $239.5 million in limited partnerships, $4.6 million in commercial mortgage loans, $22.0 million in private placements and $37.0 million in bank loans, including revolving credit agreements. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s commitments to fund investments were $176.7 million in limited partnerships, $22.2 million in commercial mortgage loans and $68.5 million in bank loans, including revolving credit agreements. The Company anticipates that the majority of its current commitments will be invested over the next five years; however, these commitments could become due any time at the request of the counterparties. Investments in limited partnerships and private placements are carried at cost or reported using the equity method and included in other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Bank loans are carried at fair value and included in fixed maturities available-for-sale.
	The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
	The Company has obtained bank letters of credit in favor of various affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies from which the Company assumes business. These letters of credit represent guarantees of performance under the reinsurance agreements and allow ceding companies to take statutory reserve credits. Certain of these letters of credit contain financial covenant restrictions. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were approximately $210.3 million and $45.4 million, respectively, of undrawn outstanding bank letters of credit in favor of third parties. Additionally, the Company utilizes letters of credit primarily to secure reserve credits when it retrocedes business to its subsidiaries, including Parkway Re, Rockwood Reinsurance Company (“Rockwood Re”), Timberlake Financial, RGA Americas, RGA Barbados and RGA Atlantic. The Company cedes business to its affiliates to help reduce the amount of regulatory capital required in certain jurisdictions such as the U.S. and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, $995.5 million and $763.5 million, respectively, in undrawn letters of credit from various banks were outstanding, primarily backing reinsurance between the various subsidiaries of the Company. The banks providing letters of credit to the Company are included on the NAIC list of approved banks.
	The Company maintains seven credit facilities, a syndicated revolving credit facility with a capacity of $850.0 million and six letter of credit facilities with a combined capacity of $880.9 million. The Company may borrow cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies under its syndicated revolving credit facility. The following table provides additional information on the Company’s credit facilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
						Amount Utilized(1)
						December 31,
	Facility Capacity				Maturity Date	2013		2012		Basis of Fees
	$	850			December 2015	$	67.6	$	402.9	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
	200				September 2019	200		200		Fixed
	120				May-16	85.1		100		Fixed
	270				Nov-17	270		—		Fixed
	100				Jun-17	89.4		—		Fixed
	58.4				Nov-14	58.4		—		Fixed
	132.5				Mar-19	132.5		—		Fixed
	-1	Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.
	Fees associated with the Company’s other letters of credit are not fixed for periods in excess of one year and are based on the Company’s ratings and the general availability of these instruments in the marketplace. Total fees expensed associated with the Company’s letters of credit were $9.8 million, $7.3 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
	RGA has issued guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries for the payment of amounts due under certain reinsurance treaties, securities borrowing arrangements, financing arrangements and office lease obligations, whereby if a subsidiary fails to meet an obligation, RGA or one of its other subsidiaries will make a payment to fulfill the obligation. In limited circumstances, treaty guarantees are granted to ceding companies in order to provide them additional security, particularly in cases where RGA’s subsidiary is relatively new, unrated, or not of a significant size, relative to the ceding company. Liabilities supported by the treaty guarantees, before consideration for any legally offsetting amounts due from the guaranteed party, totaled $826.9 million and $686.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in future policy benefits. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s exposure related to treaty guarantees, net of assets held in trust, was $647.9 million and $463.5 million, respectively. Potential guaranteed amounts of future payments will vary depending on production levels and underwriting results. Guarantees related to borrowed securities provide additional security to third parties should a subsidiary fail to return the borrowed securities when due. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, RGA’s obligation related to borrowed securities guarantees was $93.0 million and $87.5 million, respectively. There were no amounts guaranteed under financing arrangements as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. RGA has issued payment guarantees on behalf of two of its subsidiaries in the event the subsidiaries fail to make payment under their office lease obligations, the exposure of which was $8.3 million and $10.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Manor Re has obtained $300.0 million of collateral financing through 2020 from an international bank which enabled Manor Re to deposit assets in trust to support statutory reserve credit for an affiliated reinsurance transaction. The bank has recourse to RGA should Manor Re fail to make payments or otherwise not perform its obligations under this financing.
	RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third-parties through 2035, in exchange for a fee, by funding loans if certain defined events occur. Such statutory reserves are required under the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX for term life insurance policies and Regulation A-XXX for universal life secondary guarantees). The third-parties have recourse to RGA should the subsidiary fail to provide the required funding, however, as of December 31, 2013, the Company does not believe that it will be required to provide any funding under these commitments as the occurrence of the defined events is considered remote. The following table presents information about these commitments (dollars in millions):
			Maximum Potential Obligation
	Commitment Period		2013			2012
	2026		$	500		$	—
	2033		1,350.00			—
	2035		—			560
	2036		1,250.00			—
	In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Since this indemnity generally is not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount due under this indemnity in the future.
	The Company leases office space and furniture and equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, which expire at various dates. Future minimum office space annual rentals under non-cancelable operating leases along with associated sublease income at December 31, 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Operating			Sublease
			Leases			Income
	2014		$	16,905		$	827
	2015		10,862			827
	2016		8,434			776
	2017		5,638			160
	2018		4,466			—
	Thereafter		15,489			—
	Rent expenses amounted to approximately $18.5 million, $19.5 million and $18.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	DEBT
	The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013		2012
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042	$	400,000	$	400,000
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065	318,729		318,727
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023	398,533		—
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021	398,362		398,141
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019	399,602		399,534
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017	299,124		298,851
	Long-term Debt	$	2,214,350	$	1,815,253
	On September 19, 2013, RGA issued 4.70% Senior Notes due September 15, 2023 with a face amount of $400.0 million. These senior notes have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $395.1 million and will be used for general corporate purposes. Capitalized issue costs were approximately$3.4 million.
	On August 21, 2012, RGA issued 6.20% Fixed-To-Floating Rate Subordinated Debentures due September 15, 2042 with a face amount of $400.0 million. These subordinated debentures have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $393.7 million and will be used for general corporate purposes. Capitalized issue costs were approximately $6.3 million.
	On March 4, 2011, RGA completed the remarketing of approximately 4.5 million trust preferred securities with an aggregate accreted value of approximately $158.2 million that were initially issued as a component of its PIERS Units. When issued, each PIERS Unit initially consisted of a preferred security and a warrant to purchase at any time prior to December 15, 2050, 1.2508 shares of RGA common stock. Approximately 4.4 million of the warrants were exercised on March 4, 2011, at a price of $35.44 per warrant, resulting in the issuance of approximately 5.5 million shares. The warrant exercise price was paid to RGA. Remaining warrants were redeemed in cash at their redemption amount of $14.56 per warrant. As a result of the remarketing, the remarketed preferred securities had a fixed accreted value of $35.44 per security with a fixed annual distribution rate of 2.375% and were repaid on June 5, 2011, the revised maturity date. In the first quarter of 2011, RGA recorded a $4.4 million pre-tax loss, included in other operating expenses, related to the recognition of the unamortized issuance costs of the original preferred securities.
	On May 27, 2011, RGA issued 5.00% Senior Notes due June 1, 2021 with a face amount of $400.0 million. These senior notes have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $394.4 million and were used to fund the payment of the RGA’s $200.0 million senior notes that matured in December 2011 and for general corporate purposes. Capitalized issue costs were approximately $3.4 million.
	The Company may borrow up to $850.0 million in cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies on its revolving credit facility that expires in December 2015. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding and $67.6 million and $402.9 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under this facility. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the average interest rate on long-term debt outstanding was 5.76% and 5.99%, respectively.
	Certain of the Company’s debt agreements contain financial covenant restrictions related to, among others, liens, the issuance and disposition of stock of restricted subsidiaries, minimum requirements of consolidated net worth, maximum ratios of debt to capitalization and change of control provisions. A material ongoing covenant default could require immediate payment of the amount due, including principal, under the various agreements. Additionally, the Company’s debt agreements contain cross-default covenants, which would make outstanding borrowings immediately payable in the event of a material uncured covenant default under any of the agreements, including, but not limited to, non-payment of indebtedness when due for an amount in excess of $100.0 million, bankruptcy proceedings, or any other event which results in the acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $2,214.4 million and $1,815.3 million, respectively, in outstanding borrowings under its debt agreements and was in compliance with all covenants under those agreements. The ability of the Company to make debt principal and interest payments depends on the earnings and surplus of subsidiaries, investment earnings on undeployed capital proceeds, and the Company’s ability to raise additional funds. Repayments of debt due over the next five years total $300.0 million, due 2017.

Collateral_Finance_Facility

Collateral Finance Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Collateral Finance Facility [Abstract]	'
Collateral Finance Facility	'
	COLLATERAL FINANCE FACILITY
	In June 2006, RGA’s subsidiary, Timberlake Financial L.L.C. (“Timberlake Financial”), issued $850.0 million of Series A Floating Rate Insured Notes due June 2036 in a private placement. The notes were issued to fund the collateral requirements for statutory reserves required by the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX) on specified term life insurance policies reinsured by RGA Reinsurance and retroceded to Timberlake Re. Proceeds from the notes, along with a $112.8 million direct investment by the Company, were deposited into a series of accounts that collateralize the notes and are not available to satisfy the general obligations of the Company. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company held assets in trust and in custody of $913.5 million and $909.2 million, of which $20.5 million and $33.2 million were held in a Debt Service Coverage account to cover interest payments on the notes. Interest on the notes accrues at an annual rate of 1-month LIBOR plus a base rate margin, payable monthly and totaled $5.1 million, $6.9 million and $7.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The payment of interest and principal on the notes is insured through a financial guaranty insurance policy by a monoline insurance company whose parent company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013. The notes represent senior, secured indebtedness of Timberlake Financial without legal recourse to RGA or its other subsidiaries.
	Timberlake Financial relies primarily upon the receipt of interest and principal payments on a surplus note and dividend payments from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Timberlake Re, a South Carolina captive insurance company, to make payments of interest and principal on the notes. The ability of Timberlake Re to make interest and principal payments on the surplus note and dividend payments to Timberlake Financial is contingent upon the South Carolina Department of Insurance’s regulatory approval. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, Timberlake Re’s capital and surplus totaled $51.5 million and $33.1 million. Timberlake Re's capital and surplus is expected to remain above $35.0 million. Since Timberlake Re’s capital and surplus previously fell below the minimum requirement in its licensing order of $35.0 million, it has been required, since the second quarter of 2011, to request approval on a quarterly rather than annual basis and provide additional scenario testing results. Approval to pay interest on the surplus note was granted through March 28, 2014.
	During 2013, the Company repurchased $160.0 million face amount of the Timberlake Financial notes for $112.0 million, which was the market value at the date of the purchase. The notes were purchased by RGA Reinsurance. As a result, the Company recorded pre-tax gains of $46.5 million, after fees, in other revenues in 2013.
	During 2011, the Company repurchased $198.5 million face amount of the Timberlake Financial notes for $130.8 million, which was the market value at the date of the purchases. The notes were purchased by RGA Reinsurance. As a result, the Company recorded pre-tax gains of $65.6 million, after fees, in other revenues in 2011.
	The Company’s consolidated balance sheets include the assets of Timberlake Financial, a wholly-owned subsidiary, recorded as fixed maturity investments and other invested assets, which consists of restricted cash and cash equivalents, with the liability for the notes recorded as collateral finance facility. The Company’s consolidated statements of income include the investment return of Timberlake Financial as investment income and the cost of the facility is reflected in collateral finance facility expense.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company has five geographic-based or function-based operational segments: U.S., Canada, Europe & South Africa, Asia Pacific and Corporate and Other. The U.S. segment is further segmented into traditional and non-traditional businesses, with the prior years reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The U.S. operations provide individual life, long-term care, group life and health reinsurance, annuity and financial reinsurance products. The Canada operations provide insurers with reinsurance of individual life products as well as creditor reinsurance, group life and health reinsurance, non-guaranteed critical illness products and longevity reinsurance. Europe & South Africa operations include traditional life reinsurance and critical illness business from Europe & South Africa, in addition to other markets the Company is developing. Asia Pacific operations provide primarily traditional and group life reinsurance, critical illness and, to a lesser extent, financial reinsurance. Corporate and Other includes results from, among others, RGA Technology Partners, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary that develops and markets technology solutions for the insurance industry and the investment income and expense associated with the Company’s collateral finance facility. The Company measures segment performance based on income before income taxes.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The Company measures segment performance primarily based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes. There are no intersegment reinsurance transactions and the Company does not have any material long-lived assets. Investment income is allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes.
	The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are attributed to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
	The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that are primarily segregated by geographic region. Information related to revenues, income (loss) before income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and assets of the Company’s operations are summarized below (dollars in thousands).
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	U.S. Traditional	$	5,068,632		$	4,846,515		$	4,522,751
	U.S. Non-Traditional	962,818			876,119			392,304
	Canada	1,185,017			1,140,264			1,056,031
	Europe & South Africa	1,421,488			1,372,291			1,249,859
	Asia Pacific	1,541,459			1,495,545			1,430,414
	Corporate and Other	138,939			110,177			178,179
	Total	$	10,318,353		$	9,840,911		$	8,829,538
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	U.S. Traditional	$	371,563		$	368,095		$	363,964
	U.S. Non-Traditional	245,649			268,315			61,673
	Canada	164,318			186,971			164,953
	Europe & South Africa	89,122			73,947			83,102
	Asia Pacific	(235,211		)	45,378			42,234
	Corporate and Other	(187		)	(23,483		)	47,645
	Total	$	635,254		$	919,223		$	763,571
	The loss before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013 in the Asia Pacific segment reflects an increase in Australian group claims liabilities related to total and permanent disability coverage and disability income benefits as well as poor claims experience in the Australian operation's individual lump sum and individual disability businesses.
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense:
	Corporate and Other	$	124,307		$	105,348		$	102,638
	Total	$	124,307		$	105,348		$	102,638
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Depreciation and amortization:
	U.S. Traditional	$	563,440		$	555,573		$	513,673
	U.S. Non-Traditional	213,745			225,910			(46,407		)
	Canada	193,878			182,914			168,874
	Europe & South Africa	56,302			69,718			58,714
	Asia Pacific	56,724			154,362			191,957
	Corporate and Other	3,490			4,040			9,002
	Total	$	1,087,579		$	1,192,517		$	895,813
	The table above includes amortization of deferred acquisition costs, including the effect from investment related gains and losses.
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012
	Assets:
	U.S. Traditional	$	13,213,585		$	12,555,467
	U.S. Non-Traditional	11,716,908			12,368,896
	Canada	4,103,730			3,764,002
	Europe & South Africa	2,476,593			2,235,199
	Asia Pacific	3,423,269			3,208,732
	Corporate and Other	4,740,388			6,228,142
	Total	$	39,674,473		$	40,360,438
	Companies in which RGA has significant influence over the operating and financing decisions but are not required to be consolidated, are reported on the equity basis of accounting. The equity in the net income of such subsidiaries is not material to the results of operations or financial position of individual segments or the Company taken as a whole. Capital expenditures of each reporting segment were immaterial in the periods noted.
	No individual client generated 10% or more of the Company’s total gross premiums on a consolidated basis in 2013, 2012 and 2011. For the purpose of this disclosure, companies that are within the same insurance holding company structure are combined.

Equity_Based_Compensation

Equity Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Equity Based Compensation	'
	EQUITY BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company adopted the RGA Flexible Stock Plan (the “Plan”) in February 1993, as amended, and the Flexible Stock Plan for Directors (the “Directors Plan”) in January 1997, as amended, (collectively, the “Stock Plans”). The Stock Plans provide for the award of benefits (collectively “Benefits”) of various types, including stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, performance shares, cash awards, and other stock-based awards, to key employees, officers, directors and others performing significant services for the benefit of the Company or its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2013, shares authorized for the granting of Benefits under the Plan and the Directors Plan totaled 13,360,077 and 212,500 respectively. The Company uses treasury shares or shares made available from authorized but unissued shares to support the future exercise of options or settlement of awards granted under its stock plans.
	Equity-based compensation expense of $20.3 million, $28.5 million, and $23.1 million related to grants or awards under the Stock Plans was recognized in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Equity-based compensation expense is principally related to the issuance of stock options, performance contingent restricted units, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock.
	In general, options granted under the Plan become exercisable over vesting periods ranging from one to five years while options granted under the Directors Plan become exercisable after one year. Options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the stock’s fair value at the date of grant and expire 10 years after the date of grant. Information with respect to grants under the Stock Plans follows.
		Stock Options
		Number of		Weighted-Average			Aggregate Intrinsic			Performance
		Options		Exercise Price			Value (in millions)			Contingent Units
	Outstanding January 1, 2011	3,382,316		$	41.91					701,542
	Granted	503,259		$	59.74					222,580
	Exercised / Lapsed	(736,452	)	$	35.26					(146,638	)
	Forfeited	(42,243	)	$	45.5					(21,818	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2011	3,106,880		$	46.3					755,666
	Granted	685,331		$	56.65					257,679
	Exercised / Lapsed	(287,485	)	$	29.96					(282,035	)
	Forfeited	(50,331	)	$	52.89					(25,980	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2012	3,454,395		$	49.63					705,330
	Granted	748,577		$	58.77					261,322
	Exercised / Lapsed	(811,684	)	$	44.89					(224,377	)
	Forfeited	(40,028	)	$	53.85					(29,934	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2013	3,351,260		$	52.77		$	20.1		712,341
	Options exercisable	2,228,677		$	50.64		$	18.1
	The intrinsic value of options exercised was $11.3 million, $11.2 million, and $12.5 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
		Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number		Weighted-Average		Weighted-			Number			Weighted-Average
		Outstanding as		Remaining		Average Exercise			Exercisable as of			Exercise Price
		of 12/31/2013		Contractual Life (years)		Price			12/31/13
	$25.00 - $34.99	430,897		5		$	32.2		430,897			$	32.2
	$35.00 - $44.99	726		—		$	39.61		726			$	39.61
	$45.00 - $54.99	621,030		4.5		$	47.2		498,191			$	47.25
	$55.00 +	2,298,607		7.2		$	58.13		1,298,863			$	58.07
	Totals	3,351,260		6.4		$	52.77		2,228,677			$	50.64
	The Black-Scholes model was used to determine the fair value recognized in the financial statements of stock options that have been granted. The Company used daily historical volatility when calculating stock option values. The benchmark rate is based on observed interest rates for instruments with maturities similar to the expected term of the stock options. Dividend yield is determined based on historical dividend distributions compared to the price of the underlying common stock as of the valuation date and held constant over the life of the stock options. The Company estimated expected life using the historical average years to exercise or cancellation. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $18.58, $19.65 and $22.73 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 2013-expected dividend yield of 1.63%, benchmark interest rate of 1.36%, expected life of 6.8 years, and an expected rate of volatility of the stock of 35.4% over the expected life of the options; 2012—expected dividend yield of 1.27%, benchmark interest rate of 1.38%, expected life of 6.7 years, and an expected rate of volatility of the stock of 37.2% over the expected life of the options; and 2011- expected dividend yield of 0.80%, benchmark interest rate of 2.81%, expected life of 6.7 years, and an expected rate of volatility of the stock of 35.0% over the expected life of the options.
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011 the Company also issued 261,322, 257,679 and 222,580 performance contingent units (“PCUs”) to key employees at a weighted average fair value per unit of $58.77, $56.65 and $59.74, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, 257,628, 247,147 and 207,566 PCUs were outstanding from the 2013, 2012 and 2011 grants, respectively. Each PCU represents the right to receive up to two shares of Company common stock, depending on the results of certain performance measures over a three-year period. The compensation expense related to the PCUs is recognized ratably over the requisite performance period. In February 2013 and 2012, the board approved a 1.513 and 1.31 share payout for each PCU granted in 2010 and 2009, resulting in the issuance of 339,483 and 362,642 shares of common stock from treasury, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the financial statements was $27.3 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
	The majority of the awards granted each year under the board approved incentive compensation package and Directors Plan are made in the first quarter of each year.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share on net income (in thousands, except per share information):
		2013		2012		2011
	Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	418,837	$	631,893	$	546,045
	Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculations)	71,917		73,737		73,586
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	544		416		522
	Diluted shares (denominator for diluted calculations)	72,461		74,153		74,108
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	5.82	$	8.57	$	7.42
	Diluted	$	5.78	$	8.52	$	7.37
	The calculation of common equivalent shares does not include the impact of options having a strike or conversion price that exceeds the average stock price for the earnings period, as the result would be antidilutive. The calculation of common equivalent shares also excludes the impact of outstanding performance contingent shares, as the conditions necessary for their issuance have not been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. During 2013, all outstanding options were included in the calculation of common equivalent shares. Approximately 1.8 million and 1.1 million outstanding stock options were not included in the calculation of common equivalent shares during 2012 and 2011, respectively. Approximately 0.7 million, 0.7 million and 0.8 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation of common equivalent shares during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Comprehensive_Income

Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income	'
	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following table presents the components of the Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	(88,409	)	$	1,791		$	(86,618	)
	Foreign currency swap		40,347			(14,121		)	26,226
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		(48,062		)	(12,330		)	(60,392		)
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		(1,519,967		)	465,740			(1,054,227		)
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		9,355			(3,274		)	6,081
	Net unrealized gains		(1,529,322		)	469,014			(1,060,308		)
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		4,456			(1,560		)	2,896
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		525			(171		)	354
	Net loss arising during the period		21,624			(7,469		)	14,155
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		22,149			(7,640		)	14,509
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(1,550,779	)	$	447,484		$	(1,103,295	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	57,229		$	(6,244	)	$	50,985
	Foreign currency swap		(20,470		)	7,165			(13,305		)
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		36,759			921			37,680
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		786,449			(275,181		)	511,268
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		91,327			(31,964		)	59,363
	Net unrealized gains		695,122			(243,217		)	451,905
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		9,899			(3,465		)	6,434
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		298			(95		)	203
	Net loss arising during the period		(8,347		)	2,874			(5,473		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		(8,049		)	2,779			(5,270		)
	Other comprehensive income		$	733,731		$	(242,982	)	$	490,749
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	(28,779	)	$	121		$	(28,658	)
	Foreign currency swap		4,858			(1,700		)	3,158
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		(23,921		)	(1,579		)	(25,500		)
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		1,118,586			(302,134		)	816,452
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		72,841			(25,494		)	47,347
	Net unrealized gains		1,045,745			(276,640		)	769,105
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		(1,901		)	665			(1,236		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		460			(185		)	275
	Net gain arising during the period		(25,441		)	8,766			(16,675		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		(24,981		)	8,581			(16,400		)
	Other comprehensive income		$	994,942		$	(268,973	)	$	725,969
	-1	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
	A summary of the components of net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of balances carried at fair value is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	For the years ended December 31,		2013			2012			2011
	Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	(1,528,773	)	$	713,778		$	1,058,505
	Other investments(1)		(12,274		)	6,181			(7,213		)
	Effect on unrealized appreciation on:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		16,181			(14,938		)	(7,448		)
	Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		$	(1,524,866	)	$	705,021		$	1,043,844
	-1	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
	The balance of and changes in each component of AOCI were as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Accumulated			Unrealized			Pension and			Accumulated
			Currency			Appreciation			Postretirement			Other
Translation			(Depreciation)			Benefits			Comprehensive
Adjustments			of Investments						Income (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2013
Balance, beginning of year		$	267,475		$	1,877,657		$	(36,230	)	$	2,108,902
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(60,392		)	—			—			(60,392		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments(1)		—			(1,063,377		)	—			(1,063,377		)
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			2,896			—			2,896
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			11,577			11,577
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			3,069			2,932			6,001
Balance, end of year		$	207,083		$	820,245		$	(21,721	)	$	1,005,607
For the year ended December 31, 2012
Balance, beginning of year		$	229,795		$	1,419,318		$	(30,960	)	$	1,618,153
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		37,680			—			—			37,680
Unrealized gain on investments(1)		—			451,905			—			451,905
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			6,434			—			6,434
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			(5,270		)	(5,270		)
Balance, end of year		$	267,475		$	1,877,657		$	(36,230	)	$	2,108,902
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Balance, beginning of year		$	255,295		$	651,449		$	(14,560	)	$	892,184
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(25,500		)	—			—			(25,500		)
Unrealized gain on investments(1)		—			769,105			—			769,105
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			(1,236		)	—			(1,236		)
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			(16,400		)	(16,400		)
Balance, end of year		$	229,795		$	1,419,318		$	(30,960	)	$	1,618,153
-1	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
The following table presents the amounts of AOCI reclassifications for the year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
Details about AOCI Components		Amount Reclassified from AOCI			Affected Line Item in Statement of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities		$	9,355		Investment related gains (losses), net
Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap		1,012			Investment income
Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)		(16,181		)
		(5,814		)	Total before tax
		2,745			Tax expense
		$	(3,069	)	Net of tax
Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
Prior service cost(2)		$	(373	)
Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)		(4,138		)
		(4,511		)	Total before tax
		1,579			Tax benefit
		$	(2,932	)	Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period		$	(6,001	)	Net of tax
-1	This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” for additional details.
-2	These AOCI components are included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation

Quarterly Results of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information	'
	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	Years Ended December 31,
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	2013	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	Total Revenues	$	2,601,102	$	2,590,642		$	2,389,815	$	2,736,794
	Total benefits and expenses	2,322,275		2,665,400			2,188,120		2,507,304
	Income before income taxes	278,827		(74,758		)	201,695		229,490
	Net Income	185,535		(49,612		)	137,955		144,959
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.51	$	(0.69	)	$	1.95	$	2.05
	Diluted earnings per share	2.49		(0.69		)	1.93		2.03
	Dividends declared per share	$	0.24	$	0.24		$	0.3	$	0.3
	Market price of common stock
	Quarter end	$	59.67	$	69.11		$	66.99	$	77.41
	Common stock price, high	61.86		69.28			73.32		77.55
	Common stock price, low	54.33		57.14			63.95		66.99
	Total outstanding common shares - end of period	73,301		70,968			70,543		70,768
	2012	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	Total Revenues	$	2,292,975	$	2,375,753		$	2,449,081	$	2,723,102
	Total benefits and expenses	2,112,212		2,159,861			2,247,602		2,402,013
	Income before income taxes	180,763		215,892			201,479		321,089
	Net Income	123,318		141,111			144,475		222,989
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.68	$	1.91		$	1.96	$	3.02
	Diluted earnings per share	1.67		1.91			1.95		3
	Dividends declared per share	$	0.18	$	0.18		$	0.24	$	0.24
	Market price of common stock
	Quarter end	$	59.47	$	53.21		$	57.87	$	53.52
	Common stock price, high	59.97		59.87			60.69		60.2
	Common stock price, low	51.19		48.8			52.75		48.36
	Total outstanding common shares—end of period	73,712		73,722			73,852		73,927
	Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “RGA”. There were 70,615 stockholders of record of RGA’s common stock on January 31, 2014.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On February 20, 2014, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300.0 million of the RGA’s outstanding common stock. The authorization is effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. Repurchases would be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and would be made through market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or other means or a combination of these methods, with the timing and number of shares repurchased dependent on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate and regulatory requirements and market and business conditions. Repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2013.

Summary_of_Investments_Other_T

Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE I-SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN
	INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
	December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
	Type of Investment		Cost		Fair Value		Amount at Which Shown in the Balance Sheets(1)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Bonds:
	United States government and government agencies and authorities		$	490	$	501	$	501
	State and political subdivisions		313		321		321
	Foreign governments(2)		4,594		5,268		5,268
	Public utilities		1,904		1,978		1,978
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		9,793		10,133		10,133
	All other corporate bonds		3,177		3,273		3,273
	Total fixed maturity securities		20,271		21,474		21,474
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		82		82		82
	Other equity securities		327		324		324
	Total equity securities		409		406		406
	Mortgage loans on real estate		2,487				2,487
	Policy loans		1,244				1,244
	Funds withheld at interest		5,772				5,772
	Short-term investments		139				139
	Other invested assets		919				919
	Total investments		$	31,241			$	32,441
	-1	Fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value.
	-2	Includes fixed maturities directly issued by foreign governments, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises.

Condensed_Financial_Informatio

Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE II—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
	December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)
			2013			2012			2011
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value		$	502,455		$	604,896
	Short-term and other investments		261,853			64,681
	Cash and cash equivalents		24,137			52,680
	Investment in subsidiaries		7,534,714			8,148,532
	Loans to subsidiaries		1,101,751			1,025,000
	Other assets		204,887			155,190
	Total assets		$	9,629,797		$	10,050,979
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
	Long-term debt - unaffiliated(1)		$	2,294,278		$	1,895,181
	Long-term debt - affiliated(2)		500,000			500,000
	Other liabilities		899,992			745,611
	Stockholders’ equity		5,935,527			6,910,187
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	9,629,797		$	10,050,979
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	Interest / dividend income(3)		$	275,215		$	86,396		$	245,631
	Investment related gains (losses), net		1,714			4,515			1,723
	Operating expenses		(21,164		)	(26,431		)	(32,550		)
	Interest expense		(162,212		)	(143,260		)	(111,600		)
	Income (loss) before income tax and undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		93,553			(78,780		)	103,204
	Income tax expense (benefit)		33,850			(9,566		)	8,935
	Net income (loss) before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		59,703			(69,214		)	94,269
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		359,134			701,107			451,776
	Net income		418,837			631,893			546,045
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		21,033			9,984			(12,265		)
	Total comprehensive income		$	439,870		$	641,877		$	533,780
	The condensed financial information of RGA (the “Parent Company”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries and the notes thereto (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). These condensed unconsolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for RGA. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
	-1	Long-term debt - unaffiliated consists of the following:
			2013			2012
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065		$	398,657		$	398,727
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042		400,000			400,000
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023		398,533			—
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021		398,362			398,141
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019		399,602			399,534
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017		299,124			298,851
	Total		$	2,294,278		$	1,895,253
	Repayments of long-term debt—unaffiliated due over the next five years total $300,000, due 2017.
	-2	Long-term debt—affiliated in 2013 and 2012 and consists of $500,000 of subordinated debt issued to various operating subsidiaries.
	-3	Interest/Dividend income includes $175,000 and $190,000 of cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2013 and 2011, respectively. Cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2012 were not material.
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE II—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT (continued)
	December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)
			2013			2012			2011
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Operating activities:
	Net income		$	418,837		$	631,893		$	546,045
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(359,134		)	(701,107		)	(453,806		)
	Loss on retirement of trust preferred securities		—			—			4,391
	Other, net		162,586			134,232			143,716
	Net cash provided by operating activities		$	222,289		$	65,018		$	240,346
	Investing activities:
	Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	176,062		$	122,212		$	171,791
	Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		(103,566		)	(213,548		)	(116,010		)
	Purchases of subsidiary debt securities		(76,751		)	(250,000		)	(475,000		)
	Maturities of subsidiary debt securities		—			—			50,000
	Purchase of a business, net of cash acquired of $9,709		(2,805		)	—			—
Change in short-term investments		(96,967		)	—			—
Change in other invested assets		(79,023		)	5,718			(2,055		)
Capital contributions to subsidiaries		(144,459		)	(70,431		)	(105,575		)
Net cash used in investing activities		(327,509		)	(406,049		)	(476,849		)
Financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders		(77,642		)	(61,945		)	(44,229		)
Purchases of treasury stock		(269,204		)	(6,924		)	(380,345		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement		—			416			4,933
Exercise of stock options, net		28,390			(3,087		)	6,449
Principal payments on debt		—			—			(200,000		)
Maturity of trust preferred securities		—			—			(159,473		)
Proceeds from unaffiliated long-term debt issuance		398,533			400,000			397,788
Debt issuance costs		(3,400		)	(6,255		)	(3,400		)
Proceeds from affiliated long-term debt issuance		—			—			500,000
Proceeds from redemption and remarketing of trust preferred securities		—			—			154,588
Net cash provided by financing activities		76,677			322,205			276,311
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(28,543		)	(18,826		)	39,808
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		52,680			71,506			31,698
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	24,137		$	52,680		$	71,506
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest		$	141,615		$	130,047		$	98,809
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds		$	82,000		$	30,500		$	—

Supplementary_Insurance_Inform

Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Insurance Information	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE III—SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	(dollars in thousands)
		As of December 31,
		Deferred Policy						Future Policy Benefits  and						Other Policy Claims and
		Acquisition Costs						Interest-Sensitive Contract						Benefits Payable
								Liabilities
		Assumed			Ceded			Assumed			Ceded			Assumed			Ceded
	2013
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	1,621,623		$	(30,523	)	$	7,541,617		$	(244,897	)	$	1,260,329		$	(73,798	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	884,377			—			11,240,138			—			16,045			—
	Canada operations	259,575			(483		)	2,963,561			(233,735		)	206,245			(8,952		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	311,499			(9,492		)	1,093,285			(36,696		)	831,974			(35,328		)
	Asia Pacific operations	495,980			(14,760		)	1,675,887			(68,292		)	1,244,298			(25,041		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			299,845			—			12,870			(190		)
	Total	$	3,573,054		$	(55,258	)	$	24,814,333		$	(583,620	)	$	3,571,761		$	(143,309	)
	2012
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	1,559,482		$	(32,453	)	$	7,033,889		$	(231,383	)	$	1,194,461		$	(88,649	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	1,039,180			—			11,784,670			—			17,646			—
	Canada operations	271,656			(510		)	3,007,476			(236,586		)	210,334			(20,460		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	332,780			(10,599		)	887,404			(36,097		)	712,392			(20,570		)
	Asia Pacific operations	474,705			(14,967		)	1,712,908			(77,015		)	1,015,119			(36,534		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			300,011			(7		)	10,298			(255		)
	Total	$	3,677,803		$	(58,529	)	$	24,726,358		$	(581,088	)	$	3,160,250		$	(166,468	)
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE III—SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (continued)
	(dollars in thousands)
		Year ended December 31,
		Premium Income			Net Investment			Policyholder			Amortization of			Other Operating
					Income			Benefits and			DAC			Expenses
								Interest Credited
	2013
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	4,518,051		$	542,657		$	(3,981,276	)	$	(471,178	)	$	(244,614	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	22,521			721,282			(443,393		)	(185,396		)	(88,380		)
	Canada operations	962,311			204,851			(758,565		)	(178,566		)	(83,569		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	1,331,559			55,604			(1,165,432		)	(41,628		)	(125,306		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,419,828			91,927			(1,431,373		)	(36,035		)	(309,262		)
	Corporate and Other	(243		)	83,544			(807		)	—			(138,319		)
	Total	$	8,254,027		$	1,699,865		$	(7,780,846	)	$	(912,803	)	$	(989,450	)
	2012
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	4,308,780		$	535,589		$	(3,788,384	)	$	(461,117	)	$	(228,919	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	14,095			498,499			(335,581		)	(193,492		)	(78,731		)
	Canada operations	915,764			190,337			(706,744		)	(167,614		)	(78,935		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	1,308,462			45,576			(1,134,219		)	(50,174		)	(113,951		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,350,330			83,387			(1,081,010		)	(130,660		)	(238,497		)
	Corporate and Other	9,165			82,818			24			—			(133,684		)
	Total	$	7,906,596		$	1,436,206		$	(7,045,914	)	$	(1,003,057	)	$	(872,717	)
	2011
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	3,979,489		$	495,650		$	(3,518,170	)	$	(424,523	)	$	(216,094	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	13,189			362,886			(269,631		)	79,097			(140,097		)
	Canada operations	835,298			188,304			(673,105		)	(146,680		)	(71,293		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	1,194,477			44,351			(1,001,921		)	(35,833		)	(129,003		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,304,490			84,837			(1,077,982		)	(162,926		)	(147,272		)
	Corporate and Other	8,744			105,169			(768		)	(258		)	(129,508		)
	Total	$	7,335,687		$	1,281,197		$	(6,541,577	)	$	(691,123	)	$	(833,267	)

Supplemental_Schedule_of_Reins

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE IV—REINSURANCE
	(in millions)
		As of or for the Year ended December 31,
		Gross Amount		Ceded to Other		Assumed from			Net Amounts			Percentage of
				Companies		Other Companies						Amount Assumed
												to Net
	2013
	Life insurance in force	$	77	$	36,830	$	2,889,804		$	2,853,051		101.3	%
	Premiums
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	5.2	$	145.4	$	4,658.20		$	4,518.00		103.1	%
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	—		44.7		67.2			22.5			298.7
	Canada operations	—		54.2		1,016.50			962.3			105.6
	Europe & South Africa operations	—		28.1		1,359.70			1,331.60			102.1
	Asia Pacific operations	—		47		1,466.80			1,419.80			103.3
	Corporate and Other	—		—		(0.2		)	(0.2		)	100
	Total	$	5.2	$	319.4	$	8,568.20		$	8,254.00		103.8	%
	2012
	Life insurance in force	$	76	$	38,048	$	2,927,573		$	2,889,601		101.3	%
	Premiums
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	3.8	$	151.6	$	4,456.60		$	4,308.80		103.4	%
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	—		50.5		64.6			14.1			458.2
	Canada operations	—		52.9		968.6			915.7			105.8
	Europe & South Africa operations	—		29.5		1,338.00			1,308.50			102.3
	Asia Pacific operations	—		41.5		1,391.80			1,350.30			103.1
	Corporate and Other	—		—		9.2			9.2			100
	Total	$	3.8	$	326	$	8,228.80		$	7,906.60		104.1	%
	2011
	Life insurance in force	$	76	$	39,987	$	2,664,353		$	2,624,442		101.5	%
	Premiums
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	2.6	$	144.7	$	4,121.60		$	3,979.50		103.6	%
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	—		52.3		65.5			13.2			496.2
	Canada operations	—		104.7		940.1			835.3			112.6
	Europe & South Africa operations	—		30		1,224.40			1,194.50			102.5
	Asia Pacific operations	—		36.8		1,341.30			1,304.50			102.8
	Corporate and Other	—		—		8.7			8.7			100
	Total	$	2.6	$	368.5	$	7,701.60		$	7,335.70		105	%

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE V—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in millions)
	Description	Balance at		Charges to Costs		Charged to Other		Deductions		Balance at End of
		Beginning of		and Expenses		Accounts				Period
		Period
	2013
	Allowance on income taxes	$	10.1	$	23.5	$	68.6	$	—	$	102.2
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	11.6		1.9		—		3.4		10.1
	2012
	Allowance on income taxes	$	8.6	$	—	$	1.6	$	0.1	$	10.1
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	11.8		6.3		—		6.5		11.6
	2011
	Allowance on income taxes	$	3.9	$	—	$	5.4	$	0.7	$	8.6
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	6.2		9.5		—		3.9		11.8

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred policy acquisition costs, premiums receivable, future policy benefits, incurred but not reported claims, income taxes, valuation of investments and investment impairments, and valuation of embedded derivatives. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used by management.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, and any variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary. Entities in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financing decisions but are not required to be consolidated are reported under the equity method of accounting. The Company evaluates variable interest entities in accordance with the general accounting principles for Consolidation. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	There were no subsequent events, other than as disclosed in Note 20 - "Subsequent Event", that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying consolidated financial statements through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.
Investments	'
	Investments
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value and are so classified based upon the possibility that such securities could be sold prior to maturity if that action enables the Company to execute its investment philosophy and appropriately match investment results to operating and liquidity needs.
	Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale, less applicable deferred income taxes as well as related adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, if applicable, are reflected as a direct charge or credit to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Investment income is recognized as it accrues or is legally due. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in investment related gains (losses), net, as are credit impairments that are other-than-temporary in nature. The cost of investments sold is primarily determined based upon the specific identification method.
	Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
	Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any unamortized premium or discount and valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the mortgage loan based on its contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. The Company accrues interest on loans until it is probable the Company will not receive interest or the loan is 90 days past due. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts and prepayment fees are reported in investment income, net of related expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
	A mortgage loan is considered to be impaired when, based on the current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the mortgage agreement. Valuation allowances on mortgage loans are established based upon inherent losses expected by management to be realized in connection with future dispositions or settlement of mortgage loans, including foreclosures. The Company establishes valuation allowances for estimated impairments on an individual loan basis as of the balance sheet date. Such valuation allowances are based on the excess carrying value of the loan over the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, the value of the loan’s collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or the loan’s market value if the loan is being sold. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for mortgage loans based upon several loan factors, including the Company’s historical experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics and industry statistics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. In addition to historical experience, management considers qualitative factors that include the impact of changing macro economic conditions, which may not be currently reflected in the loan portfolio performance, and the quality of the loan portfolio per internal credit quality ratings. Any interest accrued or received on the net carrying amount of the impaired loan will be included in investment income or applied to the principal of the loan, depending on the assessment of the collectability of the loan. Mortgage loans deemed to be uncollectible or that have been foreclosed are charged off against the valuation allowances and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the valuation allowances. Changes in valuation allowances are reported in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company evaluates whether a mortgage loan modification represents a troubled debt restructuring. In a troubled debt restructuring, the Company grants concessions related to the borrower’s financial difficulties. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The Company considers the amount, timing and extent of the concession granted in determining any impairment or changes in the specific valuation allowance recorded in connection with the troubled debt restructuring. Through the continuous monitoring process, the Company may have recorded a specific valuation allowance prior to when the mortgage loan is modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Accordingly, the carrying value (after specific valuation allowance) before and after modification through a troubled debt restructuring may not change significantly, or may increase if the expected recovery is higher than the pre-modification recovery assessment.
	The Company’s internal credit quality rating model is used to estimate the probability of mortgage loan default and the likelihood of loss upon default. The rating scale ranges from “high investment grade” to “in or near default” with high investment grade being the highest quality and least likely to default and lose principal. Likewise, a rating of in or near default indicates the lowest quality and the most likely to default or lose principal. All loans are assigned a rating at origination and ratings are updated at least annually. Lower rated loans appear on the Company’s watch list and are re-evaluated more frequently. The debt service coverage ratio and the loan to value ratio are the most heavily weighted factors in determining the loan rating. Other factors involved in determining the final rating are loan amortization, tenant rollover, location and market stability, and borrowers’ financial condition and experience.
Policy Loans Receivable	'
	Policy Loans
	Policy loans are reported at the unpaid principal balance. Interest income on such loans is recorded as earned using the contractually agreed upon interest rate. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy.
	Funds Withheld at Interest
	Funds withheld at interest represent amounts contractually withheld by ceding companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements. For agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets which support the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned by the ceding company. Interest, recorded in investment income in the consolidated statements of income, accrues to these assets at calculated rates as defined by the treaty terms.
	Short-term Investments
	Short-term investments represent investments with remaining maturities greater than three months but less than twelve months, at the date of purchase, and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value. Interest on short-term investments is recorded in investment income in the consolidated statements of income.
	Other Invested Assets
	In addition to derivative contracts discussed below, other invested assets include equity securities, contractholder-directed investments, limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures, real estate-held-for-investment and structured loans. Equity securities are primarily carried at fair value. The fair value option ("FVO") was elected for contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate accounts. Changes in estimated fair value of these securities are included in investment related gains (losses), net. Limited partnership interests and structured loans are primarily carried at cost. Based on the nature and structure of these investments, they do not meet the characteristics of an equity security in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Real estate joint ventures and certain limited partnerships are reported using the equity method of accounting.
	Real estate held-for-investment, including related improvements, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the property. The Company’s real estate held-for-investment is primarily acquired upon foreclosure of mortgage loans and is recorded at the lower of estimated fair value or the carrying value of the respective mortgage loan, less cost to sell, at the date of foreclosure.
	Other-than-Temporary Impairment
	The Company identifies fixed maturity and equity securities that could potentially have credit impairments that are other-than-temporary by monitoring market events that could impact issuers’ credit ratings, business climates, management changes, litigation, government actions and other similar factors. The Company also monitors late payments, pricing levels, rating agency actions, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.
	The Company reviews all securities on a case-by-case basis to determine whether an other-than-temporary decline in value exists and whether losses should be recognized. The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether a credit or interest rate-related impairment of a security is other-than-temporary. Relevant facts and circumstances considered include: (1)the extent and length of time the fair value has been below cost; (2) the reasons for the decline in fair value; (3) the issuers financial position and access to capital; and (4) for fixed maturity securities, the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost which, in some cases, may extend to maturity and for equity securities, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time that allows for the recovery in value. To the extent the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.
	Impairment losses on equity securities are reported in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income. Impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in the financial statements are dependent on the facts and circumstances related to the specific security. If the Company intends to sell a security or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, less any recorded credit loss, it recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If neither of these two conditions exists then the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated and the Company recognizes the credit loss portion in investment related gains (losses), net and the non-credit loss portion in AOCI.
	The Company estimates the amount of the credit loss component of a fixed maturity security impairment as the difference between amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows of the security. The present value is determined using the best estimate cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an asset-backed or floating rate security. The techniques and assumptions for establishing the best estimate cash flows vary depending on the type of security. The asset-backed securities’ cash flow estimates are based on security-specific facts and circumstances that may include collateral characteristics, expectations of delinquency and default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds and structural support, including subordination and guarantees. The corporate fixed maturity security cash flow estimates are derived from scenario-based outcomes of expected corporate restructurings or the disposition of assets using security specific facts and circumstances including timing, security interests and loss severity.
	In periods after an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized on a fixed maturity security, the Company will report the impaired security as if it had been purchased on the date it was impaired and will continue to estimate the present value of the estimated cash flows of the security. Accordingly, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis is accreted into net investment income over the remaining term of the fixed maturity security in a prospective manner based on the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows.
	The cost of other invested assets is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other-than-temporary in the period in which the determination is made. These impairments are included within investment related gains (losses), net and the cost basis of the investment securities is reduced accordingly. The Company does not change the revised cost basis for subsequent recoveries in value.
	The Company considers its cost method investments for other-than-temporary impairment when the carrying value of these investments exceeds the net asset value. The Company takes into consideration the severity and duration of this excess when deciding if the cost method investment is other-than-temporarily impaired. For equity method investments (including real estate ventures), the Company considers financial and other information provided by the investee, other known information and inherent risks in the underlying investments, as well as future capital commitments, in determining whether an impairment has occurred.
	The Company periodically reviews its real estate held-for-investment for impairment and tests these investments for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable and the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair value. Properties for which carrying values are greater than their undiscounted cash flows are written down to the estimated fair value.
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	Overview
	The Company utilizes a variety of derivative instruments including swaps, options, forwards and futures, primarily to manage or hedge interest rate risk, credit risk, inflation risk, foreign currency risk, market volatility and various other market risks associated with its business. The Company does not invest in derivatives for speculative purposes. It is the Company’s policy to enter into derivative contracts primarily with highly rated parties. See Note 5 – “Derivative Instruments” for additional detail on the Company’s derivative positions.
	Accounting and Financial Statement Presentation of Derivatives
	Derivatives are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Certain derivatives are subject to master netting provisions and reported as a net asset or liability. On the date a derivative contract is executed, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a fair value hedge, (2) a cash flow hedge, (3) a net investment hedge in a foreign operation or (4) free-standing derivatives held for other risk management purposes, which primarily involve managing asset or liability risks associated with the Company’s reinsurance treaties which do not qualify for hedge accounting.
	Changes in the fair value of free-standing derivative instruments, which do not receive accounting hedge treatment, are reflected in investment related gains (losses), net.
	Hedge Documentation and Hedge Effectiveness
	To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge as either (i) a fair value hedge; (ii) a cash flow hedge; or (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. In this documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method which will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.
	Under a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative, including amounts measured as ineffective, and changes in the fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported within investment related gains (losses), net. The fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item.
	Under a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative measured as effective are reported within AOCI and the deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the consolidated statement of income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffective are reported within investment related gains (losses), net. The fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item.
	In a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative that are measured as effective are reported within AOCI consistent with the translation adjustment for the hedged net investment in the foreign operation. Changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffective are reported within investment related gains (losses), net.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.
	When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in investment related gains (losses), net. The carrying value of the hedged asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction occurrence is still probable, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the consolidated statement of income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
	When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in investment related gains (losses), net. Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in investment related gains (losses), net.
	In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as investment related gains (losses), net.
	Embedded Derivatives
	The Company reinsures certain annuity products that contain terms that are deemed to be embedded derivatives, primarily equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits. The Company assesses reinsurance contract terms to identify embedded derivatives which are required to be bifurcated under the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. If the contract is not reported for in its entirety at fair value and it is determined that the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and that a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for separately.
	Such embedded derivatives are carried on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value in the same line item as the host contract. Changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with equity-indexed annuities are reflected in interest credited on the consolidated statements of income and changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity guaranteed minimum benefits are reflected in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income. See “Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities” below for additional information on embedded derivatives related to equity-indexed and variable annuities. The Company has implemented an economic hedging strategy to mitigate the volatility associated with its reinsurance of variable annuity guaranteed minimum benefits. The hedging strategy is designed such that changes in the fair value of the hedge contracts, primarily futures, swap contracts and options, move in the opposite direction of changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives. While the Company actively manages its hedging program, the hedges that are in place may not be totally effective in offsetting the embedded derivative changes due to the many variables that must be managed. The Company has elected not to assess this hedging strategy for hedge accounting treatment.
	Additionally, reinsurance treaties written on a modified coinsurance or funds withheld basis are subject to the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging related to embedded derivatives. The Company’s funds withheld at interest balances are primarily associated with its reinsurance treaties structured on a modified coinsurance or funds withheld basis, the majority of which were subject to the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging related to embedded derivatives. Management believes the embedded derivative feature in each of these reinsurance treaties is similar to a total return swap on the assets held by the ceding companies. The valuation of the embedded derivatives related to these reinsurance treaties is sensitive to the credit spread environment. The calculation of the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives includes the effect associated with the Company’s own credit risk. A decline in the Company’s credit ratings would result in a decrease in the embedded derivative liability. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is included in the funds withheld at interest line item on the consolidated balance sheets. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives is recorded in investment related gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company has entered into various financial reinsurance treaties on a funds withheld and modified coinsurance basis. These treaties do not transfer significant insurance risk and are recorded on a deposit method of accounting with the Company earning a net fee. As a result of the experience refund provisions contained in these treaties, the value of the embedded derivatives in these contracts is currently considered immaterial. The Company monitors the performance of these treaties on a quarterly basis. Significant adverse performance or losses on these treaties may result in a loss associated with the embedded derivative.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, establish a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. In compliance with these principles, the Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), the second highest priority to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
	If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
	See Note 6 - “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” for further details on the Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Premiums Receivable	'
	Premiums Receivable
	Premiums are accrued when due and in accordance with information received from the ceding company. When the Company enters into a new reinsurance agreement, it records accruals based on the terms of the reinsurance treaty. Similarly, when a ceding company fails to report information on a timely basis, the Company records accruals based on the terms of the reinsurance treaty as well as historical experience. Other management estimates include adjustments for increased in force on existing treaties, lapsed premiums given historical experience, the financial health of specific ceding companies, collateral value and the legal right of offset on related amounts (i.e. allowances and claims) owed to the ceding company. Under the legal right of offset provisions in its reinsurance treaties, the Company can withhold payments for allowances and claims from unpaid premiums. Based on its review of these factors and historical experience, the Company did not believe a provision for doubtful accounts was necessary as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	Costs of acquiring new business, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new business, have been deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Such costs include commissions and allowances as well as certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting. Non-commission costs related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts may be deferred only if they meet the following criteria:
	•	Incremental direct costs of a successful contract acquisition
	•	Portions of employees’ salaries and benefits directly related to time spent performing specified acquisition activities for a contract that has been acquired or renewed
	•	Other costs directly related to the specified acquisition or renewal activities that would not have been incurred had that acquisition contract transaction not occurred
	The Company tests the recoverability for each year of business at issue before establishing additional deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”). The Company also performs annual tests to establish that DAC are expected to remain recoverable, and if financial performance significantly deteriorates to the point where a deficiency exists, a cumulative charge to current operations will be recorded. No such adjustments related to DAC recoverability were made in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	DAC related to traditional life insurance contracts are amortized with interest over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of individual period premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues over the life of the policy. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits.
	DAC related to interest-sensitive life and investment-type policies are amortized over the lives of the policies, in proportion to the gross profits realized from mortality, investment income less interest credited, and expense margins.
Other Reinsurance Balances	'
	Other Reinsurance Balances
	The Company assumes and retrocedes financial reinsurance contracts that do not expose it to a reasonable possibility of loss from insurance risk. These contracts are reported as deposits and are included in other reinsurance assets/liabilities. The amount of revenue reported in other revenues on these contracts represents fees and the cost of insurance under the terms of the reinsurance agreement. Assets and liabilities are reported on a net or gross basis, depending on the specific details within each treaty. Reinsurance agreements reported on a net basis, where a legal right of offset exists, are generally included in other reinsurance balances on the consolidated balance sheets. Balances resulting from the assumption and/or subsequent transfer of benefits and obligations resulting from cash flows related to variable annuities have also been classified as other reinsurance balance assets and/or liabilities. Other reinsurance assets are included in premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances while other reinsurance liabilities are included in other reinsurance balances on the consolidated balance sheets.
Goodwill and Value of Business Acquired	'
	Goodwill and Value of Business Acquired
	Goodwill, reported in other assets, is not amortized into results of operations, but instead is reviewed at least annually for impairment and written down only in the periods in which the recorded value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Goodwill as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $7.0 million. The value of business acquired (“VOBA”) is amortized in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues or in relation to the present value of estimated profits. Anticipated premium revenues have been estimated using assumptions consistent with those used in estimating reserves for future policy benefits. The carrying value is reviewed at least annually for indicators of impairment in value. The VOBA was approximately $5.5 million and $0.6 million, including accumulated amortization of $13.0 million and $24.8 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The VOBA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. These amortized balances are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Future amortization of the VOBA is not material.
	The increase in the VOBA balance as of December 31, 2013 is related to acquisition of Leidsche Verzekeringen Maatschappij N.V. On August 13, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of the Dutch life insurance company for a total purchase price of $12.5 million. The purchase price was allocated to $147.3 million of assets and $134.8 million of liabilities at the date of acquisition. The purchased life insurance company primarily sells term life and unit-linked variable annuity policies. The acquisition will allow the Company to better pursue additional reinsurance opportunities in the Dutch market.
Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired	'
	Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired
	Value of distribution agreements (“VODA”) is reported in other assets and represents the present value of future profits associated with the expected future business derived from the distribution agreements. Value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) is also reported in other assets and represents the present value of the expected future profits associated with the expected future business acquired through existing customers of the acquired company or business. The Company’s VODA and VOCRA are related to the acquisition of Reliastar Life Insurance Company’s U.S. and Canadian group life, accident and health reinsurance business in 2010. The VODA is amortized over a useful life of 15 years and the VOCRA is also amortized over a 15 year period in proportion to expected revenues generated. Such amortization is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses. Each year the Company reviews VODA and VOCRA to determine the recoverability of these balances. VODA and VOCRA totaled approximately $85.8 million and $95.9 million, including accumulated amortization of $34.9 million and $24.8 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The VODA and VOCRA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $10.1 million, $10.5 million and $10.9 million, respectively. Amortization of the VODA and VOCRA is estimated to be $9.5 million, $9.4 million, $9.0 million, $8.7 million and $8.3 million during 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	In addition to the goodwill, VOBA, VODA and VOCRA, other assets primarily includes unamortized debt issuance costs, corporate-owned life insurance, capitalized software, and other capitalized assets. Capitalized software is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Purchased software costs, as well as internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had unamortized computer software costs of approximately $49.6 million and $43.2 million, respectively. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company amortized computer software costs of $6.9 million, $6.5 million, and $4.3 million, respectively. Amortization of software costs is recorded on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to ten years. Carrying values are reviewed periodically for indicators of impairment in value.
Future Policy Benefits	'
	Future Policy Benefits
	Liabilities for future benefits on life policies are established in an amount adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. Liabilities for future policy benefits under long-term life insurance policies have been computed based upon expected investment yields, mortality and withdrawal (lapse) rates, and other assumptions. These assumptions include a margin for adverse deviation and vary with the characteristics of the plan of insurance, year of issue, age of insured, and other appropriate factors. Interest rates range from 3.0% to 6.0%. The mortality and withdrawal assumptions are based on the Company’s experience as well as industry experience and standards. In establishing reserves for future policy benefits, the Company assigns policy liability assumptions to particular timeframes (eras) in such a manner as to be consistent with the underlying assumptions and economic conditions at the time the risks are assumed. The Company maintains a consistent approach to setting the provision for adverse deviation between eras.
	Liabilities for future benefits on longevity business are established in an amount adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. Liabilities for future benefits related to the longevity business have been calculated using expected mortality, investment yields, and other assumptions. These assumptions include a margin for adverse deviation and vary with the characteristics of the plan of insurance, year of issue, age of insured, and other appropriate factors. The mortality assumptions are based on the Company’s experience as well as industry experience and standards. A deferred profit liability is established when the gross premium exceeds the net premium.
	The Company periodically reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the assumptions used to establish policy benefits. The Company establishes premium deficiency reserves if actual and anticipated experience indicates that existing policy liabilities together with the present value of future gross premiums will not be sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs and to recover unamortized acquisition costs. Anticipated investment income is considered in the calculation of premium deficiency losses for short duration contracts. The premium deficiency reserve is established by a charge to income, as well as a reduction in unamortized acquisition costs and, to the extent there are no unamortized acquisition costs, an increase in future policy benefits.
	The reserving process includes normal periodic reviews of assumptions used and adjustments of reserves to incorporate the refinement of the assumptions. Any such adjustments relate only to policies assumed in recent periods and the adjustments are reflected by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations.
	The Company reinsures disability products in various markets. Liabilities for future benefits on disability policies’ active lives are established in an amount adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. These reserves are the amounts which, with the additional premiums to be received and interest thereon compounded annually at certain assumed rates, are calculated to be sufficient to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature.
	The Company establishes future policy benefits for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) relating to the reinsurance of certain variable annuity contracts by estimating the expected value of death benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognizing the excess proportionally over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The Company regularly evaluates estimates used and adjusts the additional liability balance, with a related charge or credit to claims and other policy benefits, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised. The assumptions used in estimating the GMDB liabilities are consistent with those used for amortizing DAC, and are thus subject to the same variability and risk. The Company’s GMDB liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were not material.
Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities	'
	Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities
	Liabilities for future benefits on interest-sensitive life and investment-type contract liabilities are carried at the accumulated contract holder values without reduction for potential surrender or withdrawal charges. The Company reinsures asset-intensive products, including annuities and corporate-owned life insurance. The investment portfolios for these products are segregated for management purposes within the general account of RGA Reinsurance. The liabilities under asset-intensive reinsurance contracts reinsured on a coinsurance basis are included in interest-sensitive contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Asset-intensive contracts principally include traditional individual fixed annuities in the accumulation phase, single premium immediate annuities, equity-indexed annuities and individual variable annuity contracts. Interest-sensitive contract liabilities are equal to (i) policy account values, which consist of an accumulation of gross premium payments; (ii) credited interest less expenses, mortality charges, and withdrawals; and (iii) fair value adjustments relating to business combinations. Liabilities for immediate annuities are calculated as the present value of the expected cash flows, with the locked-in discount rate determined such that there is no gain or loss at inception. Additionally, certain annuity contracts the Company reinsures contain terms, such as guaranteed minimum benefits and equity participation options, which are deemed to be embedded derivatives and are accounted for based on the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging.
	The Company establishes liabilities for guaranteed minimum living benefits relating to certain variable annuity products as follows:
	Guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) provide the contract holder, after a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, with a minimum level of income (annuity) payments. Under the reinsurance treaty, the Company makes a payment to the ceding company equal to the GMIB net amount-at-risk at the time of annuitization and thus these contracts meet the net settlement criteria of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging and the Company assumes no mortality risk. Accordingly, the GMIB is considered an embedded derivative, which is measured at fair value separately from the host variable annuity product.
	Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) guarantee the contract holder a return of their purchase payment via partial withdrawals, even if the account value is reduced to zero, provided that the contract holder’s cumulative withdrawals in a contract year do not exceed a certain limit. The initial guaranteed withdrawal amount is equal to the initial benefit base as defined in the contract (typically, the initial purchase payments plus applicable bonus amounts). The GMWB is also an embedded derivative, which is measured at fair value separately from the host variable annuity product.
	Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) provide the contract holder, after a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, with a minimum accumulation of their purchase payments even if the account value is reduced to zero. The initial guaranteed accumulation amount is equal to the initial benefit base as defined in the contract (typically, the initial purchase payments plus applicable bonus amounts). The GMAB is also an embedded derivative, which is measured at fair value separately from the host variable annuity product.
	For GMIB, GMWB and GMAB, the initial benefit base is increased by additional purchase payments made within a certain time period and decreased by benefits paid and/or withdrawal amounts. After a specified period of time, the benefit base may also increase as a result of an optional reset as defined in the contract.
	The fair values of the GMIB, GMWB and GMAB embedded derivative liabilities are reflected in interest-sensitive contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and are calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges over the lives of the contracts. These projected cash flows incorporate expectations concerning policyholder behavior, such as lapses, withdrawals and benefit selections, and capital market assumptions such as interest rates and equity market volatilities. In measuring the fair value of GMIBs, GMWBs and GMABs, the Company attributes a portion of the fees collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of expected future guaranteed minimum income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits (at inception). The changes in fair value are reported in investment related gains (losses), net. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in other revenues on the consolidated statements of income. These variable annuity guaranteed living benefits may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining markets, causing an increase in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, negatively affecting net income.
	The Company reinsures equity-indexed annuity contracts. These contracts allow the contract holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity market component where interest credited is based on the performance of common stock market indices, such as the S&P 500 Index®, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, or the NASDAQ. The equity market option is considered an embedded derivative, similar to a call option, which is reflected at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in interest-sensitive contract liabilities. The fair value of embedded derivatives is computed based on a projection of future equity option costs using a budget methodology, discounted back to the balance sheet date using current market indicators of volatility and interest rates. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are included as a component of interest credited on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company reviews its estimates of actuarial liabilities for interest-sensitive contract liabilities and compares them with its actual experience. Differences between actual experience and the assumptions used in pricing these guarantees and benefits and in the establishment of the related liabilities result in variances in profit and could result in losses. The effects of changes in such estimated liabilities are included in the results of operations in the period in which the changes occur.
Other Policy Claims and Benefits	'
	Other Policy Claims and Benefits
	Claims payable for incurred but not reported losses are determined using case-basis estimates and lag studies of past experience. The time lag from the date of the claim or death to when the ceding company reports the claim to the Company can vary significantly by ceding company, business segment and product type, but generally averages around 3.0 months. Incurred but not reported claims are estimates on an undiscounted basis, using actuarial estimates of historical claims expense, adjusted for current trends and conditions. These estimates are continually reviewed and the ultimate liability may vary significantly from the amount recognized, which are reflected in claims and other policy benefits in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which they are determined.
Other Liabilities	'
	Other Liabilities
	Other liabilities primarily include investments in transit, separate accounts, employee benefits and current federal income taxes payable.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	RGA and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The U.S. consolidated tax return includes the operations of RGA, RGA Americas, RGA Reinsurance, RGA Barbados, RGA Technology Partners, Inc., RCM, Timberlake Reinsurance Company II (“Timberlake Re”), Reinsurance Partners, Inc., RGA Worldwide Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“RGA Worldwide”), Rockwood Reinsurance Company (“Rockwood Re”), Parkway Reinsurance Company (“Parkway Re”), Castlewood Reinsurance Company (“Castlewood Re”) and RGA Capital LLC. The Company’s Australian, certain Barbadian, Bermudian, Canadian, South African, Indian, Irish, Singaporean, Brazilian, United Arab Emirates, Dutch and United Kingdom subsidiaries are taxed under applicable local statutes.
	The Company provides for federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are recognized in net income or in certain cases in OCI. The Company’s accounting for income taxes represents management’s best estimate of various events and transactions considering the laws enacted as of the reporting date.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates in the relevant jurisdictions expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
	The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable tax jurisdiction. The Company has deferred tax assets related to net operating and capital losses. The Company has projected its ability to utilize its U.S. and foreign net operating losses and has determined that all of the U.S. losses are expected to be utilized prior to their expiration and established a valuation allowance on the portion of the foreign deferred tax assets the Company believes more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
	The Company will establish a valuation allowance if management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established as well as the amount of such allowances. When making such a determination, consideration is given to, among other things, the following:
	(i)	future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;
	(ii)	future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
	(iii)	taxable income in prior carryback years; and
	(iv)	tax planning strategies.
	Any such changes could significantly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements in the year these changes occur. The Company accounts for its total liability for uncertain tax positions considering the recognition and measurement thresholds established in general accounting principles for income taxes. The tax effects of a position are recognized in the consolidated statement of income only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Unrecognized tax benefits due to tax uncertainties that do not meet the more likely than not criteria are included within other liabilities and are charged to earnings in the period that such determination is made. The Company classifies interest related to tax uncertainties as interest expense whereas penalties related to tax uncertainties are classified as a component of income tax.
Collateral Finance Facility	'
	Collateral Finance Facility
	Collateral finance facility represents financing transactions to fund collateral requirements for regulatory reserves on specified insurance policies reinsured by the Company’s regulated subsidiaries. The cost of the facility is reflected in collateral finance facility expense. See Note 14 - "Collateral Finance Facility" for additional information.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The translation of the foreign currency into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using weighted-average exchange rates during each year. Gains or losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, resulting from such translation are included in accumulated currency translation adjustments, in AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets until the underlying functional currency operation is sold or substantially liquidated. The Company’s material functional currencies are the U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Korean won, Euro and South African rand.
Recognition of Revenues and Related Expenses	'
	Recognition of Revenues and Related Expenses
	Life and health premiums are recognized as revenue when due from the insured, and are reported net of amounts retroceded. Benefits and expenses are reported net of amounts retroceded and are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the related contract. This association is accomplished through the provision for future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Other revenue includes items such as treaty recapture fees, fees associated with financial reinsurance and policy changes on interest-sensitive and investment-type products that the Company reinsures. Any fees that are collected in advance of the period benefited are deferred and recognized over the period benefited.
	For certain reinsurance transactions involving in force blocks of business, the ceding company pays a premium equal to the initial required reserve (future policy benefit). In such transactions, for income statement presentation, the Company nets the expense associated with the establishment of the reserve on the consolidated balance sheets against the premiums from the transaction.
	Revenues for interest-sensitive and investment-type products consist of investment income, policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders that have been assessed against policy account balances during the period. Interest-sensitive contract liabilities for these products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expenses include claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policies or contracts.
	For each of its reinsurance contracts, the Company must determine if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with GAAP. The Company must review all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the Company is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. If the Company determines that a contract does not expose it to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the contract on a deposit method of accounting with any net amount receivable reflected as an asset within premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances, and any net amount payable reflected as a liability within other reinsurance balances on the consolidated balance sheets. Fees earned on the contracts are reflected as other revenues, rather than premiums, on the consolidated statements of income.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Equity Based Compensation
	The Company expenses the fair value of stock awards included in its incentive compensation plans. As of the date stock awards are approved, the fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes options valuation methodology, and the fair value of other stock awards is based upon the market value of the stock. The fair value of the awards is expensed over the performance or service period, which generally corresponds to the vesting period, and is recognized as an increase to additional paid-in-capital in stockholders’ equity. Stock-based compensation expense is reflected in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share exclude any dilutive effects of any outstanding options. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effects assuming outstanding stock options were exercised.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Adoption of New Accounting Standards
	Basis of Presentation
	In December 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Balance Sheet as it relates to the disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendment requires disclosures about the Company’s rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. This amendment also requires the disclosure of both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Balance Sheet as it relates to the disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. This amendment clarifies that the scope of the Balance Sheet amendment made in December 2011 applies only to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or a similar agreement. These amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company adopted these amendments and the required disclosures are provided in Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments”.
	Transfers and Servicing
	In April 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the reconsideration of effective control for repurchase agreements. This amendment removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets and also removes the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
	In May 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures as it relates to the measurement and disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. This amendment clarifies the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. It also changes particular principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this amendment and the required disclosures are provided in Note 6 - “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities.”
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	In October 2010, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Financial Services – Insurance as it relates to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This amendment clarifies that only those costs that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction not occurred can be capitalized. It also defines acquisitions costs as costs that are related directly to the successful acquisitions of new or renewal insurance contracts. The amendment is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The retrospective adoption of this amendment on January 1, 2012, resulted in a reduction in the Company’s deferred acquisition cost asset and a corresponding reduction to equity, reflected in the financial statements. There will be a decrease in amortization subsequent to adoption due to the reduced deferred acquisition cost asset. There has also been a reduction in the level of future costs the Company defers; thereby increasing expenses incurred in future periods. The cumulative effect of the adoption of this amendment was a decrease to total stockholders’ equity of $318.4 million and a decrease in the deferred policy acquisition costs balance of $470.1 million on January 1, 2012.
	Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendment requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. This amendment also requires entities to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. However, this is only necessary if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this amendment and the required disclosures are provided in Note 18 - “Comprehensive Income.”
	In June 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the presentation of comprehensive income. This amendment requires entities to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the presentation of comprehensive income. This amendment defers the requirement to present the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s consolidated statements of income, which was required in the Comprehensive Income amendment made in June 2011. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted these amendments and the required presentation is provided in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
	Income Taxes
	In July 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Income Taxes as it relates to the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity and equity securities by sector as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2013:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated		% of Total		Other-than-
			Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value				temporary
																			impairments
																			in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	11,697,394			$	616,147			$	202,786			$	12,110,755	56.4	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,728,111				669,762				16,848				3,381,025		15.7		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		970,434				38,126				18,917				989,643		4.6		(300		)
	Asset-backed securities		891,751				18,893				15,812				894,832		4.2		(2,259		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,314,782				91,651				17,487				1,388,946		6.5		(1,609		)
	U.S. government and agencies		489,631				16,468				4,748				501,351		2.3		—
	State and political subdivisions		313,252				21,907				14,339				320,820		1.5		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,865,379				45,347				23,962				1,886,764		8.8		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	20,270,734			$	1,518,301			$	314,899			$	21,474,136	100	%	$	(4,168	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	81,993			$	5,342			$	5,481			$	81,854	20.2	%
	Other equity securities		327,479				618				4,220				323,877		79.8
	Total equity securities		$	409,472			$	5,960			$	9,701			$	405,731	100	%
	December 31, 2012:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated		% of Total		Other-than-
			Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value				temporary
																			impairments
																			in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	11,333,431			$	1,085,973			$	39,333			$	12,380,071	55.5	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,676,777				1,372,731				174				4,049,334		18.2		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		969,267				76,520				3,723				1,042,064		4.7		(241		)
	Asset-backed securities		700,455				19,898				28,798				691,555		3.1		(2,259		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,608,376				142,369				51,842				1,698,903		7.6		(6,125		)
	U.S. government and agencies		231,256				33,958				24				265,190		1.2		—
	State and political subdivisions		270,086				38,058				5,646				302,498		1.4		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,769,784				94,929				2,714				1,861,999		8.3		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	19,559,432			$	2,864,436			$	132,254			$	22,291,614	100	%	$	(8,625	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	68,469			$	6,542			$	170			$	74,841	33.6	%
	Other equity securities		148,577				416				1,134				147,859		66.4
	Total equity securities		$	217,046			$	6,958			$	1,304			$	222,700	100	%
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table below, as they are not due at a single maturity date.
			Amortized				Fair
			Cost				Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	551,195			$	557,981
	Due after one year through five years		3,570,831				3,743,631
	Due after five years through ten years		7,090,140				7,295,566
	Due after ten years		5,881,601				6,603,537
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities		3,176,967				3,273,421
	Total		$	20,270,734			$	21,474,136
Fixed Maturity Holdings Industry Types [Table Text Block]	'
	The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2013:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
							Fair Value
	Finance		$	3,838,716			$	3,983,623			32.9	%
	Industrial		5,943,353				6,138,150				50.7
	Utility		1,904,100				1,978,218				16.3
	Other		11,225				10,764				0.1
	Total		$	11,697,394			$	12,110,755			100	%
	December 31, 2012:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
							Fair Value
	Finance		$	3,619,455			$	3,900,152			31.5	%
	Industrial		5,881,967				6,443,846				52
	Utility		1,799,658				2,002,611				16.2
	Other		32,351				33,462				0.3
	Total		$	11,333,431			$	12,380,071			100	%
Roll Forward Of Cumulative Credit Loss Component Of Otti Income Loss [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Balance, beginning of period		$	16,675			$	63,947			$	47,291
	Initial impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired		—				1,962				8,349
	Additional impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired		134				10,186				9,059
	Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period		(1,449		)		(22,290		)		—
	Credit loss previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period		(3,664		)		(37,130		)		(752		)
	Balance, end of period		$	11,696			$	16,675			$	63,947
AccountingForCertainLoansAndDebtSecuritiesAcquiredInTransferDisclosureTextBlock	'
	The following tables present information on the Company’s purchased credit impaired securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities available-for-sale (dollars in thousands):
		31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
	Outstanding principal and interest balance(1)	$	192,644			$	108,831
	Carrying value, including accrued interest(2)	$	148,822			$	84,765
	-1	Represents the contractually required payments which is the sum of contractual principal, whether or not currently due, and accrued interest.
	-2	Estimated fair value plus accrued interest.
Schedule Of Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities At Acquisition Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information about purchased credit impaired investments acquired during the periods, as of the acquisition dates (dollars in thousands).
		31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
	Contractually required payments (including interest)	$	161,975			$	152,988
	Cash flows expected to be collected(1)	$	130,578			$	125,449
	Fair value of investments acquired	$	87,643			$	85,298
	-1	Represents undiscounted principal and interest cash flow expectations at the date of acquisition.
Schedule Of Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Accretable Yield [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents activity for the accretable yield on purchased credit impaired securities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	39,239			$	—
	Investments purchased	42,935				40,151
	Accretion	(7,755		)		(1,388		)
	Disposals	(3,564		)		—
	Reclassification from nonaccretable difference	(1,386		)		476
	Balance, end of period	$	69,469			$	39,239
Investments In Debt And Equity Securities Gross Unrealized Losses Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 1,396 and 567 fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
			December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
			Gross				% of Total			Gross				% of Total
			Unrealized							Unrealized
			Losses							Losses
	Less than 20%		$	296,731			91.4	%		$	54,951			41.2	%
	20% or more for less than six months		6,444				2			734				0.5
	20% or more for six months or greater		21,425				6.6			77,873				58.3
	Total		$	324,600			100	%		$	133,558			100	%
Fair Value And Investments In Debt And Equity Securities Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	These investments are presented by class and grade of security, as well as the length of time the related fair value has remained below amortized cost.
			Less than 12 months								12 months or greater						Total
	December 31, 2013:		Estimated				Gross				Estimated				Gross		Estimated			Gross
			Fair  Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized		Fair Value			Unrealized
							Losses								Losses					Losses
	Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	3,141,179			$	148,895			$	301,303			$	40,548	$	3,442,482		$	189,443
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		188,491				14,419				12,029				2,429		200,520			16,848
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		283,967				15,900				23,068				1,688		307,035			17,588
	Asset-backed securities		255,656				4,916				56,668				4,983		312,324			9,899
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		219,110				3,725				20,068				5,745		239,178			9,470
	U.S. government and agencies		133,697				4,469				4,406				279		138,103			4,748
	State and political subdivisions		120,193				9,723				15,202				4,616		135,395			14,339
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		665,313				21,075				36,212				2,847		701,525			23,922
	Total investment grade securities		5,007,606				223,122				468,956				63,135		5,476,562			286,257
	Non-investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		283,603				9,451				38,256				3,892		321,859			13,343
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		62,146				1,075				3,945				254		66,091			1,329
	Asset-backed securities		28,670				415				32,392				5,498		61,062			5,913
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		15,762				81				10,980				7,936		26,742			8,017
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		9,403				40				—				—		9,403			40
	Total non-investment grade securities		399,584				11,062				85,573				17,580		485,157			28,642
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	5,407,190			$	234,184			$	554,529			$	80,715	$	5,961,719		$	314,899
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	51,386			$	5,479			$	1			$	2	$	51,387		$	5,481
	Other equity securities		218,834				1,748				32,550				2,472		251,384			4,220
	Total equity securities		$	270,220			$	7,227			$	32,551			$	2,474	$	302,771		$	9,701
			Less than 12 months								12 months or greater						Total
	December 31, 2012:		Estimated				Gross				Estimated				Gross		Estimated			Gross
			Fair  Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized		Fair Value			Unrealized
							Losses								Losses					Losses
	Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	786,203			$	13,276			$	108,187			$	17,386	$	894,390		$	30,662
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		12,349				174				—				—		12,349			174
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		22,288				97				19,394				3,199		41,682			3,296
	Asset-backed securities		59,119				449				96,179				9,508		155,298			9,957
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		89,507				797				29,181				7,974		118,688			8,771
	U.S. government and agencies		7,272				24				—				—		7,272			24
	State and political subdivisions		20,602				1,514				11,736				4,132		32,338			5,646
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		244,817				1,953				7,435				761		252,252			2,714
	Total investment grade securities		1,242,157				18,284				272,112				42,960		1,514,269			61,244
	Non-investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		181,168				3,170				39,123				5,501		220,291			8,671
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		15,199				80				2,633				347		17,832			427
	Asset-backed securities		3,421				26				31,938				18,815		35,359			18,841
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,317				764				68,405				42,307		71,722			43,071
	Total non-investment grade securities		203,105				4,040				142,099				66,970		345,204			71,010
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	1,445,262			$	22,324			$	414,211			$	109,930	$	1,859,473		$	132,254
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	5,577			$	52			$	5,679			$	118	$	11,256		$	170
	Other equity securities		85,374				1,134				—				—		85,374			1,134
	Total equity securities		$	90,951			$	1,186			$	5,679			$	118	$	96,630		$	1,304
Investment Income [Table Text Block]	'
	Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	966,759			$	868,682			$	757,726
	Mortgage loans on real estate		121,476				96,901				55,931
	Policy loans		57,099				62,855				66,621
	Funds withheld at interest		545,550				393,586				388,694
	Short-term investments		2,236				4,173				2,378
	Other invested assets		58,771				49,199				39,939
	Investment income		1,751,891				1,475,396				1,311,289
	Investment expense		(52,026		)		(39,190		)		(30,092		)
	Investment income, net of related expenses		$	1,699,865			$	1,436,206			$	1,281,197
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Investment related gains (losses), net, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities		$	(12,654	)		$	(15,908	)		$	(30,873	)
	Portion of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		(247		)		(7,618		)		3,924
	Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings		(12,901		)		(23,526		)		(26,949		)
	Impairment losses on equity securities		—				(3,025		)		(4,116		)
	Gain on investment activity		82,744				145,268				132,045
	Loss on investment activity		(60,575		)		(27,474		)		(26,996		)
	Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision		(6,933		)		(16,602		)		(10,238		)
	Derivatives and other, net		61,655				179,495				(99,802		)
	Total investment related gains (losses), net		$	63,990			$	254,136			$	(36,056	)
Disclosure Of Real Estate Holdings By Property Type [Table Text Block]	'
	The distribution of mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, by property type is as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2013							2012
			Recorded				Percentage of			Recorded				Percentage of
			Investment				Total			Investment				Total
	Property type:
	Apartment		$	289,394			11.6	%		$	229,266			9.9	%
	Retail		748,731				30			669,958				29
	Office building		917,284				36.7			825,406				35.7
	Industrial		439,890				17.6			455,682				19.7
	Other commercial		101,487				4.1			131,855				5.7
	Total		$	2,496,786			100	%		$	2,312,167			100	%
Disclosure Of Real Estate Holdings By Geographical Region [Table Text Block]	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, were distributed throughout the United States as follows (dollars in thousands):
			2013							2012
			Recorded				Percentage of			Recorded				Percentage of
			Investment				Total			Investment				Total
	Pacific		$	671,822			26.9	%		$	593,589			25.7	%
	South Atlantic		543,658				21.8			477,068				20.5
	Mountain		334,446				13.4			233,174				10.1
	Middle Atlantic		266,802				10.7			300,475				13
	West North Central		138,442				5.5			168,063				7.3
	East North Central		236,766				9.5			224,122				9.7
	West South Central		168,246				6.7			161,451				7
	East South Central		59,625				2.4			62,789				2.7
	New England		76,979				3.1			91,436				4
	Total		$	2,496,786			100	%		$	2,312,167			100	%
Disclosure of Real Estate Holdings Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Due within five years		$	987,109			$	1,187,387
	Due after five years through ten years		984,289				776,655
	Due after ten years		525,388				348,125
	Total		$	2,496,786			$	2,312,167
Mortgage Loan Internal Credit Risk Grade [Table Text Block]	'
	Information regarding the Company’s credit quality indicators, as determined by the Company's internal evaluation methodology for its recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Internal credit quality grade:		2013				2012
	High investment grade		$	1,437,244			$	1,235,605
	Investment grade		827,993				834,494
	Average		155,914				132,607
	Watch list		49,404				76,463
	In or near default		26,231				32,998
	Total		$	2,496,786			$	2,312,167
Schedule Of Analysis Of Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The age analysis of the Company’s past due recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	31-60 days past due		$	—			$	7,504
	61-90 days past due		—				—
	Greater than 90 days		—				16,886
	Total past due		—				24,390
	Current		2,496,786				2,287,777
	Total		$	2,496,786			$	2,312,167
Recorded Investment And Allowance For Credit Losses [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances, at (dollars in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Mortgage loans:
	Individually measured for impairment		$	37,841			$	39,956
	Collectively measured for impairment		2,458,945				2,272,211
	Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		2,496,786				2,312,167
	Valuation allowances:
	Individually measured for impairment		3,211				6,980
	Collectively measured for impairment		6,895				4,600
	Total valuation allowances		10,106				11,580
	Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances		$	2,486,680			$	2,300,587
Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Provision For Loss Net [Table Text Block]	'
	Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Balance, beginning of period		$	11,580			$	11,793			$	6,239
	Charge-offs		(3,431		)		(6,474		)		(3,947		)
	Provision		1,957				6,261				9,501
	Balance, end of period		$	10,106			$	11,580			$	11,793
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Unpaid				Recorded				Related				Carrying
			Principal				Investment				Allowance				Value
			Balance
	December 31, 2013:
	Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	21,698			$	21,100			$	—			$	21,100
	Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		16,772				16,741				3,211				13,530
	Total impaired mortgage loans		$	38,470			$	37,841			$	3,211			$	34,630
	December 31, 2012:
	Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	13,039			$	12,496			$	—			$	12,496
	Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		27,527				27,460				6,980				20,480
	Total impaired mortgage loans		$	40,566			$	39,956			$	6,980			$	32,976
	The Company’s average investment balance of impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
			2013								2012						2011
			Average				Interest				Average				Interest		Average			Interest
			Investment(1)				Income				Investment(1)				Income		Investment(1)			Income
	Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	15,023			$	852			$	15,549			$	1,244	$	14,877		$	630
	Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		22,818				951				34,434				425		27,712			418
	Total		$	37,841			$	1,803			$	49,983			$	1,669	$	42,589		$	1,048
	-1	Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.
Schedule Of Other Invested Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Other invested assets represented approximately 4.1% and 3.5% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Carrying values of these assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Equity securities		$	405,731			$	222,700
	Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures		411,456				356,419
	Structured loans		223,549				306,497
	Derivatives		75,227				168,208
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		138,892				—
	Other		70,105				105,719
	Total other invested assets		$	1,324,960			$	1,159,543
Investment [Table Text Block]	'
	In satisfaction of this investment receivable, the Company received the following on July 31, 2012 and August 3, 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			Amortized Cost/				Estimated Fair Value
			Recorded Investment				at Date of Transfer
	Fixed maturity securities – available for sale:
	Corporate securities		$	2,585,095			$	2,606,816
	Asset-backed securities		137,251				138,918
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		703,313				704,065
	U.S. Government and agencies securities		240,952				256,168
	State and political subdivision securities		27,297				27,555
	Other foreign government, supranational, and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		56,776				55,437
	Total fixed maturity securities – available for sale		3,750,684				3,788,959
	Mortgage loans on real estate		1,009,454				1,021,661
	Short-term investments		101,428				101,338
	Cash and cash equivalents		501,593				501,593
	Accrued interest		43,739				43,739
	Total		$	5,406,898			$	5,457,290

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the notional amounts and gross fair value of derivative instruments prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Dec-13												31-Dec-12
			Notional				Carrying Value/Fair Value								Notional				Carrying Value/Fair Value
			Amount				Assets				Liabilities				Amount				Assets				Liabilities
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		$	1,592,943			$	32,555			$	21,873			$	2,195,059			$	123,085			$	17,867
	Interest rate options		240,000				2,554				—				—				—				—
	Financial futures		123,780				—				—				127,877				—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		79,618				—				12,772				74,400				1,017				2,105
	Consumer price index swaps		59,922				—				309				85,135				1,446				—
	Credit default swaps		682,700				10,438				2,156				714,000				2,228				5,922
	Equity options		757,352				33,902				—				696,776				62,514				—
	Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts		4,629,859				—				—				2,018,073				—				—
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		—				—				176,270				—				—				243,177
	Indexed annuity products		—				—				838,670				—				—				740,256
	Variable annuity products		—				—				30,055				—				—				172,105
	Total non-hedging derivatives		8,166,174				79,449				1,082,105				5,911,320				190,290				1,181,432
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		49,131				—				4,606				57,275				344				786
	Foreign currency swaps		728,674				21,903				620				629,512				—				27,398
	Total hedging derivatives		777,805				21,903				5,226				686,787				344				28,184
	Total derivatives		$	8,943,979			$	101,352			$	1,087,331			$	6,598,107			$	190,634			$	1,209,616
Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block]	'
															Gross Amounts Not
															Offset in the Balance Sheet
			Gross Amounts				Gross Amounts				Net Amounts				Financial				Cash Collateral				Net Amount
			Recognized				Offset in the				Presented in the				Instruments				Pledged/
							Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet								Received
	December 31, 2013:
	Derivative assets		$	101,352			$	(26,125	)		$	75,227			$	(11,095	)		$	(51,006	)		$	13,126
	Derivative liabilities		42,336				(26,125		)		16,211				(18,081		)		(8,033		)		(9,903		)
	December 31, 2012:
	Derivative assets		$	190,634			$	(22,426	)		$	168,208			$	(22,458	)		$	(136,414	)		$	9,336
	Derivative liabilities		54,078				(22,426		)		31,652				(1,565		)		(27,867		)		2,220
Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
															Gross Amounts Not
															Offset in the Balance Sheet
			Gross Amounts				Gross Amounts				Net Amounts				Financial				Cash Collateral				Net Amount
			Recognized				Offset in the				Presented in the				Instruments				Pledged/
							Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet								Received
	December 31, 2013:
	Derivative assets		$	101,352			$	(26,125	)		$	75,227			$	(11,095	)		$	(51,006	)		$	13,126
	Derivative liabilities		42,336				(26,125		)		16,211				(18,081		)		(8,033		)		(9,903		)
	December 31, 2012:
	Derivative assets		$	190,634			$	(22,426	)		$	168,208			$	(22,458	)		$	(136,414	)		$	9,336
	Derivative liabilities		54,078				(22,426		)		31,652				(1,565		)		(27,867		)		2,220
Net Derivatives Gains Losses Recognized On Fair Value Derivatives And Related Hedged Items [Table Text Block]	'
	The gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate and the offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps for the year ended December 31, 2011 was (dollars in thousands):
	Type of Fair Value		Hedged Item		Gains (Losses)				Gains (Losses)				Ineffectiveness
	Hedge				Recognized for				Recognized for				Recognized in
					Derivatives				Hedged Items				Investment Related
													Gains (Losses)
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:
	Interest rate swaps		Fixed rate fixed maturities		$	(785	)		$	1,402			$	617
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the components of AOCI, before income tax, and the consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of year		$	403			$	(828	)
	Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		(3,969		)		2,613
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,012		)		(1,382		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period		$	(4,578	)		$	403
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of Gains				Amount and Location of Gains (Losses)								Amount and Location of Gains (Losses)
	Hedging Relationships		(Losses) Deferred in				Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)								Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
			AOCI on Derivatives
			(Effective Portion)				(Effective Portion)								(Ineffective Portion and Amounts Excluded
															from Effectiveness Testing)
							Investment Related				Investment				Investment Related				Investment
							Gains (Losses)				Income				Gains (Losses)				Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(3,969	)		$	—			$	1,012			$	6			$	—
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest rate swaps		$	2,613			$	—			$	1,382			$	(41	)		$	—
Derivatives Hedging Instruments In Net Investment Hedging Relationships [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table illustrates the Company’s net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
			Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
			For the year ended
	Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)		2013				2012				2011
	Foreign currency swaps		$	40,347			$	(20,470	)		$	4,858
	-1	There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented.
	-2	There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Income Statement Location [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
					Gain (Loss) for the Years Ended  December 31,
	Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement		2013				2012				2011
			Location of Gain (Loss)
	Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	(84,398	)		$	16,028			$	178,338
	Interest rate options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(11,518		)		—				—
	Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net		(11,157		)		(20,245		)		(945		)
	Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net		(13,201		)		(5,644		)		1,675
	CPI swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,942		)		(267		)		1,821
	Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		24,188				18,359				(63		)
	Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(79,230		)		(69,677		)		7,818
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		Investment related gains (losses), net		70,177				115,009				(87,236		)
	Indexed annuity products		Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—				(630		)		(24,551		)
	Indexed annuity products		Interest credited		(115,409		)		(29,804		)		(90,370		)
	Variable annuity products		Investment related gains (losses), net		142,050				104,613				(224,184		)
	Total non-hedging derivatives				$	(80,440	)		$	127,742			$	(237,697	)
Disclosure Of Credit Derivatives [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of credit default swaps sold by the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013											2012
	Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations(1)		Estimated Fair				Maximum				Weighted			Estimated Fair				Maximum				Weighted
			Value of Credit				Amount of Future				Average			Value of Credit				Amount of Future				Average
			Default Swaps				Payments under				Years to			Default Swaps				Payments under				Years to
							Credit Default				Maturity(3)							Credit Default				Maturity(3)
							Swaps(2)											Swaps(2)
	AAA/AA-/A+/A/A-
	Single name credit default swaps		$	614			$	117,500			5.1			$	(2,077	)		$	124,500			5.9
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
	Subtotal		614				117,500				5.1			(2,077		)		124,500				5.9
	BBB+/BBB/BBB-
	Single name credit default swaps		656				142,200				4.9			(2,345		)		135,500				5.5
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		7,295				405,000				5			937				430,000				5
	Subtotal		7,951				547,200				5			(1,408		)		565,500				5.1
	BB+
	Single name credit default swaps		—				—				—			(222		)		6,000				4.5
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
	Subtotal		—				—				—			(222		)		6,000				4.5
	Total		$	8,565			$	664,700			4.4			$	(3,707	)		$	696,000			5.2
	-1	The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”).
	-2	Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
	-3	The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Table Text Block]	'
	The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of DAC and income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains		$	70,177			$	115,009			$	(87,236	)
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		18,920				25,454				(7,599		)
	Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains		142,050				104,613				(224,184		)
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		70,123				6,367				(30,230		)
	Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses		(115,409		)		(30,434		)		(114,921		)
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		(106,792		)		6,110				(55,915		)
Credit Risk [Table Text Block]	'
	Information regarding the Company’s credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
			December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position		$	59,016			$	136,558
	Cash provided as collateral(1)		8,033				27,867
	Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)		18,081				1,565
	Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)		(51,006		)		(136,414		)
	Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)		(11,095		)		(22,458		)
	Initial margin for cleared derivatives		(13,350		)		—
	Net credit exposure		$	9,679			$	7,118
	Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)		$	2,566			$	5,605
	-1	Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
	-2	Included in other invested assets, primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
	-3	Included in cash and cash equivalents, with obligation to return cash collateral recorded in other liabilities.
	-4	Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
	-5	Included in cash and cash equivalents.

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi1

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2013:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	12,110,755		$	68,934		$	10,696,532		$	1,345,289
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		3,381,025			—			3,381,025			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		989,643			—			836,138			153,505
	Asset-backed securities		894,832			—			422,984			471,848
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,388,946			—			1,287,161			101,785
	U.S. government and agencies securities		501,351			396,092			64,340			40,919
	State and political subdivision securities		320,820			—			277,044			43,776
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,886,764			304,487			1,544,280			37,997
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		21,474,136			769,513			18,509,504			2,195,119
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		(176,270		)	—			—			(176,270		)
	Cash equivalents		371,345			371,345			—			—
	Short-term investments		111,572			105,649			5,923			—
	Other invested assets:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		81,854			74,220			2,672			4,962
	Other equity securities		323,877			323,877			—			—
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		9,904			—			9,904			—
	Financial futures		2,554			—			2,554			—
	CPI swaps		(309		)	—			(309		)	—
	Credit default swaps		7,926			—			7,926			—
	Equity options		33,869			—			33,869			—
	Foreign currency swaps		21,283			—			21,283			—
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		138,892			132,643			6,249			—
	Other		9,142			9,142			—			—
	Total other invested assets		628,992			539,882			84,148			4,962
	Total		$	22,409,775		$	1,786,389		$	18,599,575		$	2,023,811
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	868,725		$	—		$	—		$	868,725
	Other liabilities:
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		3,828			—			3,828			—
	Foreign currency forwards		12,772			—			12,772			—
	Credit default swaps		(356		)	—			(356		)	—
	Equity options		(33		)	—			(33		)	—
	Total		$	884,936		$	—		$	16,211		$	868,725
	December 31, 2012:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	12,380,071		$	43,544		$	10,667,964		$	1,668,563
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		4,049,334			—			4,049,334			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,042,064			—			948,133			93,931
	Asset-backed securities		691,555			—			459,164			232,391
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,698,903			—			1,531,897			167,006
	U.S. government and agencies securities		265,190			192,780			67,872			4,538
	State and political subdivision securities		302,498			—			259,286			43,212
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,861,999			297,025			1,536,694			28,280
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		22,291,614			533,349			19,520,344			2,237,921
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		(243,177		)	—			—			(243,177		)
	Cash equivalents		575,864			575,864			—			—
	Short-term investments		239,131			178,923			38,177			22,031
	Other invested assets:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		74,841			64,268			10,573			—
	Other equity securities		147,859			147,859			—			—
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		104,972			—			104,972			—
	Foreign currency forwards		1,017			—			1,017			—
	CPI swaps		1,446			—			1,446			—
Credit default swaps		(1,741		)	—			(1,741		)	—
Equity options		62,514			—			62,514			—
Collateral		17,002			1,323			15,679			—
Other		11,951			11,951			—			—
Total other invested assets		419,861			225,401			194,460			—
Total		$	23,283,293		$	1,513,537		$	19,752,981		$	2,016,775
Liabilities:
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	912,361		$	—		$	—		$	912,361
Other liabilities:
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps		196			—			196			—
Foreign currency forwards		2,105			—			2,105			—
Credit default swaps		1,953			—			1,953			—
Foreign currency swaps		27,398			—			27,398			—
Total		$	944,013		$	—		$	31,652		$	912,361
Fair Value Unobservable Input Measurements [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed by the Company, which does not include unobservable Level 3 asset and liability measurements provided by third parties, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2013:					Valuation		Unobservable	Range
			Fair Value			Technique(s)		Input	(Weighted Average)
	Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities		$	29,024		Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
						securities
	Corporate securities		312,887			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-2%  (1%)
						securities
	U.S. Government and agencies securities		37,539			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-1%  (1%)
						securities
	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		(176,270		)	Total return swap		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
								Lapse	0-35%  (7%)
								Withdrawal	0-5%  (3%)
								Own Credit	0-1%  (1%)
								Crediting rate	2-4%  (3%)
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		838,670			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
								Lapse	0-35% (7%)
								Withdrawal	0-5% (3%)
								Option budget projection	2-4% (3%)
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities		30,055			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
								Lapse	0-25% (6%)
								Withdrawal	0-7% (3%)
								Own Credit	0-1% (1%)
								Long-term volatility	0-27% (10%)
	December 31, 2012:					Valuation		Unobservable	Range
			Fair Value			Technique(s)		Input	(Weighted Average)
	Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities		$	5,451		Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
						securities
	Corporate securities		450,177			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-2%  (1%)
						securities
	Short-term investments		22,031			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
						securities
	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		(243,177		)	Total return swap		Mortality	0-100%  (1%)
								Lapse	0-35%  (6%)
								Withdrawal	0-5%  (3%)
								Own Credit	0-1%  (1%)
								Crediting rate	2-4% (3%)
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		740,256			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (1%)
								Lapse	0-35% (6%)
								Withdrawal	0-5% (3%)
								Option budget projection	2-4% (3%)
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities		172,105			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
								Lapse	0-25% (5%)
								Withdrawal	0-7% (3%)
								Own Credit	0-1% (1%)
								Long-term volatility	0-27% (14%)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Level Transfers [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			Twelve months ended December 31,
			2013						2012
			Transfers from			Transfers from			Transfers from			Transfers from
			Level 1 to			Level 2 to			Level 1 to			Level 2 to
			Level 2			Level 1			Level 2			Level 1
	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	—		$	30,599		$	14,773		$	4
	U.S. government and agencies securities		—			—			—			11,152
	State and political subdivision securities		—			—			12,794			—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		—			—			3,222			—
	Total fixed maturity securities		—			30,599			30,789			11,156
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		—			—			9,646			11,068
	Total		$	—		$	30,599		$	40,435		$	22,224
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2013, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2013 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
			Corporate			Residential			Asset-backed			Commercial			U.S.			State
			securities			mortgage-backed			securities			mortgage-backed			Government			and political
						securities						securities			and agencies			subdivision
															securities			securities
	Balance January 1, 2013		$	1,668,563		$	93,931		$	232,391		$	167,006		$	4,538		$	43,212
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		(8,194		)	19			6,430			1,917			(156		)	36
	Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,078		)	(294		)	(1,131		)	(16,704		)	(175		)	(16		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
	Included in other comprehensive income		(44,299		)	821			17,150			36,731			(639		)	222
	Purchases(1)		331,439			73,563			264,804			19,420			128			—
	Sales(1)		(271,402		)	(7,146		)	(26,005		)	(83,974		)	—			—
	Settlements(1)		(285,586		)	(26,661		)	(20,872		)	(7,970		)	(2,633		)	(657		)
	Transfers into Level 3		33,776			24,727			9,031			4,081			44,394			979
	Transfers out of Level 3		(77,930		)	(5,455		)	(9,950		)	(18,722		)	(4,538		)	—
	Balance December 31, 2013		$	1,345,289		$	153,505		$	471,848		$	101,785		$	40,919		$	43,776
	Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(7,885	)	$	47		$	6,425		$	1,741		$	(156	)	$	36
	Investment related gains (losses), net		(202		)	—			—			(10,243		)	—			—
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
	For the year ended December 31, 2013 (continued):	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
			Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises			Funds withheld at interest-embedded derivative			Short-term			Other invested			Interest
									investments			assets - non- redeemable preferred stock			sensitive contract
															liabilities embedded derivative
	Balance January 1, 2013		$	28,280		$	(243,177	)	$	22,031		$	—		$	(912,361	)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		(305		)	—			(4		)	—			—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			66,907			—			—			142,050
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(115,409		)
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—
	Included in other comprehensive income		(1,570		)	—			(27		)	323			—
	Purchases(1)		—			—			—			—			(57,391		)
	Sales(1)		—			—			—			—			—
	Settlements(1)		(295		)	—			(22,000		)	—			74,386
	Transfers into Level 3		11,887			—			—			4,639			—
	Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—			—			—
	Balance December 31, 2013		$	37,997		$	(176,270	)	$	—		$	4,962		$	(868,725	)
	Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(305	)	$	—		$	(4	)	$	—		$	—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			66,907			—			—			138,683
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(189,794		)
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—
	-1	The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
	The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2012, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2012 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands).
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
			Corporate			Residential			Asset-backed			Commercial			U.S.			State
			securities			mortgage-backed			securities			mortgage-backed			Government			and political
						securities						securities			and agencies			subdivision
															securities			securities
	Balance January 1, 2012		$	974,169		$	81,655		$	193,492		$	115,976		$	—		$	10,373
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(6,839		)	431			1,214			2,032			(89		)	14
Investment related gains (losses), net		(2,884		)	(311		)	(516		)	(9,503		)	—			(16		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		34,488			2,863			21,463			24,663			(12		)	4,491
Purchases(1)		853,848			77,781			111,567			31,699			4,639			—
Sales(1)		(60,224		)	(48,828		)	(13,140		)	(14,060		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		(144,667		)	(8,541		)	(16,235		)	(813		)	—			(413		)
Transfers into Level 3		65,283			19,632			11,832			64,116			—			37,588
Transfers out of Level 3		(44,611		)	(30,751		)	(77,286		)	(47,104		)	—			(8,825		)
Balance December 31, 2012		$	1,668,563		$	93,931		$	232,391		$	167,006		$	4,538		$	43,212
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(6,852	)	$	295		$	1,156		$	2,032		$	(89	)	$	14
Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,329		)	(269		)	(849		)	(14,163		)	—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
For the year ended December 31, 2012 (continued):	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises			Funds withheld at interest-embedded derivative			Short-term			Other invested			Reinsurance ceded			Interest
								investments			assets - other			receivable - embedded derivative			sensitive contract
											equity						liabilities embedded derivative
											securities
Balance January 1, 2012		$	—		$	(361,456	)	$	—		$	11,489		$	4,945		$	(1,028,241	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(44		)	—			(11		)	—			—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			118,279			—			1,098			—			104,613
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			770
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			(31,552		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			(449		)	—
Included in other comprehensive income		(139		)	—			28			843			—			—
Purchases(1)		28,463			—			22,014			108			—			(63,934		)
Sales(1)		—			—			—			(3,788		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		—			—			—			—			(4,496		)	105,983
Transfers into Level 3		—			—			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—			(9,750		)	—			—
Balance December 31, 2012		$	28,280		$	(243,177	)	$	22,031		$	—		$	—		$	(912,361	)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	(44	)	$	—		$	(11	)	$	—		$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			118,279			—			(183		)	—			97,216
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			56
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			(129,828		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			(33		)	—
-1	The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2011 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands).
For the year ended December 31, 2011:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Corporate			Residential			Asset-backed			Commercial			State			Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government - sponsored
		securities			mortgage-backed			securities			mortgage-backed			and political			enterprises
					securities						securities			subdivision
														securities
Balance January 1, 2011		$	872,179		$	183,291		$	228,558		$	147,556		$	6,983		$	6,736
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		218			836			1,686			2,321			361			2
Investment related gains (losses), net		1,863			(2,032		)	(10,236		)	(12,354		)	(15		)	—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		21,011			4,580			3,902			8,060			3,390			4
Purchases(1)		305,401			6,478			65,467			7,683			2,334			—
Sales(1)		(48,653		)	(21,178		)	(27,844		)	—			—			—
Settlements(1)		(125,797		)	(16,672		)	(24,092		)	(3,548		)	(88		)	—
Transfers into Level 3		80,302			30,159			45,984			76,955			48,469			20
Transfers out of Level 3		(132,333		)	(103,807		)	(89,933		)	(110,697		)	(51,061		)	(6,762		)
Balance December 31, 2011		$	974,191		$	81,655		$	193,492		$	115,976		$	10,373		$	—
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	162		$	816		$	1,595		$	2,307		$	361		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,223		)	(594		)	(5,058		)	(12,366		)	—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
For the year ended December 31, 2011 (continued):		Funds withheld			Other invested			Other invested			Reinsurance			Interest sensitive
		at interest-			assets- non-			assets- other			ceded receivable-			contract liabilities
		embedded			redeemable			equity securities			embedded			embedded
		derivative			preferred stock						derivative			derivative
Balance January 1, 2011		$	(274,220	)	$	420		$	16,416		$	75,431		$	(721,485	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		—			—			—			—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		(87,236		)	—			3,504			—			(224,184		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			(2,230		)
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(88,255		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			9,421			—
Included in other comprehensive income		—			—			(4,663		)	—			—
Purchases(1)		—			—			797			6,201			(71,505		)
Sales(1)		—			(420		)	(4,565		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		—			—			—			(86,108		)	79,418
Transfers into Level 3		—			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—			—			—
Balance December 31, 2011		$	(361,456	)	$	—		$	11,489		$	4,945		$	(1,028,241	)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		(87,236		)	—			—			—			(228,910		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—			—			(2,346		)
Interest credited		—			—			—			—			(167,673		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—			18,589			—
-1
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Text Block]	'
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013									2012
			Carrying Value			Estimated Fair			Net			Carrying Value			Estimated Fair			Net
			Prior to			Value After			Investment			Prior to			Value After			Investment
			Measurement			Measurement			Gains (Losses)			Measurement			Measurement			Gains (Losses)
	Mortgage loans(1)		$	9,620		$	10,330		$	710		$	24,295		$	20,480		$	(3,815	)
	Limited partnership interests(2)		11,615			8,952			(2,663		)	25,191			16,944			(8,247		)
	Real estate investments(3)		12,672			10,508			(2,164		)	6,593			4,500			(2,093		)
Financial Instruments Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):
						Estimated Fair			Fair Value Measurement Using:
	December 31, 2013		Carrying Value			Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,486,680		$	2,489,721		$	—		$	—		$	2,489,721
	Policy loans		1,244,469			1,244,469			—			1,244,469			—
	Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,948,374			6,207,342			—			—			6,207,342
	Cash and cash equivalents(2)		552,302			552,302			552,302			—			—
	Short-term investments(2)		27,823			27,823			27,823			—			—
	Other invested assets(2)		491,545			534,442			5,070			33,886			495,486
	Accrued investment income		267,908			267,908			—			267,908			—
	Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	10,228,120		$	9,989,514		$	—		$	—		$	9,989,514
	Long-term debt		2,214,350			2,333,023			—			—			2,333,023
	Collateral finance facility		484,752			374,984			—			—			374,984
	December 31, 2012
	Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,300,587		$	2,426,688		$	—		$	—		$	2,426,688
	Policy loans		1,278,175			1,278,175			—			1,278,175			—
	Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,837,359			6,362,324			—			—			6,362,324
	Cash and cash equivalents(2)		684,028			684,028			684,028			—			—
	Short-term investments(2)		48,951			48,951			48,951			—			—
	Other invested assets(2)		596,336			626,358			—			32,250			594,108
	Accrued investment income		201,344			201,344			—			201,344			—
	Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	11,566,962		$	11,926,339		$	—		$	—		$	11,926,339
	Long-term debt		1,815,253			2,014,062			—			—			2,014,062
	Collateral finance facility		652,010			456,050			—			—			456,050
	-1	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
	-2	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance Premium And Effect On Claims And Other Policy Benefits [Table Text Block]	'
	The effect of reinsurance on net premiums is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Direct	$	5,224		$	3,784		$	2,590
	Reinsurance assumed	8,568,222			8,228,811			7,701,594
	Reinsurance ceded	(319,419		)	(325,999		)	(368,497		)
	Net premiums	$	8,254,027		$	7,906,596		$	7,335,687
	The effect of reinsurance on claims and other policy benefits as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Direct	$	8,078		$	3,694		$	4,179
	Reinsurance assumed	7,515,524			6,912,942			6,472,041
	Reinsurance ceded	(219,270		)	(250,637		)	(251,037		)
	Net claims and other policy benefits	$	7,304,332		$	6,665,999		$	6,225,183
Reinsurance Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The effect of reinsurance on life insurance in force is shown in the following schedule (dollars in millions):
	Life Insurance In Force:	Direct			Assumed			Ceded			Net		Assumed/Net %
	31-Dec-13	$	77		$	2,889,804		$	36,830		$	2,853,051	101.3	%
	31-Dec-12	76			2,927,573			38,048			2,889,601		101.3
	31-Dec-11	76			2,664,353			39,987			2,624,442		101.5

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Type Of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	As of December 31,	2013			2012
	Deferred policy acquisition costs:
	Assumed	$	3,573,054		$	3,677,804
	Retroceded	(55,258		)	(58,530		)
	Net	$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274
Movement Analysis Of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Rollforward [Table Text Block]	'
	Years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of year	$	3,619,274		$	3,543,925		$	3,314,715
	Capitalized
	Assumed	862,767			1,081,599			947,014
	Retroceded	(8,604		)	(11,814		)	(13,411		)
	Amortized (including interest):
	Assumed	(826,539		)	(975,844		)	(820,084		)
	Allocated to change in value of embedded derivatives	(98,141		)	(42,183		)	114,877
	Retroceded	11,877			14,970			14,084
	Attributed to unrealized investment gains (losses)	16,181			(14,938		)	(7,448		)
	Foreign currency changes	(59,019		)	23,559			(5,822		)
	Balance, end of year	$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274		$	3,543,925

Income_Tax_Tables

Income Tax (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
	Pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Pre-tax income - U.S.	$	473,223		$	644,219		$	400,278
	Pre-tax income - foreign	162,031			275,004			363,293
	Total pre-tax income	$	635,254		$	919,223		$	763,571
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	The provision for income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	$	(48,831	)	$	52,378		$	(1,606	)
	Foreign	34,470			36,840			50,138
	Total current	(14,361		)	89,218			48,532
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	226,771			183,929			155,896
	Foreign	4,007			14,183			13,098
	Total deferred	230,778			198,112			168,994
	Total provision for income taxes	$	216,417		$	287,330		$	217,526
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	Provision for income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax statutory rate of 35% to pre-tax income as a result of the following for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate	$	222,339		$	321,728		$	267,250
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate	(8,032		)	(14,705		)	(9,681		)
	Differences in tax basis in foreign jurisdictions	(26,484		)	(21,086		)	(11,584		)
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	26,507			635			4,147
	Amounts related to tax audit contingencies	9,034			2,260			5,562
	Corporate rate changes - Canada	(414		)	1,374			(40,593		)
	Corporate rate changes - other	(1,184		)	(1,070		)	(1,933		)
	Subpart F	8,255			13,571			9,340
	Foreign tax credits	(1,786		)	(7,808		)	(3,546		)
	Return to provision adjustments	(12,465		)	(7,351		)	(1,863		)
	Other, net	647			(218		)	427
	Total provision for income taxes	$	216,417		$	287,330		$	217,526
	Effective tax rate	34.1		%	31.3		%	28.5		%
Schedule Of Income Tax Expense Benefit Intraperiod Tax Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Provision for income taxes	$	216,417		$	287,330		$	217,526
	Income tax from OCI and additional paid-in-capital:
	Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt and equity securities recognized for financial reporting purposes	(467,454		)	246,682			275,975
	Exercise of stock options	(3,125		)	(2,902		)	(4,934		)
	Foreign currency translation	12,330			(921		)	1,579
	Unrealized pension and post retirement	7,640			(2,779		)	(8,581		)
	Total income taxes provided	$	(234,192	)	$	527,410		$	481,565
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax asset and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are presented in the following tables (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Nondeductible accruals	$	106,587		$	77,116
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	59,942			17,054
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	2,106			—
	Investment income differences	108,462			109,275
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for tax	90,187			91,886
	Net operating loss carryforward	252,192			159,821
	Differences in foreign currency translation	—			621
	Capital loss and tax credit carryforwards	2,356			23,595
	Subtotal	621,832			479,368
	Valuation allowance	(102,228		)	(10,100		)
	Total deferred income tax assets	519,604			469,268
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for financial reporting	1,066,351			1,082,394
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	906,197			637,002
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	310,332			832,940
	Investment income differences	12,959			12,719
	Differences in foreign currency translation	19,704			—
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	2,315,543			2,565,055
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	1,795,939		$	2,095,787
	Balance sheet presentation of net deferred income tax liabilities:
	Included in other assets	$	41,638		$	24,714
	Included in deferred income taxes	1,837,577			2,120,501
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	1,795,939		$	2,095,787
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits
		2013			2012			2011
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	245,636		$	194,260		$	182,354
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	41,228			47,438			7,968
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(10,401		)	—			—
	Additions for tax positions of current year	3,338			3,938			3,938
	Ending balance, December 31	$	279,801		$	245,636		$	194,260

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	A December 31 measurement date is used for all of the defined benefit and postretirement plans. The status of these plans as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below (dollars in thousands):
			December 31,
	Pension Benefits							Other Benefits
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	112,759			$	93,101			$	33,953			$	28,854
	Service cost		8,023				7,531				1,881				1,641
	Interest Cost		4,072				4,072				1,353				1,246
	Participant contributions		—				—				128				122
	Actuarial (gains) losses		(8,957		)		13,270				(5,949		)		2,341
	Benefits paid		(3,347		)		(5,776		)		(607		)		(251		)
	Foreign currency rate change effect		(1,355		)		561				—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	111,195			$	112,759			$	30,759			$	33,953
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	'
			December 31,
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	49,516			$	41,300			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		6,027				5,449				—				—
	Employer contributions		7,363				8,543				479				129
	Participant contributions		—				—				128				122
	Benefits paid and expenses		(3,347		)		(5,776		)		(607		)		(251		)
	Administrative expense		—				—				—				—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	59,559			$	49,516			$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(51,636	)		$	(63,243	)		$	(30,759	)		$	(33,953	)
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	'
			December 31,
			Qualified Plans								Non-Qualified Plans(1)								Total
			2013				2012				2013				2012				2013			2012
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		$	59,559			$	49,516			$	—			$	—			$	59,559		$	49,516
	Aggregate projected benefit obligations		63,502				62,397				47,693				50,362				111,195			112,759
	Under funded		$	(3,943	)		$	(12,881	)		$	(47,693	)		$	(50,362	)		$	(51,636	)	$	(63,243	)
	-1	For non-qualified plans, there are no required funding levels.
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
		December 31,
		Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial loss	$	22,507			$	37,314			$	8,655			$	15,472
	Net prior service cost	1,981				2,506				—				—
	Total	$	24,488			$	39,820			$	8,655			$	15,472
Schedule Of Projected Benefit Obligations In Excess Of Fair Value Of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information for qualified and non-qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Projected benefit obligation		$	111,195			$	112,759
	Fair value of plan assets		59,559				49,516
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	107,722			$	106,845
	Fair value of plan assets		59,559				49,516
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Pension Benefits												Other Benefits
			2013				2012				2011				2013				2012			2011
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	8,023			$	7,531			$	5,985			$	1,881			$	1,641		$	1,116
	Interest cost		4,072				4,072				3,916				1,353				1,246			1,035
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,734		)		(3,066		)		(2,937		)		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior actuarial losses		3,270				3,439				980				868				743			353
	Amortization of prior service cost		373				376				399				—				—			—
	Settlements		—				841				—				—				—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		12,004				13,193				8,343				4,102				3,630			2,504
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial (gains) losses		(11,250		)		10,888				18,561				(5,949		)		2,341			8,348
	Prior service cost		—				—				—				—				—			—
	Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses		(3,270		)		(3,439		)		(980		)		(868		)		(743		)	(353		)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(373		)		(376		)		(399		)		—				—			—
	Settlements		—				(841		)		—				—				—			—
	Foreign exchange translations and other adjustments		(439		)		219				(196		)		—				—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income		(15,332		)		6,451				16,986				(6,817		)		1,598			7,995
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income		$	(3,328	)		$	19,644			$	25,329			$	(2,715	)		$	5,228		$	10,499
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid (dollars in thousands):
			Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	2014		$	5,730			$	431
	2015		5,860				502
	2016		8,500				594
	2017		7,148				685
	2018		7,936				776
	2019-2023		47,544				5,388
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	'
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine the accumulated benefit obligation and net benefit cost or income for the year ended December 31:
			Pension Benefits									Other Benefits
			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation		4.45	%		3.8	%		4.48	%		5.05	%		4.15	%		4.5	%
	Discount rate used to determine net benefit cost or income		3.83	%		4.12	%		5.22	%		4.15	%		4.5	%		5.4	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.35	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—	%		—	%		—	%
	Rate of compensation increases		4.21	%		4.2	%		4.2	%		—	%		—	%		—	%
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	'
	The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated non-pension post-retirement benefit obligation were as follows:
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Pre-Medicare eligible claims		9% down to 5% in 2017		9% down to 5% in 2016
	Medicare eligible claims		9% down to 5% in 2017		9% down to 5% in 2015
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	'
	A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (dollars in thousands):
			One Percent Increase				One Percent Decrease
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components		$	869			$	(648	)
	Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		$	6,813			$	(5,228	)
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
			31-Dec-13
							Fair Value Measurement Using:
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Mutual Funds(1)		$	59,485			$	59,485			$	—			$	—
	Cash		74				74				—				—
	Total		$	59,559			$	59,559			$	—			$	—
	-1	Mutual funds were invested 33% in U.S. equity funds, 26% in U.S. fixed income funds, 25% in non-U.S. equity funds and 16% in other.
			31-Dec-12
							Fair Value Measurement Using:
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Mutual Funds(2)		$	49,456			$	49,456			$	—			$	—
	Cash		60				60				—				—
	Total		$	49,516			$	49,516			$	—			$	—
	-2	Mutual funds were invested 42% in U.S. equity funds, 39% in U.S. fixed income funds, 16% in non-U.S. equity funds and 3% in other.

Financial_Condition_and_Net_In1

Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Basis [Abstract]	'
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	Statutory net income, and capital and surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed by the applicable state insurance department or local regulatory authority are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Statutory Capital & Surplus						Statutory Net Income (Loss)
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2011
	RGA Reinsurance (U.S.)	$	1,550,070		$	1,644,589		$	115,814		$	3,497		$	129,717
	RCM (U.S.)	1,633,356			1,692,200			109,084			58,549			37,142
	RGA Canada	767,108			725,738			89,428			95,861			102,229
	RGA Barbados	716,116			596,388			70,941			81,942			149,015
	RGA Australia	406,437			437,055			(36,548		)	37,180			47,211
	RGA Atlantic	379,889			449,769			(27,159		)	91,898			70,160
	RGA Americas	261,404			330,064			50,833			59,531			65,283
	Other reinsurance subsidiaries	1,004,479			818,759			255,418			(428,049		)	(439,625		)
Reconciliation Of NAIC SAP And Prescribed Practice [Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the Company’s surplus between NAIC SAP and practices prescribed by the state of domicile is shown below (dollars in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Prescribed practice – surplus note	$	343,780		$	230,291
	Prescribed practice – letters of credit	(436,300		)	(488,000		)
	Surplus (deficit) – NAIC SAP	$	(92,520	)	$	(257,709	)

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
			Maximum Potential Obligation
	Commitment Period		2013			2012
	2026		$	500		$	—
	2033		1,350.00			—
	2035		—			560
	2036		1,250.00			—
Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides additional information on the Company’s credit facilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
						Amount Utilized(1)
						December 31,
	Facility Capacity				Maturity Date	2013		2012		Basis of Fees
	$	850			December 2015	$	67.6	$	402.9	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
	200				September 2019	200		200		Fixed
	120				May-16	85.1		100		Fixed
	270				Nov-17	270		—		Fixed
	100				Jun-17	89.4		—		Fixed
	58.4				Nov-14	58.4		—		Fixed
	132.5				Mar-19	132.5		—		Fixed
	-1	Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	Future minimum office space annual rentals under non-cancelable operating leases along with associated sublease income at December 31, 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Operating			Sublease
			Leases			Income
	2014		$	16,905		$	827
	2015		10,862			827
	2016		8,434			776
	2017		5,638			160
	2018		4,466			—
	Thereafter		15,489			—

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013		2012
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042	$	400,000	$	400,000
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065	318,729		318,727
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023	398,533		—
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021	398,362		398,141
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019	399,602		399,534
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017	299,124		298,851
	Long-term Debt	$	2,214,350	$	1,815,253

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	U.S. Traditional	$	5,068,632		$	4,846,515		$	4,522,751
	U.S. Non-Traditional	962,818			876,119			392,304
	Canada	1,185,017			1,140,264			1,056,031
	Europe & South Africa	1,421,488			1,372,291			1,249,859
	Asia Pacific	1,541,459			1,495,545			1,430,414
	Corporate and Other	138,939			110,177			178,179
	Total	$	10,318,353		$	9,840,911		$	8,829,538
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	U.S. Traditional	$	371,563		$	368,095		$	363,964
	U.S. Non-Traditional	245,649			268,315			61,673
	Canada	164,318			186,971			164,953
	Europe & South Africa	89,122			73,947			83,102
	Asia Pacific	(235,211		)	45,378			42,234
	Corporate and Other	(187		)	(23,483		)	47,645
	Total	$	635,254		$	919,223		$	763,571
Reconciliation Of Interest Expense From Segment To Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense:
	Corporate and Other	$	124,307		$	105,348		$	102,638
	Total	$	124,307		$	105,348		$	102,638
Reconciliation Of Depreciation And Amortization From Segment To Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Depreciation and amortization:
	U.S. Traditional	$	563,440		$	555,573		$	513,673
	U.S. Non-Traditional	213,745			225,910			(46,407		)
	Canada	193,878			182,914			168,874
	Europe & South Africa	56,302			69,718			58,714
	Asia Pacific	56,724			154,362			191,957
	Corporate and Other	3,490			4,040			9,002
	Total	$	1,087,579		$	1,192,517		$	895,813
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	For the years ended December 31,	2013			2012
	Assets:
	U.S. Traditional	$	13,213,585		$	12,555,467
	U.S. Non-Traditional	11,716,908			12,368,896
	Canada	4,103,730			3,764,002
	Europe & South Africa	2,476,593			2,235,199
	Asia Pacific	3,423,269			3,208,732
	Corporate and Other	4,740,388			6,228,142
	Total	$	39,674,473		$	40,360,438

Equity_Based_Compensation_Tabl

Equity Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]	'
		Stock Options
		Number of		Weighted-Average			Aggregate Intrinsic			Performance
		Options		Exercise Price			Value (in millions)			Contingent Units
	Outstanding January 1, 2011	3,382,316		$	41.91					701,542
	Granted	503,259		$	59.74					222,580
	Exercised / Lapsed	(736,452	)	$	35.26					(146,638	)
	Forfeited	(42,243	)	$	45.5					(21,818	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2011	3,106,880		$	46.3					755,666
	Granted	685,331		$	56.65					257,679
	Exercised / Lapsed	(287,485	)	$	29.96					(282,035	)
	Forfeited	(50,331	)	$	52.89					(25,980	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2012	3,454,395		$	49.63					705,330
	Granted	748,577		$	58.77					261,322
	Exercised / Lapsed	(811,684	)	$	44.89					(224,377	)
	Forfeited	(40,028	)	$	53.85					(29,934	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2013	3,351,260		$	52.77		$	20.1		712,341
	Options exercisable	2,228,677		$	50.64		$	18.1
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	'
		Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number		Weighted-Average		Weighted-			Number			Weighted-Average
		Outstanding as		Remaining		Average Exercise			Exercisable as of			Exercise Price
		of 12/31/2013		Contractual Life (years)		Price			12/31/13
	$25.00 - $34.99	430,897		5		$	32.2		430,897			$	32.2
	$35.00 - $44.99	726		—		$	39.61		726			$	39.61
	$45.00 - $54.99	621,030		4.5		$	47.2		498,191			$	47.25
	$55.00 +	2,298,607		7.2		$	58.13		1,298,863			$	58.07
	Totals	3,351,260		6.4		$	52.77		2,228,677			$	50.64

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share on net income (in thousands, except per share information):
		2013		2012		2011
	Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	418,837	$	631,893	$	546,045
	Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculations)	71,917		73,737		73,586
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	544		416		522
	Diluted shares (denominator for diluted calculations)	72,461		74,153		74,108
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	5.82	$	8.57	$	7.42
	Diluted	$	5.78	$	8.52	$	7.37

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the components of the Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	(88,409	)	$	1,791		$	(86,618	)
	Foreign currency swap		40,347			(14,121		)	26,226
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		(48,062		)	(12,330		)	(60,392		)
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		(1,519,967		)	465,740			(1,054,227		)
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		9,355			(3,274		)	6,081
	Net unrealized gains		(1,529,322		)	469,014			(1,060,308		)
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		4,456			(1,560		)	2,896
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		525			(171		)	354
	Net loss arising during the period		21,624			(7,469		)	14,155
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		22,149			(7,640		)	14,509
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(1,550,779	)	$	447,484		$	(1,103,295	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	57,229		$	(6,244	)	$	50,985
	Foreign currency swap		(20,470		)	7,165			(13,305		)
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		36,759			921			37,680
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		786,449			(275,181		)	511,268
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		91,327			(31,964		)	59,363
	Net unrealized gains		695,122			(243,217		)	451,905
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		9,899			(3,465		)	6,434
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		298			(95		)	203
	Net loss arising during the period		(8,347		)	2,874			(5,473		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		(8,049		)	2,779			(5,270		)
	Other comprehensive income		$	733,731		$	(242,982	)	$	490,749
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	(28,779	)	$	121		$	(28,658	)
	Foreign currency swap		4,858			(1,700		)	3,158
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		(23,921		)	(1,579		)	(25,500		)
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		1,118,586			(302,134		)	816,452
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		72,841			(25,494		)	47,347
	Net unrealized gains		1,045,745			(276,640		)	769,105
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		(1,901		)	665			(1,236		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		460			(185		)	275
	Net gain arising during the period		(25,441		)	8,766			(16,675		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		(24,981		)	8,581			(16,400		)
	Other comprehensive income		$	994,942		$	(268,973	)	$	725,969
	-1	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the components of net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of balances carried at fair value is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	For the years ended December 31,		2013			2012			2011
	Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	(1,528,773	)	$	713,778		$	1,058,505
	Other investments(1)		(12,274		)	6,181			(7,213		)
	Effect on unrealized appreciation on:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		16,181			(14,938		)	(7,448		)
	Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		$	(1,524,866	)	$	705,021		$	1,043,844
	-1	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The balance of and changes in each component of AOCI were as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Accumulated			Unrealized			Pension and			Accumulated
			Currency			Appreciation			Postretirement			Other
			Translation			(Depreciation)			Benefits			Comprehensive
			Adjustments			of Investments						Income (Loss)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Balance, beginning of year		$	267,475		$	1,877,657		$	(36,230	)	$	2,108,902
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(60,392		)	—			—			(60,392		)
	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments(1)		—			(1,063,377		)	—			(1,063,377		)
	Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			2,896			—			2,896
	Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			11,577			11,577
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			3,069			2,932			6,001
	Balance, end of year		$	207,083		$	820,245		$	(21,721	)	$	1,005,607
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	229,795		$	1,419,318		$	(30,960	)	$	1,618,153
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		37,680			—			—			37,680
	Unrealized gain on investments(1)		—			451,905			—			451,905
	Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			6,434			—			6,434
	Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			(5,270		)	(5,270		)
	Balance, end of year		$	267,475		$	1,877,657		$	(36,230	)	$	2,108,902
	For the year ended December 31, 2011
	Balance, beginning of year		$	255,295		$	651,449		$	(14,560	)	$	892,184
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(25,500		)	—			—			(25,500		)
	Unrealized gain on investments(1)		—			769,105			—			769,105
	Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			(1,236		)	—			(1,236		)
	Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			(16,400		)	(16,400		)
	Balance, end of year		$	229,795		$	1,419,318		$	(30,960	)	$	1,618,153
	-1	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the amounts of AOCI reclassifications for the year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	Details about AOCI Components		Amount Reclassified from AOCI			Affected Line Item in Statement of Income
	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities		$	9,355		Investment related gains (losses), net
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap		1,012			Investment income
	Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)		(16,181		)
			(5,814		)	Total before tax
			2,745			Tax expense
			$	(3,069	)	Net of tax
	Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Prior service cost(2)		$	(373	)
	Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)		(4,138		)
			(4,511		)	Total before tax
			1,579			Tax benefit
			$	(2,932	)	Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(6,001	)	Net of tax
	-1	This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” for additional details.
	-2	These AOCI components are included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation1

Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	Years Ended December 31,
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	2013	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	Total Revenues	$	2,601,102	$	2,590,642		$	2,389,815	$	2,736,794
	Total benefits and expenses	2,322,275		2,665,400			2,188,120		2,507,304
	Income before income taxes	278,827		(74,758		)	201,695		229,490
	Net Income	185,535		(49,612		)	137,955		144,959
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.51	$	(0.69	)	$	1.95	$	2.05
	Diluted earnings per share	2.49		(0.69		)	1.93		2.03
	Dividends declared per share	$	0.24	$	0.24		$	0.3	$	0.3
	Market price of common stock
	Quarter end	$	59.67	$	69.11		$	66.99	$	77.41
	Common stock price, high	61.86		69.28			73.32		77.55
	Common stock price, low	54.33		57.14			63.95		66.99
	Total outstanding common shares - end of period	73,301		70,968			70,543		70,768
	2012	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	Total Revenues	$	2,292,975	$	2,375,753		$	2,449,081	$	2,723,102
	Total benefits and expenses	2,112,212		2,159,861			2,247,602		2,402,013
	Income before income taxes	180,763		215,892			201,479		321,089
	Net Income	123,318		141,111			144,475		222,989
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.68	$	1.91		$	1.96	$	3.02
	Diluted earnings per share	1.67		1.91			1.95		3
	Dividends declared per share	$	0.18	$	0.18		$	0.24	$	0.24
	Market price of common stock
	Quarter end	$	59.47	$	53.21		$	57.87	$	53.52
	Common stock price, high	59.97		59.87			60.69		60.2
	Common stock price, low	51.19		48.8			52.75		48.36
	Total outstanding common shares—end of period	73,712		73,722			73,852		73,927

Summary_of_Investments_Other_T1

Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties [Table Text Block]	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE I-SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN
	INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
	December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
	Type of Investment		Cost		Fair Value		Amount at Which Shown in the Balance Sheets(1)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Bonds:
	United States government and government agencies and authorities		$	490	$	501	$	501
	State and political subdivisions		313		321		321
	Foreign governments(2)		4,594		5,268		5,268
	Public utilities		1,904		1,978		1,978
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		9,793		10,133		10,133
	All other corporate bonds		3,177		3,273		3,273
	Total fixed maturity securities		20,271		21,474		21,474
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		82		82		82
	Other equity securities		327		324		324
	Total equity securities		409		406		406
	Mortgage loans on real estate		2,487				2,487
	Policy loans		1,244				1,244
	Funds withheld at interest		5,772				5,772
	Short-term investments		139				139
	Other invested assets		919				919
	Total investments		$	31,241			$	32,441
	-1	Fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value.
	-2	Includes fixed maturities directly issued by foreign governments, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises.

Condensed_Financial_Informatio1

Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	'
			2013			2012			2011
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value		$	502,455		$	604,896
	Short-term and other investments		261,853			64,681
	Cash and cash equivalents		24,137			52,680
	Investment in subsidiaries		7,534,714			8,148,532
	Loans to subsidiaries		1,101,751			1,025,000
	Other assets		204,887			155,190
	Total assets		$	9,629,797		$	10,050,979
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
	Long-term debt - unaffiliated(1)		$	2,294,278		$	1,895,181
	Long-term debt - affiliated(2)		500,000			500,000
	Other liabilities		899,992			745,611
	Stockholders’ equity		5,935,527			6,910,187
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	9,629,797		$	10,050,979
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	Interest / dividend income(3)		$	275,215		$	86,396		$	245,631
	Investment related gains (losses), net		1,714			4,515			1,723
	Operating expenses		(21,164		)	(26,431		)	(32,550		)
	Interest expense		(162,212		)	(143,260		)	(111,600		)
	Income (loss) before income tax and undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		93,553			(78,780		)	103,204
	Income tax expense (benefit)		33,850			(9,566		)	8,935
	Net income (loss) before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		59,703			(69,214		)	94,269
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		359,134			701,107			451,776
	Net income		418,837			631,893			546,045
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		21,033			9,984			(12,265		)
	Total comprehensive income		$	439,870		$	641,877		$	533,780
	The condensed financial information of RGA (the “Parent Company”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries and the notes thereto (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). These condensed unconsolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for RGA. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
	-1	Long-term debt - unaffiliated consists of the following:
			2013			2012
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065		$	398,657		$	398,727
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042		400,000			400,000
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023		398,533			—
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021		398,362			398,141
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019		399,602			399,534
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017		299,124			298,851
	Total		$	2,294,278		$	1,895,253
	Repayments of long-term debt—unaffiliated due over the next five years total $300,000, due 2017.
	-2	Long-term debt—affiliated in 2013 and 2012 and consists of $500,000 of subordinated debt issued to various operating subsidiaries.
	-3	Interest/Dividend income includes $175,000 and $190,000 of cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2013 and 2011, respectively. Cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2012 were not material.
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE II—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT (continued)
	December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)
			2013			2012			2011
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Operating activities:
	Net income		$	418,837		$	631,893		$	546,045
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(359,134		)	(701,107		)	(453,806		)
	Loss on retirement of trust preferred securities		—			—			4,391
	Other, net		162,586			134,232			143,716
	Net cash provided by operating activities		$	222,289		$	65,018		$	240,346
	Investing activities:
	Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	176,062		$	122,212		$	171,791
	Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		(103,566		)	(213,548		)	(116,010		)
	Purchases of subsidiary debt securities		(76,751		)	(250,000		)	(475,000		)
	Maturities of subsidiary debt securities		—			—			50,000
	Purchase of a business, net of cash acquired of $9,709		(2,805		)	—			—
	Change in short-term investments		(96,967		)	—			—
	Change in other invested assets		(79,023		)	5,718			(2,055		)
	Capital contributions to subsidiaries		(144,459		)	(70,431		)	(105,575		)
	Net cash used in investing activities		(327,509		)	(406,049		)	(476,849		)
Financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders		(77,642		)	(61,945		)	(44,229		)
Purchases of treasury stock		(269,204		)	(6,924		)	(380,345		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement		—			416			4,933
Exercise of stock options, net		28,390			(3,087		)	6,449
Principal payments on debt		—			—			(200,000		)
Maturity of trust preferred securities		—			—			(159,473		)
Proceeds from unaffiliated long-term debt issuance		398,533			400,000			397,788
Debt issuance costs		(3,400		)	(6,255		)	(3,400		)
Proceeds from affiliated long-term debt issuance		—			—			500,000
Proceeds from redemption and remarketing of trust preferred securities		—			—			154,588
Net cash provided by financing activities		76,677			322,205			276,311
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(28,543		)	(18,826		)	39,808
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		52,680			71,506			31,698
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	24,137		$	52,680		$	71,506
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest		$	141,615		$	130,047		$	98,809
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds		$	82,000		$	30,500		$	—

Supplementary_Insurance_Inform1

Supplementary Insurance Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Insurance Information For Insurance Companies Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE III—SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	(dollars in thousands)
		As of December 31,
		Deferred Policy						Future Policy Benefits  and						Other Policy Claims and
		Acquisition Costs						Interest-Sensitive Contract						Benefits Payable
								Liabilities
		Assumed			Ceded			Assumed			Ceded			Assumed			Ceded
	2013
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	1,621,623		$	(30,523	)	$	7,541,617		$	(244,897	)	$	1,260,329		$	(73,798	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	884,377			—			11,240,138			—			16,045			—
	Canada operations	259,575			(483		)	2,963,561			(233,735		)	206,245			(8,952		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	311,499			(9,492		)	1,093,285			(36,696		)	831,974			(35,328		)
	Asia Pacific operations	495,980			(14,760		)	1,675,887			(68,292		)	1,244,298			(25,041		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			299,845			—			12,870			(190		)
	Total	$	3,573,054		$	(55,258	)	$	24,814,333		$	(583,620	)	$	3,571,761		$	(143,309	)
	2012
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	1,559,482		$	(32,453	)	$	7,033,889		$	(231,383	)	$	1,194,461		$	(88,649	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	1,039,180			—			11,784,670			—			17,646			—
	Canada operations	271,656			(510		)	3,007,476			(236,586		)	210,334			(20,460		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	332,780			(10,599		)	887,404			(36,097		)	712,392			(20,570		)
	Asia Pacific operations	474,705			(14,967		)	1,712,908			(77,015		)	1,015,119			(36,534		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			300,011			(7		)	10,298			(255		)
	Total	$	3,677,803		$	(58,529	)	$	24,726,358		$	(581,088	)	$	3,160,250		$	(166,468	)
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE III—SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (continued)
	(dollars in thousands)
		Year ended December 31,
		Premium Income			Net Investment			Policyholder			Amortization of			Other Operating
					Income			Benefits and			DAC			Expenses
								Interest Credited
	2013
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	4,518,051		$	542,657		$	(3,981,276	)	$	(471,178	)	$	(244,614	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	22,521			721,282			(443,393		)	(185,396		)	(88,380		)
	Canada operations	962,311			204,851			(758,565		)	(178,566		)	(83,569		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	1,331,559			55,604			(1,165,432		)	(41,628		)	(125,306		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,419,828			91,927			(1,431,373		)	(36,035		)	(309,262		)
	Corporate and Other	(243		)	83,544			(807		)	—			(138,319		)
	Total	$	8,254,027		$	1,699,865		$	(7,780,846	)	$	(912,803	)	$	(989,450	)
	2012
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	4,308,780		$	535,589		$	(3,788,384	)	$	(461,117	)	$	(228,919	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	14,095			498,499			(335,581		)	(193,492		)	(78,731		)
	Canada operations	915,764			190,337			(706,744		)	(167,614		)	(78,935		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	1,308,462			45,576			(1,134,219		)	(50,174		)	(113,951		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,350,330			83,387			(1,081,010		)	(130,660		)	(238,497		)
	Corporate and Other	9,165			82,818			24			—			(133,684		)
	Total	$	7,906,596		$	1,436,206		$	(7,045,914	)	$	(1,003,057	)	$	(872,717	)
	2011
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	3,979,489		$	495,650		$	(3,518,170	)	$	(424,523	)	$	(216,094	)
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	13,189			362,886			(269,631		)	79,097			(140,097		)
	Canada operations	835,298			188,304			(673,105		)	(146,680		)	(71,293		)
	Europe & South Africa operations	1,194,477			44,351			(1,001,921		)	(35,833		)	(129,003		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,304,490			84,837			(1,077,982		)	(162,926		)	(147,272		)
	Corporate and Other	8,744			105,169			(768		)	(258		)	(129,508		)
	Total	$	7,335,687		$	1,281,197		$	(6,541,577	)	$	(691,123	)	$	(833,267	)

Supplemental_Schedule_of_Reins1

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Schedule Of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Table Text Block]	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE IV—REINSURANCE
	(in millions)
		As of or for the Year ended December 31,
		Gross Amount		Ceded to Other		Assumed from			Net Amounts			Percentage of
				Companies		Other Companies						Amount Assumed
												to Net
	2013
	Life insurance in force	$	77	$	36,830	$	2,889,804		$	2,853,051		101.3	%
	Premiums
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	5.2	$	145.4	$	4,658.20		$	4,518.00		103.1	%
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	—		44.7		67.2			22.5			298.7
	Canada operations	—		54.2		1,016.50			962.3			105.6
	Europe & South Africa operations	—		28.1		1,359.70			1,331.60			102.1
	Asia Pacific operations	—		47		1,466.80			1,419.80			103.3
	Corporate and Other	—		—		(0.2		)	(0.2		)	100
	Total	$	5.2	$	319.4	$	8,568.20		$	8,254.00		103.8	%
	2012
	Life insurance in force	$	76	$	38,048	$	2,927,573		$	2,889,601		101.3	%
	Premiums
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	3.8	$	151.6	$	4,456.60		$	4,308.80		103.4	%
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	—		50.5		64.6			14.1			458.2
	Canada operations	—		52.9		968.6			915.7			105.8
	Europe & South Africa operations	—		29.5		1,338.00			1,308.50			102.3
	Asia Pacific operations	—		41.5		1,391.80			1,350.30			103.1
	Corporate and Other	—		—		9.2			9.2			100
	Total	$	3.8	$	326	$	8,228.80		$	7,906.60		104.1	%
	2011
	Life insurance in force	$	76	$	39,987	$	2,664,353		$	2,624,442		101.5	%
	Premiums
	U.S. Traditional operations	$	2.6	$	144.7	$	4,121.60		$	3,979.50		103.6	%
	U.S. Non-Traditional operations	—		52.3		65.5			13.2			496.2
	Canada operations	—		104.7		940.1			835.3			112.6
	Europe & South Africa operations	—		30		1,224.40			1,194.50			102.5
	Asia Pacific operations	—		36.8		1,341.30			1,304.50			102.8
	Corporate and Other	—		—		8.7			8.7			100
	Total	$	2.6	$	368.5	$	7,701.60		$	7,335.70		105	%

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block]	'
	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE V—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in millions)
	Description	Balance at		Charges to Costs		Charged to Other		Deductions		Balance at End of
		Beginning of		and Expenses		Accounts				Period
		Period
	2013
	Allowance on income taxes	$	10.1	$	23.5	$	68.6	$	—	$	102.2
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	11.6		1.9		—		3.4		10.1
	2012
	Allowance on income taxes	$	8.6	$	—	$	1.6	$	0.1	$	10.1
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	11.8		6.3		—		6.5		11.6
	2011
	Allowance on income taxes	$	3.9	$	—	$	5.4	$	0.7	$	8.6
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	6.2		9.5		—		3.9		11.8

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$7	$7	'
Value of Business Acquired (VOBA)	5.5	0.6	'
Accumulated Amortization Of Value Of Business Acquired VOBA	13	24.8	'
Amortization of Value of Business Acquired (VOBA)	0.3	0.2	0.2
Values Of Business Acquired Distribution Agreements And Customer Relationships	85.8	95.9	'
Accumulated Amortization Of Values Of Business Acquired Distribution Agreements And Customer Relationships	34.9	24.8	'
Amortization Of Values Of Business Acquired Distribution Agreements And Customer Relationships	10.1	10.5	10.9
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	9.5	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	9.4	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	9	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	8.7	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	8.3	'	'
Capitalized Computer Software, Net	49.6	43.2	'
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization	6.9	6.5	4.3
Traditional Life, Interest Rate, Low End	3.00%	'	'
Traditional Life, Interest Rate, High End	6.00%	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle Cumulative Effect Of Change On Deferred Aquisition Costs	'	470.1	'
New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle Cumulative Effect Of Change On Equity	'	318.4	'
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	12.5	'	'
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired	147.3	'	'
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed	$134.80	'	'
Value of Customer Relationships Acquired [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'15 years	'	'
Value of Distribution Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'15 years	'	'

Stock_Transactions_Narrative_D

Stock Transactions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended							1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 24, 2013	Apr. 18, 2013	Jul. 18, 2013	Feb. 20, 2014
				Incentive Award Tax Settlement [Member]	Met Life Inc [Member]	Repurchase Program 2002 [Member]	Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]	January Two Thousand Thirteen Share Repurchase Authorization [Member]	April Two Thousand Thirteen Share Repurchase Authorization [Member]	July Two Thousand Thirteen Share Repurchase Authorization [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued	'	'	'	346,561	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	4,151,312	'	'	125,829	3,000,000	838,362	2,500,000	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$64.13	'	'	'	$61.14	'	$51.39	'	'	'	'
Shares Granted To Non Employee Directors	14,200	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$200,000,000	$100,000,000	$100,000,000	$300,000,000
Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method Repurchase Agreement	261,300,000	'	43,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Initial Price Paid Per Share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$59.76	'	'	'	'
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Settlement Payment or Receipt	'	'	'	'	'	'	149,400,000	'	'	'	'
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Adjustment to Recorded Amount	'	'	4,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$61.47	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	'	'	'	'	'	43,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants Excercised	'	4,402,078	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Price Per Warrant	'	'	$35.44	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period Shares Conversion Of Units	'	5,506,088	5,506,088	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Investments_Investments_in_Fix

Investments (Investments in Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$11,697,394	$11,333,431	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,110,755	12,380,071	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-2,896	-6,434	1,236
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	20,270,734	19,559,432	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,518,301	2,864,436	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	314,899	132,254	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,474,136	22,291,614	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	100.00%	100.00%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-4,168	-8,625	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	409,472	217,046	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,960	6,958	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	9,701	1,304	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	405,731	222,700	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	100.00%	100.00%	'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	11,697,394	11,333,431	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	616,147	1,085,973	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	202,786	39,333	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,110,755	12,380,071	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	56.40%	55.50%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	0	0	'
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,728,111	2,676,777	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	669,762	1,372,731	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	16,848	174	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,381,025	4,049,334	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	15.70%	18.20%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	0	0	'
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	970,434	969,267	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	38,126	76,520	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	18,917	3,723	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	989,643	1,042,064	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	4.60%	4.70%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-300	-241	'
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	891,751	700,455	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	18,893	19,898	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	15,812	28,798	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	894,832	691,555	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	4.20%	3.10%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-2,259	-2,259	'
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,314,782	1,608,376	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	91,651	142,369	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	17,487	51,842	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,388,946	1,698,903	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	6.50%	7.60%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-1,609	-6,125	'
US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	489,631	231,256	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	16,468	33,958	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	4,748	24	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	501,351	265,190	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	2.30%	1.20%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	0	0	'
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	313,252	270,086	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	21,907	38,058	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	14,339	5,646	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	320,820	302,498	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	1.50%	1.40%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	0	0	'
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,865,379	1,769,784	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	45,347	94,929	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	23,962	2,714	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,886,764	1,861,999	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	8.80%	8.30%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	0	0	'
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	81,993	68,469	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,342	6,542	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	5,481	170	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	81,854	74,841	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	20.20%	33.60%	'
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	327,479	148,577	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	618	416	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	4,220	1,134	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$323,877	$147,859	'
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	79.80%	66.40%	'

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Amortized Cost Basis	$551,195	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Basis	3,570,831	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	7,090,140	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	5,881,601	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis	3,176,967	'
Available for Sale at Fair value - Amortized cost	20,270,734	19,559,432
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	557,981	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	3,743,631	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	7,295,566	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	6,603,537	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	3,273,421	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$21,474,136	$22,291,614

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and1

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Holdings by Industry Type) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$11,697,394	$11,333,431
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,110,755	12,380,071
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Finance Industry [Member]	'	'
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,838,716	3,619,455
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,983,623	3,900,152
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	32.90%	31.50%
Industrial [Member]	'	'
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,943,353	5,881,967
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	6,138,150	6,443,846
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	50.70%	52.00%
Utility Industry [Member]	'	'
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,904,100	1,799,658
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,978,218	2,002,611
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	16.30%	16.20%
Other Industry [Member]	'	'
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	11,225	32,351
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$10,764	$33,462
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	0.10%	0.30%

Investments_Credit_Losses_Reco

Investments (Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings on Fixed Maturity Securities Held by the Company) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$16,675	$63,947	$47,291
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment	0	1,962	8,349
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses	134	10,186	9,059
Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Reductions Change In Status	-1,449	-22,290	0
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Securities Sold	-3,664	-37,130	-752
Balance, end of period	$11,696	$16,675	$63,947

Investments_Purchased_Credit_I

Investments (Purchased Credit Impaired Securities Included in Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities [Abstract]	'		'
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Outstanding Balance	$192,644	[1]	$108,831	[1]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net	$148,822	[2]	$84,765	[2]
[1]	Represents the contractually required payments which is the sum of contractual principal, whether or not currently due, and accrued interest.
[2]	Estimated fair value plus accrued interest.

Investments_Purchased_Credit_I1

Investments (Purchased Credit Impaired Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Acquired [Abstract]	'		'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Acquired, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition	$161,975		$152,988
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Acquired, Cash Flows Expected to be Collected at Acquisition	130,578	[1]	125,449	[1]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Acquired, at Acquisition, at Fair Value	$87,643		$85,298
[1]	Represents undiscounted principal and interest cash flow expectations at the date of acquisition.

Investments_Accretable_Yield_o

Investments (Accretable Yield on Purchased Credit Impaired Securities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$39,239	$0
Investments purchased	42,935	40,151
Accretion	-7,755	-1,388
Disposals	-3,564	0
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference	-1,386	476
Balance, end of period	$69,469	$39,239

Investments_Fair_Value_Below_A

Investments (Fair Value Below Amortized Cost of Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	$324,600	$133,558
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	100.00%	100.00%
Less Than 20 Percent [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	296,731	54,951
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	91.40%	41.20%
More Than Or Equal To 20 Percent For Less Than Six Months [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	6,444	734
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	2.00%	0.50%
More Than Or Equal To 20 Percent For Six Months Or Greater [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	$21,425	$77,873
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	6.60%	58.30%

Investments_Fair_Value_and_Los

Investments (Fair Value and Losses by Investment Category and Length of Time in a Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$5,407,190	$1,445,262
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	234,184	22,324
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	554,529	414,211
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	80,715	109,930
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	5,961,719	1,859,473
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	314,899	132,254
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	5,007,606	1,242,157
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	223,122	18,284
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	468,956	272,112
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	63,135	42,960
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	5,476,562	1,514,269
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	286,257	61,244
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,141,179	786,203
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	148,895	13,276
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	301,303	108,187
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	40,548	17,386
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,442,482	894,390
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	189,443	30,662
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	188,491	12,349
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	14,419	174
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	12,029	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	2,429	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	200,520	12,349
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	16,848	174
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	283,967	22,288
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	15,900	97
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	23,068	19,394
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	1,688	3,199
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	307,035	41,682
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	17,588	3,296
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	255,656	59,119
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	4,916	449
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	56,668	96,179
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	4,983	9,508
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	312,324	155,298
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	9,899	9,957
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	219,110	89,507
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	3,725	797
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	20,068	29,181
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	5,745	7,974
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	239,178	118,688
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	9,470	8,771
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	133,697	7,272
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	4,469	24
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,406	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	279	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	138,103	7,272
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	4,748	24
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	120,193	20,602
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	9,723	1,514
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	15,202	11,736
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	4,616	4,132
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	135,395	32,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	14,339	5,646
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	665,313	244,817
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	21,075	1,953
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	36,212	7,435
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	2,847	761
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	701,525	252,252
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	23,922	2,714
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	399,584	203,105
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	11,062	4,040
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	85,573	142,099
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	17,580	66,970
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	485,157	345,204
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	28,642	71,010
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	283,603	181,168
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	9,451	3,170
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	38,256	39,123
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	3,892	5,501
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	321,859	220,291
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	13,343	8,671
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	62,146	15,199
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	1,075	80
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	3,945	2,633
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	254	347
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	66,091	17,832
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	1,329	427
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	28,670	3,421
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	415	26
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	32,392	31,938
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	5,498	18,815
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	61,062	35,359
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	5,913	18,841
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	15,762	3,317
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	81	764
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	10,980	68,405
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	7,936	42,307
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	26,742	71,722
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	8,017	43,071
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	9,403	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	40	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	9,403	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	40	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	270,220	90,951
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	7,227	1,186
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	32,551	5,679
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	2,474	118
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	302,771	96,630
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	9,701	1,304
Equity Securities [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	51,386	5,577
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	5,479	52
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1	5,679
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	2	118
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	51,387	11,256
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	5,481	170
Equity Securities [Member] | Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	218,834	85,374
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	1,748	1,134
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	32,550	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	2,472	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	251,384	85,374
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	$4,220	$1,134

Investments_Investment_Income_

Investments (Investment Income Net of Related Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Investment Income, Operating	$1,751,891	$1,475,396	$1,311,289
Investment Income, Investment Expense	-52,026	-39,190	-30,092
Investment income, net of related expenses	1,699,865	1,436,206	1,281,197
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Investment Income, Operating	966,759	868,682	757,726
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Investment Income, Operating	121,476	96,901	55,931
Policy Loans [Member]	'	'	'
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Investment Income, Operating	57,099	62,855	66,621
Funds Withheld At Interest [Member]	'	'	'
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Investment Income, Operating	545,550	393,586	388,694
Short-term Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Investment Income, Operating	2,236	4,173	2,378
Other Aggregated Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Investment Income, Operating	$58,771	$49,199	$39,939

Investments_Investment_Related

Investments (Investment Related Gains (Losses) Net) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	($12,654)	($15,908)	($30,873)
Portion of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)	-247	-7,618	3,924
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	-12,901	-23,526	-26,949
Impairment Losses On Equity Securities	0	-3,025	-4,116
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	82,744	145,268	132,045
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-60,575	-27,474	-26,996
Other Impairment Losses And Change In Mortgage Loan Provision	-6,933	-16,602	-10,238
Derivatives And Other Investments Net	61,655	179,495	-99,802
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$63,990	$254,136	($36,056)

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Property Type) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,496,786	$2,312,167
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Apartment Building [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	289,394	229,266
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	11.60%	9.90%
Retail Site [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	748,731	669,958
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	30.00%	29.00%
Office Building [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	917,284	825,406
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	36.70%	35.70%
Industrial Property [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	439,890	455,682
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	17.60%	19.70%
Other Property [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$101,487	$131,855
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	4.10%	5.70%

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_1

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Real Estate Geographic Location) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,496,786	$2,312,167
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Pacific [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	671,822	593,589
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	26.90%	25.70%
South Atlantic [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	543,658	477,068
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	21.80%	20.50%
Mountain [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	334,446	233,174
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	13.40%	10.10%
Middle Atlantic [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	266,802	300,475
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	10.70%	13.00%
West North Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	138,442	168,063
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	5.50%	7.30%
East North Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	236,766	224,122
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	9.50%	9.70%
West South Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	168,246	161,451
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	6.70%	7.00%
East South Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	59,625	62,789
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	2.40%	2.70%
New England [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Geographic Location Of Property [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$76,979	$91,436
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	3.10%	4.00%

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_2

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Maturity Date) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,496,786	$2,312,167
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Due One Year Through Five Years [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	987,109	1,187,387
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Due After Five Years [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	984,289	776,655
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Due After Ten Years [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$525,388	$348,125

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_3

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Credit Quality Indicator) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,496,786	$2,312,167
High Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	1,437,244	1,235,605
Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	827,993	834,494
Average [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	155,914	132,607
Watch List [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	49,404	76,463
In Or Near Default [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$26,231	$32,998

Investments_Age_Analysis_of_Pa

Investments (Age Analysis of Past Due Recorded Investment In Mortgage Loans) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,496,786	$2,312,167
Mortgage Receivable [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 30 to 60 Days Past Due	0	7,504
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 61 to 89 Days Past Due	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	16,886
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0	24,390
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current	2,496,786	2,287,777
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,496,786	$2,312,167

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_4

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Method of Evaluation and Related Valuation Allowances) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$37,841	$39,956	'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,458,945	2,272,211	'	'
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	2,496,786	2,312,167	'	'
Valuation Allowances [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	3,211	6,980	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	6,895	4,600	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	10,106	11,580	11,793	6,239
Mortgage Loans Net Of Valuation Allowance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	$2,486,680	$2,300,587	'	'

Investments_Loan_Valuation_All

Investments (Loan Valuation Allowance for Mortgage Loans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance beginning	$11,580	$11,793	$6,239
Charge-offs	-3,431	-6,474	-3,947
Provision	1,957	6,261	9,501
Balance ending	$10,106	$11,580	$11,793

Investments_Impaired_Mortgage_

Investments (Impaired Mortgage Loans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'		'		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	$38,470		$40,566		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	37,841		39,956		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	3,211		6,980		'
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	34,630		32,976		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	37,841	[1]	49,983	[1]	42,589	[1]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	1,803		1,669		1,048
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded	'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'		'		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	21,698		13,039		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	21,100		12,496		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0		0		'
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	21,100		12,496		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	15,023	[1]	15,549	[1]	14,877	[1]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	852		1,244		630
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded	'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'		'		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	16,772		27,527		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	16,741		27,460		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	3,211		6,980		'
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	13,530		20,480		'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	22,818	[1]	34,434	[1]	27,712	[1]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	$951		$425		$418
[1]	Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.

Investments_Other_Invested_Ass

Investments (Other Invested Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Other invested assets	$1,324,960	$1,159,543
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Other invested assets	405,731	222,700
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'
Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Other invested assets	411,456	356,419
Secured Debt [Member]	'	'
Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Other invested assets	223,549	306,497
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]	'	'
Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Other invested assets	75,227	168,208
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]	'	'
Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Other invested assets	138,892	0
Other [Member]	'	'
Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Other invested assets	$70,105	$105,719

Investments_Transfers_Details

Investments (Transfers) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortized Cost (Member)	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	$5,406,898
Amortized Cost (Member) | Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	1,009,454
Amortized Cost (Member) | Short-term Investments [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	101,428
Amortized Cost (Member) | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	501,593
Amortized Cost (Member) | Accrued Interest [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	43,739
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	5,457,290
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	1,021,661
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	101,338
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	501,593
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Accrued Interest [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	43,739
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Amortized Cost (Member)	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	3,750,684
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Amortized Cost (Member) | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	2,585,095
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Amortized Cost (Member) | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	137,251
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Amortized Cost (Member) | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	703,313
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Amortized Cost (Member) | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	240,952
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Amortized Cost (Member) | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	27,297
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Amortized Cost (Member) | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	56,776
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	3,788,959
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	2,606,816
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	138,918
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	704,065
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	256,168
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	27,555
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	'
Transfer to Investments [Line Items]	'
Transfer to Investments	$55,437

Investments_Investments_Narrat

Investments Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	position	position
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$11,697,394,000	$11,333,431,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,110,755,000	12,380,071,000	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	1,396	567	'
Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Sold At Loss	1,104,000,000	828,000,000	476,600,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	60,575,000	27,474,000	26,996,000
Securities For Reverse Repurchase Agreements	344,200,000	342,000,000	'
Mortgage Loan Percent Of Invested Assets	7.70%	7.00%	'
Policy Loans Percent Of Invested Assets	3.80%	3.90%	'
Funds Withheld At Interest Percent Of Invested Assets	17.80%	17.00%	'
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	100.00%	100.00%	'
Funds withheld at interest	5,771,467,000	5,594,182,000	'
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Specific Client	4,100,000,000	'	'
Funds Withheld At Interest Investment Yield	9.68%	6.97%	6.87%
Other Invested Assets Percent Of Invested Assets	4.10%	3.50%	'
Non-Income Producing Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	38,500,000	54,200,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	47,600,000	58,500,000	'
Canadian Province Of Onatio Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,222,300,000	1,400,000,000	'
Canadian Province Of Quebec Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,389,100,000	1,785,000,000	'
Collateral Pledged Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	57,200,000	16,900,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	58,000,000	17,000,000	'
Collateral Received Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	94,100,000	95,600,000	'
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities Borrowed	93,000,000	87,500,000	'
Amortized Cost (Member)	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase	300,300,000	290,200,000	'
Transfer to Investments	5,406,898,000	'	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase	310,800,000	305,900,000	'
Transfer to Investments	5,457,290,000	'	'
Mortgage Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Investment Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	$0	$16,886,000	'

Derivative_Instruments_Gross_N

Derivative Instruments (Gross Notional Amount and Fair Value of Derivatives Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$8,943,979	$6,598,107
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	101,352	190,634
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,087,331	1,209,616
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	8,166,174	5,911,320
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	79,449	190,290
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,082,105	1,181,432
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	1,592,943	2,195,059
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	32,555	123,085
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	21,873	17,867
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Options [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	240,000	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2,554	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	123,780	127,877
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	79,618	74,400
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	1,017
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	12,772	2,105
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	59,922	85,135
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	1,446
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	309	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Credit Default Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	682,700	714,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	10,438	2,228
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,156	5,922
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	757,352	696,776
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	33,902	62,514
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	4,629,859	2,018,073
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	176,270	243,177
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	838,670	740,256
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	30,055	172,105
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	777,805	686,787
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	21,903	344
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	5,226	28,184
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	49,131	57,275
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	344
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	4,606	786
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	728,674	629,512
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	21,903	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$620	$27,398

Derivative_Instruments_Derivat

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Instruments Offsetting Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Asset [Abstract]	'		'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$101,352		$190,634
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	-26,125		-22,426
Derivative Asset	75,227		168,208
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	-11,095	[1]	-22,458	[1]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	-51,006	[2]	-136,414	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	13,126		9,336
Derivative Liability [Abstract]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Free Standing Derivative Liability	42,336		54,078
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	-26,125		-22,426
Derivative Liability	16,211		31,652
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	-18,081	[3]	-1,565	[3]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	-8,033	[4]	-27,867	[4]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	($9,903)		$2,220
[1]	Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
[2]	Included in cash and cash equivalents, with obligation to return cash collateral recorded in other liabilities.
[3]	Included in other invested assets, primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
[4]	Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.

Derivative_Instruments_Fair_Va

Derivative Instruments (Fair Value of Hedged Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Available-for-sale Securities [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'
Net Derivatives Gains Losses Recognized On Fair Value Derivatives And Related Hedged Items [Line Items]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	($785)
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	1,402
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	$617

Derivative_Instruments_Current

Derivative Instruments (Current Period Cash Flow Hedges in AOCI (loss) before Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Cash Flow Hedge	$403	($828)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-3,969	2,613
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Investment Income, Net	-1,012	-1,382
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Cash Flow Hedge	($4,578)	$403

Derivative_Instruments_Cash_Fl

Derivative Instruments (Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]	'	'
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives	($3,969)	$2,613
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	6	-41
Investment Income [Member]	'	'
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	1,012	1,382
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Hedges_

Derivative Instruments (Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations) (Details) (Currency Swap [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Currency Swap [Member]	'		'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives	$40,347	[1],[2]	($20,470)	[1],[2]	$4,858	[1],[2]
[1]	There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
[2]	There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented.

Derivative_Instruments_Non_Hed

Derivative Instruments (Non Hedging Derivatives and Embedded Derivatives Effect on Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$63,990	$254,136	($36,056)
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses	-1,300,780	-1,306,470	-990,021
Interest credited	-476,514	-379,915	-316,394
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-80,440	127,742	-237,697
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-84,398	16,028	178,338
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Options [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-11,518	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-11,157	-20,245	-945
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-13,201	-5,644	1,675
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-1,942	-267	1,821
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Credit Default Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	24,188	18,359	-63
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-79,230	-69,677	7,818
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	70,177	115,009	-87,236
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses	0	-630	-24,551
Interest credited	-115,409	-29,804	-90,370
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member]	'	'	'
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$142,050	$104,613	($224,184)

Derivative_Instruments_Exposur

Derivative Instruments (Exposure from Credit Derivatives by Rating of the Underlying Credits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	$8,565	[1]	($3,707)	[1]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'4 years 5 months	[1],[2]	'5 years 2 months 13 days	[1],[2]
Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member] | Standard Poors AAA To A Ratings [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	614	[1]	-2,077	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	117,500	[1],[3]	124,500	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'5 years 1 month	[1],[2]	'5 years 10 months 25 days	[1],[2]
Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BBB Rating [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	656	[1]	-2,345	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	142,200	[1],[3]	135,500	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'4 years 11 months	[1],[2]	'5 years 6 months	[1],[2]
Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BB+ Rating [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	0	[1]	-222	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	0	[1],[3]	6,000	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'		'4 years 6 months	[1],[2]
Credit Default Swaps Referencing Indices [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BBB Rating [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	7,295	[1]	937	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	405,000	[1],[3]	430,000	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'5 years	[1],[2]	'5 years	[1],[2]
Credit Default Subtotal [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	664,700	[1],[3]	696,000	[1],[3]
Credit Default Subtotal [Member] | Standard Poors AAA To A Ratings [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	614	[1]	-2,077	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	117,500	[1],[3]	124,500	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'5 years 1 month	[1],[2]	'5 years 10 months 25 days	[1],[2]
Credit Default Subtotal [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BBB Rating [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	7,951	[1]	-1,408	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	547,200	[1],[3]	565,500	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'5 years	[1],[2]	'5 years 1 month 7 days	[1],[2]
Credit Default Subtotal [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BB+ Rating [Member]	'		'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	0	[1]	-222	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	$0	[1],[3]	$6,000	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	'		'4 years 6 months	[1],[2]
[1]	The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”).
[2]	The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.
[3]	Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.

Derivative_Instruments_Changes

Derivative Instruments (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$63,990	$254,136	($36,056)
Total benefits and expenses	2,507,304	2,188,120	2,665,400	2,322,275	2,402,013	2,247,602	2,159,861	2,112,212	9,683,099	8,921,688	8,065,967
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	144,959	137,955	-49,612	185,535	222,989	144,475	141,111	123,318	418,837	631,893	546,045
Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements And Variable Annuity Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,177	115,009	-87,236
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,920	25,454	-7,599
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total investment related gains (losses), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	142,050	104,613	-224,184
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,123	6,367	-30,230
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total benefits and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-115,409	-30,434	-114,921
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($106,792)	$6,110	($55,915)

Derivative_Instruments_Credit_

Derivative Instruments (Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	$59,016		$136,558
Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts [Abstract]	'		'
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	8,033	[1]	27,867	[1]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	18,081	[2]	1,565	[2]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	-51,006	[3]	-136,414	[3]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	-11,095	[4]	-22,458	[4]
Deposits with Clearing Organizations and Others, Securities	-13,350		0
Net Credit Exposure On Derivative Contracts	9,679		7,118
Margin Deposit Assets	$2,566	[5]	$5,605	[5]
[1]	Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
[2]	Included in other invested assets, primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
[3]	Included in cash and cash equivalents, with obligation to return cash collateral recorded in other liabilities.
[4]	Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
[5]	Included in cash and cash equivalents.

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$0.60	'	'
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Gain Loss Recorded In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss For Net Investment In Foreign Operations Hedges	23.9	-16.4	'
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives	-177.3	-61.4	188.6
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk	-1.6	-62.7	23.1
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss On Variable Annuity Contracts In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk	($12.50)	$16.50	'

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi2

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$21,474,136	$22,291,614
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	-176,270	-243,177
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	371,345	575,864
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	111,572	239,131
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	628,992	419,861
Total	22,409,775	23,283,293
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	868,725	912,361
Total	884,936	944,013
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	769,513	533,349
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	371,345	575,864
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	105,649	178,923
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	539,882	225,401
Total	1,786,389	1,513,537
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Total	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	18,509,504	19,520,344
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	5,923	38,177
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	84,148	194,460
Total	18,599,575	19,752,981
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Total	16,211	31,652
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	2,195,119	2,237,921
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	-176,270	-243,177
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	0	22,031
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,962	0
Total	2,023,811	2,016,775
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	868,725	912,361
Total	868,725	912,361
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	81,854	74,841
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	74,220	64,268
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,672	10,573
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,962	0
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	323,877	147,859
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	323,877	147,859
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	17,002
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	1,323
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	15,679
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	0
Other [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,142	11,951
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,142	11,951
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,904	104,972
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,828	196
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,904	104,972
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,828	196
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,554	1,017
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,772	2,105
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,554	1,017
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,772	2,105
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	-309	1,446
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	-309	1,446
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Credit Default Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,926	-1,741
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	-356	1,953
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,926	-1,741
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	-356	1,953
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Option [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	33,869	62,514
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	33,869	62,514
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Currency Swap [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	21,283	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	-33	27,398
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	21,283	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	-33	27,398
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	138,892	'
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	132,643	'
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,249	'
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	12,110,755	12,380,071
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	68,934	43,544
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	10,696,532	10,667,964
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,345,289	1,668,563
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	3,381,025	4,049,334
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	3,381,025	4,049,334
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	989,643	1,042,064
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	836,138	948,133
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	153,505	93,931
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	894,832	691,555
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	422,984	459,164
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	471,848	232,391
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,388,946	1,698,903
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,287,161	1,531,897
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	101,785	167,006
US Treasury and Government [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	501,351	265,190
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	396,092	192,780
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	64,340	67,872
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	40,919	4,538
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	320,820	302,498
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	277,044	259,286
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	43,776	43,212
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,886,764	1,861,999
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,487	297,025
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,544,280	1,536,694
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$37,997	$28,280

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi3

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Quantitative Information for Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Market Comparable Securities [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
State And Political Subdivision Securities	$29,024	$5,451
Corporate Securities	312,887	450,177
Financial Instruments, Owned, US Government and Agency Obligations, at Fair Value	37,539	'
Short-term Investments	'	22,031
Market Comparable Securities [Member] | Liquidity Premium [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
State And Political Subdivision Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Corporate Securities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Short Term Investments Unobservable Input Range	'	1.00%
US Government And Agencies Securities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	'
Market Comparable Securities [Member] | Liquidity Premium [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
State And Political Subdivision Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Corporate Securities Unobservable Input Range	2.00%	2.00%
Short Term Investments Unobservable Input Range	'	1.00%
US Government And Agencies Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	'
Market Comparable Securities [Member] | Liquidity Premium [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
State And Political Subdivision Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Corporate Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Short Term Investments Unobservable Input Range	'	1.00%
US Government And Agencies Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	'
Total Return Swap [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	-176,270	-243,177
Total Return Swap [Member] | Mortality [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Mortality [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	100.00%	100.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Mortality [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	2.00%	1.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Lapse [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Lapse [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	35.00%	35.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Lapse [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	7.00%	6.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Withdrawal [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Withdrawal [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	5.00%	5.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Withdrawal [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	3.00%	3.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Own Credit [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Own Credit [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Own Credit [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Crediting Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	2.00%	2.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Crediting Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	4.00%	4.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] | Crediting Rate [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	3.00%	3.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives	838,670	740,256
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives	$30,055	$172,105
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Mortality [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Mortality [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	100.00%	100.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Mortality [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	2.00%	1.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	2.00%	2.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Lapse [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Lapse [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	35.00%	35.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	25.00%	25.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Lapse [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	7.00%	6.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	6.00%	5.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Withdrawal [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Withdrawal [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	5.00%	5.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	7.00%	7.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Withdrawal [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	3.00%	3.00%
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	3.00%	3.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Own Credit [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Own Credit [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Own Credit [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	1.00%	1.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Option Budget Projection [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	2.00%	2.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Option Budget Projection [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	4.00%	4.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Option Budget Projection [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	3.00%	3.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Long Term Volatility [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Long Term Volatility [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	27.00%	27.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Long Term Volatility [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Variable Annuities Embedded Derivatives Unobservable Input Range	10.00%	14.00%

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi4

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Fair Value Assets Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$0	$40,435
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	30,599	22,224
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	30,789
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	30,599	11,156
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	14,773
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	30,599	4
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0	11,152
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	12,794
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	3,222
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	9,646
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	$0	$11,068

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi5

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$1,668,563		$974,169		$872,179
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	1,668,563		974,191		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-44,299		34,488		21,011
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	331,439	[1]	853,848	[1]	305,401	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-271,402	[1]	-60,224	[1]	-48,653	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-285,586	[1]	-144,667	[1]	-125,797	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	33,776		65,283		80,302
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-77,930		-44,611		-132,333
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	1,345,289		1,668,563		974,191
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	93,931		81,655		183,291
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	93,931		81,655		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	821		2,863		4,580
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	73,563	[1]	77,781	[1]	6,478	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-7,146	[1]	-48,828	[1]	-21,178	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-26,661	[1]	-8,541	[1]	-16,672	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	24,727		19,632		30,159
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-5,455		-30,751		-103,807
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	153,505		93,931		81,655
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	232,391		193,492		228,558
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	232,391		193,492		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	17,150		21,463		3,902
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	264,804	[1]	111,567	[1]	65,467	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-26,005	[1]	-13,140	[1]	-27,844	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-20,872	[1]	-16,235	[1]	-24,092	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	9,031		11,832		45,984
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-9,950		-77,286		-89,933
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	471,848		232,391		193,492
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	167,006		115,976		147,556
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	167,006		115,976		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	36,731		24,663		8,060
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	19,420	[1]	31,699	[1]	7,683	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-83,974	[1]	-14,060	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-7,970	[1]	-813	[1]	-3,548	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	4,081		64,116		76,955
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-18,722		-47,104		-110,697
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	101,785		167,006		115,976
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	4,538		0		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	4,538		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-639		-12		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	128	[1]	4,639	[1]	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-2,633	[1]	0	[1]	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	44,394		0		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-4,538		0		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	40,919		4,538		'
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	43,212		10,373		6,983
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	43,212		10,373		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	222		4,491		3,390
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	0	[1]	2,334	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-657	[1]	-413	[1]	-88	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	979		37,588		48,469
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		-8,825		-51,061
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	43,776		43,212		10,373
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	28,280		0		6,736
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	28,280		0		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-1,570		-139		4
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	28,463	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-295	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	11,887		0		20
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0		-6,762
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	37,997		28,280		0
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	-243,177		-361,456		-274,220
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-243,177		-361,456		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-176,270		-243,177		-361,456
Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	22,031		0		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	22,031		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-27		28		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	22,014	[1]	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-22,000	[1]	0	[1]	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0		0		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		22,031		'
Other Debt Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	'		11,489		16,416
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	'		11,489		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'		843		-4,663
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	'		108	[1]	797	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	'		-3,788	[1]	-4,565	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	'		0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	'		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	'		-9,750		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	'		0		11,489
Reinsurance Ceded Receivable Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	'		4,945		75,431
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	'		4,945		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	'		0	[1]	6,201	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	'		0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	'		-4,496	[1]	-86,108	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	'		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	'		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	'		0		4,945
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-912,361		-1,028,241		-721,485
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	-57,391	[1]	-63,934	[1]	-71,505	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements	74,386	[1]	105,983	[1]	79,418	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-868,725		-912,361		-1,028,241
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		'		420
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	323		'		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	'		0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	'		-420	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0	[1]	'		0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	4,639		'		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		'		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	4,962		'		0
Investment Income [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-8,194		-6,839		218
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-7,885		-6,852		162
Investment Income [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	19		431		836
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	47		295		816
Investment Income [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	6,430		1,214		1,686
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	6,425		1,156		1,595
Investment Income [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	1,917		2,032		2,321
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	1,741		2,032		2,307
Investment Income [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-156		-89		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-156		-89		'
Investment Income [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	36		14		361
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	36		14		361
Investment Income [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-305		-44		2
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-305		-44		0
Investment Income [Member] | Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Investment Income [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-4		-11		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-4		-11		'
Investment Income [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Investment Income [Member] | Reinsurance Ceded Receivable Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Investment Income [Member] | Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Investment Income [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		'		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		'		0
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-1,078		-2,884		1,863
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-202		-1,329		-1,223
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-294		-311		-2,032
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		-269		-594
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-1,131		-516		-10,236
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		-849		-5,058
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-16,704		-9,503		-12,354
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-10,243		-14,163		-12,366
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-175		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-16		-16		-15
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	66,907		118,279		-87,236
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	66,907		118,279		-87,236
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		1,098		3,504
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		-183		0
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Reinsurance Ceded Receivable Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	142,050		104,613		-224,184
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	138,683		97,216		-228,910
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		'		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		'		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Insurance Claims [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Insurance Claims [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Reinsurance Ceded Receivable Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Insurance Claims [Member] | Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		770		-2,230
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		56		-2,346
Insurance Claims [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		'		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		'		0
Interest Income [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Interest Income [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Interest Income [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Reinsurance Ceded Receivable Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-115,409		-31,552		-88,255
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-189,794		-129,828		-167,673
Interest Income [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		'		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		'		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		'
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Reinsurance Ceded Receivable Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'		-449		9,421
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	'		-33		18,589
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		0		0
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		0
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0		'		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$0		'		$0
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmVlZjA3NjJkMGUxNjRlMDdhNzAyYTBiNTMyMGFjMTEwfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MTg1Q0Y4Q0IzRkI1RjcwMTkwNDA0QkE5NkQxNjZBM0YM}

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi6

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Fair Value Assets Measured on Non-Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Mortgage Loans [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment	$9,620	[1]	$24,295	[1]
Fair Value Assets Estimate Of Fair Value	10,330	[1]	20,480	[1]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	710	[1]	-3,815	[1]
Limited Partnership Interest [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment	11,615	[2]	25,191	[2]
Fair Value Assets Estimate Of Fair Value	8,952	[2]	16,944	[2]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	-2,663	[2]	-8,247	[2]
Real Estate Investments [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment	12,672	[3]	6,593	[3]
Fair Value Assets Estimate Of Fair Value	10,508	[3]	4,500	[3]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	($2,164)	[3]	($2,093)	[3]
[1]	Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on mortgage loans are based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows.
[2]	Limited partnership interests — The impaired limited partnership interests presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The market for these investments has limited activity and price transparency.
[3]	Real estate investments — The impaired real estate investments presented above were written down to their estimated fair value at the date of impairment and are reported as losses above. The impairments were based on third-party appraisal values obtained and reviewed by the Company.

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi7

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Financial Instruments where Carrying Amounts and Fair Values May Differ) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'		'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$21,474,136		$22,291,614		'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,486,680		2,300,587		'	'
Policy loans	1,244,469		1,278,175		'	'
Funds withheld at interest	5,771,467		5,594,182		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	923,647		1,259,892		962,870	463,661
Short-term investments	139,395		288,082		'	'
Other invested assets	1,324,960		1,159,543		'	'
Accrued investment income	267,908		201,344		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	12,947,557		13,353,502		'	'
Collateral finance facility	484,752		652,010		'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	769,513		533,349		'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	18,509,504		19,520,344		'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	2,195,119		2,237,921		'	'
Carrying Value [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,486,680		2,300,587		'	'
Policy loans	1,244,469		1,278,175		'	'
Funds withheld at interest	5,948,374	[1]	5,837,359	[1]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	552,302	[2]	684,028	[2]	'	'
Short-term investments	27,823	[2]	48,951	[2]	'	'
Other invested assets	491,545	[2]	596,336	[2]	'	'
Accrued investment income	267,908		201,344		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	10,228,120	[1]	11,566,962	[1]	'	'
Long And Short Term Debt	2,214,350		1,815,253		'	'
Collateral finance facility	484,752		652,010		'	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,489,721		2,426,688		'	'
Policy loans	1,244,469		1,278,175		'	'
Funds withheld at interest	6,207,342	[1]	6,362,324	[1]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	552,302	[2]	684,028	[2]	'	'
Short-term investments	27,823	[2]	48,951	[2]	'	'
Other invested assets	534,442	[2]	626,358	[2]	'	'
Accrued investment income	267,908		201,344		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,989,514	[1]	11,926,339	[1]	'	'
Long And Short Term Debt	2,333,023		2,014,062		'	'
Collateral finance facility	374,984		456,050		'	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	0		0		'	'
Policy loans	0		0		'	'
Funds withheld at interest	0	[1]	0	[1]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	552,302	[2]	684,028	[2]	'	'
Short-term investments	27,823	[2]	48,951	[2]	'	'
Other invested assets	5,070	[2]	0	[2]	'	'
Accrued investment income	0		0		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]	'	'
Long And Short Term Debt	0		0		'	'
Collateral finance facility	0		0		'	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	0		0		'	'
Policy loans	1,244,469		1,278,175		'	'
Funds withheld at interest	0	[1]	0	[1]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]	'	'
Short-term investments	0	[2]	0	[2]	'	'
Other invested assets	33,886	[2]	32,250	[2]	'	'
Accrued investment income	267,908		201,344		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]	'	'
Long And Short Term Debt	0		0		'	'
Collateral finance facility	0		0		'	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,489,721		2,426,688		'	'
Policy loans	0		0		'	'
Funds withheld at interest	6,207,342	[1]	6,362,324	[1]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]	'	'
Short-term investments	0	[2]	0	[2]	'	'
Other invested assets	495,486	[2]	594,108	[2]	'	'
Accrued investment income	0		0		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,989,514	[1]	11,926,339	[1]	'	'
Long And Short Term Debt	2,333,023		2,014,062		'	'
Collateral finance facility	$374,984		$456,050		'	'
[1]	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
[2]	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi8

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Securities Classified As Level 3	10.20%	10.00%

Reinsurance_Effect_of_Reinsura

Reinsurance (Effect of Reinsurance on Net Premiums and Claims and Other Policy Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net premiums	$8,254,027	$7,906,596	$7,335,687
Claims and other policy benefits	7,304,332	6,665,999	6,225,183
Direct Life Insurance [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net premiums	5,224	3,784	2,590
Claims and other policy benefits	8,078	3,694	4,179
Reinsurance Assumed [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net premiums	8,568,222	8,228,811	7,701,594
Claims and other policy benefits	7,515,524	6,912,942	6,472,041
Reinsurance Ceded [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net premiums	-319,419	-325,999	-368,497
Claims and other policy benefits	($219,270)	($250,637)	($251,037)

Reinsurance_Effect_of_Reinsura1

Reinsurance (Effect of Reinsurance on Life Insurance In Force) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	$77	$76	$76
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	2,889,804	2,927,573	2,664,353
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	36,830	38,048	39,987
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	$2,853,051	$2,889,601	$2,624,442
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	101.30%	101.30%	101.50%

Reinsurance_Narrative_Details

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Life Insurance Retention Per Individual Life	8,000,000	'
Reinsurance ceded receivables	594,515,000	620,901,000
Reinsurance Recoverables Ceded Credit Risk	359,200,000	367,500,000
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	60.40%	59.20%
Reinsurance Claims Recoverables	134,100,000	156,000,000
Claims Recoverable From Retrocessionaires Past Due	4,200,000	10,400,000
Statutory Financial Reinsurance	6,800,000,000	6,300,000,000
Statutory Reserves Related To Financial Requirements	1,552,300,000	1,522,100,000
Assets held in trust and held in custody	913,500,000	909,200,000
AM Best, A- Rating [Member]	'	'
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'
Retrocession Pool Participants Minimum AM Best Rating	'“A- (excellent)”	'“A- (excellent)”
AM Best, B++ Rating [Member]	'	'
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'
Retrocession Pool Participants Minimum AM Best Rating	'	'“B++ (good)”
Benefit Of RGA Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held in trust and held in custody	2,124,700,000	2,140,700,000
Benefit Of Third Parties [Member]	'	'
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held in trust and held in custody	7,842,900,000	7,549,000,000

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co2

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Amounts of Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred and Amortized) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$3,517,796	$3,619,274
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Assumed [Member]	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,573,054	3,677,804
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Retroceded [Member]	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	($55,258)	($58,530)

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co3

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Movement Analysis Of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$3,619,274	$3,543,925	$3,314,715
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	16,181	-14,938	-7,448
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Foreign Currency	-59,019	23,559	-5,822
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	3,517,796	3,619,274	3,543,925
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Assumed [Member]	'	'	'
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions	862,767	1,081,599	947,014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense	-826,539	-975,844	-820,084
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Allocated to Change In Value Of Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense	-98,141	-42,183	114,877
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Retroceded [Member]	'	'	'
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions	-8,604	-11,814	-13,411
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense	$11,877	$14,970	$14,084

Income_Tax_Pretax_Income_Forei

Income Tax (Pre-tax Income Foreign and Domestic) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$473,223	$644,219	$400,278
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	162,031	275,004	363,293
Income before income taxes	$229,490	$201,695	($74,758)	$278,827	$321,089	$201,479	$215,892	$180,763	$635,254	$919,223	$763,571

Income_Tax_Provision_for_Incom

Income Tax (Provision for Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	($48,831)	$52,378	($1,606)
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	34,470	36,840	50,138
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-14,361	89,218	48,532
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	226,771	183,929	155,896
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	4,007	14,183	13,098
Deferred income taxes	230,778	198,112	168,994
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$216,417	$287,330	$217,526

Income_Tax_Provision_for_Incom1

Income Tax (Provision for Income Tax Expense Computed from Statutory Rate to Pre-tax Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount	$222,339	$321,728	$267,250
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount	-8,032	-14,705	-9,681
Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Income Tax Basis Differential	-26,484	-21,086	-11,584
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount	26,507	635	4,147
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Domestic, Amount	9,034	2,260	5,562
Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Canadian Enacted Tax Rate	-414	1,374	-40,593
Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Foreign Enacted Tax Rate	-1,184	-1,070	-1,933
Income Tax Reconciliation Subpart F	8,255	13,571	9,340
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount	-1,786	-7,808	-3,546
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount	-12,465	-7,351	-1,863
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount	647	-218	427
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$216,417	$287,330	$217,526
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	34.10%	31.30%	28.50%

Income_Tax_Total_Income_Taxes_

Income Tax (Total Income Taxes Provided) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$216,417	$287,330	$217,526
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	-467,454	246,682	275,975
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Employee Stock Options	-3,125	-2,902	-4,934
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	12,330	-921	1,579
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly To Equity Employee Unrealized Pension And Post Retirement	-7,640	2,779	8,581
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Intraperiod Tax Allocation	($234,192)	$527,410	$481,565

Income_Tax_Tax_Effects_of_Temp

Income Tax (Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that Give Rise to Significant Portions of the Deferred Income Tax Asset and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals	$106,587	$77,116
Deferred Tax Assets Reinsurance Transactions	59,942	17,054
Deferred Tax Assets Cash And Invested Assets	2,106	0
Deferred Tax Assets Investment Income	108,462	109,275
Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Capitalized For Tax	90,187	91,886
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	252,192	159,821
Deferred Tax Assets Capital Loss And Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards	0	621
Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Capitalized For Financial Reporting	2,356	23,595
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	621,832	479,368
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-102,228	-10,100
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	519,604	469,268
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	1,066,351	1,082,394
Deferred Tax Liabilities Reinsurance Transactions	906,197	637,002
Deferred Tax Liabilities Cash And Invested Assets	310,332	832,940
Deferred Tax Liabilities Investment Income	12,959	12,719
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Currency Transaction Gains	19,704	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities	2,315,543	2,565,055
Net deferred income tax liabilities	1,795,939	2,095,787
Balance Sheet Presentation Of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	41,638	24,714
Deferred income taxes	$1,837,577	$2,120,501

Income_Tax_Reconciliation_of_t

Income Tax (Reconciliation of the Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$245,636	$194,260	$182,354
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	41,228	47,438	7,968
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	-10,401	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	3,338	3,938	3,938
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$279,801	$245,636	$194,260

Income_Tax_Narrative_Details

Income Tax (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax Adjustments Provision For Active Financing Exception	$1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Tax Benefit Adjustment	'	'	30,700,000	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Tax Benefit Adjustment Impact By Year	'	'	12,000,000	9,000,000	6,000,000	3,000,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	102,228,000	10,100,000	'	'	'	'	'
Valuation Allowance Without Benefit Upon Release	25,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax Adjustments Settlements And Unusual Provisions	4,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability	1,154,400,000	663,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	2,600,000	16,200,000	11,100,000	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	113,400,000	113,200,000	140,100,000	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	916,400,000	555,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards With Expiration Dates	419,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	279,801,000	245,636,000	194,260,000	'	'	'	182,354,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	40,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	7,600,000	9,900,000	7,100,000	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	$57,300,000	$49,600,000	'	'	'	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	$111,195	$112,759	$93,101
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	112,759	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	8,023	7,531	5,985
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	4,072	4,072	3,916
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	-8,957	13,270	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-3,347	-5,776	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation	-1,355	561	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	111,195	112,759	'
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	33,953	28,854	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	1,881	1,641	1,116
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,353	1,246	1,035
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	128	122	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	-5,949	2,341	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-607	-251	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	$30,759	$33,953	$28,854

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul1

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	$59,559	$49,516
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	-51,636	-63,243
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	49,516	41,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	6,027	5,449
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	7,363	8,543
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-3,347	-5,776
Defined Benefit Plan Administrative Expense	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	'	49,516
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	-51,636	-63,243
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	479	129
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	128	122
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-607	-251
Defined Benefit Plan Administrative Expense	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	($30,759)	($33,953)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul2

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Net Funded Status) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Funded Status [Line Items]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$59,559		$49,516		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	111,195		112,759		93,101
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total	-51,636		-63,243		'
Qualified Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]	'		'		'
Funded Status [Line Items]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	59,559		49,516		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	63,502		62,397		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total	-3,943		-12,881		'
Non Qualified Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]	'		'		'
Funded Status [Line Items]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	47,693	[1]	50,362	[1]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total	($47,693)	[1]	($50,362)	[1]	'
[1]	For non-qualified plans, there are no required funding levels.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul3

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Amounts In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	$22,507	$37,314
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	1,981	2,506
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	24,488	39,820
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Amounts In AOCI [Line Items]	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	8,655	15,472
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	$8,655	$15,472

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul4

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$111,195	$112,759	$93,101
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$59,559	$49,516	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul5

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$107,722	$106,845
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets	$59,559	$49,516

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Compone

Employee Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$8,023	$7,531	$5,985
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	4,072	4,072	3,916
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	-3,734	-3,066	-2,937
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	3,270	3,439	980
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	373	376	399
Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain Loss Due To Settlements	0	841	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total	12,004	13,193	8,343
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax	-11,250	10,888	18,561
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	-3,270	-3,439	-980
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	-373	-376	-399
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax	0	-841	0
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Foreign Exchange Translations And Other Adjustments	-439	219	-196
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	-15,332	6,451	16,986
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease	-3,328	19,644	25,329
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	1,881	1,641	1,116
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,353	1,246	1,035
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	868	743	353
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain Loss Due To Settlements	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total	4,102	3,630	2,504
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax	-5,949	2,341	8,348
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	-868	-743	-353
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Foreign Exchange Translations And Other Adjustments	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	-6,817	1,598	7,995
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease	($2,715)	$5,228	$10,499

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul6

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Expected Future Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	$5,730
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	5,860
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	8,500
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	7,148
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	7,936
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	47,544
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	431
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	502
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	594
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	685
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	776
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$5,388

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul7

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.45%	3.80%	4.48%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.83%	4.12%	5.22%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	7.35%	7.75%	7.75%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	4.21%	4.20%	4.20%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	5.05%	4.15%	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.15%	4.50%	5.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul8

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Health Care Costs Trend Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pre Medicare Eligible Claims [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year	9.00%	9.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Description of Direction and Pattern of Change for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate	'9% down to 5% in 2017	'9% down to 5% in 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'2017	'2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	5.00%	5.00%
Medicare Eligible Claims [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year	9.00%	9.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Description of Direction and Pattern of Change for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate	'9% down to 5% in 2017	'9% down to 5% in 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'2017	'2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	5.00%	5.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul9

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Effect of One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components	$869
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components	-648
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	6,813
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	($5,228)

Recovered_Sheet1

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$59,559		$49,516
Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	59,485	[1]	49,456	[2]
U.S. Equity Funds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	33.00%		42.00%
U.S. Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	26.00%		39.00%
Non-U.S. Equity Funds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	25.00%		16.00%
Other [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	16.00%		3.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	74		60
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	59,559		49,516
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	59,485	[1]	49,456	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	74		60
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0		$0
[1]	Mutual funds were invested 33% in U.S. equity funds, 26% in U.S. fixed income funds, 25% in non-U.S. equity funds and 16% in other.
[2]	Mutual funds were invested 42% in U.S. equity funds, 39% in U.S. fixed income funds, 16% in non-U.S. equity funds and 3% in other.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$107,722,000	$106,845,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	1,700,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	400,000	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	7,300,000	6,400,000	5,100,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	12,004,000	13,193,000	8,343,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	5,700,000	'	'
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	4,102,000	3,630,000	2,504,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$400,000	'	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities	60.00%	'	'
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities	40.00%	'	'

Financial_Condition_and_Net_In2

Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	$35,000	'	'
RGA Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	1,550,070	1,644,589	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	115,814	3,497	129,717
RCM [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	1,633,356	1,692,200	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	109,084	58,549	37,142
RGA Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	767,108	725,738	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	89,428	95,861	102,229
RGA Barbados [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	716,116	596,388	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	70,941	81,942	149,015
RGA Australia [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	406,437	437,055	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	-36,548	37,180	47,211
RGA Atlantic [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	379,889	449,769	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	-27,159	91,898	70,160
RGA Americas [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	261,404	330,064	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	50,833	59,531	65,283
Other Reinsurance Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	1,004,479	818,759	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	$255,418	($428,049)	($439,625)

Financial_Condition_and_Net_In3

Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Reconciliation of NAIC SAP and Prescribed Practice) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statutory Basis [Abstract]	'	'
Prescribed Practice Surplus Note	$343,780	$230,291
Prescribed Practice Letters Of Credit	-436,300	-488,000
Surplus Deficit NAIC SAP	($92,520)	($257,709)

Financial_Condition_and_Net_In4

Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Basis [Abstract]	'
Number Of Preceeding Months To Accumulate Dividend Paid For Approval	'12 months
Future Dividend Payment Restricted To Such Percent Of Surplus To Policy Holders	10.00%
Day As Of Max Dividends Payable For RCM And RGA Reinsurance	'January 1, 2014
RCM Max Dividend Payments Without Approval	$145.90
RGA Reinsurance Max Dividend Payments Without Approval	$155

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$880,900,000		'
Syndicated Credit Facility $850 Million [Member]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	850,000,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	31-Dec-15		'
Credit Facility Amount Utilized	67,600,000	[1]	402,900,000	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	'Senior unsecured long-term debt rating		'
Credit Facility 200 Million [Member]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	200,000,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Sep-19		'
Credit Facility Amount Utilized	200,000,000	[1]	200,000,000	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	'Fixed		'
Credit Facility 120 Million [Member]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	120,000,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	31-May-16		'
Credit Facility Amount Utilized	85,100,000	[1]	100,000,000	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	'Fixed		'
Credit Facility 270 Million [Member]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	270,000,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Nov-17		'
Credit Facility Amount Utilized	270,000,000	[1]	0	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	'Fixed		'
Credit Facility 100 Million [Member]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Jun-17		'
Credit Facility Amount Utilized	89,400,000	[1]	0	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	'Fixed		'
Credit Facility 58 Million [Member]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	58,400,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Nov-14		'
Credit Facility Amount Utilized	58,400,000	[1]	0	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	'Fixed		'
Credit Facility 132 Million [Member]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	132,500,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	31-Mar-19		'
Credit Facility Amount Utilized	$132,500,000	[1]	$0	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	'Fixed		'
[1]	Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Maximum Potential Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitment Period Two Thousand Twenty Six [Member]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$500	$0
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	1,350	0
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Five [Member]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	0	560
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Six [Member]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$1,250	$0

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia4

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases [Member]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	$16,905
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	10,862
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	8,434
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	5,638
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	4,466
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	15,489
Sublease Income [Member]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	827
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	827
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	776
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	160
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	0
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	$0

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia5

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Undrawn Outstanding Letters Of Credit In Favor Of Third Parties	$210,300,000	$45,400,000	'
Undrawn Outstanding Letters Of Credit Between Subsidiaries	995,500,000	763,500,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	880,900,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount	9,800,000	7,300,000	4,900,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	18,500,000	19,500,000	18,800,000
Syndicated Credit Facility $850 Million [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	850,000,000	'	'
Insurance Treaty Guarantee [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	826,900,000	686,000,000	'
Insurance Treaty Guarantee Net Of Assets Held In Trust [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	647,900,000	463,500,000	'
Guarantee Of Borrowed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	93,000,000	87,500,000	'
Guarantee Of Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	8,300,000	10,100,000	'
Guarantee Of Subsidiary Collateral Financing [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	300,000,000	'	'
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commitments To Extend Credit	239,500,000	176,700,000	'
Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commitments To Extend Credit	4,600,000	22,200,000	'
Private Placement Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commitments To Extend Credit	22,000,000	'	'
Bank Loans [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commitments To Extend Credit	$37,000,000	$68,500,000	'

Debt_Schedule_of_Longterm_Debt

Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$2,214,350	$1,815,253
Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	'	400,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	318,729	318,727
Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	'	0
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	'	398,141
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	'	399,534
Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	'	298,851
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	2,294,278	1,895,253
Parent Company [Member] | Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	400,000	400,000
Parent Company [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	398,657	398,727
Parent Company [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	398,533	0
Parent Company [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	398,362	398,141
Parent Company [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	399,602	399,534
Parent Company [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowed Funds	$299,124	$298,851

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 19, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

27-May-11

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Aug. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 05, 2011

Mar. 04, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2011 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Remarketed on March 4 2011 [Member]

Remarketed on March 4 2011 [Member]

Remarketed on March 4 2011 [Member]

security

warrant

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

4.70%

4.70%

6.75%

6.45%

5.00%

'

5.00%

'

6.20%

'

6.20%

5.63%

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

'

'

'

15-Sep-23

'

31-Dec-65

31-Dec-19

1-Jun-21

'

'

'

15-Sep-42

'

'

31-Dec-17

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

$400,000,000

$400,000,000

$400,000,000

$400,000,000

$400,000,000

'

$400,000,000

'

$400,000,000

'

$400,000,000

$300,000,000

'

'

'

Proceeds From Issuance Of Subordinated Long Term Debt

'

'

'

'

395,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

393,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Issuance Costs Incurred And Capitalized

'

'

'

'

3,400,000

'

'

'

3,400,000

'

'

'

6,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Trust Preferred Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,500,000

'

Aggregate Value Of Trust Preferred Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

158,200,000

'

Warrant Conversion Value In Common Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.2508

'

Warrants Excercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,400,000

'

Price Per Warrant

'

'

35.44

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.44

'

Number Of Common Shares Issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,500,000

'

Unexercised Warrant Cash Redemption Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14.56

'

Trust Preferred Security Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.44

'

'

Trust Preferred Securities Fixed Annual Distribution Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.38%

'

'

Loss On Unamortized Issuance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,400,000

Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

394,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility Capacity

850,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility Capacity Undrawn Outstanding

67,600,000

402,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

5.76%

5.99%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Covenant Default, Amount of Non-Payment

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

2,214,350,000

1,815,253,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collateral_Finance_Facility_Na

Collateral Finance Facility (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2006
Collateral Finance Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Direct investment in subsidiary	'	'	'	$112,800,000
Assets held in trust and held in custody	913,500,000	909,200,000	'	'
Amount Held In Debt Service Coverage Account	20,500,000	33,200,000	'	'
Collateral Financing Expense	10,449,000	12,197,000	12,391,000	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	35,000,000	'	'	'
Repurchased Subsidiary Debt	160,000,000	'	198,500,000	'
Repayments of Secured Debt	119,255,000	0	130,798,000	'
Gain on repurchase of long-term debt	46,506,000	0	65,565,000	'
Timberlake Reinsurance Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Collateral Finance Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	51,500,000	33,100,000	'	'
Timerberlake Financial [Member]	'	'	'	'
Collateral Finance Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date	1-Jun-06	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	'	850,000,000
Collateral Financing Expense	5,100,000	6,900,000	7,100,000	'
Repayments of Secured Debt	112,000,000	'	130,800,000	'
Gain on repurchase of long-term debt	46,500,000	'	65,600,000	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Collateral Finance Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	$35,000,000	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$2,736,794	$2,389,815	$2,590,642	$2,601,102	$2,723,102	$2,449,081	$2,375,753	$2,292,975	$10,318,353	$9,840,911	$8,829,538
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,068,632	4,846,515	4,522,751
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	962,818	876,119	392,304
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,185,017	1,140,264	1,056,031
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,421,488	1,372,291	1,249,859
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,541,459	1,495,545	1,430,414
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$138,939	$110,177	$178,179

Segment_Information_Reconcilia1

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Income before Income Taxes from Segments to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$229,490	$201,695	($74,758)	$278,827	$321,089	$201,479	$215,892	$180,763	$635,254	$919,223	$763,571
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	371,563	368,095	363,964
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	245,649	268,315	61,673
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	164,318	186,971	164,953
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	89,122	73,947	83,102
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-235,211	45,378	42,234
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($187)	($23,483)	$47,645

Segment_Information_Reconcilia2

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Interest Expense from Segments to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Interest Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest expense	$124,307	$105,348	$102,638
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Interest Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest expense	$124,307	$105,348	$102,638

Segment_Information_Reconcilia3

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Depreciation and Amortization from Segment to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	$1,087,579	$1,192,517	$895,813
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	563,440	555,573	513,673
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	213,745	225,910	-46,407
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	193,878	182,914	168,874
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	56,302	69,718	58,714
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	56,724	154,362	191,957
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	$3,490	$4,040	$9,002

Segment_Information_Reconcilia4

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$39,674,473	$40,360,438
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	13,213,585	12,555,467
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	11,716,908	12,368,896
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	4,103,730	3,764,002
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	2,476,593	2,235,199
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	3,423,269	3,208,732
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$4,740,388	$6,228,142

Equity_Based_Compensation_Disc

Equity Based Compensation (Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of Period	$49.63	$46.30	$41.91
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$58.77	$56.65	$59.74
Exercised / Lapsed	$44.89	$29.96	$35.26
Forfeited	$53.85	$52.89	$45.50
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	$52.77	$49.63	$46.30
Options exercisable	$50.64	'	'
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$20.10	'	'
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$18.10	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	3,454,395,000	3,106,880,000	3,382,316,000
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	748,577,000	685,331,000	503,259,000
Exercised / Lapsed	-811,684,000	-287,485,000	-736,452,000
Forfeited	-40,028,000	-50,331,000	-42,243,000
Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	3,351,260,000	3,454,395,000	3,106,880,000
Options exercisable	2,228,677,000	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	705,330	755,666	701,542
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	261,322	257,679	222,580
Exercised / Lapsed	-224,377	-282,035	-146,638
Forfeited	-29,934	-25,980	-21,818
Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	712,341	705,330	755,666

Equity_Based_Compensation_Disc1

Equity Based Compensation (Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans by Exercise Price Range) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of Period	$49.63	$46.30	$41.91
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$58.77	$56.65	$59.74
Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$44.89	$29.96	$35.26
Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$53.85	$52.89	$45.50
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	$52.77	$49.63	$46.30
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.64	'	'
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$20.10	'	'
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$18.10	'	'
Options Outstanding	3,351,260,000	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'6 years 4 months 15 days	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$52.77	'	'
Options Exercisable	2,228,677,000	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$50.64	'	'
$25.00 - $34.99 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding	430,897,000	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.20	'	'
Options Exercisable	430,897,000	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$32.20	'	'
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$25	'	'
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$34.99	'	'
$35.00 - $44.99 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding	726,000	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'0 years	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$39.61	'	'
Options Exercisable	726,000	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$39.61	'	'
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$35	'	'
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$44.99	'	'
$45.00 - $54.99 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding	621,030,000	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 6 months	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$47.20	'	'
Options Exercisable	498,191,000	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$47.25	'	'
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$45	'	'
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$54.99	'	'
$55.00 plus [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding	2,298,607,000	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 2 months 15 days	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$58.13	'	'
Options Exercisable	1,298,863,000	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$58.07	'	'
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$55	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	705,330	755,666	701,542
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	261,322	257,679	222,580
Options, Expirations in Period	224,377	282,035	146,638
Options, Forfeitures in Period	29,934	25,980	21,818
Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	712,341	705,330	755,666
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	3,454,395,000	3,106,880,000	3,382,316,000
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	748,577,000	685,331,000	503,259,000
Options, Expirations in Period	811,684,000	287,485,000	736,452,000
Options, Forfeitures in Period	40,028,000	50,331,000	42,243,000
Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	3,351,260,000	3,454,395,000	3,106,880,000
Options, Exercisable, Number	2,228,677,000	'	'

Equity_Based_Compensation_Narr

Equity Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$20.30	$28.50	$23.10
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11.3	11.2	12.5
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$18.58	$19.65	$22.73
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.63%	1.27%	0.80%
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.36%	1.38%	2.81%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'6 years 9 months 20 days	'6 years 8 months 12 days	'6 years 8 months 15 days
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35.40%	37.20%	35.00%
Performance Contingent Units Outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	257,628	247,147	207,566
Performance Contingent Units Maximum Shares of Common Stock Per PCU	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Performance Contingent Units Measurement Period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Performance Contingent Unit Share Payout	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.513	1.31	'
Performance Contingent Units Shares of Common Stock Issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	339,483	362,642	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$27.30	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$27.30	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'	'
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.05	$1.95	($0.69)	$2.51	$3.02	$1.96	$1.91	$1.68	$5.82	$8.57	$7.42
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$58.77	$56.65	$59.74
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expiration Period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	748,577,000	685,331,000	503,259,000
Flexible Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number Of Shares Available For Grant	13,360,077	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,360,077	'	'
Flexible Stock Plan For Directors [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number Of Shares Available For Grant	212,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	212,500	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	261,322	257,679	222,580
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting Period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting Period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$144,959	$137,955	($49,612)	$185,535	$222,989	$144,475	$141,111	$123,318	$418,837	$631,893	$546,045
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	71,917	73,737	73,586
Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	544	416	522
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	72,461	74,153	74,108
Earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.05	$1.95	($0.69)	$2.51	$3.02	$1.96	$1.91	$1.68	$5.82	$8.57	$7.42
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.03	$1.93	($0.69)	$2.49	$3	$1.95	$1.91	$1.67	$5.78	$8.52	$7.37

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	1.8	1.1
Contingently Issuable Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.7	0.7	0.8

Comprehensive_Income_Component

Comprehensive Income (Components of Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Change Arising During Year	($86,618)	$50,985	($28,658)
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Foreign Currency Swap	26,226	-13,305	3,158
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-60,392	37,680	-25,500
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Unrealized Net Holding Gains Arising During The Year	-1,054,227	511,268	816,452	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Reclassification Adjustment For Net Gains Realized	6,081	59,363	47,347	[1]
Change in net unrealized gain on investments	-1,060,308	451,905	769,105	[1]
Change In Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income	2,896	6,434	-1,236
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Prior Service Cost Arising During The Year	354	203	275
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Gain Arising During The Period	14,155	-5,473	-16,675
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	14,509	-5,270	-16,400
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,103,295	490,749	725,969
Before Tax Amount [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Change Arising During Year	-88,409	57,229	-28,779
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Foreign Currency Swap	40,347	-20,470	4,858
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-48,062	36,759	-23,921
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Unrealized Net Holding Gains Arising During The Year	-1,519,967	786,449	1,118,586	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Reclassification Adjustment For Net Gains Realized	9,355	91,327	72,841	[1]
Change in net unrealized gain on investments	-1,529,322	695,122	1,045,745	[1]
Change In Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income	4,456	9,899	-1,901
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Prior Service Cost Arising During The Year	525	298	460
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Gain Arising During The Period	21,624	-8,347	-25,441
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	22,149	-8,049	-24,981
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,550,779	733,731	994,942
Tax Expense Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Change Arising During Year	1,791	-6,244	121
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Foreign Currency Swap	-14,121	7,165	-1,700
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-12,330	921	-1,579
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Unrealized Net Holding Gains Arising During The Year	465,740	-275,181	-302,134	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Reclassification Adjustment For Net Gains Realized	-3,274	-31,964	-25,494	[1]
Change in net unrealized gain on investments	469,014	-243,217	-276,640	[1]
Change In Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income	-1,560	-3,465	665
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Prior Service Cost Arising During The Year	-171	-95	-185
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Gain Arising During The Period	-7,469	2,874	8,766
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	-7,640	2,779	8,581
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	447,484	-242,982	-268,973
Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	($60,392)	'	'
[1]	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.

Comprehensive_Income_Component1

Comprehensive Income (Components of Net Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation of Balances Carried at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$21,474,136		$22,291,614		'
Other invested assets	1,324,960		1,159,543		'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,517,796		3,619,274		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Change In Component During Period	-1,524,866		705,021		1,043,844
Change In Net Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation [Member]	'		'		'
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	-1,528,773		713,778		1,058,505
Other invested assets	-12,274	[1]	6,181	[1]	-7,213	[1]
Effect On Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation [Member]	'		'		'
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$16,181		($14,938)		($7,448)
[1]	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.

Comprehensive_Income_Balance_o

Comprehensive Income (Balance of and Changes in Each Component of AOCI) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]

Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]

Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]

Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]

Unrealized Appreciation Of Securities [Member]

Unrealized Appreciation Of Securities [Member]

Unrealized Appreciation Of Securities [Member]

Unrealized Appreciation Of Securities [Member]

Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]

Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]

Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]

Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]

Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member]

Unrealized Appreciation Of Securities [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax

($60,392)

$37,680

($25,500)

($60,392)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of year

2,108,902

1,618,153

892,184

267,475

'

229,795

255,295

1,877,657

'

1,419,318

651,449

-36,230

'

-30,960

-14,560

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

-60,392

37,680

-25,500

'

37,680

-25,500

'

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

-1,063,377

[1]

451,905

[1]

769,105

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

'

-1,063,377

[1]

451,905

[1]

769,105

[1]

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities

2,896

6,434

-1,236

0

0

0

'

'

6,434

-1,236

'

0

0

0

'

'

Change In Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income

2,896

6,434

-1,236

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,896

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax

11,577

-5,270

-16,400

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

'

11,577

-5,270

-16,400

'

'

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

6,001

'

'

0

'

'

'

3,069

'

'

'

2,932

'

'

'

'

Balance, end of year

$1,005,607

$2,108,902

$1,618,153

$207,083

'

$229,795

$255,295

$820,245

'

$1,419,318

$651,449

($21,721)

'

($30,960)

($14,560)

'

[1]

Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.

Comprehensive_Income_Schedule_

Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other investment related gains (losses), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$76,891

$277,662

($9,107)

Investment income, net of related expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,699,865

1,436,206

1,281,197

Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-16,181

14,938

7,448

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest

229,490

201,695

-74,758

278,827

321,089

201,479

215,892

180,763

635,254

919,223

763,571

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-216,417

-287,330

-217,526

Net Income

144,959

137,955

-49,612

185,535

222,989

144,475

141,111

123,318

418,837

631,893

546,045

Amortization Of Unrealized Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,511

'

'

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,579

'

'

Net Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,932

'

'

Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,814

'

'

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,745

'

'

Net Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,069

'

'

Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] | Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other investment related gains (losses), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,355

'

'

Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] | Gains Losses On Qualifying Cash Flow Hedging Instruments [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment income, net of related expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,012

'

'

Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] | DAC Attributed To Unrealized Gains Losses [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-16,181

[1]

'

'

Amounts Reclassified From AOCI [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6,001

'

'

Actuarial Gains Losses [Member] | Amortization Of Unrealized Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,138

[2]

'

'

Prior Service Cost [Member] | Amortization Of Unrealized Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($373)

[2]

'

'

[1]

This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” for additional details.

[2]

These AOCI components are included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation2

Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2012
												stockholder
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$2,736,794	$2,389,815	$2,590,642	$2,601,102	$2,723,102	$2,449,081	$2,375,753	$2,292,975	$10,318,353	$9,840,911	$8,829,538	'
Total benefits and expenses	2,507,304	2,188,120	2,665,400	2,322,275	2,402,013	2,247,602	2,159,861	2,112,212	9,683,099	8,921,688	8,065,967	'
Income before income taxes	229,490	201,695	-74,758	278,827	321,089	201,479	215,892	180,763	635,254	919,223	763,571	'
Net Income	$144,959	$137,955	($49,612)	$185,535	$222,989	$144,475	$141,111	$123,318	$418,837	$631,893	$546,045	'
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.05	$1.95	($0.69)	$2.51	$3.02	$1.96	$1.91	$1.68	$5.82	$8.57	$7.42	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.03	$1.93	($0.69)	$2.49	$3	$1.95	$1.91	$1.67	$5.78	$8.52	$7.37	'
Dividends declared per share	$0.30	$0.30	$0.24	$0.24	$0.24	$0.24	$0.18	$0.18	$1.08	$0.84	$0.60	'
Common Stock Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock Price Per Share	$77.41	$66.99	$69.11	$59.67	$53.52	$57.87	$53.21	$59.47	$77.41	$53.52	'	'
Common Stock Value High	$77.55	$73.32	$69.28	$61.86	$60.20	$60.69	$59.87	$59.97	$77.55	$60.20	'	'
Common Stock Value Low	$66.99	$63.95	$57.14	$54.33	$48.36	$52.75	$48.80	$51.19	$66.99	$48.36	'	'
Common stock shares outstanding	70,768,218	70,543,000	70,968,000	73,301,000	73,927,331	73,852,000	73,722,000	73,712,000	70,768,218	73,927,331	'	'
Common Stockholders Of Record	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,615

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$300,000,000

Summary_of_Investments_Other_T2

Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	$31,241
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	32,441	[1]
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	20,271
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	21,474
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	21,474	[1]
US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	490
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	501
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	501	[1]
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	313
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	321
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	321	[1]
Foreign Government Debt [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	4,594	[2]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	5,268	[2]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	5,268	[1],[2]
Public Utility, Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	1,904
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	1,978
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	1,978	[1]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	9,793
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	10,133
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	10,133	[1]
All Other Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	3,177
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	3,273
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	3,273	[1]
Other Equity Securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	327
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	324
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	324	[1]
Equity Securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	409
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	406
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	406	[1]
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	82
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	82
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	82	[1]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	2,487
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	2,487	[1]
Policy Loans [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	1,244
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	1,244	[1]
Funds Withheld At Interest [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	5,772
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	5,772	[1]
Short-term Investments [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	139
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	139	[1]
Other Invested Assets [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	919
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	$919	[1]
[1]	Fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value.
[2]	Includes fixed maturities directly issued by foreign governments, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises.

Condensed_Financial_Informatio2

Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 19, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

27-May-11

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

$21,474,136,000

'

'

'

$22,291,614,000

'

'

'

$21,474,136,000

$22,291,614,000

'

'

$502,455,000

$604,896,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term investments

139,395,000

'

'

'

288,082,000

'

'

'

139,395,000

288,082,000

'

'

261,853,000

64,681,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

923,647,000

'

'

'

1,259,892,000

'

'

'

923,647,000

1,259,892,000

962,870,000

'

24,137,000

52,680,000

71,506,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments In Subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,534,714,000

8,148,532,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,101,751,000

1,025,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets

489,972,000

'

'

'

390,757,000

'

'

'

489,972,000

390,757,000

'

'

204,887,000

155,190,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

39,674,473,000

'

'

'

40,360,438,000

'

'

'

39,674,473,000

40,360,438,000

'

'

9,629,797,000

10,050,979,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,294,278,000

[1]

1,895,181,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt - affiliated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

[2]

500,000,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other liabilities

541,035,000

'

'

'

742,249,000

'

'

'

541,035,000

742,249,000

'

'

899,992,000

745,611,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total stockholders equity

5,935,527,000

'

'

'

6,910,187,000

'

'

'

5,935,527,000

6,910,187,000

5,818,698,000

4,765,406,000

5,935,527,000

6,910,187,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

39,674,473,000

'

'

'

40,360,438,000

'

'

'

39,674,473,000

40,360,438,000

'

'

9,629,797,000

10,050,979,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest and Dividend Income, Operating

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

275,215,000

[3]

86,396,000

[3]

245,631,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total investment related gains (losses), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,990,000

254,136,000

-36,056,000

'

1,714,000

4,515,000

1,723,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,164,000

-26,431,000

-32,550,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest and Debt Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-162,212,000

-143,260,000

-111,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) before income tax and undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,553,000

-78,780,000

103,204,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

216,417,000

287,330,000

217,526,000

'

33,850,000

-9,566,000

8,935,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,703,000

-69,214,000

94,269,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity In Undistributed Earnings Of Subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

359,134,000

701,107,000

451,776,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

418,837,000

631,893,000

546,045,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

144,959,000

137,955,000

-49,612,000

185,535,000

222,989,000

144,475,000

141,111,000

123,318,000

418,837,000

631,893,000

546,045,000

'

418,837,000

631,893,000

546,045,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,103,295,000

490,749,000

725,969,000

'

21,033,000

9,984,000

-12,265,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-684,458,000

1,122,642,000

1,272,014,000

'

439,870,000

641,877,000

533,780,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowed Funds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,294,278,000

1,895,253,000

'

318,729,000

318,727,000

398,657,000

398,727,000

'

400,000,000

'

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

0

398,533,000

0

'

398,141,000

'

398,362,000

398,141,000

'

399,534,000

399,602,000

399,534,000

'

298,851,000

299,124,000

298,851,000

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

400,000,000

'

'

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

400,000,000

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.75%

'

'

'

6.20%

'

6.20%

'

'

4.70%

4.70%

'

'

'

5.00%

'

5.00%

'

'

6.45%

'

'

'

5.63%

'

'

'

Cash flows from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Net Earnings Subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-359,134,000

-701,107,000

-453,806,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss On Retirement Of Trust Preferred Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

4,391,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99,634,000

85,523,000

134,835,000

'

162,586,000

134,232,000

143,716,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,727,160,000

1,974,527,000

1,309,532,000

'

222,289,000

65,018,000

240,346,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flows from investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,629,378,000

5,465,014,000

3,165,479,000

'

176,062,000

122,212,000

171,791,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,766,275,000

-6,818,378,000

-4,011,985,000

'

-103,566,000

-213,548,000

-116,010,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases Of Subsidiary Debt Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-76,751,000

-250,000,000

-475,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity Of Subsidiary Debt Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,805,000

0

0

'

-2,805,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

138,024,000

-101,214,000

30,408,000

'

-96,967,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-209,900,000

-216,274,000

-122,288,000

'

-79,023,000

5,718,000

-2,055,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Contributions To Subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-144,459,000

-70,431,000

-105,575,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash used in investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,335,101,000

-1,967,996,000

-905,781,000

'

-327,509,000

-406,049,000

-476,849,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flows from financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends to stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-77,642,000

-61,945,000

-44,229,000

'

-77,642,000

-61,945,000

-44,229,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of treasury stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-269,204,000

-6,924,000

-380,345,000

'

-269,204,000

-6,924,000

-380,345,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,125,000

416,000

4,933,000

'

0

416,000

4,933,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,390,000

-3,087,000

6,449,000

'

28,390,000

-3,087,000

6,449,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal payments on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

-200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity of trust preferred securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

-159,473,000

'

0

0

-159,473,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from unaffiliated long-term debt issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

398,533,000

400,000,000

397,788,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from affiliated long-term debt issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

398,492,000

400,000,000

397,788,000

'

0

0

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,400,000

-6,255,000

-3,400,000

'

-3,400,000

-6,255,000

-3,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from redemption and remarketing of trust preferred securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

154,588,000

'

0

0

154,588,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-681,213,000

281,939,000

101,995,000

'

76,677,000

322,205,000

276,311,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-336,245,000

297,022,000

499,209,000

'

-28,543,000

-18,826,000

39,808,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

'

'

'

1,259,892,000

'

'

'

962,870,000

1,259,892,000

962,870,000

463,661,000

'

52,680,000

71,506,000

31,698,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

923,647,000

'

'

'

1,259,892,000

'

'

'

923,647,000

1,259,892,000

962,870,000

'

24,137,000

52,680,000

71,506,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Supplementary information:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116,809,000

100,984,000

100,733,000

'

141,615,000

130,047,000

98,809,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

110,773,000

97,000,000

129,009,000

'

82,000,000

30,500,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Dividends Received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$175,000,000

$190,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Long-term debt - unaffiliated consists of the following: 2013 2012$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065 $398,657 $398,727$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042 400,000 400,000$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023 398,533 —$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021 398,362 398,141$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019 399,602 399,534$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017 299,124 298,851Total $2,294,278 $1,895,253Repayments of long-term debt—unaffiliated due over the next five years total $300,000, due 2017.

[2]

Long-term debt—affiliated in 2013 and 2012 and consists of $500,000 of subordinated debt issued to various operating subsidiaries.

[3]

Interest/Dividend income includes $175,000 and $190,000 of cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2013 and 2011, respectively. Cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2012 were not material.

Supplementary_Insurance_Inform2

Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	$8,254,027	$7,906,596	$7,335,687
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	1,699,865	1,436,206	1,281,197
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-7,780,846	-7,045,914	-6,541,577
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-912,803	-1,003,057	-691,123
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-989,450	-872,717	-833,267
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	4,518,051	4,308,780	3,979,489
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	542,657	535,589	495,650
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-3,981,276	-3,788,384	-3,518,170
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-471,178	-461,117	-424,523
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-244,614	-228,919	-216,094
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	22,521	14,095	13,189
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	721,282	498,499	362,886
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-443,393	-335,581	-269,631
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-185,396	-193,492	79,097
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-88,380	-78,731	-140,097
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	962,311	915,764	835,298
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	204,851	190,337	188,304
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-758,565	-706,744	-673,105
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-178,566	-167,614	-146,680
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-83,569	-78,935	-71,293
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	1,331,559	1,308,462	1,194,477
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	55,604	45,576	44,351
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-1,165,432	-1,134,219	-1,001,921
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-41,628	-50,174	-35,833
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-125,306	-113,951	-129,003
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	1,419,828	1,350,330	1,304,490
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	91,927	83,387	84,837
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-1,431,373	-1,081,010	-1,077,982
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-36,035	-130,660	-162,926
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-309,262	-238,497	-147,272
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	-243	9,165	8,744
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	83,544	82,818	105,169
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-807	24	-768
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	-258
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-138,319	-133,684	-129,508
Reinsurance Assumed [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	3,573,054	3,677,803	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	24,814,333	24,726,358	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	3,571,761	3,160,250	'
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	1,621,623	1,559,482	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	7,541,617	7,033,889	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	1,260,329	1,194,461	'
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	884,377	1,039,180	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	11,240,138	11,784,670	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	16,045	17,646	'
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	259,575	271,656	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	2,963,561	3,007,476	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	206,245	210,334	'
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	311,499	332,780	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	1,093,285	887,404	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	831,974	712,392	'
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	495,980	474,705	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	1,675,887	1,712,908	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	1,244,298	1,015,119	'
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	299,845	300,011	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	12,870	10,298	'
Reinsurance Ceded [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-55,258	-58,529	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-583,620	-581,088	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-143,309	-166,468	'
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-30,523	-32,453	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-244,897	-231,383	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-73,798	-88,649	'
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	0	0	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	0	0	'
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-483	-510	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-233,735	-236,586	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-8,952	-20,460	'
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-9,492	-10,599	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-36,696	-36,097	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-35,328	-20,570	'
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-14,760	-14,967	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-68,292	-77,015	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-25,041	-36,534	'
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	0	-7	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	($190)	($255)	'

Supplemental_Schedule_of_Reins2

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Direct Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$77,000,000	$76,000,000	$76,000,000
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	36,830,000,000	38,048,000,000	39,987,000,000
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	2,889,804,000,000	2,927,573,000,000	2,664,353,000,000
Premiums, Net, Life Insurance in Force	2,853,051,000,000	2,889,601,000,000	2,624,442,000,000
Life Insurance in Force Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	101.30%	101.30%	101.50%
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	8,254,027,000	7,906,596,000	7,335,687,000
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	5,200,000	3,800,000	2,600,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	145,400,000	151,600,000	144,700,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	4,658,200,000	4,456,600,000	4,121,600,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	4,518,000,000	4,308,800,000	3,979,500,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	103.10%	103.40%	103.60%
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	44,700,000	50,500,000	52,300,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	67,200,000	64,600,000	65,500,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	22,500,000	14,100,000	13,200,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	298.70%	458.20%	496.20%
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	54,200,000	52,900,000	104,700,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	1,016,500,000	968,600,000	940,100,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	962,300,000	915,700,000	835,300,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	105.60%	105.80%	112.60%
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	28,100,000	29,500,000	30,000,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	1,359,700,000	1,338,000,000	1,224,400,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	1,331,600,000	1,308,500,000	1,194,500,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	102.10%	102.30%	102.50%
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	47,000,000	41,500,000	36,800,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	1,466,800,000	1,391,800,000	1,341,300,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	1,419,800,000	1,350,300,000	1,304,500,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	103.30%	103.10%	102.80%
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	-200,000	9,200,000	8,700,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	-200,000	9,200,000	8,700,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total Premiums [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	5,200,000	3,800,000	2,600,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	319,400,000	326,000,000	368,500,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	8,568,200,000	8,228,800,000	7,701,600,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	$8,254,000,000	$7,906,600,000	$7,335,700,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	103.80%	104.10%	105.00%

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Beginning Balance	$10.10	$8.60	$3.90
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	23.5	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	68.6	1.6	5.4
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0	0.1	0.7
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Ending Balance	102.2	10.1	8.6
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Beginning Balance	11.6	11.8	6.2
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	1.9	6.3	9.5
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	3.4	6.5	3.9
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Ending Balance	$10.10	$11.60	$11.80