Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 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, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entitiy Information [Abstract]
Document type	10-K
Document period end date	31-Dec-14
Amendment flag	FALSE
Entity registrant name	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA INC
Entity central index key	898174
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity voluntary filers	No
Current fiscal year end date	-19
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Common Shares Outstanding		68,785,369
Entity public float			$5.40
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale at fair value (amortized cost of $23,105,597 and $20,270,734)	$25,480,972	$21,474,136
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $6,471 and $10,106)	2,712,238	2,486,680
Policy loans	1,284,284	1,244,469
Funds withheld at interest	5,922,561	5,771,467
Short-term investments	97,694	139,395
Other invested assets	1,198,319	1,324,960
Total investments	36,696,068	32,441,107
Cash and cash equivalents	1,645,669	923,647
Accrued investment income	261,096	267,908
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	1,527,729	1,439,528
Reinsurance ceded receivables	578,206	594,515
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,342,575	3,517,796
Other assets	628,268	489,972
Total assets	44,679,611	39,674,473
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Future policy benefits	14,476,637	11,866,776
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	12,591,497	12,947,557
Other policy claims and benefits	3,824,069	3,571,761
Other reinsurance balances	306,915	275,138
Deferred income taxes	2,365,817	1,837,577
Other liabilities	994,230	541,035
Long-term debt	2,314,293	2,214,350
Collateral finance and securitization notes	782,701	484,752
Total liabilities	37,656,159	33,738,946
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, 2014 and 2013)	791	791
Additional paid-in-capital	1,798,279	1,777,906
Retained earnings	4,239,647	3,659,938
Treasury stock, at cost - 10,364,797 and 8,369,540 shares	-672,394	-508,715
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,657,129	1,005,607
Total stockholders’ equity	7,023,452	5,935,527
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$44,679,611	$39,674,473

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_PA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICAL (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Available for Sale at Fair value - Amortized cost	$23,105,597	$20,270,734
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	68,772,961	70,768,218
Treasury Shares Held	10,364,797	8,369,540
Allowances for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	$6,471	$10,106

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Net premiums	$8,669,854	$8,254,027	$7,906,596
Investment income, net of related expenses	1,713,691	1,699,865	1,436,206
Investment related gains (losses), net:
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	-7,766	-12,654	-15,908
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-247	-7,618
Other investment related gains (losses), net	193,959	76,891	277,662
Total investment related gains (losses), net	186,193	63,990	254,136
Other revenues	334,456	300,471	243,973
Total revenues	10,904,194	10,318,353	9,840,911
Benefits and expenses
Claims and other policy benefits	7,406,641	7,304,332	6,665,999
Interest credited	451,031	476,514	379,915
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	1,391,433	1,300,780	1,306,470
Other operating expenses	538,415	466,717	451,759
Interest expense	96,700	124,307	105,348
Collateral finance and securitization expense	11,441	10,449	12,197
Total benefits and expenses	9,895,661	9,683,099	8,921,688
Income before income taxes	1,008,533	635,254	919,223
Provision for income taxes	324,486	216,417	287,330
Net income	$684,047	$418,837	$631,893
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$9.88	$5.82	$8.57
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$9.78	$5.78	$8.52
Dividends declared per share	$1.26	$1.08	$0.84

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive income
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$191,091	$157,996	$198,296	$136,664	$144,959	$137,955	($49,612)	$185,535	$684,047		$418,837		$631,893
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax									-125,236		-60,392		37,680
Change in net unrealized gain on investments									802,830	[1]	-1,060,308	[1]	451,905	[1]
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities									1,698		2,896		6,434
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments									-27,770		14,509		-5,270
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									651,522		-1,103,295		490,749
Total comprehensive income (loss)									$1,335,569		($684,458)		$1,122,642
[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	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, 2011	$5,818,698	$791	$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	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	1,777,906	3,659,938	-508,715	1,005,607
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	684,047			684,047
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	651,522					651,522
Dividends to stockholders	-87,256			-87,256
Purchase of treasury stock	-201,525				-201,525
Reissuance of treasury stock	41,137		20,373	-17,082	37,846
Total stockholders equity at Dec. 31, 2014	$7,023,452	$791	$1,798,279	$4,239,647	($672,394)	$1,657,129

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income	$684,047	$418,837	$631,893
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	-855	-69,875	-12,088
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	-136,710	-106,136	-285,193
Deferred policy acquisition costs	101,493	58,313	-65,050
Reinsurance ceded receivable balances	39,345	62,058	5,293
Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and other reinsurance balances	1,625,561	1,429,697	1,792,207
Deferred income taxes	170,731	230,778	198,112
Other assets and other liabilities, net	-17,244	-186,978	-37,831
Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other	-102,459	-95,547	-83,787
Investment related gains, net	-186,193	-63,990	-254,136
Gain on repurchase of collateral finance notes	0	-46,506	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	3,011	-3,125	-416
Other, net	155,428	99,634	85,523
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,336,155	1,727,160	1,974,527
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	4,309,985	3,629,378	5,465,014
Principal payments on mortgage loans on real estate	539,789	155,237	145,423
Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable	479,908	391,654	173,962
Principal payments on policy loans	63,785	33,724	40,466
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities	-6,129,956	-4,766,275	-6,818,378
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	-721,836	-613,413	-491,466
Payments to Fund Policy Loans	-103,599	-18	-58,240
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest	-86,588	-90,707	-107,289
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired of $9,709	0	2,805	0
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	-88,361	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Payables under Repurchase Agreements	101,203	0	0
Change in short-term investments	38,060	138,024	-101,214
Change in other invested assets	286,665	-209,900	-216,274
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,310,945	-1,335,101	-1,967,996
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends to stockholders	-87,256	-77,642	-61,945
Repurchase and repayment of collateral finance notes	0	-119,255	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt	300,000	0	0
Proceeds from long-term debt issuance	100,000	398,492	400,000
Debt issuance costs	-4,260	-3,400	-6,255
Principal payments of long-term debt	-772	0	0
Purchases of treasury stock	-201,525	-269,204	-6,924
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	-3,011	3,125	416
Exercise of stock options, net	9,246	28,390	-3,087
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements	162,435	-73,338	-132,933
Deposits on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	150,922	201,957	457,711
Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	-681,338	-770,338	-365,044
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-255,559	-681,213	281,939
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-47,629	-47,091	8,552
Change in cash and cash equivalents	722,022	-336,245	297,022
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	923,647	1,259,892	962,870
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,645,669	923,647	1,259,892
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest	136,499	116,809	100,984
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	70,342	110,773	97,000
Transfer to Investments	2,001,439	0	4,861,566
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	24,458	0	0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	0	-134,791	0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	$0	$137,596	$0

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, 2014
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, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business and Basis of Presentation	BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Business
	Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The consolidated financial statements herein include the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of RGA and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned (collectively, the “Company”).
	The Company is engaged in providing traditional reinsurance, which includes individual and group life and health, disability, and critical illness reinsurance. The Company also provides non-traditional reinsurance, which includes longevity reinsurance, asset-intensive products, primarily annuities, 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 disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements 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 Events", that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying consolidated financial statements through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.
	Reclassification
	The Company has reclassified certain securities from the utility sector to the industrial sector in its 2013 presentation to conform to the 2014 classification of these securities within its corporate fixed maturities by industry type table.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Investments
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Fixed maturity securities classified as 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, accretion of 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 or as defined in the treaty, 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. Changes in the value of the equity options held within the funds withheld portfolio associated with equity-indexed annuity treaties are reflected in investment income.
	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, investments in joint ventures (other than operating joint ventures), real estate-held-for-investment, equity release mortgages 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. 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, where the Company's cost basis is considered to be the estimated fair value of the property, less the estimated cost to sell, at the date of foreclosure. Equity release mortgages are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any amortized premium or discount and valuation allowance.
	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 primarily 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 primarily reflected in investment related gains (losses), net.
	Changes in the fair value of non-investment free-standing derivative instruments, which do not receive accounting hedge treatment, are reflected in other income.
	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 embedded derivatives is sensitive to the investment credit spread environment. Changes in investment credit spreads are also affected by the application of a credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in an asset position utilizes a CVA based on the ceding company’s credit risk. Conversely, the fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in a liability position utilizes a CVA based on the Company’s credit risk. Generally, an increase in investment credit spreads, ignoring changes in the CVA, will have a negative impact on the fair value of the embedded derivative (decrease in income). 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 assets and liabilities, 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 asset or liability.
	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, 2014 or 2013.
	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 2014, 2013 or 2012.
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, 2014 and 2013 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 $4.5 million and $5.5 million, including accumulated amortization of $13.5 million and $13.0 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The VOBA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.4 million, $0.3 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.
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 $76.3 million and $85.8 million, including accumulated amortization of $44.4 million and $34.9 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The VODA and VOCRA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $9.5 million, $10.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Amortization of the VODA and VOCRA is estimated to be $9.4 million, $9.0 million, $8.7 million, $8.3 million and $8.1 million during 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Property, Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Computer Software
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as appropriate. The estimated life is generally 40 years for company occupied real estate property, from one to seven years for leasehold improvements, and from three to seven years for all other property and equipment. The cost basis of the property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $222.7 million and $117.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $38.5 million and $42.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Related depreciation and amortization expense was $9.4 million, $8.4 million and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had assets acquired under capital leases, included in the total above, of $167.3 million, net of accumulated amortization of $1.4 million. Amortization on assets under capital leases charged to expense is included in other operating expenses. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.4 million.
Computer software, which is included in other assets, is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Purchased software costs, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized. 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. Unamortized computer software costs were $77.6 million and $49.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in unamortized software costs in 2014 was primarily related to the development or acquisition of software for internal use in connection with the Company's information technology and infrastructure initiatives. Amortization expense was $5.9 million, $6.9 million, and $6.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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, including annuities in the payout phase, 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, including annuities in the payout phase 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, 2014 and 2013 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 Company ("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 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 3.3 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 Reinsurance Company, Ltd. ("RGA Americas"), RGA Reinsurance, RGA Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Ltd. ("RGA Barbados"), RGA Technology Partners, Inc., Reinsurance Company of Missouri ("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”), Chesterfield Reinsurance Company ("Chesterfield 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 and Securitization Notes
Collateral finance and securitization notes represent private placement asset-backed structured financing transactions. Collateral finance notes are issued on specified insurance policies reinsured by the Company’s regulated subsidiaries. Transaction costs, primarily interest expense, are reflected in collateral finance and securitization expense. See Note 14 - "Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes" 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 were 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”.
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 were effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
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 was 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.”
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Compensation
In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Compensation as it relates to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This amendment requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendment further clarifies that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.
Transfers and Servicing
In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financings, and disclosures. This amendment requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers accounted for as secured borrowings. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements other than the addition of the required disclosures.

Stock_Transactions

Stock Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stock Transactions	STOCK TRANSACTIONS
	During 2014, in connection with the distribution of benefits due under its employee benefit plans, RGA issued 584,915 shares of common stock from treasury and repurchased from recipients 49,564 of its common shares, at $78.22 per share, in settlement of income tax withholding requirements incurred by recipients. Additionally, in 2014, non-employee directors were granted a total of 13,800 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.
	In February 2014, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, with no expiration date, to repurchase up to $300.0 million of RGA’s outstanding common stock. In connection with this authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2013. During 2014, RGA repurchased 2,530,608 shares of common stock under this program for $197.7 million. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes.
	On January 22, 2015, 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 2014.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated		% of Total		Other-than-
			Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value				temporary
																			impairments
																			in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	14,010,604			$	965,523			$	90,544			$	14,885,583	58.4	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,668,852				1,196,420				7				3,865,265		15.2		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		991,867				52,640				6,611				1,037,896		4.1		(300		)
	Asset-backed securities		1,059,660				20,301				10,375				1,069,586		4.2		354
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,453,657				87,593				8,659				1,532,591		6		(1,609		)
	U.S. government and agencies		501,352				25,014				515				525,851		2		—
	State and political subdivisions		378,457				51,117				3,498				426,076		1.7		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		2,041,148				110,065				13,089				2,138,124		8.4		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	23,105,597			$	2,508,673			$	133,298			$	25,480,972	100	%	$	(1,555	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	93,540			$	7,350			$	1,527			$	99,363	78.3	%
	Other equity securities		26,994				597				94				27,497		21.7
	Total equity securities		$	120,534			$	7,947			$	1,621			$	126,860	100	%
	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	%
	The Company enters into various collateral arrangements that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral with derivative and reinsurance counterparties. Pledged fixed maturity securities are included in fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale in the consolidated balance sheets. Fixed maturity securities received as collateral are held in separate custodial accounts and are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge collateral it receives; however, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of the collateral received had been sold or re-pledged. The Company also holds securities in trust to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties. The following table includes fixed maturity securities pledged and received as collateral, and assets in trust held to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014								2013
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized				Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost				Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral	$	127,229			$	134,863			$	57,241			$	57,963
	Fixed maturity securities received as collateral	n/a				117,227				n/a				94,143
	Securities held in trust	10,197,489				10,922,947				7,842,893				8,125,402
	The Company monitors its concentrations of financial instruments on an ongoing basis, and mitigates credit risk by maintaining a diversified investment portfolio which limits exposure to any one issuer. The Company’s exposure to concentrations of credit risk of single issuers greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands).
		2014								2013
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized				Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost				Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities guaranteed or issued by:
	Canadian province of Ontario	$	979,908			$	1,359,339			$	1,023,427			$	1,222,296
	Canadian province of Quebec	1,006,315				1,599,673				1,041,462				1,389,138
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2014 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 Cost				Estimated Fair Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	556,034			$	561,396
	Due after one year through five years		4,354,866				4,580,388
	Due after five years through ten years		7,587,194				7,965,907
	Due after ten years		7,102,319				8,733,208
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities		3,505,184				3,640,073
	Total		$	23,105,597			$	25,480,972
	Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
	The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
							Fair Value
Finance		$	4,789,568			$	5,066,408			34	%
Industrial		7,639,330				8,086,067				54.3
Utility		1,581,706				1,733,108				11.7
Total		$	14,010,604			$	14,885,583			100	%
December 31, 2013:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
						Fair Value
Finance		$	3,838,716			$	3,983,623			32.9	%
Industrial		6,607,100				6,824,063				56.3
Utility		1,240,353				1,292,305				10.7
Other		11,225				10,764				0.1
Total		$	11,697,394			$	12,110,755			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 the consolidated statements of income (“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):
		2014				2013				2012
Balance, beginning of period		$	11,696			$	16,675			$	63,947
Initial impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired		—				—				1,962
Additional impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired		—				134				10,186
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		(4,412		)		(3,664		)		(37,130		)
Balance, end of period		$	7,284			$	11,696			$	16,675
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 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	2014				2013
Outstanding principal and interest balance(1)	$	226,121			$	192,644
Carrying value, including accrued interest(2)	$	185,842			$	148,822
-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 ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as of the acquisition dates (dollars in thousands).
	2014				2013
Contractually required payments (including interest)	$	96,617			$	161,975
Cash flows expected to be collected(1)	$	76,551			$	130,578
Fair value of investments acquired	$	53,950			$	87,643
-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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	2014				2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	69,469			$	39,239
Investments purchased	22,601				42,935
Accretion	(9,339		)		(7,755		)
Disposals	(379		)		(3,564		)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference	(15,181		)		(1,386		)
Balance, end of period	$	67,171			$	69,469
Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 932 and 1,396 fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
		2014							2013
		Gross				% of Total			Gross				% of Total
		Unrealized							Unrealized
		Losses							Losses
Less than 20%		$	111,965			83	%		$	296,731			91.4	%
20% or more for less than six months		13,698				10.1			6,444				2
20% or more for six months or greater		9,256				6.9			21,425				6.6
Total		$	134,919			100	%		$	324,600			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 932 and 1,396 fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014:		Estimated				Gross				Estimated				Gross		Estimated			Gross
		Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized		Fair Value			Unrealized
						Losses								Losses					Losses
Investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		$	1,225,767			$	27,784			$	614,294			$	30,040	$	1,840,061		$	57,824
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		—				—				1,235				7		1,235			7
Residential mortgage-backed securities		78,864				846				135,414				5,247		214,278			6,093
Asset-backed securities		332,785				4,021				109,411				4,289		442,196			8,310
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		78,632				564				28,375				2,461		107,007			3,025
U.S. government and agencies		81,317				89				32,959				426		114,276			515
State and political subdivisions		13,780				17				18,998				3,438		32,778			3,455
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		156,725				7,007				76,111				2,946		232,836			9,953
Total investment grade securities		1,967,870				40,328				1,016,797				48,854		2,984,667			89,182
Non-investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		415,886				29,316				32,567				3,404		448,453			32,720
Residential mortgage-backed securities		22,836				293				6,284				225		29,120			518
Asset-backed securities		12,448				274				7,108				1,791		19,556			2,065
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,288				249				5,580				5,385		8,868			5,634
State and political subdivisions		964				43				—				—		964			43
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		13,986				3,136				—				—		13,986			3,136
Total non-investment grade securities		469,408				33,311				51,539				10,805		520,947			44,116
Total fixed maturity securities		$	2,437,278			$	73,639			$	1,068,336			$	59,659	$	3,505,614		$	133,298
Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	11,619			$	235			$	19,100			$	1,292	$	30,719		$	1,527
Other equity securities		—				—				3,545				94		3,545			94
Total equity securities		$	11,619			$	235			$	22,645			$	1,386	$	34,264		$	1,621
		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
The Company neither has an intention to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell the securities outlined in the table above, as of the dates indicated. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell fixed maturity and equity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality and liquidity guidelines.
Unrealized losses decreased on investment-grade securities as a result of decreases in interest rates during 2014. Increases in unrealized losses during 2014 on non-investment grade securities are principally related to decreases in value on high-yield energy and emerging market corporate securities.
Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses
Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	1,052,715			$	966,759			$	868,682
Mortgage loans on real estate		148,417				121,476				96,901
Policy loans		55,248				57,099				62,855
Funds withheld at interest		447,364				545,550				393,586
Short-term investments		2,118				2,236				4,173
Other invested assets		70,149				58,771				49,199
Investment income		1,776,011				1,751,891				1,475,396
Investment expense		(62,320		)		(52,026		)		(39,190		)
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	1,713,691			$	1,699,865			$	1,436,206
Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net
Investment related gains (losses), net, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings		$	(7,766	)		$	(12,901	)		$	(23,526	)
Impairment losses on equity securities		—				—				(3,025		)
Gain on investment activity		65,435				82,744				145,268
Loss on investment activity		(31,295		)		(60,575		)		(27,474		)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision		(5,315		)		(6,933		)		(16,602		)
Derivatives and other, net		165,134				61,655				179,495
Total investment related gains (losses), net		$	186,193			$	63,990			$	254,136
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, 2014 and 2013 the Company held non-income producing securities with amortized costs of $42.7 million and $38.5 million, and estimated fair values of $52.8 million and $47.6 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 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company sold fixed maturity and equity securities with fair values of $1,016.5 million, $1,104.0 million, and $828.0 million, which were below amortized cost, at gross realized losses of $31.3 million, $60.6 million and $27.5 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 borrowed securities are used to provide collateral under an affiliated reinsurance transaction. The Company is required to maintain a minimum of 100% of the fair value of the borrowed securities as collateral, which consists of rights to reinsurance treaty cash flows.
The Company also participates in a 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 cash from the third party, which is reflected as a payable to the third party, included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company is required to maintain a minimum collateral balance with a fair value of 105% of the cash received. The gross balance of the repurchase agreement payable was $101.4 million. This was fully collateralized by securities with a fair value of $107.2 million, which were not offset by the payable, resulting in a net exposure of $5.8 million as of December 31, 2014.
Additionally, the Company 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.
The following table includes the amount of borrowed securities, repurchased securities pledged and repurchased/reverse repurchased securities pledged and received as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands).
	2014								2013
	Amortized				Estimated				Amortized				Estimated
	Cost				Fair Value				Cost				Fair Value
Borrowed securities	$	201,050			$	212,946			$	93,000			$	93,000
Repurchase program securities pledged	92,446				107,158				—				—
Repurchase program/reverse repurchase program:
Securities pledged	298,466				314,160				300,350				310,781
Securities received	n/a				338,929				n/a				344,169
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 7.4% and 7.7% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company makes mortgage loans on income producing properties that are geographically diversified throughout the U.S. with the largest concentration being in California, which represented 18.7% and 23.3% of mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014							2013
		Recorded				Percentage of			Recorded				Percentage of
		Investment				Total			Investment				Total
Property type:
Office building		$	851,749			31.3	%		$	917,284			36.7	%
Retail		802,466				29.6			748,731				30
Industrial		466,583				17.2			439,890				17.6
Apartment		376,430				13.8			289,394				11.6
Other commercial		221,481				8.1			101,487				4.1
Total		$	2,718,709			100	%		$	2,496,786			100	%
The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013
Due within five years		$	860,362			$	987,109
Due after five years through ten years		1,165,530				984,289
Due after ten years		692,817				525,388
Total		$	2,718,709			$	2,496,786
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, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Internal credit quality grade:		2014				2013
High investment grade		$	1,326,199			$	1,437,244
Investment grade		1,235,046				827,993
Average		118,152				155,914
Watch list		22,285				49,404
In or near default		17,027				26,231
Total		$	2,718,709			$	2,496,786
None of the payments due to the Company on its recorded investment in mortgage loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013
Mortgage loans:
Individually measured for impairment		$	17,027			$	37,841
Collectively measured for impairment		2,701,682				2,458,945
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		2,718,709				2,496,786
Valuation allowances:
Individually measured for impairment		816				3,211
Collectively measured for impairment		5,655				6,895
Total valuation allowances		6,471				10,106
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances		$	2,712,238			$	2,486,680
Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
Balance, beginning of period		$	10,106			$	11,580			$	11,793
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(2,731		)		(3,431		)		(6,474		)
Provision		(904		)		1,957				6,261
Balance, end of period		$	6,471			$	10,106			$	11,580
Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Unpaid Principal				Recorded				Related				Carrying Value
		Balance				Investment				Allowance
December 31, 2014:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	7,314			$	6,711			$	—			$	6,711
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		10,279				10,316				816				9,500
Total impaired mortgage loans		$	17,593			$	17,027			$	816			$	16,211
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
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		2014								2013						2012
		Average				Interest				Average				Interest		Average			Interest
		Investment(1)				Income				Investment(1)				Income		Investment(1)			Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	13,227			$	647			$	15,023			$	852	$	15,549		$	1,244
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		13,827				637				22,818				951		34,434			425
Total		$	27,054			$	1,284			$	37,841			$	1,803	$	49,983		$	1,669
-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, 2014 and 2013. The Company had no mortgage loans that were on a nonaccrual status at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.5% and 3.8% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 16.1% and 17.8% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of the $5.9 billion funds withheld at interest balance, net of embedded derivatives, as of December 31, 2014, $4.2 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.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, joint ventures (other than operating 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), real estate held-for-investment (included in other) and equity release mortgages (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 3.3% and 4.1% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Carrying values of these assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013
Equity securities		$	126,860			$	405,731
Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures		446,604				411,456
Structured loans		164,309				223,549
Derivatives		216,966				75,227
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		140,344				138,892
Other		103,236				70,105
Total other invested assets		$	1,198,319			$	1,324,960

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Derivatives, except for embedded derivatives and longevity and mortality swaps, are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Longevity and mortality swaps are included on the consolidated balance sheets in other 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. 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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Dec-14												31-Dec-13
			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		$	1,144,661			$	93,783			$	3,934			$	1,592,943			$	32,555			$	21,873
	Interest rate options		240,000				18,195				—				240,000				2,554				—
	Financial futures		275,983				—				—				123,780				—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		67,967				87				15,098				79,618				—				12,772
	Consumer price index swaps		41,938				—				561				59,922				—				309
	Credit default swaps		805,700				11,689				3,502				682,700				10,438				2,156
	Equity options		555,361				35,242				—				757,352				33,902				—
	Longevity swaps		450,000				7,727				—				—				—				—
	Mortality swaps		50,000				—				797				—				—				—
	Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts		6,500,942				—				—				4,629,859				—				—
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		—				22,094				—				—				—				176,270
	Indexed annuity products		—				—				925,887				—				—				838,670
	Variable annuity products		—				—				159,279				—				—				30,055
	Total non-hedging derivatives		10,132,552				188,817				1,109,058				8,166,174				79,449				1,082,105
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		120,000				—				18,228				49,131				—				4,606
	Foreign currency swaps		676,972				70,906				—				728,674				21,903				620
	Forward bond purchase commitments		196,452				1,175				14,545				—				—				—
	Total hedging derivatives		993,424				72,081				32,773				777,805				21,903				5,226
	Total derivatives		$	11,125,976			$	260,898			$	1,141,831			$	8,943,979			$	101,352			$	1,087,331
	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, repurchase 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (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, 2014:
	Derivative assets		$	238,804			$	(14,111	)		$	224,693			$	(20,260	)		$	(178,141	)		$	26,292
	Derivative liabilities		56,665				(14,111		)		42,554				(47,222		)		—				(4,668		)
	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		)
	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, 2014 and 2013, 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. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Company held forward bond purchase commitments that qualified as cash flow hedges. 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.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Certain derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. 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. In addition, the Company designates and accounts for its forward bond purchase commitments as cash flow hedges.
	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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			Gain (Loss) Included in AOCI
	Balance December 31, 2011		$	(828	)
	Gains deferred in other comprehensive income on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		2,613
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,382		)
	Balance December 31, 2012		403
	Losses deferred in other comprehensive loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		(3,969		)
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,012		)
	Balance December 31, 2013		(4,578		)
	Losses deferred in other comprehensive loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		(25,801		)
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,212		)
	Balance December 31, 2014		$	(31,591	)
	As of December 31, 2014, 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 $2.1 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.
	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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			Effective Portion										Ineffective Portion
	Derivative Type		Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI				Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Income from OCI				Classification of Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Net Income		Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income				Classification of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(12,431	)		$	1,212			Investment Income		$	19			Gains (Losses)
Forward bond purchase commitments		(13,370		)		—				Investment Income		—				Gains (Losses)
Total		$	(25,801	)		$	1,212					$	19
For the year ended December 31, 2013:
Interest rate swaps		$	(3,969	)		$	1,012			Investment Income		$	6			Gains (Losses)
For the year ended December 31, 2012:
Interest rate swaps		$	2,613			$	1,382			Investment Income		$	(41	)		Gains (Losses)
All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
		For the year ended
Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)		2014				2013				2012
Foreign currency swaps		$	51,894			$	40,347			$	(20,470	)
-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 recorded in AOCI related to these hedges was $75.8 million and $23.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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.
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
				Gain (Loss) for the Years Ended  December 31,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement		2014				2013				2012
		Location of Gain (Loss)
Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	94,848			$	(84,398	)		$	16,028
Interest rate options		Investment related gains (losses), net		15,641				(11,518		)		—
Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net		(9,550		)		(11,157		)		(20,245		)
Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net		(8,691		)		(13,201		)		(5,644		)
Consumer price index swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		(344		)		(1,942		)		(267		)
Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		3,938				24,188				18,359
Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(22,472		)		(79,230		)		(69,677		)
Longevity swaps		Other revenues		8,088				—				—
Mortality swaps		Other revenues		(797		)		—				—
Subtotal				80,661				(177,258		)		(61,446		)
Embedded derivatives in:
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		Investment related gains (losses), net		198,365				70,177				115,009
Indexed annuity products		Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—				—				(630		)
Indexed annuity products		Interest credited		(104,844		)		(115,409		)		(29,804		)
Variable annuity products		Investment related gains (losses), net		(129,224		)		142,050				104,613
Total non-hedging derivatives				$	44,958			$	(80,440	)		$	127,742
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.
Forward Bond Purchase Commitments
Forward bond purchase commitments are used by the Company to hedge against the variability in the anticipated cash flows required to purchase securities. With forward bond purchase commitments, the forward price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such contract is made at the future specified settlement date of the securities.
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014											2013
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		$	1,498			$	167,500			4.6			$	614			$	117,500			5.1
Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
Subtotal		1,498				167,500				4.6			614				117,500				5.1
BBB+/BBB/BBB-
Single name credit default swaps		168				217,200				4.9			656				142,200				4.9
Credit default swaps referencing indices		6,651				416,000				5			7,295				405,000				5
Subtotal		6,819				633,200				4.9			7,951				547,200				5
BB+
Single name credit default swaps		(130		)		5,000				4.5			—				—				—
Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
Subtotal		(130		)		5,000				4.5			—				—				—
Total		$	8,187			$	805,700			4.9			$	8,565			$	664,700			4.4
-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.
Longevity Swaps
The Company enters into longevity swaps in the form of out-of-the-money options, which provide protection against changes in mortality improvement to retirement plans and insurers of such plans. With a longevity swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange a proportion of a notional value. The proportion is determined by the difference between a predefined benefit, and the realized benefit plus the future expected benefit, calculated by reference to a population index for a fixed premium.
Mortality Swaps
Mortality swaps are used by the Company to hedge risk from changes in mortality experience associated with its reinsurance of life insurance risk. The Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, a proportion of a notional value determined by the difference between a predefined expected and realized claim amount on a designated index of reinsured lives, for a fixed percentage (premium) each term.
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 a decrease in investment related gains (losses), net of $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $62.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, associated with a CVA. 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 $1.6 million, $(12.5) million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, associated with a CVA. 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
Embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains		$	198,365			$	70,177			$	115,009
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		45,171				18,920				25,454
Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains		(129,224		)		142,050				104,613
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		27,601				70,123				6,367
Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses		(104,844		)		(115,409		)		(30,434		)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		(69,963		)		(106,792		)		6,110
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. The Company’s credit exposure to non-investment swaps is minimal, as mortality swaps are fully collateralized by a counterparty and longevity swaps would require posting of collateral only upon the occurrence of certain agreed upon events. Information regarding the Company’s credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts, centrally cleared derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures, excluding longevity and mortality swaps, at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position		$	175,209			$	59,016
Cash provided as collateral(1)		—				8,033
Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)		47,222				18,081
Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)		(178,141		)		(51,006		)
Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)		(20,260		)		(11,095		)
Initial margin for cleared derivatives		(16,333		)		(13,350		)
Net credit exposure		$	7,697			$	9,679
Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)		$	7,976			$	2,566
-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, 2014
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 those 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, and longevity and mortality swaps 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	14,885,583		$	115,822		$	13,459,334			$	1,310,427
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		3,865,265			—			3,865,265				—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,037,896			—			849,802				188,094
	Asset-backed securities		1,069,586			—			496,626				572,960
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,532,591			—			1,445,845				86,746
	U.S. government and agencies securities		525,851			437,129			60,193				28,529
	State and political subdivision securities		426,076			—			383,365				42,711
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		2,138,124			285,995			1,832,466				19,663
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		25,480,972			838,946			22,392,896				2,249,130
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		22,094			—			—				22,094
	Cash equivalents		899,846			899,846			—				—
	Short-term investments		45,190			21,536			23,654				—
	Other invested assets:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		99,363			91,450			9				7,904
	Other equity securities		27,497			27,497			—				—
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		84,578			—			84,578				—
	Interest rate options		18,195			—			18,195				—
	CPI swaps		(561		)	—			(561		)		—
	Credit default swaps		8,606			—			8,606				—
	Equity options		35,242			—			35,242				—
	Foreign currency swaps		70,906			—			70,906				—
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		140,344			134,749			5,595				—
	Other		6,420			6,420			—				—
	Total other invested assets		490,590			260,116			222,570				7,904
	Other assets - longevity swaps		7,727			—			—				7,727
	Total		$	26,946,419		$	2,020,444		$	22,639,120			$	2,286,855
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	1,085,166		$	—		$	—			$	1,085,166
	Other liabilities:
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		12,957			—			12,957				—
	Foreign currency forwards		15,011			—			15,011				—
	Credit default swaps		419			—			419				—
	Forward purchase commitments		13,370			—			13,370				—
	Mortality swaps		797			—			—				797
	Total		$	1,127,720		$	—		$	41,757			$	1,085,963
	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				—
Interest rate options		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
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 assets and liabilities, 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 periods presented, 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 a CVA. 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 a CVA. 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.
Credit Valuation Adjustment – The Company uses a structural default risk model to estimate a CVA. The input assumptions are a combination of externally derived and published values (default threshold and uncertainty), market inputs (interest rate, equity price per share, debt per share, 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, except for longevity and mortality swaps, 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, 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, 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, except for longevity and mortality swaps, included in Level 3 measurement.
Longevity and Mortality Swaps – The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of longevity and mortality swaps. The fair value of these swaps includes an accrual for premiums payable and receivable. Some inputs to the valuation model are generally observable, such as interest rates and actual population mortality experience. The valuation also requires significant inputs that are generally not observable and, accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Level 3 Measurements and Transfers
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, the Company classified approximately 8.8% and 10.2% 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, CVA, 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 CVA 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 CVA assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.
The actuarial assumptions used in the fair value of longevity and mortality swaps include assumptions related to the level and volatility of mortality. The assumptions are based on studies performed by the Company in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually.
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2014:					Valuation		Unobservable	Range
		Fair Value			Technique(s)		Input	(Weighted Average)
Assets:
State and political subdivision securities		$	4,994		Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
					securities
Corporate securities		205,392			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-2%  (1%)
					securities
U.S. Government and agencies securities		28,530			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-1%  (1%)
					securities
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		22,094			Total return swap		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
							Lapse	0-35%  (7%)
							Withdrawal	0-5%  (3%)
							CVA	0-5%  (1%)
							Crediting rate	2-4%  (3%)
Longevity swaps		7,727			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
							Mortality improvement	(10%)-10%  (3%)
Liabilities:
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		925,887			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		159,279			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
							Lapse	0-25% (8%)
							Withdrawal	0-7% (3%)
							CVA	0-5% (1%)
							Long-term volatility	0-27% (11%)
Mortality swaps		797			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100%  (1%)
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%)
							CVA	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%)
							CVA	0-1% (1%)
							Long-term volatility	0-27% (10%)
The Company recognizes transfers of assets and liabilities 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. Assets and liabilities transferred into Level 3 are due to a lack of observable market transactions and price information. Assets and liabilities 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 asset or liability, 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 assets and liabilities, without the need for adjustment based on the Company’s own assumptions regarding the characteristics of specific assets and liabilities 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 assets and liabilities.
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014						2013
		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		$	6,000		$	22,537		$	—			$	30,599
The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2014 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2014:		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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	1,345,289		$	153,505		$	471,848			$	101,785			$	40,919		$	43,776
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(4,828		)	(93		)	7,929				1,892				(483		)	39
Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,984		)	(244		)	2,131				103				(401		)	(17		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		(3,100		)	1,748			1,665				1,099				1,052			3,282
Purchases(1)		356,706			54,412			191,662				6,180				581			—
Sales(1)		(54,386		)	(744		)	(22,923		)		(14,626		)		—			—
Settlements(1)		(273,392		)	(34,727		)	(54,175		)		(3,599		)		(13,139		)	(738		)
Transfers into Level 3		13,180			15,981			11,614				5,712				—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		(67,058		)	(1,744		)	(36,791		)		(11,800		)		—			(3,631		)
Fair value, end of period		$	1,310,427		$	188,094		$	572,960			$	86,746			$	28,529		$	42,711
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		$	(4,686	)	$	(97	)	$	5,306			$	1,949			$	(480	)	$	39
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—			—				—				—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				—			—
For the year ended December 31, 2014 (continued):	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored			Funds			Other invested				Other assets - longevity derivatives				Interest			Other liabilities - mortality derivatives
		enterprises			withheld at interest-embedded derivative			assets - non- redeemable preferred stock								sensitive contract
																liabilities embedded derivative
Fair value, beginning of period		$	37,997		$	(176,270	)	$	4,962			$	—			$	(868,725	)	$	—
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(5		)	—			—				—				—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			198,364			—				—				(129,224		)	—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				(104,843		)	—
Included in other comprehensive income		(59		)	—			(96		)		(361		)		—			—
Other revenue		—			—			—				8,088				—			(797		)
Purchases(1)		—			—			8,000				—				(56,234		)	—
Sales(1)		—			—			—				—				—			—
Settlements(1)		(1,210		)	—			—				—				—			—
Transfers into Level 3		9,482			—			—				—				73,860			—
Transfers out of Level 3		(26,542		)	—			(4,962		)		—				—			—
Fair value, end of period		$	19,663		$	22,094		$	7,904			$	7,727			$	(1,085,166	)	$	(797	)
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		$	(5	)	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—			—				—				(134,254		)	—
Other revenue		—			—			—				8,088				—			(797		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
Interest credited		—			198,365			—				—				(178,704		)	—
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, 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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		)	—
Fair value, end of period		$	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-				sensitive contract
												redeemable				liabilities embedded derivative
												preferred stock
Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		—			—			—				—				—
Fair value, end of period		$	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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		)
Fair value, end of period		$	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		—			—			—				—				—			—
		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
For the year ended December 31, 2012 (continued):		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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	—		$	(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		)		—			—
Fair value, end of period		$	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.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods presented; they 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).
		Carrying Value After Measurement						Net Investment Gains (Losses)
		At December 31,							Years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
Mortgage loans(1)		$	9,500		$	10,330			$	521			$	710
Limited partnership interests(2)		19,282			8,952				(6,305		)		(2,663		)
Real estate investments(3)		—			10,508				—				(2,164		)
-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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).This table excludes any payables or receivables for collateral under repurchase agreements and other transactions. The estimated fair value of the excluded amount approximates carrying value as they equal the amount of cash collateral received/paid.
					Estimated Fair			Fair Value Measurement Using:
31-Dec-14		Carrying Value			Value			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Assets:
Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,712,238		$	2,803,942		$	—			$	—			$	2,803,942
Policy loans		1,284,284			1,284,284			—				1,284,284				—
Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,897,202			6,367,165			—				—				6,367,165
Cash and cash equivalents(2)		745,823			745,823			745,823				—				—
Short-term investments(2)		52,504			52,504			52,504				—				—
Other invested assets(2)		465,720			518,261			4,674				35,446				478,141
Accrued investment income		261,096			261,096			—				261,096				—
Liabilities:
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	9,623,596		$	9,666,240		$	—			$	—			$	9,666,240
Long-term debt		2,314,293			2,518,399			—				—				2,518,399
Collateral finance and securitization notes		782,701			674,984			—				—				674,984
31-Dec-13
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 and securitization notes		484,752			374,984			—				—				374,984
-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, cash collateral and equity release mortgages. 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 FHLB 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. The fair value of the Company’s equity release mortgage loan portfolio, considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates and credit spread adjustments derived from benchmarking against similar loans, allowing also for United Kingdom house price inflation and actuarial analyses of borrower behavior, mortality and morbidity.
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/Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes – The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, and collateral finance and securitization notes 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 and securitization notes is generally obtained from brokers and is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013, 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 coverage 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, 2014 and 2013, all rated retrocession pool participants followed by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A- (excellent)” or better. 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 affiliated subsidiaries.
	The following table presents information for the Company's ceded reinsurance receivable assets, including the respective amount and A.M. Best rating for each reinsurer representing in excess of five percent of the total as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
				2014							2013
	Reinsurer	A.M. Best Rating		Amount				% of Total			Amount			% of Total
	Reinsurer A	A+		$	210,996			36.5	%		$	220,797		37.1	%
	Reinsurer B	A+		74,412				12.9			70,579			11.9
	Reinsurer C	A+		45,541				7.9			43,835			7.4
	Reinsurer D	A		43,818				7.6			46,420			7.8
	Reinsurer E	A++		43,154				7.5			39,884			6.7
	Other reinsurers			160,285				27.6			173,000			29.1
	Total			$	578,206			100	%		$	594,515		100	%
	Included in the total ceded reinsurance receivables balance were $143.0 million and $134.1 million of claims recoverable, of which $10.9 million and $4.2 million were in excess of 90 days past due, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The effect of reinsurance on net premiums is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012
	Direct	$	19,365			$	5,224			$	3,784
	Reinsurance assumed	9,098,378				8,568,222				8,228,811
	Reinsurance ceded	(447,889		)		(319,419		)		(325,999		)
	Net premiums	$	8,669,854			$	8,254,027			$	7,906,596
	The effect of reinsurance on claims and other policy benefits as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012
	Direct	$	32,564			$	8,078			$	3,694
	Reinsurance assumed	7,805,984				7,515,524				6,912,942
	Reinsurance ceded	(431,907		)		(219,270		)		(250,637		)
	Net claims and other policy benefits	$	7,406,641			$	7,304,332			$	6,665,999
	The effect of reinsurance on life insurance in force is shown in the following schedule (dollars in millions):
		Direct				Assumed				Ceded			Net			Assumed/Net %
	31-Dec-14	$	78			$	2,943,517			$	230,544		$	2,713,051		108.5	%
	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
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company provided approximately $8.2 billion and $6.8 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, 2014 and 2013, these treaties had approximately$1,558.3 million and $1,552.3 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 $1,633.6 million and $2,124.7 million were held in trust to satisfy collateral requirements for reinsurance business for the benefit of certain RGA subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, the Company’s collateral financing operations have asset in trust requirements. See Note 14 – “Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes” for additional information. Securities with an amortized cost of $10,197.5 million and $7,842.9 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014
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,	2014			2013
	Deferred policy acquisition costs:
	Assumed	$	3,391,291		$	3,573,054
	Retroceded	(48,716		)	(55,258		)
	Net	$	3,342,575		$	3,517,796
	Years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274		$	3,543,925
	Capitalized
	Assumed	885,944			862,767			1,081,599
	Retroceded	(8,335		)	(8,604		)	(11,814		)
	Amortized (including interest):
	Assumed	(882,498		)	(826,539		)	(975,844		)
	Allocated to change in value of embedded derivatives	(111,744		)	(98,141		)	(42,183		)
	Retroceded	14,877			11,877			14,970
	Attributed to unrealized investment gains (losses)	(4,480		)	16,181			(14,938		)
	Foreign currency changes	(68,985		)	(59,019		)	23,559
	Balance, end of year	$	3,342,575		$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274
	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, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax	INCOME TAX
	Pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Pre-tax income - U.S.	$	768,857		$	473,223		$	644,219
	Pre-tax income - foreign	239,676			162,031			275,004
	Total pre-tax income	$	1,008,533		$	635,254		$	919,223
	The provision for income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	$	18,495		$	(48,831	)	$	52,378
	Foreign	135,260			34,470			36,840
	Total current	153,755			(14,361		)	89,218
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	242,694			226,771			183,929
	Foreign	(71,963		)	4,007			14,183
	Total deferred	170,731			230,778			198,112
	Total provision for income taxes	$	324,486		$	216,417		$	287,330
	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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate	$	352,987		$	222,339		$	321,728
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate	(12,483		)	(8,032		)	(14,705		)
	Differences in tax basis in foreign jurisdictions	(8,256		)	(26,484		)	(21,086		)
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	2,076			26,507			635
	Amounts related to tax audit contingencies	(9,083		)	9,034			2,260
	Corporate rate changes - Canada	—			(414		)	1,374
	Corporate rate changes - other	280			(1,184		)	(1,070		)
	Subpart F	6,132			8,255			13,571
	Foreign tax credits	(1,045		)	(1,786		)	(7,808		)
	Return to provision adjustments	(8,123		)	(12,465		)	(7,351		)
	Other, net	2,001			647			(218		)
	Total provision for income taxes	$	324,486		$	216,417		$	287,330
	Effective tax rate	32.2		%	34.1		%	31.3		%
	The 2014 results benefited from the release of liabilities established for uncertain tax positions due to the closure with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service of tax returns for a recent five-year period. As a result of that release and other adjustments, the tax provision for the period was reduced and the accrued interest liability was reversed.
	Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Provision for income taxes	$	324,486		$	216,417		$	287,330
	Income tax from OCI and additional paid-in-capital:
	Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt and equity securities recognized for financial reporting purposes	348,697			(467,454		)	246,682
	Exercise of stock options	3,011			(3,125		)	(2,902		)
	Foreign currency translation	22,998			12,330			(921		)
	Unrealized pension and post retirement	(14,770		)	7,640			(2,779		)
	Total income taxes provided	$	684,422		$	(234,192	)	$	527,410
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax asset and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are presented in the following tables (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Nondeductible accruals	$	118,389		$	106,587
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	64,445			59,942
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	—			2,106
	Investment income differences	56,176			108,462
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for tax	92,832			90,187
	Net operating loss carryforward	170,965			252,192
	Capital loss and tax credit carryforwards	26,365			2,356
	Subtotal	529,172			621,832
	Valuation allowance	(112,005		)	(102,228		)
	Total deferred income tax assets	417,167			519,604
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for financial reporting	961,170			1,066,351
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	1,044,097			906,197
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	667,601			310,332
	Investment income differences	8,187			12,959
	Differences in foreign currency translation	64,115			19,704
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	2,745,170			2,315,543
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	2,328,003		$	1,795,939
Balance sheet presentation of net deferred income tax liabilities:
Included in other assets	$	37,814		$	41,638
Included in deferred income taxes	2,365,817			1,837,577
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	2,328,003		$	1,795,939
As of December 31, 2014, a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of approximately $112.0 million was provided on the total deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance is primarily related to numerous branches and legal entities for which there is no history of earnings in recent years. Further there is a partial valuation allowance on RGA Reinsurance Company of South Africa, Limited and RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia Limited (“RGA Australia”) net operating losses, RGA International Reinsurance Company Limited’s foreign tax credit and RGA's deferred tax asset related to share expense for foreign entities. 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. The valuation allowance is primarily related to numerous branches and legal entities for which there is no history of earnings in recent years. Further there is a partial valuation allowance on a portion of RGA Australia's deferred tax asset and on RGA's deferred tax asset related to share expense for foreign entities. 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 tax asset will not be realized.
The earnings of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been permanently 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, 2014 and 2013, the financial reporting basis in excess of the tax basis for which no deferred taxes have been recognized was approximately $1,115.2 million and $1,154.4 million, respectively.
During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company received federal and foreign income tax refunds of approximately $9.3 million, $2.6 million and $16.2 million, respectively. The Company made cash income tax payments of approximately $79.6 million, $113.4 million and $113.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized gross deferred tax assets associated with net operating losses of approximately $647.0 million and $916.4 million, respectively, $19.1 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 the Company 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 income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2011.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $274.7 million and the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $30.8 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	2014			2013			2012
Beginning balance, January 1	$	279,801		$	245,636		$	194,260
Additions for tax positions of prior years	17,431			41,228			47,438
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(26,001		)	(10,401		)	—
Additions for tax positions of current year	3,430			3,338			3,938
Ending balance, December 31	$	274,661		$	279,801		$	245,636
The Company recognized interest expense (benefit) associated with uncertain tax positions in 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $(36.6) million, $7.6 million and $9.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $20.7 million and $57.3 million, respectively, of accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 $5.4 million, $4.1 million, and $3.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below (dollars in thousands):
			December 31,
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	111,195			$	112,759			$	30,759			$	33,953
	Service cost		8,121				8,023				2,354				1,881
	Interest Cost		4,972				4,072				1,962				1,353
	Participant contributions		—				—				174				128
	Actuarial (gains) losses		18,930				(8,957		)		25,354				(5,949		)
	Benefits paid		(3,044		)		(3,347		)		(821		)		(607		)
	Foreign currency rate change effect		(1,978		)		(1,355		)		—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	138,196			$	111,195			$	59,782			$	30,759
			December 31,
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	59,559			$	49,516			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		2,489				6,027				—				—
	Employer contributions		7,753				7,363				647				479
	Participant contributions		—				—				174				128
	Benefits paid and expenses		(3,044		)		(3,347		)		(821		)		(607		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	66,757			$	59,559			$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(71,439	)		$	(51,636	)		$	(59,782	)		$	(30,759	)
			December 31,
			Qualified Plans								Non-Qualified Plans(1)								Total
			2014				2013				2014				2013				2014			2013
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		$	66,757			$	59,559			$	—			$	—			$	66,757		$	59,559
	Aggregate projected benefit obligations		80,104				63,502				58,092				47,693				138,196			111,195
	Under funded		$	(13,347	)		$	(3,943	)		$	(58,092	)		$	(47,693	)		$	(71,439	)	$	(51,636	)
	-1	For non-qualified plans, there are no required funding levels.
		December 31,
		Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial loss	$	41,238			$	22,507			$	32,949			$	8,655
	Net prior service cost	1,496				1,981				—				—
	Total	$	42,734			$	24,488			$	32,949			$	8,655
	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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	138,196			$	111,195
	Fair value of plan assets		66,757				59,559
	The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined benefit pension plans were $135.9 million and $107.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table presents information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	135,850			$	107,722
	Fair value of plan assets		66,757				59,559
	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
			2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	8,121			$	8,023			$	7,531			$	2,354			$	1,881		$	1,641
	Interest cost		4,972				4,072				4,072				1,962				1,353			1,246
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,471		)		(3,734		)		(3,066		)		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior actuarial losses		1,755				3,270				3,439				1,060				868			743
	Amortization of prior service cost		333				373				376				—				—			—
	Settlements		—				—				841				—				—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		10,710				12,004				13,193				5,376				4,102			3,630
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial (gains) losses		20,912				(11,250		)		10,888				25,354				(5,949		)	2,341
	Prior service cost		—				—				—				—				—			—
	Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses		(1,755		)		(3,270		)		(3,439		)		(1,060		)		(868		)	(743		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(333		)		(373		)		(376		)		—				—			—
Settlements		—				—				(841		)		—				—			—
Foreign exchange translations and other adjustments		(578		)		(439		)		219				—				—			—
Total recognized in other comprehensive income		18,246				(15,332		)		6,451				24,294				(6,817		)	1,598
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income		$	28,956			$	(3,328	)		$	19,644			$	29,670			$	(2,715	)	$	5,228
The Company expects to contribute to the plans $13.1 million in pension benefits and $4.3 million in other benefits during 2015.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
2015		$	6,423			$	567
2016		9,897				703
2017		7,828				814
2018		7,979				970
2019		9,509				1,104
2020-2024		50,896				7,720
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 $3.8 million and $2.2 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
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation		3.9	%		4.45	%		3.8	%		4.05	%		5.05	%		4.15	%
Discount rate used to determine net benefit cost or income		4.3	%		3.83	%		4.12	%		5.05	%		4.15	%		4.5	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.35	%		7.35	%		7.75	%		—	%		—	%		—	%
Rate of compensation increases		4.08	%		4.21	%		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,
		2014		2013
Pre-Medicare eligible claims		8% down to 5% in 2018		9% down to 5% in 2017
Medicare eligible claims		8% down to 5% in 2018		9% down to 5% in 2017
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		$	1,232			$	(881	)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		$	14,912			$	(11,081	)
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, 2014 and 2013. 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, 2014 and 2013 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
		31-Dec-14
						Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Mutual Funds(1)		$	66,675			$	66,675			$	—			$	—
Cash		82				82				—				—
Total		$	66,757			$	66,757			$	—			$	—
-1	Mutual funds were invested 32% in U.S. equity funds, 30% in U.S. fixed income funds, 22% in non-U.S. equity funds and 16% in other.
		31-Dec-13
						Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Mutual Funds(2)		$	59,485			$	59,485			$	—			$	—
Cash		74				74				—				—
Total		$	59,559			$	59,559			$	—			$	—
-2	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.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, were $7.8 million, $7.3 million and $6.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Financial_Condition_and_Net_In

Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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)
			2014			2013			2014			2013			2012
	RGA Reinsurance (U.S.)		$	1,528,301		$	1,550,070		$	17,085		$	115,814		$	3,497
	RCM (U.S.)		1,625,276			1,633,356			126,326			109,084			58,549
	RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada		915,130			767,108			225,083			89,428			95,861
	RGA Barbados		690,392			716,115			39,236			70,940			81,942
	RGA Australia		373,606			403,584			901			(70,404		)	37,180
	RGA Atlantic Reinsurance Company Ltd.		435,408			379,891			113,055			(27,137		)	91,898
	RGA Americas 1		2,787,552			2,246,496			236,215			147,363			258,257
	Other reinsurance subsidiaries		1,600,197			1,003,215			(663,869		)	253,364			(428,049		)
	-1	RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada and RGA Atlantic Reinsurance Company Ltd. were contributed to RGA Americas in 2014 as part of its designation as a certified reinsurer. All prior periods have been adjusted to reflect that change.
	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.
	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,
			2014			2013
	Prescribed practice – surplus note		$	515,399		$	343,780
	Prescribed practice – letters of credit		(642,200		)	(436,200		)
	Surplus (deficit) – NAIC SAP		$	(126,801	)	$	(92,420	)
	RCM, RGA Reinsurance and Chesterfield Re 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 net gain from operations or 10% of statutory 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. As of January 1, 2015, RGA Reinsurance could pay maximum dividends, without prior approval, of approximately $152.8 million. 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. Chesterfield Re would pay dividends to its immediate parent Chesterfield Financial Holdings LLC, ("Chesterfield Financial"), which would in turn pay dividends to RCM, subject to the terms of the indenture for the embedded value securitization transaction, in which Chesterfield Financial cannot declare or pay any dividends so long as any private placement notes are outstanding. 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 from other subsidiaries are subject to regulations in the jurisdiction of domicile, which are generally based on their earnings and/or capital level. In addition, the earnings of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations.
	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_Contingencies_and_

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES
	Commitments
	Funding of Investments
	The Company's commitments to fund investments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Limited partnerships	$	254,314			$	239,453
	Commercial mortgage loans	33,850				4,600
	Private placements	—				22,000
	Bank loans and revolving credit agreements	52,859				36,952
	Equity release mortgages	8,549				—
	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. Equity release mortgages are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any amortized premium or discount and valuation allowance and included in other invested assets.
	Letters of Credit
	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, 2014 and 2013, there were approximately $176.5 million and $210.3 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 affiliated subsidiaries. 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, 2014 and 2013, $1,035.0 million and $995.5 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 eight credit facilities, a syndicated revolving credit facility with a capacity of $850.0 million and seven letter of credit facilities with a combined capacity of $836.5 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 existing credit facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
							Amount Utilized(1)
							December 31,
	Facility Capacity				Maturity Date		2014			2013	Basis of Fees
	$	850,000			December 2019		$	204,774	$	67,561 (3)	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
	120,000				May-16		80,040			85,050	Fixed
	270,000				Nov-17		270,000			270,000	Fixed
	100,000				Jun-17		81,747			89,433	Fixed
	74,623 (2)				Nov-15		74,623			58,351	Fixed
	80,961 (2)				Mar-19		80,961			132,534	Fixed
	150,000				Jun-16		130,000			—	Fixed
	40,875 (2)				May-16		28,612			—	Fixed
	-1	Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.
	-2	Foreign currency facility, amounts presented are in U.S. dollars.
	-3	2013 represents amount under expired syndicated credit facility.
	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 $12.6 million, $9.8 million and $7.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
	Leases
	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, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Operating				Sublease
			Leases				Income
	2015		$	12,140			$	706
	2016		9,827				706
	2017		8,647				663
	2018		6,929				136
	2019		4,809				—
	Thereafter		18,253				—
	Rent expenses amounted to approximately $19.3 million, $18.5 million and $19.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
	In 2013, the Company executed a series of incentive agreements with the County of St. Louis, Missouri (the “County”). Under these agreements, the Company transferred its newly constructed world headquarters to the County in exchange for taxable industrial revenue bonds (the “bonds”), in a series of bond issuances during 2013 and 2014, with a maximum amount of $150.0 million. As a result, the Company is able to reduce the cost of constructing and operating its world headquarters by reducing certain state and local tax expenditures. The Company simultaneously leased the world headquarters from the County and has an option to purchase the world headquarters for a nominal fee upon tendering the bonds back to the County. The payments due to the Company under the terms of the bonds and the amounts owed by the Company under the terms of the lease agreement qualify for the right of offset under GAAP. As such, neither the bonds nor the lease obligation is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability, respectively. The world headquarters is recorded as an asset of the Company in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Contingencies
	Litigation
	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.
	Other
	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.
	Guarantees
	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 are reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in a policy related liability. 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. RGA’s guarantees issued as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				31-Dec-13
	Treaty guarantees	$	826,496			$	826,947
	Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust	664,913				647,941
	Borrowed securities	201,050				93,000
	Financing arrangements	100,000				—
	Lease obligations	6,085				8,314
	Manor Reinsurance, Ltd. ("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. At the election of the Company, this transaction will terminate in March 2015.
	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, 2014, 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		2014				2013
	2026		$	500			$	500
	2033		1,950.00				1,350.00
	2034		2,000.00				—
	2036		1,432.00				1,250.00

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT
	The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2014		2013
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042	$	400,000	$	400,000
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065	318,732		318,729
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023	398,684		398,533
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021	398,583		398,362
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019	399,669		399,602
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017	299,397		299,124
	$100 million 4.09% Promissory Note due 2039	99,228		—
	Long-term Debt	$	2,314,293	$	2,214,350
	On August 21, 2014, the Company signed a promissory note due September 1, 2039 with a face amount of $100.0 million, collateralized by the Company’s new headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri. Principal and interest are paid monthly on the promissory note, with an interest rate of 4.09%. The liability for the note is included in long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets.
	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 September 25, 2014 the Company entered into a new syndicated revolving credit facility with a five year term and an overall capacity of $850.0 million, replacing its existing $850.0 million syndicated revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to mature in December 2015. The Company may borrow cash and may obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies under this facility. See - Note 12 "Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees" for information regarding the Company's credit facilities. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding and $204.8 million and $67.6 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under its syndicated revolving credit agreements. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the average interest rate on long-term debt outstanding was 5.69% and 5.76%, 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, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $2,314.3 million and $2,214.4 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. Future principal payments due on long-term debt as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2015	$	2,178
	2016	2,470
	2017	302,573
	2018	2,681
	2019	402,792
	Thereafter	1,606,337
	Total	$	2,319,031

Collateral_Finance_and_Securit

Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Collateral Finance Facility [Abstract]
Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes	COLLATERAL FINANCE AND SECURITIZATION NOTES
	Collateral Finance Notes
	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 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, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company held assets in trust and in custody of $922.8 million and $913.5 million, of which $15.7 million and $20.5 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 $4.0 million, $5.1 million and $6.9 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The payment of interest and principal on the notes is insured through a financial guaranty insurance policy by a monoline insurance company, the parent company of which 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. Approval to pay interest on the surplus note was granted through March 30, 2015.
	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.
	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 and securitization notes. 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 and securitization expense.
	Securitization Notes
	In December 2014, RGA's subsidiary, Chesterfield Financial Holdings LLC, ("Chesterfield Financial"), issued $300.0 million of asset-backed notes due December 2034 in a private placement. The notes were issued as part of an embedded value securitization transaction covering a closed block of policies assumed by RGA Reinsurance and retroceded to Chesterfield Re. Proceeds from the notes, along with a $79.0 million direct investment by the Company, were applied by Chesterfield Financial to (i) pay certain transaction-related expenses, (ii) establish a $27.0 million Reserve Account owned by Chesterfield Financial and pledged to the indenture trustee for the benefit of the holders of the notes (primarily to cover interest payments on the notes), and (iii) to fund an initial stock purchase from and capital contribution to Chesterfield Re of $346.5 million to capitalize Chesterfield Re and to finance the payment of a $256.5 million ceding commission by Chesterfield Re to RGA Reinsurance under the retrocession agreement. Interest on the notes accrues at an annual rate of 4.50%, payable quarterly, and totaled $0.6 million in 2014. Capitalized issue costs were approximately $5.4 million. The notes represent senior, secured indebtedness of Chesterfield Financial. Limited support is provided by RGA for temporary potential liquidity events at Chesterfield Financial and for temporary potential statutory capital and surplus events at Chesterfield Re. Otherwise, there is no legal recourse to RGA or its other subsidiaries. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by any other person or entity.
	Chesterfield Financial relies primarily upon dividend payments from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chesterfield Re, a Missouri domiciled life insurance company, to make payments of interest and principal on the notes. The ability of Chesterfield Re to make dividend payments to Chesterfield Financial is contingent upon regulatory approval by the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institution and Professional Registration.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company has five geographic-based or function-based operational segments: U.S. and Latin America; Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Corporate and Other. The U.S. and Latin America 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. and Latin America 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, Middle East and Africa operations include traditional life reinsurance and critical illness business from Europe, Middle East and 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 and securitization notes. 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,	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	5,283,268		$	5,115,941		$	4,881,994
	Non-Traditional	1,014,143			962,818			876,119
	Canada	1,181,865			1,185,017			1,140,264
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	1,557,847			1,305,012			1,275,074
	Asia Pacific	1,756,718			1,610,626			1,557,283
	Corporate and Other	110,353			138,939			110,177
	Total	$	10,904,194		$	10,318,353		$	9,840,911
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	351,645		$	377,586		$	374,353
	Non-Traditional	302,944			245,649			268,315
	Canada	101,700			164,318			186,971
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	161,642			74,553			61,095
	Asia Pacific	102,295			(226,665		)	51,972
	Corporate and Other	(11,693		)	(187		)	(23,483		)
	Total	$	1,008,533		$	635,254		$	919,223
	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,	2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense:
	Corporate and Other	$	96,700		$	124,307		$	105,348
	Total	$	96,700		$	124,307		$	105,348
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation and amortization:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	558,404		$	564,359		$	555,875
	Non-Traditional	232,348			213,745			225,910
	Canada	204,229			193,878			182,914
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	57,291			55,003			69,002
	Asia Pacific	95,172			57,104			154,776
	Corporate and Other	3,644			3,490			4,040
	Total	$	1,151,088		$	1,087,579		$	1,192,517
	The table above includes amortization of deferred acquisition costs, including the effect from investment related gains and losses.
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013
	Assets:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	14,159,824		$	13,285,423
	Non-Traditional	11,572,251			11,716,908
	Canada	3,996,128			4,103,730
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	4,693,322			2,230,568
	Asia Pacific	3,619,368			3,597,456
	Corporate and Other	6,638,718			4,740,388
	Total	$	44,679,611		$	39,674,473
	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 2014, 2013 and 2012. 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, 2014
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, 2014, 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 $24.4 million, $20.3 million, and $28.5 million related to grants or awards under the Stock Plans was recognized in 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 December 31, 2013	3,351,260		$	52.77					712,341
	Granted	232,782		78.48						234,740
	Exercised / Lapsed	(583,118	)	49.35						(103,358	)
	Forfeited	(22,191	)	58.55						(114,995	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2014	2,978,733		$	55.41		$	68.7		728,728
	Options exercisable	2,281,160		$	53.03		$	58.1
	The intrinsic value of options exercised was $17.0 million, $11.3 million, and $11.2 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 12/31/2014		Contractual Life (years)		Price			12/31/14
	$25.00 - $34.99	308,921		4		$	32.2		308,921			$	32.2
	$35.00 - $44.99	—		—		—			—			—
	$45.00 - $54.99	443,611		4.2		47.17			443,611			47.17
	$55.00 +	2,226,201		6.7		60.27			1,528,628			58.94
	Totals	2,978,733		6		$	55.41		2,281,160			$	53.03
	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 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $26.76, $18.58 and $19.65 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 2014-expected dividend yield of 1.53%, benchmark interest rate of 2.27%, expected life of 7.0 years, and an expected rate of volatility of the stock of 35.7% over the expected life of the options; 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; and 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.
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company also issued 234,740, 261,322 and 257,679 performance contingent units (“PCUs”) to key employees at a weighted average fair value per unit of $78.48, $58.77 and $56.65, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, 232,208, 252,942 and 243,578 PCUs were outstanding from the 2014, 2013 and 2012 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 May 2014 and February 2013, the board approved a 0.529 and 1.513 share payout for each PCU granted in 2011 and 2010, resulting in the issuance of 103,358 and 339,483 shares of common stock from treasury, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the financial statements was $25.4 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 1.8 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, 2014
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):
		2014		2013		2012
	Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	684,047	$	418,837	$	631,893
	Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculations)	69,248		71,917		73,737
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	714		544		416
	Diluted shares (denominator for diluted calculations)	69,962		72,461		74,153
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	9.88	$	5.82	$	8.57
	Diluted	9.78		5.78		8.52
	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 2014 and 2013, all outstanding options were included in the calculation of common equivalent shares. Approximately 1.8 million outstanding stock options were not included in the calculation of common equivalent shares during 2012. Approximately 0.5 million, 0.7 million and 0.7 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation of common equivalent shares during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Comprehensive_Income

Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2014:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	(154,132	)	$	(4,835	)	$	(158,967	)
	Foreign currency swap		51,894			(18,163		)	33,731
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		(102,238		)	(22,998		)	(125,236		)
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		1,177,017			(357,024		)	819,993
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		26,405			(9,242		)	17,163
	Net unrealized gains		1,150,612			(347,782		)	802,830
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		2,612			(914		)	1,698
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		485			(159		)	326
	Net loss arising during the period		(43,025		)	14,929			(28,096		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		(42,540		)	14,770			(27,770		)
	Other comprehensive income		$	1,008,446		$	(356,924	)	$	651,522
	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 losses on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding losses 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 losses		(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 gain 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
	-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,		2014			2013			2012
	Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	1,171,996		$	(1,528,773	)	$	713,778
	Other investments(1)		(14,292		)	(12,274		)	6,181
	Effect on unrealized appreciation on:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		(4,480		)	16,181			(14,938		)
	Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		$	1,153,224		$	(1,524,866	)	$	705,021
	-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)
Balance, December 31, 2011		$	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, December 31, 2012		267,475			1,877,657			(36,230		)	2,108,902
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(60,392		)	—			—			(60,392		)
Unrealized 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, December 31, 2013		207,083			820,245			(21,721		)	1,005,607
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(125,236		)	—			—			(125,236		)
Unrealized gain on investments(1)		—			827,608			—			827,608
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			1,698			—			1,698
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			(29,836		)	(29,836		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			(24,778		)	2,066			(22,712		)
Balance, December 31, 2014		$	81,847		$	1,624,773		$	(49,491	)	$	1,657,129
-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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Details about AOCI Components		2014			2013			Affected Line Item in
								Statement of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities		$	26,405		$	9,355		Investment related gains (losses), net
Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap		1,212			1,012			Investment income
Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)		4,480			(16,181		)
Total		32,097			(5,814		)
Provision for income taxes		(7,319		)	2,745
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax		$	24,778		$	(3,069	)
Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
Prior service cost(2)		$	(333	)	$	(373	)
Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)		(2,815		)	(4,138		)
Total		(3,148		)	(4,511		)
Provision for income taxes		1,082			1,579
Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax		$	(2,066	)	$	(2,932	)
Total reclassifications for the period		$	22,712		$	(6,001	)
-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, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	Years Ended December 31,
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	2014	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	Total Revenues	$	2,657,173	$	2,833,020		$	2,716,588	$	2,697,413
	Total benefits and expenses	2,457,733		2,532,485			2,484,773		2,420,670
	Income before income taxes	199,440		300,535			231,815		276,743
	Net Income	136,664		198,296			157,996		191,091
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.94	$	2.87		$	2.3	$	2.78
	Diluted earnings per share	1.92		2.84			2.28		2.75
	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

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On January 22, 2015, 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 2014.
	On October 21, 2014, the Company announced the execution of agreements under which the Company will acquire all of the stock of Aurora National Life Assurance Company (“Aurora”), a wholly owned life insurance subsidiary of Swiss Re. Aurora has approximately 82,000 policies in force and statutory policyholder liabilities of $2.7 billion. The underlying business is comprised of annuities, primarily payout annuities, and interest-sensitive life products. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015 subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Summary_of_Investments_Other_T

Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014
	(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		$	501	$	526	$	526
	State and political subdivisions		378		426		426
	Foreign governments(2)		4,710		6,003		6,003
	Public utilities		1,582		1,733		1,733
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		3,505		3,640		3,640
	All other corporate bonds		12,430		13,153		13,153
	Total fixed maturity securities		23,106		25,481		25,481
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		94		99		99
	Other equity securities		27		27		27
	Total equity securities		121		126		126
	Mortgage loans on real estate		2,712				2,712
	Policy loans		1,284				1,284
	Funds withheld at interest		5,924				5,924
	Short-term investments		98				98
	Other invested assets		1,071				1,071
	Total investments		$	34,316			$	36,696
	-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, 2014
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)
			2014			2013			2012
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value		$	486,813		$	502,455
	Short-term and other investments		87,726			261,853
	Cash and cash equivalents		48,819			24,137
	Investment in subsidiaries		8,649,084			7,534,714
	Loans to subsidiaries		1,060,000			1,101,751
	Other assets		360,059			204,887
	Total assets		$	10,692,501		$	9,629,797
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
	Long-term debt - unaffiliated(1)		$	2,294,993		$	2,294,278
	Long-term debt - affiliated(2)		500,000			500,000
	Other liabilities		874,056			899,992
	Stockholders’ equity		7,023,452			5,935,527
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	10,692,501		$	9,629,797
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	Interest / dividend income(3)		$	521,623		$	275,215		$	86,396
	Investment related gains (losses), net		4,936			1,714			4,515
	Operating expenses		(10,751		)	(21,164		)	(26,431		)
	Interest expense		(131,852		)	(162,212		)	(143,260		)
	Income (loss) before income tax and undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		383,956			93,553			(78,780		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)		(22,008		)	33,850			(9,566		)
	Net income (loss) before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		405,964			59,703			(69,214		)
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		278,083			359,134			701,107
	Net income		684,047			418,837			631,893
	Other comprehensive income		36,876			21,033			9,984
	Total comprehensive income		$	720,923		$	439,870		$	641,877
	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:
			2014			2013
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065		$	398,660		$	398,657
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042		400,000			400,000
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023		398,684			398,533
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021		398,583			398,362
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019		399,669			399,602
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017		299,397			299,124
	Total		$	2,294,993		$	2,294,278
	Repayments of long-term debt—unaffiliated due over the next five years total $300,000, in 2017 and $400,000 in 2019.
	-2	Long-term debt—affiliated in 2014 and 2013 and consists of $500,000 of subordinated debt issued to various operating subsidiaries.
	-3	Interest/Dividend income includes $423,323 and $175,000 of cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2014 and 2013, 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)
			2014			2013			2012
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Operating activities:
	Net income		$	684,047		$	418,837		$	631,893
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(278,083		)	(359,134		)	(701,107		)
	Other, net		(171,299		)	162,586			134,232
	Net cash provided by operating activities		$	234,665		$	222,289		$	65,018
	Investing activities:
	Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	132,732		$	176,062		$	122,212
	Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		(105,535		)	(103,566		)	(213,548		)
	Repayments/issuances of loans to subsidiaries		41,751			(76,751		)	(250,000		)
	Purchase of a business, net of cash acquired of $9,709		—			(2,805		)	—
	Change in short-term investments		96,967			(96,967		)	—
	Change in other invested assets		126,397			(79,023		)	5,718
	Capital contributions to subsidiaries		(222,760		)	(144,459		)	(70,431		)
Net cash used in investing activities		69,552			(327,509		)	(406,049		)
Financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders		(87,256		)	(77,642		)	(61,945		)
Purchases of treasury stock		(201,525		)	(269,204		)	(6,924		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement		—			—			416
Exercise of stock options, net		9,246			28,390			(3,087		)
Proceeds from unaffiliated long-term debt issuance		—			398,533			400,000
Debt issuance costs		—			(3,400		)	(6,255		)
Net cash provided by financing activities		(279,535		)	76,677			322,205
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		24,682			(28,543		)	(18,826		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		24,137			52,680			71,506
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	48,819		$	24,137		$	52,680
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest		$	161,499		$	141,615		$	130,047
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds		$	87		$	82,000		$	30,500

Supplementary_Insurance_Inform

Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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
	2014
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	1,717,512		$	(28,685	)	$	8,440,882		$	(283,184	)	$	1,459,444		$	(194,167	)
	Non-Traditional operations	690,698			—			10,915,471			—			14,656			—
	Canada operations	237,738			(443		)	2,861,052			(221,537		)	209,743			(14,095		)
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	279,672			(7,656		)	2,972,346			(35,439		)	784,421			(28,134		)
	Asia Pacific operations	465,671			(11,932		)	1,578,776			(62,105		)	1,344,250			(23,631		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			299,607			—			11,555			(128		)
	Total	$	3,391,291		$	(48,716	)	$	27,068,134		$	(602,265	)	$	3,824,069		$	(260,155	)
	2013
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	1,628,215		$	(30,523	)	$	7,567,342		$	(245,430	)	$	1,285,467		$	(73,994	)
	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, Middle East and Africa operations	301,999			(9,492		)	1,050,066			(35,515		)	763,118			(33,337		)
	Asia Pacific operations	498,888			(14,760		)	1,693,381			(68,940		)	1,288,016			(26,836		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			299,845			—			12,870			(190		)
	Total	$	3,573,054		$	(55,258	)	$	24,814,333		$	(583,620	)	$	3,571,761		$	(143,309	)
	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
	2014
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	4,725,505		$	552,805		$	(4,181,492	)	$	(467,067	)	$	(283,064	)
	Non-Traditional operations	20,079			644,285			(402,387		)	(203,605		)	(105,207		)
	Canada operations	974,581			196,205			(804,586		)	(190,164		)	(85,415		)
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	1,373,969			107,129			(1,217,441		)	(43,549		)	(135,215		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,574,940			102,461			(1,250,962		)	(74,980		)	(328,481		)
	Corporate and Other	780			110,806			(804		)	—			(121,242		)
	Total	$	8,669,854		$	1,713,691		$	(7,857,672	)	$	(979,365	)	$	(1,058,624	)
	2013
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	4,563,490		$	543,824		$	(4,016,453	)	$	(471,726	)	$	(250,175	)
	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, Middle East and Africa operations	1,220,743			52,034			(1,072,961		)	(40,780		)	(116,718		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,485,205			94,330			(1,488,667		)	(36,335		)	(312,289		)
	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. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	4,342,838		$	536,438		$	(3,815,551	)	$	(461,164	)	$	(230,926	)
	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, Middle East and Africa operations	1,215,166			42,545			(1,055,064		)	(49,732		)	(109,183		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,409,568			85,569			(1,132,998		)	(131,055		)	(241,258		)
	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	)

Supplemental_Schedule_of_Reins

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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
	2014
	Life insurance in force	$	78	$	230,544	$	2,943,517		$	2,713,051		108.5	%
	Premiums
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	9.6	$	287.8	$	5,003.70		$	4,725.50		105.9	%
	Non-Traditional operations	—		39.4		59.5			20.1			296
	Canada operations	—		49.6		1,024.20			974.6			105.1
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	9.8		30.4		1,394.60			1,374.00			101.5
	Asia Pacific operations	—		40.7		1,615.60			1,574.90			102.6
	Corporate and Other	—		—		0.8			0.8			100
	Total	$	19.4	$	447.9	$	9,098.40		$	8,669.90		104.9
	2013
	Life insurance in force	$	77	$	36,830	$	2,889,804		$	2,853,051		101.3	%
	Premiums
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	5.2	$	146.2	$	4,704.40		$	4,563.40		103.1	%
	Non-Traditional operations	—		44.7		67.2			22.5			298.7
	Canada operations	—		54.2		1,016.50			962.3			105.6
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	—		25.8		1,246.60			1,220.80			102.1
	Asia Pacific operations	—		48.5		1,533.70			1,485.20			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. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	3.8	$	152.1	$	4,491.20		$	4,342.90		103.4	%
	Non-Traditional operations	—		50.5		64.6			14.1			458.2
	Canada operations	—		52.9		968.6			915.7			105.8
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	—		26.2		1,241.40			1,215.20			102.2
	Asia Pacific operations	—		44.3		1,453.80			1,409.50			103.1
	Corporate and Other	—		—		9.2			9.2			100
	Total	$	3.8	$	326	$	8,228.80		$	7,906.60		104.1

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
	SCHEDULE V—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in millions)
				Additions
	Description	Balance at		Charged to Costs			Charged to Other			Deductions		Balance at End of Period
		Beginning of		and Expenses			Accounts
		Period
	2014
	Allowance on income taxes	$	102.2	$	15.9		$	(6.1	)	$	—	$	112
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	10.1		(0.9		)	—			2.7		6.5
	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

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements 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 Events", 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 classified as 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, accretion of 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 or as defined in the treaty, 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. Changes in the value of the equity options held within the funds withheld portfolio associated with equity-indexed annuity treaties are reflected in investment income.
	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, investments in joint ventures (other than operating joint ventures), real estate-held-for-investment, equity release mortgages 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. 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, where the Company's cost basis is considered to be the estimated fair value of the property, less the estimated cost to sell, at the date of foreclosure. Equity release mortgages are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any amortized premium or discount and valuation allowance.
	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 primarily 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 primarily reflected in investment related gains (losses), net.
	Changes in the fair value of non-investment free-standing derivative instruments, which do not receive accounting hedge treatment, are reflected in other income.
	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 embedded derivatives is sensitive to the investment credit spread environment. Changes in investment credit spreads are also affected by the application of a credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in an asset position utilizes a CVA based on the ceding company’s credit risk. Conversely, the fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in a liability position utilizes a CVA based on the Company’s credit risk. Generally, an increase in investment credit spreads, ignoring changes in the CVA, will have a negative impact on the fair value of the embedded derivative (decrease in income). 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 assets and liabilities, 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 asset or liability.
	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, 2014 or 2013.
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 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	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, 2014 and 2013 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 $4.5 million and $5.5 million, including accumulated amortization of $13.5 million and $13.0 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The VOBA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.4 million, $0.3 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.
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 $76.3 million and $85.8 million, including accumulated amortization of $44.4 million and $34.9 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The VODA and VOCRA amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $9.5 million, $10.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Amortization of the VODA and VOCRA is estimated to be $9.4 million, $9.0 million, $8.7 million, $8.3 million and $8.1 million during 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Other Assets	Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as appropriate. The estimated life is generally 40 years for company occupied real estate property, from one to seven years for leasehold improvements, and from three to seven years for all other property and equipment. The cost basis of the property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $222.7 million and $117.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $38.5 million and $42.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Related depreciation and amortization expense was $9.4 million, $8.4 million and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had assets acquired under capital leases, included in the total above, of $167.3 million, net of accumulated amortization of $1.4 million. Amortization on assets under capital leases charged to expense is included in other operating expenses. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.4 million.
	Computer software, which is included in other assets, is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Purchased software costs, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized. 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. Unamortized computer software costs were $77.6 million and $49.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in unamortized software costs in 2014 was primarily related to the development or acquisition of software for internal use in connection with the Company's information technology and infrastructure initiatives. Amortization expense was $5.9 million, $6.9 million, and $6.5 million
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, including annuities in the payout phase, 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, including annuities in the payout phase 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, 2014 and 2013 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 Company ("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 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 3.3 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 Reinsurance Company, Ltd. ("RGA Americas"), RGA Reinsurance, RGA Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Ltd. ("RGA Barbados"), RGA Technology Partners, Inc., Reinsurance Company of Missouri ("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”), Chesterfield Reinsurance Company ("Chesterfield 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 and Securitization Notes
	Collateral finance and securitization notes represent private placement asset-backed structured financing transactions. Collateral finance notes are issued on specified insurance policies reinsured by the Company’s regulated subsidiaries. Transaction costs, primarily interest expense, are reflected in collateral finance and securitization expense. See Note 14 - "Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes" 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 were 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”.
	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 were effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	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 was 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.”
	Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
	Compensation
	In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Compensation as it relates to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This amendment requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendment further clarifies that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.
	Transfers and Servicing
	In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financings, and disclosures. This amendment requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers accounted for as secured borrowings. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements other than the addition of the required disclosures.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated		% of Total		Other-than-
			Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value				temporary
																			impairments
																			in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	14,010,604			$	965,523			$	90,544			$	14,885,583	58.4	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,668,852				1,196,420				7				3,865,265		15.2		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		991,867				52,640				6,611				1,037,896		4.1		(300		)
	Asset-backed securities		1,059,660				20,301				10,375				1,069,586		4.2		354
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,453,657				87,593				8,659				1,532,591		6		(1,609		)
	U.S. government and agencies		501,352				25,014				515				525,851		2		—
	State and political subdivisions		378,457				51,117				3,498				426,076		1.7		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		2,041,148				110,065				13,089				2,138,124		8.4		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	23,105,597			$	2,508,673			$	133,298			$	25,480,972	100	%	$	(1,555	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	93,540			$	7,350			$	1,527			$	99,363	78.3	%
	Other equity securities		26,994				597				94				27,497		21.7
	Total equity securities		$	120,534			$	7,947			$	1,621			$	126,860	100	%
	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	%
Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block]	The following table includes fixed maturity securities pledged and received as collateral, and assets in trust held to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014								2013
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized				Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost				Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral	$	127,229			$	134,863			$	57,241			$	57,963
	Fixed maturity securities received as collateral	n/a				117,227				n/a				94,143
	Securities held in trust	10,197,489				10,922,947				7,842,893				8,125,402
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	The Company’s exposure to concentrations of credit risk of single issuers greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands).
		2014								2013
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized				Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost				Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities guaranteed or issued by:
	Canadian province of Ontario	$	979,908			$	1,359,339			$	1,023,427			$	1,222,296
	Canadian province of Quebec	1,006,315				1,599,673				1,041,462				1,389,138
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 Cost				Estimated Fair Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	556,034			$	561,396
	Due after one year through five years		4,354,866				4,580,388
	Due after five years through ten years		7,587,194				7,965,907
	Due after ten years		7,102,319				8,733,208
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities		3,505,184				3,640,073
	Total		$	23,105,597			$	25,480,972
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
							Fair Value
	Finance		$	4,789,568			$	5,066,408			34	%
	Industrial		7,639,330				8,086,067				54.3
	Utility		1,581,706				1,733,108				11.7
	Total		$	14,010,604			$	14,885,583			100	%
	December 31, 2013:		Amortized Cost				Estimated				% of Total
							Fair Value
	Finance		$	3,838,716			$	3,983,623			32.9	%
	Industrial		6,607,100				6,824,063				56.3
	Utility		1,240,353				1,292,305				10.7
	Other		11,225				10,764				0.1
	Total		$	11,697,394			$	12,110,755			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):
			2014				2013				2012
	Balance, beginning of period		$	11,696			$	16,675			$	63,947
	Initial impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired		—				—				1,962
	Additional impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired		—				134				10,186
	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		(4,412		)		(3,664		)		(37,130		)
	Balance, end of period		$	7,284			$	11,696			$	16,675
AccountingForCertainLoansAndDebtSecuritiesAcquiredInTransferDisclosureTextBlock	The following tables present information on the Company’s purchased credit impaired securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Outstanding principal and interest balance(1)	$	226,121			$	192,644
	Carrying value, including accrued interest(2)	$	185,842			$	148,822
	-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 ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as of the acquisition dates (dollars in thousands).
		2014				2013
	Contractually required payments (including interest)	$	96,617			$	161,975
	Cash flows expected to be collected(1)	$	76,551			$	130,578
	Fair value of investments acquired	$	53,950			$	87,643
	-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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	69,469			$	39,239
	Investments purchased	22,601				42,935
	Accretion	(9,339		)		(7,755		)
	Disposals	(379		)		(3,564		)
	Reclassification from nonaccretable difference	(15,181		)		(1,386		)
	Balance, end of period	$	67,171			$	69,469
Investments In Debt And Equity Securities Gross Unrealized Losses Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 932 and 1,396 fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
			2014							2013
			Gross				% of Total			Gross				% of Total
			Unrealized							Unrealized
			Losses							Losses
	Less than 20%		$	111,965			83	%		$	296,731			91.4	%
	20% or more for less than six months		13,698				10.1			6,444				2
	20% or more for six months or greater		9,256				6.9			21,425				6.6
	Total		$	134,919			100	%		$	324,600			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, 2014:		Estimated				Gross				Estimated				Gross		Estimated			Gross
			Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized		Fair Value			Unrealized
							Losses								Losses					Losses
	Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	1,225,767			$	27,784			$	614,294			$	30,040	$	1,840,061		$	57,824
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		—				—				1,235				7		1,235			7
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		78,864				846				135,414				5,247		214,278			6,093
	Asset-backed securities		332,785				4,021				109,411				4,289		442,196			8,310
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		78,632				564				28,375				2,461		107,007			3,025
	U.S. government and agencies		81,317				89				32,959				426		114,276			515
	State and political subdivisions		13,780				17				18,998				3,438		32,778			3,455
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		156,725				7,007				76,111				2,946		232,836			9,953
	Total investment grade securities		1,967,870				40,328				1,016,797				48,854		2,984,667			89,182
	Non-investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		415,886				29,316				32,567				3,404		448,453			32,720
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		22,836				293				6,284				225		29,120			518
	Asset-backed securities		12,448				274				7,108				1,791		19,556			2,065
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,288				249				5,580				5,385		8,868			5,634
	State and political subdivisions		964				43				—				—		964			43
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		13,986				3,136				—				—		13,986			3,136
	Total non-investment grade securities		469,408				33,311				51,539				10,805		520,947			44,116
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	2,437,278			$	73,639			$	1,068,336			$	59,659	$	3,505,614		$	133,298
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	11,619			$	235			$	19,100			$	1,292	$	30,719		$	1,527
	Other equity securities		—				—				3,545				94		3,545			94
	Total equity securities		$	11,619			$	235			$	22,645			$	1,386	$	34,264		$	1,621
			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
Investment Income [Table Text Block]	Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013				2012
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	1,052,715			$	966,759			$	868,682
	Mortgage loans on real estate		148,417				121,476				96,901
	Policy loans		55,248				57,099				62,855
	Funds withheld at interest		447,364				545,550				393,586
	Short-term investments		2,118				2,236				4,173
	Other invested assets		70,149				58,771				49,199
	Investment income		1,776,011				1,751,891				1,475,396
	Investment expense		(62,320		)		(52,026		)		(39,190		)
	Investment income, net of related expenses		$	1,713,691			$	1,699,865			$	1,436,206
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Investment related gains (losses), net, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013				2012
	Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings		$	(7,766	)		$	(12,901	)		$	(23,526	)
	Impairment losses on equity securities		—				—				(3,025		)
	Gain on investment activity		65,435				82,744				145,268
	Loss on investment activity		(31,295		)		(60,575		)		(27,474		)
	Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision		(5,315		)		(6,933		)		(16,602		)
	Derivatives and other, net		165,134				61,655				179,495
	Total investment related gains (losses), net		$	186,193			$	63,990			$	254,136
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]	The following table includes the amount of borrowed securities, repurchased securities pledged and repurchased/reverse repurchased securities pledged and received as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands).
		2014								2013
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized				Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost				Fair Value
	Borrowed securities	$	201,050			$	212,946			$	93,000			$	93,000
	Repurchase program securities pledged	92,446				107,158				—				—
	Repurchase program/reverse repurchase program:
	Securities pledged	298,466				314,160				300,350				310,781
	Securities received	n/a				338,929				n/a				344,169
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014							2013
			Recorded				Percentage of			Recorded				Percentage of
			Investment				Total			Investment				Total
	Property type:
	Office building		$	851,749			31.3	%		$	917,284			36.7	%
	Retail		802,466				29.6			748,731				30
	Industrial		466,583				17.2			439,890				17.6
	Apartment		376,430				13.8			289,394				11.6
	Other commercial		221,481				8.1			101,487				4.1
	Total		$	2,718,709			100	%		$	2,496,786			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, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Due within five years		$	860,362			$	987,109
	Due after five years through ten years		1,165,530				984,289
	Due after ten years		692,817				525,388
	Total		$	2,718,709			$	2,496,786
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, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Internal credit quality grade:		2014				2013
	High investment grade		$	1,326,199			$	1,437,244
	Investment grade		1,235,046				827,993
	Average		118,152				155,914
	Watch list		22,285				49,404
	In or near default		17,027				26,231
	Total		$	2,718,709			$	2,496,786
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, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Mortgage loans:
	Individually measured for impairment		$	17,027			$	37,841
	Collectively measured for impairment		2,701,682				2,458,945
	Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		2,718,709				2,496,786
	Valuation allowances:
	Individually measured for impairment		816				3,211
	Collectively measured for impairment		5,655				6,895
	Total valuation allowances		6,471				10,106
	Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances		$	2,712,238			$	2,486,680
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013				2012
	Balance, beginning of period		$	10,106			$	11,580			$	11,793
	Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(2,731		)		(3,431		)		(6,474		)
	Provision		(904		)		1,957				6,261
	Balance, end of period		$	6,471			$	10,106			$	11,580
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Unpaid Principal				Recorded				Related				Carrying Value
			Balance				Investment				Allowance
	December 31, 2014:
	Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	7,314			$	6,711			$	—			$	6,711
	Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		10,279				10,316				816				9,500
	Total impaired mortgage loans		$	17,593			$	17,027			$	816			$	16,211
	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
	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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			2014								2013						2012
			Average				Interest				Average				Interest		Average			Interest
			Investment(1)				Income				Investment(1)				Income		Investment(1)			Income
	Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	13,227			$	647			$	15,023			$	852	$	15,549		$	1,244
	Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		13,827				637				22,818				951		34,434			425
	Total		$	27,054			$	1,284			$	37,841			$	1,803	$	49,983		$	1,669
	-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 Assets [Table Text Block]	Other invested assets represented approximately 3.3% and 4.1% of the Company’s invested assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Carrying values of these assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Equity securities		$	126,860			$	405,731
	Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures		446,604				411,456
	Structured loans		164,309				223,549
	Derivatives		216,966				75,227
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		140,344				138,892
	Other		103,236				70,105
	Total other invested assets		$	1,198,319			$	1,324,960

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Dec-14												31-Dec-13
			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		$	1,144,661			$	93,783			$	3,934			$	1,592,943			$	32,555			$	21,873
	Interest rate options		240,000				18,195				—				240,000				2,554				—
	Financial futures		275,983				—				—				123,780				—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		67,967				87				15,098				79,618				—				12,772
	Consumer price index swaps		41,938				—				561				59,922				—				309
	Credit default swaps		805,700				11,689				3,502				682,700				10,438				2,156
	Equity options		555,361				35,242				—				757,352				33,902				—
	Longevity swaps		450,000				7,727				—				—				—				—
	Mortality swaps		50,000				—				797				—				—				—
	Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts		6,500,942				—				—				4,629,859				—				—
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		—				22,094				—				—				—				176,270
	Indexed annuity products		—				—				925,887				—				—				838,670
	Variable annuity products		—				—				159,279				—				—				30,055
	Total non-hedging derivatives		10,132,552				188,817				1,109,058				8,166,174				79,449				1,082,105
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		120,000				—				18,228				49,131				—				4,606
	Foreign currency swaps		676,972				70,906				—				728,674				21,903				620
	Forward bond purchase commitments		196,452				1,175				14,545				—				—				—
	Total hedging derivatives		993,424				72,081				32,773				777,805				21,903				5,226
	Total derivatives		$	11,125,976			$	260,898			$	1,141,831			$	8,943,979			$	101,352			$	1,087,331
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, 2014:
	Derivative assets		$	238,804			$	(14,111	)		$	224,693			$	(20,260	)		$	(178,141	)		$	26,292
	Derivative liabilities		56,665				(14,111		)		42,554				(47,222		)		—				(4,668		)
	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		)
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, 2014:
	Derivative assets		$	238,804			$	(14,111	)		$	224,693			$	(20,260	)		$	(178,141	)		$	26,292
	Derivative liabilities		56,665				(14,111		)		42,554				(47,222		)		—				(4,668		)
	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		)
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			Gain (Loss) Included in AOCI
	Balance December 31, 2011		$	(828	)
	Gains deferred in other comprehensive income on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		2,613
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,382		)
	Balance December 31, 2012		403
	Losses deferred in other comprehensive loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		(3,969		)
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,012		)
	Balance December 31, 2013		(4,578		)
	Losses deferred in other comprehensive loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		(25,801		)
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(1,212		)
	Balance December 31, 2014		$	(31,591	)
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			Effective Portion										Ineffective Portion
	Derivative Type		Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI				Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Income from OCI				Classification of Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Net Income		Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income				Classification of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(12,431	)		$	1,212			Investment Income		$	19			Gains (Losses)
	Forward bond purchase commitments		(13,370		)		—				Investment Income		—				Gains (Losses)
	Total		$	(25,801	)		$	1,212					$	19
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(3,969	)		$	1,012			Investment Income		$	6			Gains (Losses)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest rate swaps		$	2,613			$	1,382			Investment Income		$	(41	)		Gains (Losses)
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
			Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
			For the year ended
	Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)		2014				2013				2012
	Foreign currency swaps		$	51,894			$	40,347			$	(20,470	)
	-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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
					Gain (Loss) for the Years Ended  December 31,
	Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement		2014				2013				2012
			Location of Gain (Loss)
	Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	94,848			$	(84,398	)		$	16,028
	Interest rate options		Investment related gains (losses), net		15,641				(11,518		)		—
	Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net		(9,550		)		(11,157		)		(20,245		)
	Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net		(8,691		)		(13,201		)		(5,644		)
	Consumer price index swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		(344		)		(1,942		)		(267		)
	Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		3,938				24,188				18,359
	Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(22,472		)		(79,230		)		(69,677		)
	Longevity swaps		Other revenues		8,088				—				—
	Mortality swaps		Other revenues		(797		)		—				—
	Subtotal				80,661				(177,258		)		(61,446		)
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		Investment related gains (losses), net		198,365				70,177				115,009
	Indexed annuity products		Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—				—				(630		)
	Indexed annuity products		Interest credited		(104,844		)		(115,409		)		(29,804		)
	Variable annuity products		Investment related gains (losses), net		(129,224		)		142,050				104,613
	Total non-hedging derivatives				$	44,958			$	(80,440	)		$	127,742
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014											2013
	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		$	1,498			$	167,500			4.6			$	614			$	117,500			5.1
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
	Subtotal		1,498				167,500				4.6			614				117,500				5.1
	BBB+/BBB/BBB-
	Single name credit default swaps		168				217,200				4.9			656				142,200				4.9
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		6,651				416,000				5			7,295				405,000				5
	Subtotal		6,819				633,200				4.9			7,951				547,200				5
	BB+
	Single name credit default swaps		(130		)		5,000				4.5			—				—				—
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
	Subtotal		(130		)		5,000				4.5			—				—				—
	Total		$	8,187			$	805,700			4.9			$	8,565			$	664,700			4.4
	-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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013				2012
	Embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains		$	198,365			$	70,177			$	115,009
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		45,171				18,920				25,454
	Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains		(129,224		)		142,050				104,613
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		27,601				70,123				6,367
	Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses		(104,844		)		(115,409		)		(30,434		)
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		(69,963		)		(106,792		)		6,110
Credit Risk [Table Text Block]	Information regarding the Company’s credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts, centrally cleared derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures, excluding longevity and mortality swaps, at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position		$	175,209			$	59,016
	Cash provided as collateral(1)		—				8,033
	Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)		47,222				18,081
	Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)		(178,141		)		(51,006		)
	Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)		(20,260		)		(11,095		)
	Initial margin for cleared derivatives		(16,333		)		(13,350		)
	Net credit exposure		$	7,697			$	9,679
	Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)		$	7,976			$	2,566
	-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, 2014
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	14,885,583		$	115,822		$	13,459,334			$	1,310,427
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		3,865,265			—			3,865,265				—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,037,896			—			849,802				188,094
	Asset-backed securities		1,069,586			—			496,626				572,960
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,532,591			—			1,445,845				86,746
	U.S. government and agencies securities		525,851			437,129			60,193				28,529
	State and political subdivision securities		426,076			—			383,365				42,711
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		2,138,124			285,995			1,832,466				19,663
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		25,480,972			838,946			22,392,896				2,249,130
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		22,094			—			—				22,094
	Cash equivalents		899,846			899,846			—				—
	Short-term investments		45,190			21,536			23,654				—
	Other invested assets:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		99,363			91,450			9				7,904
	Other equity securities		27,497			27,497			—				—
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		84,578			—			84,578				—
	Interest rate options		18,195			—			18,195				—
	CPI swaps		(561		)	—			(561		)		—
	Credit default swaps		8,606			—			8,606				—
	Equity options		35,242			—			35,242				—
	Foreign currency swaps		70,906			—			70,906				—
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		140,344			134,749			5,595				—
	Other		6,420			6,420			—				—
	Total other invested assets		490,590			260,116			222,570				7,904
	Other assets - longevity swaps		7,727			—			—				7,727
	Total		$	26,946,419		$	2,020,444		$	22,639,120			$	2,286,855
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	1,085,166		$	—		$	—			$	1,085,166
	Other liabilities:
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		12,957			—			12,957				—
	Foreign currency forwards		15,011			—			15,011				—
	Credit default swaps		419			—			419				—
	Forward purchase commitments		13,370			—			13,370				—
	Mortality swaps		797			—			—				797
	Total		$	1,127,720		$	—		$	41,757			$	1,085,963
	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				—
	Interest rate options		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
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:					Valuation		Unobservable	Range
			Fair Value			Technique(s)		Input	(Weighted Average)
	Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities		$	4,994		Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
						securities
	Corporate securities		205,392			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-2%  (1%)
						securities
	U.S. Government and agencies securities		28,530			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-1%  (1%)
						securities
	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		22,094			Total return swap		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
								Lapse	0-35%  (7%)
								Withdrawal	0-5%  (3%)
								CVA	0-5%  (1%)
								Crediting rate	2-4%  (3%)
	Longevity swaps		7,727			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
								Mortality improvement	(10%)-10%  (3%)
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		925,887			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		159,279			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
								Lapse	0-25% (8%)
								Withdrawal	0-7% (3%)
								CVA	0-5% (1%)
								Long-term volatility	0-27% (11%)
	Mortality swaps		797			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100%  (1%)
	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%)
								CVA	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%)
								CVA	0-1% (1%)
								Long-term volatility	0-27% (10%)
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	December 31, 2014:					Valuation		Unobservable	Range
			Fair Value			Technique(s)		Input	(Weighted Average)
	Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities		$	4,994		Market comparable		Liquidity premium	1	%
						securities
	Corporate securities		205,392			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-2%  (1%)
						securities
	U.S. Government and agencies securities		28,530			Market comparable		Liquidity premium	0-1%  (1%)
						securities
	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		22,094			Total return swap		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
								Lapse	0-35%  (7%)
								Withdrawal	0-5%  (3%)
								CVA	0-5%  (1%)
								Crediting rate	2-4%  (3%)
	Longevity swaps		7,727			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100%  (2%)
								Mortality improvement	(10%)-10%  (3%)
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		925,887			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		159,279			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100% (2%)
								Lapse	0-25% (8%)
								Withdrawal	0-7% (3%)
								CVA	0-5% (1%)
								Long-term volatility	0-27% (11%)
	Mortality swaps		797			Discounted cash flow		Mortality	0-100%  (1%)
	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%)
								CVA	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%)
								CVA	0-1% (1%)
								Long-term volatility	0-27% (10%)
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014						2013
			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		$	6,000		$	22,537		$	—			$	30,599
Fair Value, Assets 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, 2014, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2014 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2014:		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
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	1,345,289		$	153,505		$	471,848			$	101,785			$	40,919		$	43,776
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		(4,828		)	(93		)	7,929				1,892				(483		)	39
	Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,984		)	(244		)	2,131				103				(401		)	(17		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Included in other comprehensive income		(3,100		)	1,748			1,665				1,099				1,052			3,282
	Purchases(1)		356,706			54,412			191,662				6,180				581			—
	Sales(1)		(54,386		)	(744		)	(22,923		)		(14,626		)		—			—
	Settlements(1)		(273,392		)	(34,727		)	(54,175		)		(3,599		)		(13,139		)	(738		)
	Transfers into Level 3		13,180			15,981			11,614				5,712				—			—
	Transfers out of Level 3		(67,058		)	(1,744		)	(36,791		)		(11,800		)		—			(3,631		)
	Fair value, end of period		$	1,310,427		$	188,094		$	572,960			$	86,746			$	28,529		$	42,711
	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		$	(4,686	)	$	(97	)	$	5,306			$	1,949			$	(480	)	$	39
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				—			—
	For the year ended December 31, 2014 (continued):	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
			Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored			Funds			Other invested				Other assets - longevity derivatives				Interest			Other liabilities - mortality derivatives
			enterprises			withheld at interest-embedded derivative			assets - non- redeemable preferred stock								sensitive contract
																	liabilities embedded derivative
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	37,997		$	(176,270	)	$	4,962			$	—			$	(868,725	)	$	—
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		(5		)	—			—				—				—			—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			198,364			—				—				(129,224		)	—
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				(104,843		)	—
	Included in other comprehensive income		(59		)	—			(96		)		(361		)		—			—
	Other revenue		—			—			—				8,088				—			(797		)
	Purchases(1)		—			—			8,000				—				(56,234		)	—
	Sales(1)		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Settlements(1)		(1,210		)	—			—				—				—			—
	Transfers into Level 3		9,482			—			—				—				73,860			—
	Transfers out of Level 3		(26,542		)	—			(4,962		)		—				—			—
	Fair value, end of period		$	19,663		$	22,094		$	7,904			$	7,727			$	(1,085,166	)	$	(797	)
	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		$	(5	)	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—			—				—				(134,254		)	—
	Other revenue		—			—			—				8,088				—			(797		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			198,365			—				—				(178,704		)	—
	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, 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
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		)	—
Fair value, end of period		$	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-				sensitive contract
												redeemable				liabilities embedded derivative
												preferred stock
Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		—			—			—				—				—
Fair value, end of period		$	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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		)
Fair value, end of period		$	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		—			—			—				—				—			—
		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
For the year ended December 31, 2012 (continued):		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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	—		$	(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		)		—			—
Fair value, end of period		$	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.
Fair Value, 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, 2014, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2014 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2014:		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
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	1,345,289		$	153,505		$	471,848			$	101,785			$	40,919		$	43,776
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		(4,828		)	(93		)	7,929				1,892				(483		)	39
	Investment related gains (losses), net		(1,984		)	(244		)	2,131				103				(401		)	(17		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Included in other comprehensive income		(3,100		)	1,748			1,665				1,099				1,052			3,282
	Purchases(1)		356,706			54,412			191,662				6,180				581			—
	Sales(1)		(54,386		)	(744		)	(22,923		)		(14,626		)		—			—
	Settlements(1)		(273,392		)	(34,727		)	(54,175		)		(3,599		)		(13,139		)	(738		)
	Transfers into Level 3		13,180			15,981			11,614				5,712				—			—
	Transfers out of Level 3		(67,058		)	(1,744		)	(36,791		)		(11,800		)		—			(3,631		)
	Fair value, end of period		$	1,310,427		$	188,094		$	572,960			$	86,746			$	28,529		$	42,711
	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		$	(4,686	)	$	(97	)	$	5,306			$	1,949			$	(480	)	$	39
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				—			—
	For the year ended December 31, 2014 (continued):	Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
			Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored			Funds			Other invested				Other assets - longevity derivatives				Interest			Other liabilities - mortality derivatives
			enterprises			withheld at interest-embedded derivative			assets - non- redeemable preferred stock								sensitive contract
																	liabilities embedded derivative
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	37,997		$	(176,270	)	$	4,962			$	—			$	(868,725	)	$	—
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		(5		)	—			—				—				—			—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			198,364			—				—				(129,224		)	—
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—			—				—				(104,843		)	—
	Included in other comprehensive income		(59		)	—			(96		)		(361		)		—			—
	Other revenue		—			—			—				8,088				—			(797		)
	Purchases(1)		—			—			8,000				—				(56,234		)	—
	Sales(1)		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Settlements(1)		(1,210		)	—			—				—				—			—
	Transfers into Level 3		9,482			—			—				—				73,860			—
	Transfers out of Level 3		(26,542		)	—			(4,962		)		—				—			—
	Fair value, end of period		$	19,663		$	22,094		$	7,904			$	7,727			$	(1,085,166	)	$	(797	)
	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		$	(5	)	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—			—				—				(134,254		)	—
	Other revenue		—			—			—				8,088				—			(797		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—			—				—				—			—
	Interest credited		—			198,365			—				—				(178,704		)	—
	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, 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
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		)	—
Fair value, end of period		$	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-				sensitive contract
												redeemable				liabilities embedded derivative
												preferred stock
Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		—			—			—				—				—
Fair value, end of period		$	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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	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		)
Fair value, end of period		$	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		—			—			—				—				—			—
		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
For the year ended December 31, 2012 (continued):		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
Fair value, beginning of period		$	—		$	(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		)		—			—
Fair value, end of period		$	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.
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Text Block]	Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods presented; they 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).
			Carrying Value After Measurement						Net Investment Gains (Losses)
			At December 31,							Years ended December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
	Mortgage loans(1)		$	9,500		$	10,330			$	521			$	710
	Limited partnership interests(2)		19,282			8,952				(6,305		)		(2,663		)
	Real estate investments(3)		—			10,508				—				(2,164		)
	-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.
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).This table excludes any payables or receivables for collateral under repurchase agreements and other transactions. The estimated fair value of the excluded amount approximates carrying value as they equal the amount of cash collateral received/paid.
						Estimated Fair			Fair Value Measurement Using:
	31-Dec-14		Carrying Value			Value			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,712,238		$	2,803,942		$	—			$	—			$	2,803,942
	Policy loans		1,284,284			1,284,284			—				1,284,284				—
	Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,897,202			6,367,165			—				—				6,367,165
	Cash and cash equivalents(2)		745,823			745,823			745,823				—				—
	Short-term investments(2)		52,504			52,504			52,504				—				—
	Other invested assets(2)		465,720			518,261			4,674				35,446				478,141
	Accrued investment income		261,096			261,096			—				261,096				—
	Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	9,623,596		$	9,666,240		$	—			$	—			$	9,666,240
	Long-term debt		2,314,293			2,518,399			—				—				2,518,399
	Collateral finance and securitization notes		782,701			674,984			—				—				674,984
	31-Dec-13
	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 and securitization notes		484,752			374,984			—				—				374,984
	-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, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Ceded Credit Risk [Table Text Block]	The following table presents information for the Company's ceded reinsurance receivable assets, including the respective amount and A.M. Best rating for each reinsurer representing in excess of five percent of the total as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
				2014							2013
	Reinsurer	A.M. Best Rating		Amount				% of Total			Amount			% of Total
	Reinsurer A	A+		$	210,996			36.5	%		$	220,797		37.1	%
	Reinsurer B	A+		74,412				12.9			70,579			11.9
	Reinsurer C	A+		45,541				7.9			43,835			7.4
	Reinsurer D	A		43,818				7.6			46,420			7.8
	Reinsurer E	A++		43,154				7.5			39,884			6.7
	Other reinsurers			160,285				27.6			173,000			29.1
	Total			$	578,206			100	%		$	594,515		100	%
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,	2014				2013				2012
	Direct	$	19,365			$	5,224			$	3,784
	Reinsurance assumed	9,098,378				8,568,222				8,228,811
	Reinsurance ceded	(447,889		)		(319,419		)		(325,999		)
	Net premiums	$	8,669,854			$	8,254,027			$	7,906,596
	The effect of reinsurance on claims and other policy benefits as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012
	Direct	$	32,564			$	8,078			$	3,694
	Reinsurance assumed	7,805,984				7,515,524				6,912,942
	Reinsurance ceded	(431,907		)		(219,270		)		(250,637		)
	Net claims and other policy benefits	$	7,406,641			$	7,304,332			$	6,665,999
Reinsurance Information [Table Text Block]	The effect of reinsurance on life insurance in force is shown in the following schedule (dollars in millions):
		Direct				Assumed				Ceded			Net			Assumed/Net %
	31-Dec-14	$	78			$	2,943,517			$	230,544		$	2,713,051		108.5	%
	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

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Type Of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block]	The following reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized (dollars in thousands):
	As of December 31,	2014			2013
	Deferred policy acquisition costs:
	Assumed	$	3,391,291		$	3,573,054
	Retroceded	(48,716		)	(55,258		)
	Net	$	3,342,575		$	3,517,796
Movement Analysis Of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Rollforward [Table Text Block]
	Years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274		$	3,543,925
	Capitalized
	Assumed	885,944			862,767			1,081,599
	Retroceded	(8,335		)	(8,604		)	(11,814		)
	Amortized (including interest):
	Assumed	(882,498		)	(826,539		)	(975,844		)
	Allocated to change in value of embedded derivatives	(111,744		)	(98,141		)	(42,183		)
	Retroceded	14,877			11,877			14,970
	Attributed to unrealized investment gains (losses)	(4,480		)	16,181			(14,938		)
	Foreign currency changes	(68,985		)	(59,019		)	23,559
	Balance, end of year	$	3,342,575		$	3,517,796		$	3,619,274

Income_Tax_Tables

Income Tax (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Pre-tax income - U.S.	$	768,857		$	473,223		$	644,219
	Pre-tax income - foreign	239,676			162,031			275,004
	Total pre-tax income	$	1,008,533		$	635,254		$	919,223
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision for income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	$	18,495		$	(48,831	)	$	52,378
	Foreign	135,260			34,470			36,840
	Total current	153,755			(14,361		)	89,218
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S.	242,694			226,771			183,929
	Foreign	(71,963		)	4,007			14,183
	Total deferred	170,731			230,778			198,112
	Total provision for income taxes	$	324,486		$	216,417		$	287,330
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate	$	352,987		$	222,339		$	321,728
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate	(12,483		)	(8,032		)	(14,705		)
	Differences in tax basis in foreign jurisdictions	(8,256		)	(26,484		)	(21,086		)
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	2,076			26,507			635
	Amounts related to tax audit contingencies	(9,083		)	9,034			2,260
	Corporate rate changes - Canada	—			(414		)	1,374
	Corporate rate changes - other	280			(1,184		)	(1,070		)
	Subpart F	6,132			8,255			13,571
	Foreign tax credits	(1,045		)	(1,786		)	(7,808		)
	Return to provision adjustments	(8,123		)	(12,465		)	(7,351		)
	Other, net	2,001			647			(218		)
	Total provision for income taxes	$	324,486		$	216,417		$	287,330
	Effective tax rate	32.2		%	34.1		%	31.3		%
Schedule Of Income Tax Expense Benefit Intraperiod Tax Allocation [Table Text Block]	Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Provision for income taxes	$	324,486		$	216,417		$	287,330
	Income tax from OCI and additional paid-in-capital:
	Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt and equity securities recognized for financial reporting purposes	348,697			(467,454		)	246,682
	Exercise of stock options	3,011			(3,125		)	(2,902		)
	Foreign currency translation	22,998			12,330			(921		)
	Unrealized pension and post retirement	(14,770		)	7,640			(2,779		)
	Total income taxes provided	$	684,422		$	(234,192	)	$	527,410
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, 2014 and 2013, are presented in the following tables (dollars in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Nondeductible accruals	$	118,389		$	106,587
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	64,445			59,942
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	—			2,106
	Investment income differences	56,176			108,462
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for tax	92,832			90,187
	Net operating loss carryforward	170,965			252,192
	Capital loss and tax credit carryforwards	26,365			2,356
	Subtotal	529,172			621,832
	Valuation allowance	(112,005		)	(102,228		)
	Total deferred income tax assets	417,167			519,604
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred acquisition costs capitalized for financial reporting	961,170			1,066,351
	Differences between tax and financial reporting amounts concerning certain reinsurance transactions	1,044,097			906,197
	Differences in the tax basis of cash and invested assets	667,601			310,332
	Investment income differences	8,187			12,959
	Differences in foreign currency translation	64,115			19,704
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	2,745,170			2,315,543
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	2,328,003		$	1,795,939
	Balance sheet presentation of net deferred income tax liabilities:
	Included in other assets	$	37,814		$	41,638
	Included in deferred income taxes	2,365,817			1,837,577
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	2,328,003		$	1,795,939
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	279,801		$	245,636		$	194,260
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	17,431			41,228			47,438
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(26,001		)	(10,401		)	—
	Additions for tax positions of current year	3,430			3,338			3,938
	Ending balance, December 31	$	274,661		$	279,801		$	245,636

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below (dollars in thousands):
			December 31,
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	111,195			$	112,759			$	30,759			$	33,953
	Service cost		8,121				8,023				2,354				1,881
	Interest Cost		4,972				4,072				1,962				1,353
	Participant contributions		—				—				174				128
	Actuarial (gains) losses		18,930				(8,957		)		25,354				(5,949		)
	Benefits paid		(3,044		)		(3,347		)		(821		)		(607		)
	Foreign currency rate change effect		(1,978		)		(1,355		)		—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	138,196			$	111,195			$	59,782			$	30,759
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
			December 31,
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	59,559			$	49,516			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		2,489				6,027				—				—
	Employer contributions		7,753				7,363				647				479
	Participant contributions		—				—				174				128
	Benefits paid and expenses		(3,044		)		(3,347		)		(821		)		(607		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	66,757			$	59,559			$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(71,439	)		$	(51,636	)		$	(59,782	)		$	(30,759	)
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]
			December 31,
			Qualified Plans								Non-Qualified Plans(1)								Total
			2014				2013				2014				2013				2014			2013
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		$	66,757			$	59,559			$	—			$	—			$	66,757		$	59,559
	Aggregate projected benefit obligations		80,104				63,502				58,092				47,693				138,196			111,195
	Under funded		$	(13,347	)		$	(3,943	)		$	(58,092	)		$	(47,693	)		$	(71,439	)	$	(51,636	)
	-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
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial loss	$	41,238			$	22,507			$	32,949			$	8,655
	Net prior service cost	1,496				1,981				—				—
	Total	$	42,734			$	24,488			$	32,949			$	8,655
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	138,196			$	111,195
	Fair value of plan assets		66,757				59,559
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, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	135,850			$	107,722
	Fair value of plan assets		66,757				59,559
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
			2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	8,121			$	8,023			$	7,531			$	2,354			$	1,881		$	1,641
	Interest cost		4,972				4,072				4,072				1,962				1,353			1,246
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,471		)		(3,734		)		(3,066		)		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior actuarial losses		1,755				3,270				3,439				1,060				868			743
	Amortization of prior service cost		333				373				376				—				—			—
	Settlements		—				—				841				—				—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		10,710				12,004				13,193				5,376				4,102			3,630
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial (gains) losses		20,912				(11,250		)		10,888				25,354				(5,949		)	2,341
	Prior service cost		—				—				—				—				—			—
	Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses		(1,755		)		(3,270		)		(3,439		)		(1,060		)		(868		)	(743		)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(333		)		(373		)		(376		)		—				—			—
	Settlements		—				—				(841		)		—				—			—
	Foreign exchange translations and other adjustments		(578		)		(439		)		219				—				—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income		18,246				(15,332		)		6,451				24,294				(6,817		)	1,598
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income		$	28,956			$	(3,328	)		$	19,644			$	29,670			$	(2,715	)	$	5,228
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
	2015		$	6,423			$	567
	2016		9,897				703
	2017		7,828				814
	2018		7,979				970
	2019		9,509				1,104
	2020-2024		50,896				7,720
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
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation		3.9	%		4.45	%		3.8	%		4.05	%		5.05	%		4.15	%
	Discount rate used to determine net benefit cost or income		4.3	%		3.83	%		4.12	%		5.05	%		4.15	%		4.5	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.35	%		7.35	%		7.75	%		—	%		—	%		—	%
	Rate of compensation increases		4.08	%		4.21	%		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,
			2014		2013
	Pre-Medicare eligible claims		8% down to 5% in 2018		9% down to 5% in 2017
	Medicare eligible claims		8% down to 5% in 2018		9% down to 5% in 2017
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		$	1,232			$	(881	)
	Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		$	14,912			$	(11,081	)
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
			31-Dec-14
							Fair Value Measurement Using:
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Mutual Funds(1)		$	66,675			$	66,675			$	—			$	—
	Cash		82				82				—				—
	Total		$	66,757			$	66,757			$	—			$	—
	-1	Mutual funds were invested 32% in U.S. equity funds, 30% in U.S. fixed income funds, 22% in non-U.S. equity funds and 16% in other.
			31-Dec-13
							Fair Value Measurement Using:
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Mutual Funds(2)		$	59,485			$	59,485			$	—			$	—
	Cash		74				74				—				—
	Total		$	59,559			$	59,559			$	—			$	—
	-2	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.

Financial_Condition_and_Net_In1

Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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)
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2012
	RGA Reinsurance (U.S.)	$	1,528,301		$	1,550,070		$	17,085		$	115,814		$	3,497
	RCM (U.S.)	1,625,276			1,633,356			126,326			109,084			58,549
	RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada	915,130			767,108			225,083			89,428			95,861
	RGA Barbados	690,392			716,115			39,236			70,940			81,942
	RGA Australia	373,606			403,584			901			(70,404		)	37,180
	RGA Atlantic Reinsurance Company Ltd.	435,408			379,891			113,055			(27,137		)	91,898
	RGA Americas 1	2,787,552			2,246,496			236,215			147,363			258,257
	Other reinsurance subsidiaries	1,600,197			1,003,215			(663,869		)	253,364			(428,049		)
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,
		2014			2013
	Prescribed practice – surplus note	$	515,399		$	343,780
	Prescribed practice – letters of credit	(642,200		)	(436,200		)
	Surplus (deficit) – NAIC SAP	$	(126,801	)	$	(92,420	)

Commitments_Contingencies_and_1

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table Text Block]	The Company's commitments to fund investments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Limited partnerships	$	254,314			$	239,453
	Commercial mortgage loans	33,850				4,600
	Private placements	—				22,000
	Bank loans and revolving credit agreements	52,859				36,952
	Equity release mortgages	8,549				—
Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	The following table provides additional information on the Company’s existing credit facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
							Amount Utilized(1)
							December 31,
	Facility Capacity				Maturity Date		2014			2013	Basis of Fees
	$	850,000			December 2019		$	204,774	$	67,561 (3)	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
	120,000				May-16		80,040			85,050	Fixed
	270,000				Nov-17		270,000			270,000	Fixed
	100,000				Jun-17		81,747			89,433	Fixed
	74,623 (2)				Nov-15		74,623			58,351	Fixed
	80,961 (2)				Mar-19		80,961			132,534	Fixed
	150,000				Jun-16		130,000			—	Fixed
	40,875 (2)				May-16		28,612			—	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, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Operating				Sublease
			Leases				Income
	2015		$	12,140			$	706
	2016		9,827				706
	2017		8,647				663
	2018		6,929				136
	2019		4,809				—
	Thereafter		18,253				—
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	RGA’s guarantees issued as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				31-Dec-13
	Treaty guarantees	$	826,496			$	826,947
	Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust	664,913				647,941
	Borrowed securities	201,050				93,000
	Financing arrangements	100,000				—
	Lease obligations	6,085				8,314
Other Commitments [Table Text Block]
			Maximum Potential Obligation
	Commitment Period		2014				2013
	2026		$	500			$	500
	2033		1,950.00				1,350.00
	2034		2,000.00				—
	2036		1,432.00				1,250.00

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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):
		2014		2013
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042	$	400,000	$	400,000
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065	318,732		318,729
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023	398,684		398,533
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021	398,583		398,362
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019	399,669		399,602
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017	299,397		299,124
	$100 million 4.09% Promissory Note due 2039	99,228		—
	Long-term Debt	$	2,314,293	$	2,214,350
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Future principal payments due on long-term debt as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2015	$	2,178
	2016	2,470
	2017	302,573
	2018	2,681
	2019	402,792
	Thereafter	1,606,337
	Total	$	2,319,031

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	5,283,268		$	5,115,941		$	4,881,994
	Non-Traditional	1,014,143			962,818			876,119
	Canada	1,181,865			1,185,017			1,140,264
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	1,557,847			1,305,012			1,275,074
	Asia Pacific	1,756,718			1,610,626			1,557,283
	Corporate and Other	110,353			138,939			110,177
	Total	$	10,904,194		$	10,318,353		$	9,840,911
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	351,645		$	377,586		$	374,353
	Non-Traditional	302,944			245,649			268,315
	Canada	101,700			164,318			186,971
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	161,642			74,553			61,095
	Asia Pacific	102,295			(226,665		)	51,972
	Corporate and Other	(11,693		)	(187		)	(23,483		)
	Total	$	1,008,533		$	635,254		$	919,223
Reconciliation Of Interest Expense From Segment To Consolidated [Table Text Block]
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense:
	Corporate and Other	$	96,700		$	124,307		$	105,348
	Total	$	96,700		$	124,307		$	105,348
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation and amortization:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	558,404		$	564,359		$	555,875
	Non-Traditional	232,348			213,745			225,910
	Canada	204,229			193,878			182,914
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	57,291			55,003			69,002
	Asia Pacific	95,172			57,104			154,776
	Corporate and Other	3,644			3,490			4,040
	Total	$	1,151,088		$	1,087,579		$	1,192,517
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013
	Assets:
	U.S. and Latin America
	Traditional	$	14,159,824		$	13,285,423
	Non-Traditional	11,572,251			11,716,908
	Canada	3,996,128			4,103,730
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	4,693,322			2,230,568
	Asia Pacific	3,619,368			3,597,456
	Corporate and Other	6,638,718			4,740,388
	Total	$	44,679,611		$	39,674,473

Equity_Based_Compensation_Tabl

Equity Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 December 31, 2013	3,351,260		$	52.77					712,341
	Granted	232,782		78.48						234,740
	Exercised / Lapsed	(583,118	)	49.35						(103,358	)
	Forfeited	(22,191	)	58.55						(114,995	)
	Outstanding December 31, 2014	2,978,733		$	55.41		$	68.7		728,728
	Options exercisable	2,281,160		$	53.03		$	58.1
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 12/31/2014		Contractual Life (years)		Price			12/31/14
	$25.00 - $34.99	308,921		4		$	32.2		308,921			$	32.2
	$35.00 - $44.99	—		—		—			—			—
	$45.00 - $54.99	443,611		4.2		47.17			443,611			47.17
	$55.00 +	2,226,201		6.7		60.27			1,528,628			58.94
	Totals	2,978,733		6		$	55.41		2,281,160			$	53.03

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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):
		2014		2013		2012
	Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	684,047	$	418,837	$	631,893
	Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculations)	69,248		71,917		73,737
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	714		544		416
	Diluted shares (denominator for diluted calculations)	69,962		72,461		74,153
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	9.88	$	5.82	$	8.57
	Diluted	9.78		5.78		8.52

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2014:
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Change arising during year		$	(154,132	)	$	(4,835	)	$	(158,967	)
	Foreign currency swap		51,894			(18,163		)	33,731
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments		(102,238		)	(22,998		)	(125,236		)
	Unrealized gains on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding gains arising during the year		1,177,017			(357,024		)	819,993
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		26,405			(9,242		)	17,163
	Net unrealized gains		1,150,612			(347,782		)	802,830
	Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		2,612			(914		)	1,698
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Net prior service cost arising during the year		485			(159		)	326
	Net loss arising during the period		(43,025		)	14,929			(28,096		)
	Unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net		(42,540		)	14,770			(27,770		)
	Other comprehensive income		$	1,008,446		$	(356,924	)	$	651,522
	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 losses on investments:(1)
	Unrealized net holding losses 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 losses		(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 gain 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
	-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,		2014			2013			2012
	Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	1,171,996		$	(1,528,773	)	$	713,778
	Other investments(1)		(14,292		)	(12,274		)	6,181
	Effect on unrealized appreciation on:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		(4,480		)	16,181			(14,938		)
	Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		$	1,153,224		$	(1,524,866	)	$	705,021
	-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)
	Balance, December 31, 2011		$	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, December 31, 2012		267,475			1,877,657			(36,230		)	2,108,902
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(60,392		)	—			—			(60,392		)
	Unrealized 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, December 31, 2013		207,083			820,245			(21,721		)	1,005,607
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(125,236		)	—			—			(125,236		)
	Unrealized gain on investments(1)		—			827,608			—			827,608
	Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities		—			1,698			—			1,698
	Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments		—			—			(29,836		)	(29,836		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			(24,778		)	2,066			(22,712		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014		$	81,847		$	1,624,773		$	(49,491	)	$	1,657,129
	-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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			Amount Reclassified from AOCI
	Details about AOCI Components		2014			2013			Affected Line Item in
									Statement of Income
	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities		$	26,405		$	9,355		Investment related gains (losses), net
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap		1,212			1,012			Investment income
	Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)		4,480			(16,181		)
	Total		32,097			(5,814		)
	Provision for income taxes		(7,319		)	2,745
	Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax		$	24,778		$	(3,069	)
	Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Prior service cost(2)		$	(333	)	$	(373	)
	Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)		(2,815		)	(4,138		)
	Total		(3,148		)	(4,511		)
	Provision for income taxes		1,082			1,579
	Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax		$	(2,066	)	$	(2,932	)
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	22,712		$	(6,001	)
	-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, 2014
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)
	2014	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	Total Revenues	$	2,657,173	$	2,833,020		$	2,716,588	$	2,697,413
	Total benefits and expenses	2,457,733		2,532,485			2,484,773		2,420,670
	Income before income taxes	199,440		300,535			231,815		276,743
	Net Income	136,664		198,296			157,996		191,091
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.94	$	2.87		$	2.3	$	2.78
	Diluted earnings per share	1.92		2.84			2.28		2.75
	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

Summary_of_Investments_Other_T1

Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014
	(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		$	501	$	526	$	526
	State and political subdivisions		378		426		426
	Foreign governments(2)		4,710		6,003		6,003
	Public utilities		1,582		1,733		1,733
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		3,505		3,640		3,640
	All other corporate bonds		12,430		13,153		13,153
	Total fixed maturity securities		23,106		25,481		25,481
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		94		99		99
	Other equity securities		27		27		27
	Total equity securities		121		126		126
	Mortgage loans on real estate		2,712				2,712
	Policy loans		1,284				1,284
	Funds withheld at interest		5,924				5,924
	Short-term investments		98				98
	Other invested assets		1,071				1,071
	Total investments		$	34,316			$	36,696
	-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, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Statements [Table Text Block]
			2014			2013			2012
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value		$	486,813		$	502,455
	Short-term and other investments		87,726			261,853
	Cash and cash equivalents		48,819			24,137
	Investment in subsidiaries		8,649,084			7,534,714
	Loans to subsidiaries		1,060,000			1,101,751
	Other assets		360,059			204,887
	Total assets		$	10,692,501		$	9,629,797
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
	Long-term debt - unaffiliated(1)		$	2,294,993		$	2,294,278
	Long-term debt - affiliated(2)		500,000			500,000
	Other liabilities		874,056			899,992
	Stockholders’ equity		7,023,452			5,935,527
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	10,692,501		$	9,629,797
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	Interest / dividend income(3)		$	521,623		$	275,215		$	86,396
	Investment related gains (losses), net		4,936			1,714			4,515
	Operating expenses		(10,751		)	(21,164		)	(26,431		)
	Interest expense		(131,852		)	(162,212		)	(143,260		)
	Income (loss) before income tax and undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		383,956			93,553			(78,780		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)		(22,008		)	33,850			(9,566		)
	Net income (loss) before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		405,964			59,703			(69,214		)
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		278,083			359,134			701,107
	Net income		684,047			418,837			631,893
	Other comprehensive income		36,876			21,033			9,984
	Total comprehensive income		$	720,923		$	439,870		$	641,877
	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:
			2014			2013
	$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065		$	398,660		$	398,657
	$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042		400,000			400,000
	$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023		398,684			398,533
	$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021		398,583			398,362
	$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019		399,669			399,602
	$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017		299,397			299,124
	Total		$	2,294,993		$	2,294,278
	Repayments of long-term debt—unaffiliated due over the next five years total $300,000, in 2017 and $400,000 in 2019.
	-2	Long-term debt—affiliated in 2014 and 2013 and consists of $500,000 of subordinated debt issued to various operating subsidiaries.
	-3	Interest/Dividend income includes $423,323 and $175,000 of cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2014 and 2013, 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)
			2014			2013			2012
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Operating activities:
	Net income		$	684,047		$	418,837		$	631,893
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(278,083		)	(359,134		)	(701,107		)
	Other, net		(171,299		)	162,586			134,232
	Net cash provided by operating activities		$	234,665		$	222,289		$	65,018
	Investing activities:
	Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	132,732		$	176,062		$	122,212
	Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		(105,535		)	(103,566		)	(213,548		)
	Repayments/issuances of loans to subsidiaries		41,751			(76,751		)	(250,000		)
	Purchase of a business, net of cash acquired of $9,709		—			(2,805		)	—
	Change in short-term investments		96,967			(96,967		)	—
	Change in other invested assets		126,397			(79,023		)	5,718
	Capital contributions to subsidiaries		(222,760		)	(144,459		)	(70,431		)
	Net cash used in investing activities		69,552			(327,509		)	(406,049		)
	Financing activities:
	Dividends to stockholders		(87,256		)	(77,642		)	(61,945		)
Purchases of treasury stock		(201,525		)	(269,204		)	(6,924		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement		—			—			416
Exercise of stock options, net		9,246			28,390			(3,087		)
Proceeds from unaffiliated long-term debt issuance		—			398,533			400,000
Debt issuance costs		—			(3,400		)	(6,255		)
Net cash provided by financing activities		(279,535		)	76,677			322,205
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		24,682			(28,543		)	(18,826		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		24,137			52,680			71,506
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	48,819		$	24,137		$	52,680
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest		$	161,499		$	141,615		$	130,047
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds		$	87		$	82,000		$	30,500

Supplementary_Insurance_Inform1

Supplementary Insurance Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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
	2014
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	1,717,512		$	(28,685	)	$	8,440,882		$	(283,184	)	$	1,459,444		$	(194,167	)
	Non-Traditional operations	690,698			—			10,915,471			—			14,656			—
	Canada operations	237,738			(443		)	2,861,052			(221,537		)	209,743			(14,095		)
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	279,672			(7,656		)	2,972,346			(35,439		)	784,421			(28,134		)
	Asia Pacific operations	465,671			(11,932		)	1,578,776			(62,105		)	1,344,250			(23,631		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			299,607			—			11,555			(128		)
	Total	$	3,391,291		$	(48,716	)	$	27,068,134		$	(602,265	)	$	3,824,069		$	(260,155	)
	2013
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	1,628,215		$	(30,523	)	$	7,567,342		$	(245,430	)	$	1,285,467		$	(73,994	)
	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, Middle East and Africa operations	301,999			(9,492		)	1,050,066			(35,515		)	763,118			(33,337		)
	Asia Pacific operations	498,888			(14,760		)	1,693,381			(68,940		)	1,288,016			(26,836		)
	Corporate and Other	—			—			299,845			—			12,870			(190		)
	Total	$	3,573,054		$	(55,258	)	$	24,814,333		$	(583,620	)	$	3,571,761		$	(143,309	)
	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
	2014
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	4,725,505		$	552,805		$	(4,181,492	)	$	(467,067	)	$	(283,064	)
	Non-Traditional operations	20,079			644,285			(402,387		)	(203,605		)	(105,207		)
	Canada operations	974,581			196,205			(804,586		)	(190,164		)	(85,415		)
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	1,373,969			107,129			(1,217,441		)	(43,549		)	(135,215		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,574,940			102,461			(1,250,962		)	(74,980		)	(328,481		)
	Corporate and Other	780			110,806			(804		)	—			(121,242		)
	Total	$	8,669,854		$	1,713,691		$	(7,857,672	)	$	(979,365	)	$	(1,058,624	)
	2013
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	4,563,490		$	543,824		$	(4,016,453	)	$	(471,726	)	$	(250,175	)
	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, Middle East and Africa operations	1,220,743			52,034			(1,072,961		)	(40,780		)	(116,718		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,485,205			94,330			(1,488,667		)	(36,335		)	(312,289		)
	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. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	4,342,838		$	536,438		$	(3,815,551	)	$	(461,164	)	$	(230,926	)
	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, Middle East and Africa operations	1,215,166			42,545			(1,055,064		)	(49,732		)	(109,183		)
	Asia Pacific operations	1,409,568			85,569			(1,132,998		)	(131,055		)	(241,258		)
	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	)

Supplemental_Schedule_of_Reins1

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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
	2014
	Life insurance in force	$	78	$	230,544	$	2,943,517		$	2,713,051		108.5	%
	Premiums
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	9.6	$	287.8	$	5,003.70		$	4,725.50		105.9	%
	Non-Traditional operations	—		39.4		59.5			20.1			296
	Canada operations	—		49.6		1,024.20			974.6			105.1
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	9.8		30.4		1,394.60			1,374.00			101.5
	Asia Pacific operations	—		40.7		1,615.60			1,574.90			102.6
	Corporate and Other	—		—		0.8			0.8			100
	Total	$	19.4	$	447.9	$	9,098.40		$	8,669.90		104.9
	2013
	Life insurance in force	$	77	$	36,830	$	2,889,804		$	2,853,051		101.3	%
	Premiums
	U.S. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	5.2	$	146.2	$	4,704.40		$	4,563.40		103.1	%
	Non-Traditional operations	—		44.7		67.2			22.5			298.7
	Canada operations	—		54.2		1,016.50			962.3			105.6
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	—		25.8		1,246.60			1,220.80			102.1
	Asia Pacific operations	—		48.5		1,533.70			1,485.20			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. and Latin America operations
	Traditional operations	$	3.8	$	152.1	$	4,491.20		$	4,342.90		103.4	%
	Non-Traditional operations	—		50.5		64.6			14.1			458.2
	Canada operations	—		52.9		968.6			915.7			105.8
	Europe, Middle East and Africa operations	—		26.2		1,241.40			1,215.20			102.2
	Asia Pacific operations	—		44.3		1,453.80			1,409.50			103.1
	Corporate and Other	—		—		9.2			9.2			100
	Total	$	3.8	$	326	$	8,228.80		$	7,906.60		104.1

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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)
				Additions
	Description	Balance at		Charged to Costs			Charged to Other			Deductions		Balance at End of Period
		Beginning of		and Expenses			Accounts
		Period
	2014
	Allowance on income taxes	$	102.2	$	15.9		$	(6.1	)	$	—	$	112
	Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	10.1		(0.9		)	—			2.7		6.5
	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

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$38.50	$42.30
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	222.7	117.3
Depreciation	9.4	8.4	9
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	167.3
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation	1.4
Amortization of Leased Asset	1.4
Goodwill	7	7
Value of Business Acquired (VOBA)	4.5	5.5
Accumulated Amortization Of Value Of Business Acquired VOBA	13.5	13
Amortization of Value of Business Acquired (VOBA)	0.4	0.3	0.2
Values Of Business Acquired Distribution Agreements And Customer Relationships	76.3	85.8
Accumulated Amortization Of Values Of Business Acquired Distribution Agreements And Customer Relationships	44.4	34.9
Amortization Of Values Of Business Acquired Distribution Agreements And Customer Relationships	9.5	10.1	10.5
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	9.4
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	9
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	8.7
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	8.3
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	8.1
Capitalized Computer Software, Net	77.6	49.6
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization	$5.90	$6.90	$6.50
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
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 22, 2015
Stock Transactions [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	2,530,608	4,151,312
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$78.22
Shares Granted To Non Employee Directors	13,800
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$300,000,000		$100,000,000	$100,000,000	$200,000,000
Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method Repurchase Agreement	197,700,000	261,300,000
Incentive Award Tax Settlement [Member]
Stock Transactions [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued	584,915
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	49,564
Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Transactions [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						$300,000,000

Investments_Investments_in_Fix

Investments (Investments in Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$14,010,604	$11,697,394
Available-for-sale Securities	14,885,583	12,110,755
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-1,698	-2,896	-6,434
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	23,105,597	20,270,734
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,508,673	1,518,301
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	133,298	314,899
Available-for-sale Securities	25,480,972	21,474,136
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	-1,555	-4,168
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	120,534	409,472
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	7,947	5,960
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	1,621	9,701
Available-for-sale Securities	126,860	405,731
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	14,010,604	11,697,394
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	965,523	616,147
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	90,544	202,786
Available-for-sale Securities	14,885,583	12,110,755
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	58.40%	56.40%
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	2,668,852	2,728,111
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,196,420	669,762
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	7	16,848
Available-for-sale Securities	3,865,265	3,381,025
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	15.20%	15.70%
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	991,867	970,434
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	52,640	38,126
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	6,611	18,917
Available-for-sale Securities	1,037,896	989,643
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	4.10%	4.60%
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-300	-300
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,059,660	891,751
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	20,301	18,893
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	10,375	15,812
Available-for-sale Securities	1,069,586	894,832
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	4.20%	4.20%
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	354	-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	1,453,657	1,314,782
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	87,593	91,651
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	8,659	17,487
Available-for-sale Securities	1,532,591	1,388,946
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	6.00%	6.50%
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	-1,609	-1,609
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	501,352	489,631
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	25,014	16,468
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	515	4,748
Available-for-sale Securities	525,851	501,351
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	2.00%	2.30%
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	378,457	313,252
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	51,117	21,907
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	3,498	14,339
Available-for-sale Securities	426,076	320,820
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	1.70%	1.50%
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	2,041,148	1,865,379
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	110,065	45,347
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	13,089	23,962
Available-for-sale Securities	2,138,124	1,886,764
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	8.40%	8.80%
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	93,540	81,993
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	7,350	5,342
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	1,527	5,481
Available-for-sale Securities	99,363	81,854
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	78.30%	20.20%
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	26,994	327,479
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	597	618
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	94	4,220
Available-for-sale Securities	$27,497	$323,877
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	21.70%	79.80%

Investments_Fixed_Maturity_Sec

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities Pledged And Received As Collateral) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$14,010,604	$11,697,394
Available-for-sale Securities	14,885,583	12,110,755
Assets Held-in-trust	922,800	913,500
Collateral Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	127,229	57,241
Available-for-sale Securities	134,863	57,963
Collateral Received Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	117,227	94,143
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Assets Held-in-trust	10,197,489	7,842,893
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Assets Held-in-trust	$10,922,947	$8,125,402

Investments_Exposure_To_Concen

Investments (Exposure To Concentrations Of Credit Risk) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$14,010,604	$11,697,394
Available-for-sale Securities	14,885,583	12,110,755
Canadian Province Of Ontario Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	979,908	1,023,427
Available-for-sale Securities	1,359,339	1,222,296
Canadian Province Of Quebec Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,006,315	1,041,462
Available-for-sale Securities	$1,599,673	$1,389,138

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$556,034
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Basis	4,354,866
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	7,587,194
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	7,102,319
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis	3,505,184
Available for Sale at Fair value - Amortized cost	23,105,597	20,270,734
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	561,396
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	4,580,388
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	7,965,907
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	8,733,208
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	3,640,073
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$25,480,972	$21,474,136

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and1

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Holdings by Industry Type) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$14,010,604	$11,697,394
Available-for-sale Securities	14,885,583	12,110,755
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	4,789,568	3,838,716
Available-for-sale Securities	5,066,408	3,983,623
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	34.00%	32.90%
Industrial [Member]
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,639,330	6,607,100
Available-for-sale Securities	8,086,067	6,824,063
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	54.30%	56.30%
Utility Industry [Member]
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,581,706	1,240,353
Available-for-sale Securities	1,733,108	1,292,305
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	11.70%	10.70%
Other Industry [Member]
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		11,225
Available-for-sale Securities		$10,764
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities		0.10%

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$11,696	$16,675	$63,947
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment	0	0	1,962
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses	0	134	10,186
Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Reductions Change In Status	0	-1,449	-22,290
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Securities Sold	-4,412	-3,664	-37,130
Balance, end of period	$7,284	$11,696	$16,675

Investments_Purchased_Credit_I

Investments (Purchased Credit Impaired Securities Included in Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
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	$226,121	[1]	$192,644	[1]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net	$185,842	[2]	$148,822	[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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
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	$96,617		$161,975
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Acquired, Cash Flows Expected to be Collected at Acquisition	76,551	[1]	130,578	[1]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Acquired, at Acquisition, at Fair Value	$53,950		$87,643
[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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$69,469	$39,239
Investments purchased	22,601	42,935
Accretion	-9,339	-7,755
Disposals	-379	-3,564
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference	-15,181	-1,386
Balance, end of period	$67,171	$69,469

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	$134,919	$324,600
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	111,965	296,731
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	83.00%	91.40%
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	13,698	6,444
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	10.10%	2.00%
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	$9,256	$21,425
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	6.90%	6.60%

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$2,437,278	$5,407,190
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	73,639	234,184
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,068,336	554,529
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	59,659	80,715
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,505,614	5,961,719
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	133,298	314,899
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	1,967,870	5,007,606
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	40,328	223,122
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,016,797	468,956
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	48,854	63,135
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,984,667	5,476,562
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	89,182	286,257
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	1,225,767	3,141,179
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	27,784	148,895
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	614,294	301,303
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	30,040	40,548
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,840,061	3,442,482
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	57,824	189,443
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	0	188,491
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	14,419
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,235	12,029
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	7	2,429
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,235	200,520
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	7	16,848
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	78,864	283,967
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	846	15,900
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	135,414	23,068
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	5,247	1,688
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	214,278	307,035
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	6,093	17,588
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	332,785	255,656
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	4,021	4,916
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	109,411	56,668
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	4,289	4,983
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	442,196	312,324
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	8,310	9,899
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	78,632	219,110
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	564	3,725
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	28,375	20,068
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	2,461	5,745
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	107,007	239,178
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	3,025	9,470
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	81,317	133,697
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	89	4,469
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	32,959	4,406
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	426	279
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	114,276	138,103
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	515	4,748
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	13,780	120,193
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	17	9,723
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	18,998	15,202
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	3,438	4,616
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	32,778	135,395
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	3,455	14,339
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	156,725	665,313
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	7,007	21,075
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	76,111	36,212
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	2,946	2,847
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	232,836	701,525
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	9,953	23,922
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	469,408	399,584
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	33,311	11,062
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	51,539	85,573
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	10,805	17,580
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	520,947	485,157
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	44,116	28,642
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	415,886	283,603
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	29,316	9,451
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	32,567	38,256
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	3,404	3,892
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	448,453	321,859
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	32,720	13,343
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	22,836	62,146
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	293	1,075
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	6,284	3,945
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	225	254
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	29,120	66,091
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	518	1,329
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	12,448	28,670
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	274	415
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	7,108	32,392
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	1,791	5,498
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	19,556	61,062
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	2,065	5,913
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	3,288	15,762
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	249	81
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	5,580	10,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	5,385	7,936
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	8,868	26,742
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	5,634	8,017
Fixed Maturities [Member] | External Credit Rating, Non 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	964
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	43
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	964
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	43
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	13,986	9,403
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	3,136	40
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	13,986	9,403
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	3,136	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	11,619	270,220
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	235	7,227
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	22,645	32,551
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	1,386	2,474
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	34,264	302,771
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	1,621	9,701
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	11,619	51,386
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	235	5,479
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	19,100	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	1,292	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	30,719	51,387
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	1,527	5,481
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	0	218,834
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	1,748
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	3,545	32,550
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	94	2,472
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,545	251,384
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	$94	$4,220

Investments_Investment_Income_

Investments (Investment Income Net of Related Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating	$1,776,011	$1,751,891	$1,475,396
Investment Income, Investment Expense	-62,320	-52,026	-39,190
Investment income, net of related expenses	1,713,691	1,699,865	1,436,206
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating	1,052,715	966,759	868,682
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating	148,417	121,476	96,901
Policy Loans [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating	55,248	57,099	62,855
Funds Withheld At Interest [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating	447,364	545,550	393,586
Short-term Investments [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating	2,118	2,236	4,173
Other Aggregated Investments [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net Of Expenses [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating	$70,149	$58,771	$49,199

Investments_Investment_Related

Investments (Investment Related Gains (Losses) Net) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$7,766	$12,901	$23,526
Impairment Losses On Equity Securities	0	0	-3,025
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	65,435	82,744	145,268
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-31,295	-60,575	-27,474
Other Impairment Losses And Change In Mortgage Loan Provision	-5,315	-6,933	-16,602
Derivatives And Other Investments Net	165,134	61,655	179,495
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$186,193	$63,990	$254,136

Investments_Borrowed_Securitie

Investments (Borrowed Securities Repurchased Securities And Repurchased Reversed Repurchased Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase	$92,446	$0
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Fair Value of Collateral	107,158	0
Securities for Reverse Repurchase Agreements	298,466	300,350
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	338,929	344,169
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities Borrowed	212,946	93,000
Securities for Reverse Repurchase Agreements	314,160	310,781
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities Borrowed	$201,050	$93,000

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Property Type) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,718,709	$2,496,786
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	376,430	289,394
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	13.80%	11.60%
Retail Site [Member]
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	802,466	748,731
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	29.60%	30.00%
Office Building [Member]
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	851,749	917,284
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	31.30%	36.70%
Industrial Property [Member]
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	466,583	439,890
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	17.20%	17.60%
Other Property [Member]
Mortgage Loans Property Type Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$221,481	$101,487
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	8.10%	4.10%

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_1

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Maturity Date) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,718,709	$2,496,786
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	860,362	987,109
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Due After Five Years [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	1,165,530	984,289
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Due After Ten Years [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$692,817	$525,388

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_2

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Credit Quality Indicator) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$2,718,709	$2,496,786
High Investment Grade [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	1,326,199	1,437,244
Investment Grade [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	1,235,046	827,993
Average [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	118,152	155,914
Watch List [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	22,285	49,404
In Or Near Default [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$17,027	$26,231

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_3

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Method of Evaluation and Related Valuation Allowances) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$17,027	$37,841
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,701,682	2,458,945
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	2,718,709	2,496,786
Valuation Allowances [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	816	3,211
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	5,655	6,895
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	6,471	10,106	11,580	11,793
Mortgage Loans Net Of Valuation Allowance [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate	$2,712,238	$2,486,680

Investments_Loan_Valuation_All

Investments (Loan Valuation Allowance for Mortgage Loans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning	$10,106	$11,580	$11,793
Charge-offs	-2,731	-3,431	-6,474
Provision	-904	1,957	6,261
Balance ending	$6,471	$10,106	$11,580

Investments_Impaired_Mortgage_

Investments (Impaired Mortgage Loans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	$17,593		$38,470
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	17,027		37,841
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	816		3,211
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	16,211		34,630
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	27,054	[1]	37,841	[1]	49,983	[1]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	1,284		1,803		1,669
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	7,314		21,698
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	6,711		21,100
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	6,711		21,100
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	13,227	[1]	15,023	[1]	15,549	[1]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	647		852		1,244
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	10,279		16,772
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	10,316		16,741
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	816		3,211
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	9,500		13,530
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	13,827	[1]	22,818	[1]	34,434	[1]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	$637		$951		$425
[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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other invested assets	$1,198,319	$1,324,960
Equity Securities [Member]
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other invested assets	126,860	405,731
Limited Partner [Member]
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other invested assets	446,604	411,456
Secured Debt [Member]
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other invested assets	164,309	223,549
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other invested assets	216,966	75,227
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other invested assets	140,344	138,892
Other [Member]
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other invested assets	$103,236	$70,105

Investments_Investments_Narrat

Investments Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	position		position
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$14,010,604,000		$11,697,394,000
Available-for-sale Securities	14,885,583,000		12,110,755,000
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	932		1,396
Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Sold At Loss	1,016,500,000		1,104,000,000		828,000,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	31,295,000		60,575,000		27,474,000
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase	92,446,000		0
Securities for Reverse Repurchase Agreements	298,466,000		300,350,000
Mortgage Loan Percent Of Invested Assets	7.40%		7.70%
Policy Loans Percent Of Invested Assets	3.50%		3.80%
Funds Withheld At Interest Percent Of Invested Assets	16.10%		17.80%
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	100.00%		100.00%
Funds withheld at interest	5,922,561,000		5,771,467,000
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Specific Client	4,200,000,000
Other Invested Assets Percent Of Invested Assets	3.30%		4.10%
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	100.00%		100.00%
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Repurchase Liability	101,400,000
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Fair Value of Collateral	107,158,000		0
Repurchase Agreement Counterparty, Amount at Risk	5,800,000
Non-Income Producing Securities [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	42,700,000		38,500,000
Available-for-sale Securities	52,800,000		47,600,000
Canadian Province Of Quebec Securities [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,006,315,000		1,041,462,000
Available-for-sale Securities	1,599,673,000		1,389,138,000
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Securities Borrowed	201,050,000		93,000,000
Funds withheld at interest	5,897,202,000	[1]	5,948,374,000	[1]
Mortgage Receivable [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	$0		$0
CALIFORNIA
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	18.70%		23.30%
[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.

Derivative_Instruments_Gross_N

Derivative Instruments (Gross Notional Amount and Fair Value of Derivatives Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$11,125,976	$8,943,979
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	260,898	101,352
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,141,831	1,087,331
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	10,132,552	8,166,174
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	188,817	79,449
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,109,058	1,082,105
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	1,144,661	1,592,943
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	93,783	32,555
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,934	21,873
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	240,000	240,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,195	2,554
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	275,983	123,780
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	67,967	79,618
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	87	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	15,098	12,772
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	41,938	59,922
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	561	309
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Credit Default Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	805,700	682,700
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11,689	10,438
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,502	2,156
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	555,361	757,352
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	35,242	33,902
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Longevity Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	450,000	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	7,727	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Mortality Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	50,000	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	797	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	6,500,942	4,629,859
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	22,094	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	176,270
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	925,887	838,670
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	159,279	30,055
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	993,424	777,805
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	72,081	21,903
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	32,773	5,226
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	120,000	49,131
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	18,228	4,606
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	676,972	728,674
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	70,906	21,903
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	620
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	196,452	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,175	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$14,545	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Derivat

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Instruments Offsetting Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Derivative Fair Value Of Free Standing Derivative Asset	$238,804
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	260,898		101,352
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	-14,111		-26,125
Derivative Asset	224,693		75,227
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	-20,260	[1]	-11,095	[1]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	-178,141	[2]	-51,006	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	26,292		13,126
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Derivative Fair Value Of Free Standing Derivative Liability	56,665		42,336
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	-14,111		-26,125
Derivative Liability	42,554		16,211
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	-47,222	[3]	-18,081	[3]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0	[4]	-8,033	[4]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	($4,668)		($9,903)
[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_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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Cash Flow Hedge	($4,578)	$403	($828)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-25,801	-3,969	2,613
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Investment Income, Net	-1,212	-1,012	-1,382
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Cash Flow Hedge	($31,591)	($4,578)	$403

Derivative_Instruments_Cash_Fl

Derivative Instruments (Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	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	($25,801)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives	-12,431	-3,969	2,613
Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives	-13,370
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	19
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	19	6	-41
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	0
Investment Income [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	1,212
Investment Income [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	1,212	1,012	1,382
Investment Income [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Hedges_

Derivative Instruments (Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives	($25,801)
Currency Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives	$51,894	[1],[2]	$40,347	[1],[2]	($20,470)	[1],[2]
[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_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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$186,193	$63,990	$254,136
Other revenues	334,456	300,471	243,973
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives	80,661	-177,258	-61,446
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses	-1,391,433	-1,300,780	-1,306,470
Interest credited	-451,031	-476,514	-379,915
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	44,958	-80,440	127,742
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	94,848	-84,398	16,028
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Options [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	15,641	-11,518	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-9,550	-11,157	-20,245
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-8,691	-13,201	-5,644
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	-344	-1,942	-267
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Credit Default Swap [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	3,938	24,188	18,359
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-22,472	-79,230	-69,677
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Longevity Swap [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Other revenues	8,088	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Mortality Swap [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Other revenues	-797	0	0
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	198,365	70,177	115,009
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	0	-630
Interest credited	-104,844	-115,409	-29,804
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	($129,224)	$142,050	$104,613

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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	$8,187	[1]	$8,565	[1]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 11 months	[1],[2]	4 years 5 months	[1],[2]
Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member] | Standard Poors AAA To A Ratings [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	1,498	[1]	614	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	167,500	[1],[3]	117,500	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 7 months	[1],[2]	5 years 1 month	[1],[2]
Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BBB Rating [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	168	[1]	656	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	217,200	[1],[3]	142,200	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 11 months	[1],[2]	4 years 11 months	[1],[2]
Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BB+ Rating [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	-130	[1]	0	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	5,000	[1],[3]	0	[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	6,651	[1]	7,295	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	416,000	[1],[3]	405,000	[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	805,700	[1],[3]	664,700	[1],[3]
Credit Default Subtotal [Member] | Standard Poors AAA To A Ratings [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	1,498	[1]	614	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	167,500	[1],[3]	117,500	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 7 months	[1],[2]	5 years 1 month	[1],[2]
Credit Default Subtotal [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BBB Rating [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	6,819	[1]	7,951	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	633,200	[1],[3]	547,200	[1],[3]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 11 months	[1],[2]	5 years	[1],[2]
Credit Default Subtotal [Member] | Standard & Poor's, BB+ Rating [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	-130	[1]	0	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	$5,000	[1],[3]	$0	[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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net									$186,193	$63,990	$254,136
Total benefits and expenses	2,420,670	2,484,773	2,532,485	2,457,733	2,507,304	2,188,120	2,665,400	2,322,275	9,895,661	9,683,099	8,921,688
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	191,091	157,996	198,296	136,664	144,959	137,955	-49,612	185,535	684,047	418,837	631,893
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									198,365	70,177	115,009
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent									45,171	18,920	25,454
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net									-129,224	142,050	104,613
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent									27,601	70,123	6,367
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total benefits and expenses									-104,844	-115,409	-30,434
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent									($69,963)	($106,792)	$6,110

Derivative_Instruments_Credit_

Derivative Instruments (Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts [Abstract]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	$175,209		$59,016
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0	[1]	8,033	[1]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	47,222	[2]	18,081	[2]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	-178,141	[3]	-51,006	[3]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	-20,260	[4]	-11,095	[4]
Deposits with Clearing Organizations and Others, Securities	-16,333		-13,350
Net Credit Exposure On Derivative Contracts	7,697		9,679
Margin Deposit Assets	$7,976	[5]	$2,566	[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
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$2,100,000
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Gain Loss Recorded In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss For Net Investment In Foreign Operations Hedges	75,800,000	23,900,000
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives	80,661,000	-177,258,000	-61,446,000
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk	1,600,000	1,600,000	62,700,000
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss On Variable Annuity Contracts In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk	$1,600,000	($12,500,000)	$16,500,000

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$25,480,972	$21,474,136
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	22,094	-176,270
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	899,846	371,345
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	45,190	111,572
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,727
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	490,590	628,992
Total	26,946,419	22,409,775
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	1,085,166	868,725
Total	1,127,720	884,936
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	838,946	769,513
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	899,846	371,345
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	21,536	105,649
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	260,116	539,882
Total	2,020,444	1,786,389
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	22,392,896	18,509,504
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	23,654	5,923
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	222,570	84,148
Total	22,639,120	18,599,575
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Total	41,757	16,211
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	2,249,130	2,195,119
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	22,094	-176,270
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	0	0
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,727
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,904	4,962
Total	2,286,855	2,023,811
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	1,085,166	868,725
Total	1,085,963	868,725
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	99,363
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		81,854
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	91,450
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		74,220
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		2,672
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,904
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		4,962
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	27,497
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		323,877
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	27,497
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		323,877
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
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		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
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Other [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	6,420	9,142
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	6,420	9,142
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	84,578	9,904
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,957	3,828
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, 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]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	84,578	9,904
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,957	3,828
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Interest Rate Options [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	18,195	2,554
Interest Rate Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Interest Rate Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	18,195	2,554
Interest Rate Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,011	12,772
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,011	12,772
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	-561	-309
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	-561	-309
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Credit Default Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	8,606	7,926
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	419	-356
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, 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]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	8,606	7,926
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	419	-356
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, 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]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	35,242	33,869
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		-33
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	35,242	33,869
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		-33
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Currency Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	70,906	21,283
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	70,906	21,283
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Purchase Commitment [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,370
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,370
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	140,344	138,892
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	134,749	132,643
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	5,595	6,249
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Mortality Swap [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	797
Mortality Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Mortality Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Mortality Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	797
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	14,885,583	12,110,755
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	115,822	68,934
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	13,459,334	10,696,532
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,310,427	1,345,289
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	3,865,265	3,381,025
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	3,865,265	3,381,025
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	1,037,896	989,643
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	849,802	836,138
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	188,094	153,505
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,069,586	894,832
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	496,626	422,984
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	572,960	471,848
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,532,591	1,388,946
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	1,445,845	1,287,161
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,746	101,785
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	525,851	501,351
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	437,129	396,092
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	60,193	64,340
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	28,529	40,919
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	426,076	320,820
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	383,365	277,044
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	42,711	43,776
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	2,138,124	1,886,764
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	285,995	304,487
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,832,466	1,544,280
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$19,663	$37,997

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi3

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Quantitative Information for Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,994	29,024
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%	1.00%
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%	1.00%
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%	1.00%
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	205,392	312,887
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	2.00%	2.00%
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%	1.00%
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	28,530	37,539
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.00%	0.00%
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%	1.00%
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%	1.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	-22,094	176,270
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%	0.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%	0.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	2.00%	2.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	5.00%	1.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%	5.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%	100.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%	35.00%
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	4.00%	4.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%	1.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%	3.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	7.00%	7.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%	2.00%
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	3.00%	3.00%
Longevity Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,727
Longevity Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	-10.00%
Longevity Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	10.00%
Longevity Swap [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	3.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	925,887	838,670
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	2.00%	2.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%	0.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%	0.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%	0.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	4.00%	4.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%	5.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%	100.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%	35.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	3.00%	3.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%	3.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	7.00%	7.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%	2.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	159,279	30,055
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%	0.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%	0.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%	0.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	5.00%	1.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	7.00%	7.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%	100.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	25.00%	25.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%	1.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%	3.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	8.00%	6.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%	2.00%
Mortality Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	797
Mortality Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%
Mortality Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%
Mortality Swap [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	1.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	27.00%	27.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	11.00%	10.00%

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi4

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Fair Value Assets Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2) (Details) (Corporate Debt Securities [Member], Available-for-sale Securities [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
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	$6,000	$0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	$22,537	$30,599

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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
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	$1,345,289		$1,668,563		$974,169
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	1,345,289		1,668,563
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-3,100		-44,299		34,488
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	356,706	[1]	331,439	[1]	853,848	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-54,386	[1]	-271,402	[1]	-60,224	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-273,392	[1]	-285,586	[1]	-144,667	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	13,180		33,776		65,283
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-67,058		-77,930		-44,611
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	1,310,427		1,345,289		1,668,563
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	153,505		93,931		81,655
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	153,505		93,931
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,748		821		2,863
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	54,412	[1]	73,563	[1]	77,781	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-744	[1]	-7,146	[1]	-48,828	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-34,727	[1]	-26,661	[1]	-8,541	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	15,981		24,727		19,632
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-1,744		-5,455		-30,751
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	188,094		153,505		93,931
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	471,848		232,391		193,492
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	471,848		232,391
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,665		17,150		21,463
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	191,662	[1]	264,804	[1]	111,567	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-22,923	[1]	-26,005	[1]	-13,140	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-54,175	[1]	-20,872	[1]	-16,235	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	11,614		9,031		11,832
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-36,791		-9,950		-77,286
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	572,960		471,848		232,391
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	101,785		167,006		115,976
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	101,785		167,006
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,099		36,731		24,663
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	6,180	[1]	19,420	[1]	31,699	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-14,626	[1]	-83,974	[1]	-14,060	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-3,599	[1]	-7,970	[1]	-813	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	5,712		4,081		64,116
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-11,800		-18,722		-47,104
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	86,746		101,785		167,006
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	40,919		4,538		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	40,919		4,538
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,052		-639		-12
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	581	[1]	128	[1]	4,639	[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	-13,139	[1]	-2,633	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0		44,394		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		-4,538		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	28,529		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	43,776		43,212		10,373
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	43,776		43,212
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,282		222		4,491
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	-738	[1]	-657	[1]	-413	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0		979		37,588
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-3,631		0		-8,825
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	42,711		43,776		43,212
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	37,997		28,280		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	37,997		28,280
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-59		-1,570		-139
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	0	[1]	28,463	[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	-1,210	[1]	-295	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	9,482		11,887		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-26,542		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	19,663		37,997		28,280
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	-176,270		-243,177		-361,456
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-176,270		-243,177
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	22,094		-176,270		-243,177
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	4,962		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	4,962
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-96		323
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	8,000	[1]	0	[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	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0		4,639
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-4,962		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	7,904		4,962
Longevity Swap [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
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-361
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	7,727
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
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)					843
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases					108	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales					-3,788	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements					0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3					0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3					-9,750
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value					0
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
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)					0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases					0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales					0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements					-4,496	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3					0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3					0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value					0
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	-868,725		-912,361		-1,028,241
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	-56,234	[1]	-57,391	[1]	-63,934	[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	0	[1]	74,386	[1]	105,983	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	73,860		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	-1,085,166		-868,725		-912,361
Mortality Swap [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	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-797
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	-4,828		-8,194		-6,839
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-4,686		-7,885		-6,852
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	-93		19		431
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-97		47		295
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	7,929		6,430		1,214
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	5,306		6,425		1,156
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	1,892		1,917		2,032
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	1,949		1,741		2,032
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	-483		-156		-89
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-480		-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	39		36		14
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	39		36		14
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	-5		-305		-44
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-5		-305		-44
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] | 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 Income [Member] | Longevity Swap [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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] | Mortality Swap [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
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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	-1,984		-1,078		-2,884
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		-202		-1,329
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	-244		-294		-311
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		-269
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	2,131		-1,131		-516
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		-849
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	103		-16,704		-9,503
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		-10,243		-14,163
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	-401		-175		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		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	-17		-16		-16
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	198,364		66,907		118,279
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		66,907		118,279
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
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Longevity Swap [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					-183
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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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	-129,224		142,050		104,613
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-134,254		138,683		97,216
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Mortality Swap [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
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		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] | 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] | Longevity Swap [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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		0		770
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0		56
Insurance Claims [Member] | Mortality Swap [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
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		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)	198,365		0		0
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
Interest Income [Member] | Longevity Swap [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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	0		-115,409		-31,552
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-178,704		-189,794		-129,828
Interest Income [Member] | Mortality Swap [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
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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		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 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] | 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] | Longevity Swap [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)					-33
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	-104,843		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] | Mortality Swap [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
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Other 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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Other 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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Other 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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Other Income [Member] | Longevity Swap [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	8,088
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	8,088
Other 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
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Other Income [Member] | Mortality Swap [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	-797
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	($797)
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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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment	$9,500	[1]	$10,330	[1]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	521	[1]	710	[1]
Partnership Interest [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment	19,282	[2]	8,952	[2]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	-6,305	[2]	-2,663	[2]
Real Estate Investment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment	0	[3]	10,508	[3]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	$0	[3]	($2,164)	[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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate	$2,712,238		$2,486,680
Policy loans	1,284,284		1,244,469
Funds withheld at interest	5,922,561		5,771,467
Cash and cash equivalents	1,645,669		923,647		1,259,892	962,870
Short-term investments	97,694		139,395
Other invested assets	1,198,319		1,324,960
Accrued investment income	261,096		267,908
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	12,591,497		12,947,557
Collateral finance and securitization notes	782,701		484,752
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,712,238		2,486,680
Policy loans	1,284,284		1,244,469
Funds withheld at interest	5,897,202	[1]	5,948,374	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	745,823	[2]	552,302	[2]
Short-term investments	52,504	[2]	27,823	[2]
Other invested assets	465,720	[2]	491,545	[2]
Accrued investment income	261,096		267,908
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,623,596	[1]	10,228,120	[1]
Long And Short Term Debt	2,314,293		2,214,350
Collateral finance and securitization notes	782,701		484,752
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,803,942		2,489,721
Policy loans	1,284,284		1,244,469
Funds withheld at interest	6,367,165	[1]	6,207,342	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	745,823	[2]	552,302	[2]
Short-term investments	52,504	[2]	27,823	[2]
Other invested assets	518,261	[2]	534,442	[2]
Accrued investment income	261,096		267,908
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,666,240	[1]	9,989,514	[1]
Long And Short Term Debt	2,518,399		2,333,023
Collateral finance and securitization notes	674,984		374,984
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate	0		0
Policy loans	0		0
Funds withheld at interest	0	[1]	0	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	745,823	[2]	552,302	[2]
Short-term investments	52,504	[2]	27,823	[2]
Other invested assets	4,674	[2]	5,070	[2]
Accrued investment income	0		0
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Long And Short Term Debt	0		0
Collateral finance and securitization notes	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate	0		0
Policy loans	1,284,284		1,244,469
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	35,446	[2]	33,886	[2]
Accrued investment income	261,096		267,908
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Long And Short Term Debt	0		0
Collateral finance and securitization notes	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,803,942		2,489,721
Policy loans	0		0
Funds withheld at interest	6,367,165	[1]	6,207,342	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]
Short-term investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other invested assets	478,141	[2]	495,486	[2]
Accrued investment income	0		0
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,666,240	[1]	9,989,514	[1]
Long And Short Term Debt	2,518,399		2,333,023
Collateral finance and securitization notes	$674,984		$374,984
[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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Securities Classified As Level 3	8.80%	10.20%

Reinsurance_Reinsurance_Ceded_

Reinsurance Reinsurance (Ceded Reinsurance Receivable Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	$578,206	$594,515
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Other Reinsurers [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	160,285	173,000
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	27.60%	29.10%
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer A [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	210,996	220,797
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	36.50%	37.10%
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer B [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	74,412	70,579
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	12.90%	11.90%
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer C [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	45,541	43,835
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	7.90%	7.40%
AM Best, A Rating [Member] | Reinsurer D [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	43,818	46,420
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	7.60%	7.80%
AM Best, A++ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer E [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	$43,154	$39,884
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	7.50%	6.70%

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned	$19,365	$5,224	$3,784
Assumed Premiums Earned	9,098,378	8,568,222	8,228,811
Ceded Premiums Earned	-447,889	-319,419	-325,999
Net premiums	8,669,854	8,254,027	7,906,596
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net [Abstract]
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Direct	32,564	8,078	3,694
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed	7,805,984	7,515,524	6,912,942
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded	-431,907	-219,270	-250,637
Claims and other policy benefits	$7,406,641	$7,304,332	$6,665,999

Reinsurance_Effect_of_Reinsura1

Reinsurance (Effect of Reinsurance on Life Insurance In Force) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Gross Amount	$78	$77	$76
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Assumed from Other Companies	2,943,517	2,889,804	2,927,573
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	230,544	36,830	38,048
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	$2,713,051	$2,853,051	$2,889,601
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	108.50%	101.30%	101.30%

Reinsurance_Narrative_Details

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum Life Insurance Retention Per Individual Life	8,000,000
Reinsurance ceded receivables	578,206,000	594,515,000
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Reinsurance Claims Recoverables	143,000,000	134,100,000
Claims Recoverable From Retrocessionaires Past Due	10,900,000	4,200,000
Statutory Financial Reinsurance	8,200,000,000	6,800,000,000
Statutory Reserves Related To Financial Requirements	1,558,300,000	1,552,300,000
Assets Held-in-trust	922,800,000	913,500,000
Benefit Of RGA Subsidiaries [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Assets Held-in-trust	1,633,600,000	2,124,700,000
Benefit Of Third Parties [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Assets Held-in-trust	10,197,500,000	7,842,900,000
AM Best, A- Rating [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Retrocession Pool Participants Minimum AM Best Rating	“A- (excellent)”	“A- (excellent)”

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co2

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Amounts of Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred and Amortized) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$3,342,575	$3,517,796	$3,619,274	$3,543,925
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Assumed [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,391,291	3,573,054
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Retroceded [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	($48,716)	($55,258)

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$3,517,796	$3,619,274	$3,543,925
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	-4,480	16,181	-14,938
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Foreign Currency	-68,985	-59,019	23,559
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	3,342,575	3,517,796	3,619,274
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Assumed [Member]
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions	885,944	862,767	1,081,599
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense	-882,498	-826,539	-975,844
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	-111,744	-98,141	-42,183
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Retroceded [Member]
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions	-8,335	-8,604	-11,814
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense	$14,877	$11,877	$14,970

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic									$768,857	$473,223	$644,219
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign									239,676	162,031	275,004
Income before income taxes	$276,743	$231,815	$300,535	$199,440	$229,490	$201,695	($74,758)	$278,827	$1,008,533	$635,254	$919,223

Income_Tax_Provision_for_Incom

Income Tax (Provision for Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$18,495	($48,831)	$52,378
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	135,260	34,470	36,840
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	153,755	-14,361	89,218
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	242,694	226,771	183,929
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-71,963	4,007	14,183
Deferred income taxes	170,731	230,778	198,112
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$324,486	$216,417	$287,330

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount	$352,987	$222,339	$321,728
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount	-12,483	-8,032	-14,705
Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Income Tax Basis Differential	-8,256	-26,484	-21,086
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount	2,076	26,507	635
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Domestic, Amount	-9,083	9,034	2,260
Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Canadian Enacted Tax Rate	0	-414	1,374
Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Foreign Enacted Tax Rate	280	-1,184	-1,070
Income Tax Reconciliation Subpart F	6,132	8,255	13,571
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount	-1,045	-1,786	-7,808
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount	-8,123	-12,465	-7,351
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount	2,001	647	-218
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$324,486	$216,417	$287,330
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	32.20%	34.10%	31.30%

Income_Tax_Total_Income_Taxes_

Income Tax (Total Income Taxes Provided) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$324,486	$216,417	$287,330
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	348,697	-467,454	246,682
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Employee Stock Options	3,011	-3,125	-2,902
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	22,998	12,330	-921
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	-14,770	7,640	-2,779
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Intraperiod Tax Allocation	$684,422	($234,192)	$527,410

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals	$118,389	$106,587
Deferred Tax Assets Reinsurance Transactions	64,445	59,942
Deferred Tax Assets Cash And Invested Assets	0	2,106
Deferred Tax Assets Investment Income	56,176	108,462
Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Capitalized For Tax	92,832	90,187
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	170,965	252,192
Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Acquisition Costs Capitalized For Financial Reporting	26,365	2,356
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	529,172	621,832
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-112,005	-102,228
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	417,167	519,604
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	961,170	1,066,351
Deferred Tax Liabilities Reinsurance Transactions	1,044,097	906,197
Deferred Tax Liabilities Cash And Invested Assets	667,601	310,332
Deferred Tax Liabilities Investment Income	8,187	12,959
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Currency Transaction Gains	64,115	19,704
Deferred Tax Liabilities	2,745,170	2,315,543
Net deferred income tax liabilities	2,328,003	1,795,939
Balance Sheet Presentation Of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	37,814	41,638
Deferred income taxes	$2,365,817	$1,837,577

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$279,801	$245,636	$194,260
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	17,431	41,228	47,438
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	-26,001	-10,401	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	3,430	3,338	3,938
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$274,661	$279,801	$245,636

Income_Tax_Narrative_Details

Income Tax (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$112,005,000	$102,228,000
Tax Adjustments Settlements And Unusual Provisions	4,200,000
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability	1,115,200,000	1,154,400,000
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	9,300,000	2,600,000	16,200,000
Cash paid for income taxes	79,600,000	113,400,000	113,200,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	647,000,000	916,400,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards With Expiration Dates	19,100,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	274,661,000	279,801,000	245,636,000	194,260,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	30,800,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	-36,600,000	7,600,000	9,900,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	$20,700,000	$57,300,000

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	$138,196	$111,195	$112,759
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	111,195
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	8,121	8,023	7,531
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	4,972	4,072	4,072
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	18,930	-8,957
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-3,044	-3,347
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation	-1,978	-1,355
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	138,196	111,195
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	30,759	33,953
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	2,354	1,881	1,641
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,962	1,353	1,246
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	174	128
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	25,354	-5,949
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-821	-607
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	$59,782	$30,759	$33,953

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	$66,757	$59,559
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	-71,439	-51,636
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	59,559	49,516
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	2,489	6,027
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	7,753	7,363
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-3,044	-3,347
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	66,757	59,559
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	-71,439	-51,636
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	647	479
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	174	128
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-821	-607
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	($59,782)	($30,759)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul2

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Net Funded Status) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Funded Status [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$66,757		$59,559
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	138,196		111,195		112,759
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total	-71,439		-51,636
Qualified Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Funded Status [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	66,757		59,559
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	80,104		63,502
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total	-13,347		-3,943
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	58,092	[1]	47,693	[1]
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total	($58,092)	[1]	($47,693)	[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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$41,238	$22,507
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	1,496	1,981
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	42,734	24,488
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	32,949	8,655
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	$32,949	$8,655

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul4

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$138,196	$111,195	$112,759
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$66,757	$59,559

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul5

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$135,850	$107,722
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	66,757	59,559
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets		$59,559

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	($43,025)	$21,624	($8,347)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	-485	-525	-298
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	8,121	8,023	7,531
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	4,972	4,072	4,072
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	-4,471	-3,734	-3,066
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	1,755	3,270	3,439
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	333	373	376
Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain Loss Due To Settlements	0	0	841
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total	10,710	12,004	13,193
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax	20,912	-11,250	10,888
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	-1,755	-3,270	-3,439
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	-333	-373	-376
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax	0	0	-841
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Foreign Exchange Translations And Other Adjustments	-578	-439	219
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	18,246	-15,332	6,451
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease	28,956	-3,328	19,644
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	2,354	1,881	1,641
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,962	1,353	1,246
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	1,060	868	743
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	5,376	4,102	3,630
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax	25,354	-5,949	2,341
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	-1,060	-868	-743
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	24,294	-6,817	1,598
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease	$29,670	($2,715)	$5,228

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul6

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Expected Future Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$6,423
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	9,897
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	7,828
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	7,979
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	9,509
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	50,896
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	567
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	703
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	814
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	970
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	1,104
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$7,720

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul7

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.90%	4.45%	3.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.30%	3.83%	4.12%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	7.35%	7.35%	7.75%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	4.08%	4.21%	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	4.05%	5.05%	4.15%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	5.05%	4.15%	4.50%
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	8.00%	9.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Description of Direction and Pattern of Change for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate	8% down to 5% in 2018	9% down to 5% in 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	2018	2017
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	8.00%	9.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Description of Direction and Pattern of Change for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate	8% down to 5% in 2018	9% down to 5% in 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	2018	2017
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, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components	$1,232
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components	-881
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	14,912
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	($11,081)

Recovered_Sheet1

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$66,757		$59,559
Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	66,675	[1]	59,485	[2]
U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	32.00%		33.00%
U.S. Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	30.00%		26.00%
Non-U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	22.00%		25.00%
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	16.00%		16.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	82		74
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Change In Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	66,757		59,559
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	66,675	[1]	59,485	[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	82		74
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 32% in U.S. equity funds, 30% in U.S. fixed income funds, 22% in non-U.S. equity funds and 16% in other.
[2]	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.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$135,850,000	$107,722,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	3,800,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	2,200,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	7,800,000	7,300,000	6,400,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	10,710,000	12,004,000	13,193,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	13,100,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	5,376,000	4,102,000	3,630,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$4,300,000
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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
RGA Reinsurance [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	$1,528,301		$1,550,070
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	17,085		115,814		3,497
RCM [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	1,625,276		1,633,356
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	126,326		109,084		58,549
RGA Canada [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	915,130		767,108
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	225,083		89,428		95,861
RGA Barbados [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	690,392		716,115
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	39,236		70,940		81,942
RGA Australia [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	373,606		403,584
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	901		-70,404		37,180
RGA Atlantic [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	435,408		379,891
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	113,055		-27,137		91,898
RGA Americas [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	2,787,552	[1]	2,246,496	[1]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	236,215	[1]	147,363	[1]	258,257	[1]
Other Reinsurance Subsidiaries [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	1,600,197		1,003,215
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	($663,869)		$253,364		($428,049)
[1]	RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada and RGA Atlantic Reinsurance Company Ltd. were contributed to RGA Americas in 2014 as part of its designation as a certified reinsurer. All prior periods have been adjusted to reflect that change.

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statutory Basis [Abstract]
Prescribed Practice Surplus Note	$515,399	$343,780
Prescribed Practice Letters Of Credit	-642,200	-436,200
Surplus Deficit NAIC SAP	($126,801)	($92,420)

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, 2014
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, 2015
RGA Reinsurance Max Dividend Payments Without Approval	$152.80

Commitments_Contingencies_and_2

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees (Commitments to Fund Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Limited Partner [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$254,314	$239,453
Commercial Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	33,850	4,600
Private Placement [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	0	22,000
Bank Loan Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	52,859	36,952
Equity Release Mortgages [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$8,549	$0

Commitments_Contingencies_and_3

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees (Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$836,500,000
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-19
Long-term Line of Credit	204,774,000	[1]	67,561,000	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
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
Long-term Line of Credit	80,040,000	[1]	85,050,000	[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
Long-term Line of Credit	270,000,000	[1]	270,000,000	[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
Long-term Line of Credit	81,747,000	[1]	89,433,000	[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	74,623,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Nov-14
Long-term Line of Credit	74,623,000	[1]	58,351,000	[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	80,961,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	31-Mar-19
Long-term Line of Credit	80,961,000	[1]	132,534,000	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	Fixed
Credit Facility One Hundred Fifty Million [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	150,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Jun-16
Long-term Line of Credit	130,000,000	[1]	0	[1]
Credit Facility Basis Of Fees	Fixed
Credit Facility Forty Seven Million [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	40,875,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	31-May-16
Long-term Line of Credit	$28,612,000		$0
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Description	Fixed
[1]	Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_4

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	$12,140
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	9,827
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	8,647
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	6,929
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	4,809
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	18,253
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	706
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	706
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	663
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	136
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	0
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	$0

Commitments_Contingencies_and_5

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees (Guarantees Issued) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Insurance Treaty Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$826,496	$826,947
Insurance Treaty Guarantee Net Of Assets Held In Trust [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	664,913	647,941
Guarantee Of Borrowed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	201,050	93,000
Product Financing Arrangement [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	100,000	0
Guarantee Of Lease Obligations [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$6,085	$8,314

Commitments_Contingencies_and_6

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees (Maximum Potential Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitment Period Two Thousand Twenty Six [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$500	$500
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	1,950	1,350
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Five [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	2,000	0
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Six [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$1,432	$1,250

Commitments_Contingencies_and_7

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Undrawn Outstanding Letters Of Credit In Favor Of Third Parties	$176,500,000	$210,300,000
Undrawn Outstanding Letters Of Credit Between Subsidiaries	1,035,000,000	995,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	836,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount	12,600,000	9,800,000	7,300,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	19,300,000	18,500,000	19,500,000
Maximum Capital Lease Obligations As Offset Against Industrial Bonds	150,000,000
Insurance Treaty Guarantee Net Of Assets Held In Trust [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	664,913,000,000	647,941,000,000
Guarantee Of Borrowed Securities [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	201,050,000,000	93,000,000,000
Guarantee Of Subsidiary Collateral Financing [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	300,000,000
Syndicated Credit Facility $850 Million [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$850,000,000

Debt_Schedule_of_Longterm_Debt

Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$2,314,293	$2,214,350
Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	400,000	400,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	318,732	318,729
Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	398,684	398,533
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	398,583	398,362
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	399,669	399,602
Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	299,397	299,124
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$99,228	$0

Debt_Debt_Repayments_of_Debt_D

Debt Debt (Repayments of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$2,178
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	2,470
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	302,573
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	2,681
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	402,792
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	1,606,337
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	$2,319,031

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Aug. 21, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 19, 2013	Aug. 21, 2014	Jun. 30, 2006
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$850,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	836,500,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.69%			5.76%
Debt Instrument, Covenant Default, Amount of Non-Payment	100,000,000
Long-term debt	2,314,293,000			2,214,350,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	2,681,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	31-Dec-65
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000
Long-term debt	318,732,000			318,729,000
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	31-Dec-21
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000
Long-term debt	398,583,000			398,362,000
Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.20%		6.20%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			15-Sep-42
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000		400,000,000
Proceeds From Issuance Of Subordinated Long Term Debt				393,700,000
Debt Issuance Costs Incurred And Capitalized				6,300,000
Long-term debt	400,000,000			400,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.70%					4.70%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date						15-Sep-23
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000					400,000,000
Proceeds From Issuance Of Subordinated Long Term Debt	395,100,000
Debt Issuance Costs Incurred And Capitalized	3,400,000
Long-term debt	398,684,000			398,533,000
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage							4.09%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date							1-Sep-39
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							100,000,000
Long-term debt	99,228,000			0
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.45%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	31-Dec-19
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000
Long-term debt	399,669,000			399,602,000
Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.63%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	31-Dec-17
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	300,000,000
Long-term debt	299,397,000			299,124,000
Syndicated Credit Facility $850 Million [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	850,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit	$204,774,000	[1]		$67,561,000	[1]
[1]	Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.

Collateral_Finance_and_Securit1

Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2006
Collateral Finance Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$850,000,000
Direct investment in subsidiary				112,800,000
Assets Held-in-trust	922,800,000	913,500,000
Amount Held In Debt Service Coverage Account	15,700,000	20,500,000
Collateral Financing Expense	11,441,000	10,449,000	12,197,000
Repurchased Subsidiary Debt	160,000,000
Gain on repurchase of long-term debt	0	46,506,000	0
Subsidiary Ceding Commission	256,500,000
Timerberlake Financial [Member]
Collateral Finance Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date	1-Jun-06
Collateral Financing Expense	4,000,000	5,100,000	6,900,000
Repayments of Secured Debt	112,000,000
Gain on repurchase of long-term debt	46,500,000
Chesterfield Financial Holdings LLC [Member]
Collateral Finance Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	300,000,000
Direct investment in subsidiary	79,000,000
Amount Held In Debt Service Coverage Account	27,000,000
Collateral Financing Expense	600,000
Debt Issuance Costs Incurred And Capitalized	5,400,000
Capital Contributions To Subsidiaries	346,500,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.50%
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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$2,697,413	$2,716,588	$2,833,020	$2,657,173	$2,736,794	$2,389,815	$2,590,642	$2,601,102	$10,904,194	$10,318,353	$9,840,911
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									5,283,268	5,115,941	4,881,994
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,014,143	962,818	876,119
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,181,865	1,185,017	1,140,264
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,557,847	1,305,012	1,275,074
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,756,718	1,610,626	1,557,283
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$110,353	$138,939	$110,177

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$276,743	$231,815	$300,535	$199,440	$229,490	$201,695	($74,758)	$278,827	$1,008,533	$635,254	$919,223
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									351,645	377,586	374,353
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									302,944	245,649	268,315
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									101,700	164,318	186,971
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									161,642	74,553	61,095
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									102,295	-226,665	51,972
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									($11,693)	($187)	($23,483)

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	$96,700	$124,307	$105,348
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	$96,700	$124,307	$105,348

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	$1,151,088	$1,087,579	$1,192,517
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	558,404	564,359	555,875
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	232,348	213,745	225,910
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	204,229	193,878	182,914
Europe [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	57,291	55,003	69,002
Asia Pacific [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	95,172	57,104	154,776
Corporate Segment [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	$3,644	$3,490	$4,040

Segment_Information_Reconcilia4

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$44,679,611	$39,674,473
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	14,159,824	13,285,423
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	11,572,251	11,716,908
CANADA
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	3,996,128	4,103,730
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	4,693,322	2,230,568
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	3,619,368	3,597,456
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$6,638,718	$4,740,388

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of Period	$52.77
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$78.48	$58.77	$56.65
Exercised / Lapsed	$49.35
Forfeited	$58.55
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	$55.41	$52.77
Options exercisable	$53.03
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$68.70
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$58.10
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	3,351,260,000
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	232,782,000
Exercised / Lapsed	-583,118,000
Forfeited	-22,191,000
Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	2,978,733,000
Options exercisable	2,281,160,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	712,341
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	234,740	261,322	257,679
Exercised / Lapsed	-103,358
Forfeited	-114,995
Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	728,728	712,341

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
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding	2,978,733,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$55.41
Options Exercisable	2,281,160,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$53.03
$25.00 - $34.99 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding	308,921,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.20
Options Exercisable	308,921,000
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	0
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	0 years
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Options Exercisable	0
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$0
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	443,611,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 2 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$47.17
Options Exercisable	443,611,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$47.17
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	2,226,201,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 8 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$60.27
Options Exercisable	1,528,628,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$58.94
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$55

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense									$24.40	$20.30	$28.50
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value									17	11.3	11.2
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value									$26.76	$18.58	$19.65
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate									1.53%	1.63%	1.27%
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate									2.27%	1.36%	1.38%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term									7 years	6 years 9 months	6 years 8 months 15 days
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate									35.70%	35.40%	37.20%
Performance Contingent Units Outstanding									232,208	252,942	243,578
Performance Contingent Units Maximum Shares of Common Stock Per PCU									2
Performance Contingent Units Measurement Period									3 years
Performance Contingent Unit Share Payout									0.529	1.513
Performance Contingent Units Shares of Common Stock Issued									103,358	339,483
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$25.40								$25.40
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition									1 year 9 months
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.78	$2.30	$2.87	$1.94	$2.05	$1.95	($0.69)	$2.51	$9.88	$5.82	$8.57
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price									$78.48	$58.77	$56.65
Stock Options [Member]
Equity Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expiration Period									10 years
Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures									232,782,000
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									234,740	261,322	257,679
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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$191,091	$157,996	$198,296	$136,664	$144,959	$137,955	($49,612)	$185,535	$684,047	$418,837	$631,893
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									69,248	71,917	73,737
Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options									714	544	416
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									69,962	72,461	74,153
Earnings per share
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.78	$2.30	$2.87	$1.94	$2.05	$1.95	($0.69)	$2.51	$9.88	$5.82	$8.57
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.75	$2.28	$2.84	$1.92	$2.03	$1.93	($0.69)	$2.49	$9.78	$5.78	$8.52

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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
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	0.5	0.7	0.7

Comprehensive_Income_Component

Comprehensive Income (Components of Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	($154,132)		($88,409)		$57,229
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	-4,835		1,791		-6,244
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-158,967		-86,618		50,985
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Foreign Currency Swap, Before Reclassification and Tax	51,894		40,347		-20,470
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Foreign Currency Swap Tax	-18,163		-14,121		7,165
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Foreign Currency Swap Net Of Tax	33,731		26,226		-13,305
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax	-102,238		-48,062		36,759
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	-22,998		-12,330		921
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-125,236		-60,392		37,680
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax	1,177,017	[1]	-1,519,967	[1]	786,449	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	-357,024	[1]	465,740	[1]	-275,181	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	819,993	[1]	-1,054,227	[1]	511,268	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Transfers from Held-to-maturity to Available-for-Sale Securities, before Tax	26,405	[1]	9,355	[1]	91,327	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Transfers from Held-to-maturity to Available-for-Sale Securities, Tax	-9,242	[1]	-3,274	[1]	-31,964	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Transfers from Held-to-maturity to Available-for-Sale Securities, Net of Tax	17,163	[1]	6,081	[1]	59,363	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax	1,150,612	[1]	-1,529,322	[1]	695,122	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, before Reclassification Adjustments, Tax	-347,782	[1]	469,014	[1]	-243,217	[1]
Change in net unrealized gain on investments	802,830	[1]	-1,060,308	[1]	451,905	[1]
Other than Temporary Impairment Loss, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Available-for-sale Securities	-2,612		-4,456		-9,899
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Available-for-sale Securities	914		1,560		3,465
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Available-for-sale Securities	-1,698		-2,896		-6,434
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	485		525		298
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax	-159		-171		-95
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Net of Tax	326		354		203
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	-43,025		21,624		-8,347
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Tax	14,929		-7,469		2,874
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax	-28,096		14,155		-5,473
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	-42,540		22,149		-8,049
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	14,770		-7,640		2,779
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	-27,770		14,509		-5,270
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	1,008,446		-1,550,779		733,731
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	-356,924		447,484		-242,982
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$651,522		($1,103,295)		$490,749
[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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$25,480,972		$21,474,136
Other invested assets	1,198,319		1,324,960
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,342,575		3,517,796		3,619,274		3,543,925
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Change In Component During Period	1,153,224		-1,524,866		705,021
Change In Net Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation [Member]
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,171,996		-1,528,773		713,778
Other invested assets	-14,292	[1]	-12,274	[1]	6,181	[1]
Effect On Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation [Member]
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	($4,480)		$16,181		($14,938)
[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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$1,005,607		$2,108,902		$1,618,153
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-125,236		-60,392		37,680
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	827,608	[1]	-1,063,377	[1]	451,905	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	1,698		2,896		6,434
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Available-for-sale Securities	-1,698		-2,896		-6,434
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	-29,836		11,577		-5,270
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-22,712		6,001
Balance, end of year	1,657,129		1,005,607		2,108,902
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	207,083		267,475		229,795
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-125,236		-60,392		37,680
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	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	0		0		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	0		0		0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0		0
Balance, end of year	81,847		207,083		267,475
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	820,245		1,877,657		1,419,318
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	0		0		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	827,608	[1]	-1,063,377	[1]	451,905	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	0		0		0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	24,778		3,069
Balance, end of year	1,624,773		820,245		1,877,657
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	-21,721		-36,230		-30,960
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	0		0		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	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	0		0		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	-29,836		11,577		-5,270
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-2,066		2,932
Balance, end of year	($49,491)		($21,721)		($36,230)
[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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other investment related gains (losses), net									$193,959		$76,891		$277,662
Investment income, net of related expenses									1,713,691		1,699,865		1,436,206
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)									4,480		-16,181		14,938
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax									-485		-525		-298
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax									43,025		-21,624		8,347
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	276,743	231,815	300,535	199,440	229,490	201,695	-74,758	278,827	1,008,533		635,254		919,223
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-324,486		-216,417		-287,330
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	191,091	157,996	198,296	136,664	144,959	137,955	-49,612	185,535	684,047		418,837		631,893
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									-333		373	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax									-2,815	[1]	-4,138	[1]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									-3,148		-4,511
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									1,082		1,579
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent									-2,066		-2,932
Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other investment related gains (losses), net									26,405		9,355
Investment income, net of related expenses									1,212		1,012
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)									4,480	[2]	-16,181	[2]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									32,097		-5,814
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-7,319		2,745
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent									24,778		-3,069
Amounts Reclassified From AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent									$22,712		($6,001)
[1]	These AOCI components are included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details.
[2]	This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” for additional details.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation2

Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$2,697,413	$2,716,588	$2,833,020	$2,657,173	$2,736,794	$2,389,815	$2,590,642	$2,601,102	$10,904,194	$10,318,353	$9,840,911
Total benefits and expenses	2,420,670	2,484,773	2,532,485	2,457,733	2,507,304	2,188,120	2,665,400	2,322,275	9,895,661	9,683,099	8,921,688
Income before income taxes	276,743	231,815	300,535	199,440	229,490	201,695	-74,758	278,827	1,008,533	635,254	919,223
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$191,091	$157,996	$198,296	$136,664	$144,959	$137,955	($49,612)	$185,535	$684,047	$418,837	$631,893
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.78	$2.30	$2.87	$1.94	$2.05	$1.95	($0.69)	$2.51	$9.88	$5.82	$8.57
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.75	$2.28	$2.84	$1.92	$2.03	$1.93	($0.69)	$2.49	$9.78	$5.78	$8.52

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 22, 2015	Oct. 21, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$300,000,000		$100,000,000	$100,000,000	$200,000,000
Other policy claims and benefits	3,824,069,000	3,571,761,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						300,000,000
Agreement To Purchase Policies In Force							82,000
Other policy claims and benefits							$2,700,000,000

Summary_of_Investments_Other_T2

Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$34,316
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	36,696	[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	23,106
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	25,481
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	25,481	[1]
US Treasury and Government [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	501
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	526
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	526	[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	378
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	426
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	426	[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	4,710	[2]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	6,003	[2]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	6,003	[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	1,582
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	1,733
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	1,733	[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	3,505
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	3,640
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	3,640	[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	12,430
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	13,153
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	13,153	[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	27
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	27
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	27	[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	121
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	126
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	126	[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	94
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	99
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	99	[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	2,712
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	2,712	[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	1,284
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	1,284	[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	5,924
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	5,924	[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	98
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	98	[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	1,071
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	$1,071	[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
	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2006	Aug. 21, 2012	Sep. 19, 2013
Assets
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$25,480,972,000					$21,474,136,000					$25,480,972,000		$21,474,136,000
Short-term investments	97,694,000					139,395,000					97,694,000		139,395,000
Cash and cash equivalents	1,645,669,000					923,647,000					1,645,669,000		923,647,000		1,259,892,000
Other assets	628,268,000					489,972,000					628,268,000		489,972,000
Total assets	44,679,611,000					39,674,473,000					44,679,611,000		39,674,473,000
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Other liabilities	994,230,000					541,035,000					994,230,000		541,035,000
Total stockholders equity	7,023,452,000					5,935,527,000					7,023,452,000		5,935,527,000		6,910,187,000		5,818,698,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	44,679,611,000					39,674,473,000					44,679,611,000		39,674,473,000
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Total investment related gains (losses), net											186,193,000		63,990,000		254,136,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)											324,486,000		216,417,000		287,330,000
Net income	191,091,000		157,996,000	198,296,000	136,664,000	144,959,000		137,955,000	-49,612,000	185,535,000	684,047,000		418,837,000		631,893,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax											651,522,000		-1,103,295,000		490,749,000
Total comprehensive income (loss)											1,335,569,000		-684,458,000		1,122,642,000
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount																		850,000,000
Cash flows from operating activities
Other, net											155,428,000		99,634,000		85,523,000
Net cash provided by operating activities											2,336,155,000		1,727,160,000		1,974,527,000
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale											4,309,985,000		3,629,378,000		5,465,014,000
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale											63,785,000		33,724,000		40,466,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired											0		-2,805,000		0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments											38,060,000		138,024,000		-101,214,000
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities											286,665,000		-209,900,000		-216,274,000
Net cash used in investing activities											-1,310,945,000		-1,335,101,000		-1,967,996,000
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends to stockholders											-87,256,000		-77,642,000		-61,945,000
Purchases of treasury stock											-201,525,000		-269,204,000		-6,924,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement cash flow											-3,011,000		3,125,000		416,000
Exercise of stock options, net											9,246,000		28,390,000		-3,087,000
Proceeds from affiliated long-term debt issuance											-100,000,000		-398,492,000		-400,000,000
Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs											-4,260,000		-3,400,000		-6,255,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities											-255,559,000		-681,213,000		281,939,000
Change in cash and cash equivalents											722,022,000		-336,245,000		297,022,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period					923,647,000					1,259,892,000	923,647,000		1,259,892,000		962,870,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,645,669,000					923,647,000					1,645,669,000		923,647,000		1,259,892,000
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest											136,499,000		116,809,000		100,984,000
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds											70,342,000		110,773,000		97,000,000
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	486,813,000					502,455,000					486,813,000		502,455,000
Short-term investments	87,726,000					261,853,000					87,726,000		261,853,000
Cash and cash equivalents	48,819,000					24,137,000					48,819,000		24,137,000		52,680,000
Investments In Subsidiary	8,649,084,000					7,534,714,000					8,649,084,000		7,534,714,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties	1,060,000,000					1,101,751,000					1,060,000,000		1,101,751,000
Other assets	360,059,000					204,887,000					360,059,000		204,887,000
Total assets	10,692,501,000					9,629,797,000					10,692,501,000		9,629,797,000
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated	2,294,993,000	[1]				2,294,278,000	[1]				2,294,993,000	[1]	2,294,278,000	[1]
Long-term debt - affiliated	500,000,000	[2]				500,000,000	[2]				500,000,000	[2]	500,000,000	[2]
Other liabilities	874,056,000					899,992,000					874,056,000		899,992,000
Total stockholders equity	7,023,452,000					5,935,527,000					7,023,452,000		5,935,527,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	10,692,501,000					9,629,797,000					10,692,501,000		9,629,797,000
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating											521,623,000	[3]	275,215,000	[3]	86,396,000	[3]
Total investment related gains (losses), net											4,936,000		1,714,000		4,515,000
Operating Expenses											-10,751,000		-21,164,000		-26,431,000
Interest and Debt Expense											-131,852,000		-162,212,000		-143,260,000
Income (loss) before income tax and undistributed earnings of subsidiaries											383,956,000		93,553,000		-78,780,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)											-22,008,000		33,850,000		-9,566,000
Net income (loss) before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries											405,964,000		59,703,000		-69,214,000
Equity In Undistributed Earnings Of Subsidiaries											278,083,000		359,134,000		701,107,000
Net income											684,047,000		418,837,000		631,893,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax											36,876,000		21,033,000		9,984,000
Total comprehensive income (loss)											720,923,000		439,870,000		641,877,000
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Proceeds from Dividends Received											315,000,000		175,000,000
Long-term Debt	500,000,000					500,000,000					500,000,000		500,000,000
Cash flows from operating activities
Equity Net Earnings Subsidiaries											-278,083,000		-359,134,000		-701,107,000
Other, net											-171,299,000		162,586,000		134,232,000
Net cash provided by operating activities											234,665,000		222,289,000		65,018,000
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale											132,732,000		176,062,000		122,212,000
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale											-105,535,000		-103,566,000		-213,548,000
Purchases Of Subsidiary Debt Securities											41,751,000		-76,751,000		-250,000,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired											0		-2,805,000		0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments											96,967,000		-96,967,000		0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities											126,397,000		-79,023,000		5,718,000
Capital Contributions To Subsidiaries											-222,760,000		-144,459,000		-70,431,000
Net cash used in investing activities											69,552,000		-327,509,000		-406,049,000
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends to stockholders											-87,256,000		-77,642,000		-61,945,000
Purchases of treasury stock											-201,525,000		-269,204,000		-6,924,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement cash flow											0		0		416,000
Exercise of stock options, net											9,246,000		28,390,000		-3,087,000
Proceeds from affiliated long-term debt issuance											0		-398,533,000		-400,000,000
Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs											0		-3,400,000		-6,255,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities											-279,535,000		76,677,000		322,205,000
Change in cash and cash equivalents											24,682,000		-28,543,000		-18,826,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period					24,137,000					52,680,000	24,137,000		52,680,000		71,506,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	48,819,000					24,137,000					48,819,000		24,137,000		52,680,000
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest											161,499,000		141,615,000		130,047,000
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds											87,000		82,000,000		30,500,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000										400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.75%										6.75%
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2065 [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated	398,660,000					398,657,000					398,660,000		398,657,000
Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000										400,000,000								400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.20%										6.20%								6.20%
Subordinated Debentures Due 2042 [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated	400,000,000					400,000,000					400,000,000		400,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000										400,000,000									400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.70%										4.70%									4.70%
Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated	398,684,000					398,533,000					398,684,000		398,533,000
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000										400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%										5.00%
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated	398,583,000					398,362,000					398,583,000		398,362,000
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000										400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.45%										6.45%
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated	399,669,000					399,602,000					399,669,000		399,602,000
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Repayments of Long-term Debt											400,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	300,000,000										300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.63%										5.63%
Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term and long-term debt - unaffiliated	299,397,000					299,124,000					299,397,000		299,124,000
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Repayments of Long-term Debt											$300,000,000
[1]	Long-term debt - unaffiliated consists of the following: 2014 2013$400 million 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065 $398,660 $398,657$400 million 6.20% Subordinated Debentures due 2042 400,000 400,000$400 million 4.70% Senior Notes due 2023 398,684 398,533$400 million 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021 398,583 398,362$400 million 6.45% Senior Notes due 2019 399,669 399,602$300 million 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017 299,397 299,124Total $2,294,993 $2,294,278Repayments of long-term debt—unaffiliated due over the next five years total $300,000, in 2017 and $400,000 in 2019.
[2]	Long-term debt—affiliated in 2014 and 2013 and consists of $500,000 of subordinated debt issued to various operating subsidiaries.
[3]	Interest/Dividend income includes $423,323 and $175,000 of cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries in 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	$8,669,854	$8,254,027	$7,906,596
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	1,713,691	1,699,865	1,436,206
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-7,857,672	-7,780,846	-7,045,914
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-979,365	-912,803	-1,003,057
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-1,058,624	-989,450	-872,717
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	4,725,505	4,563,490	4,342,838
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	552,805	543,824	536,438
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-4,181,492	-4,016,453	-3,815,551
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-467,067	-471,726	-461,164
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-283,064	-250,175	-230,926
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	20,079	22,521	14,095
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	644,285	721,282	498,499
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-402,387	-443,393	-335,581
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-203,605	-185,396	-193,492
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-105,207	-88,380	-78,731
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	974,581	962,311	915,764
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	196,205	204,851	190,337
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-804,586	-758,565	-706,744
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-190,164	-178,566	-167,614
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-85,415	-83,569	-78,935
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	1,373,969	1,220,743	1,215,166
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	107,129	52,034	42,545
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-1,217,441	-1,072,961	-1,055,064
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-43,549	-40,780	-49,732
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-135,215	-116,718	-109,183
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	1,574,940	1,485,205	1,409,568
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	102,461	94,330	85,569
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-1,250,962	-1,488,667	-1,132,998
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-74,980	-36,335	-131,055
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-328,481	-312,289	-241,258
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	780	-243	9,165
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	110,806	83,544	82,818
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	-804	-807	24
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	-121,242	-138,319	-133,684
Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	3,391,291	3,573,054
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	27,068,134	24,814,333
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	3,824,069	3,571,761
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	1,717,512	1,628,215
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	8,440,882	7,567,342
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	1,459,444	1,285,467
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	690,698	884,377
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	10,915,471	11,240,138
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	14,656	16,045
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	237,738	259,575
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	2,861,052	2,963,561
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	209,743	206,245
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	279,672	301,999
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	2,972,346	1,050,066
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	784,421	763,118
Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	465,671	498,888
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	1,578,776	1,693,381
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	1,344,250	1,288,016
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	299,607	299,845
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	11,555	12,870
Reinsurance Ceded [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-48,716	-55,258
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-602,265	-583,620
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-260,155	-143,309
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-28,685	-30,523
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-283,184	-245,430
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-194,167	-73,994
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	-443	-483
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-221,537	-233,735
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-14,095	-8,952
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	-7,656	-9,492
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-35,439	-35,515
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-28,134	-33,337
Reinsurance Ceded [Member] | Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-11,932	-14,760
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	-62,105	-68,940
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	-23,631	-26,836
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	0
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	($128)	($190)

Supplemental_Schedule_of_Reins2

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$78,000,000	$77,000,000	$76,000,000
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	230,544,000,000	36,830,000,000	38,048,000,000
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	2,943,517,000,000	2,889,804,000,000	2,927,573,000,000
Premiums, Net, Life Insurance in Force	2,713,051,000,000	2,853,051,000,000	2,889,601,000,000
Life Insurance in Force Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	108.50%	101.30%	101.30%
Direct Premiums Earned	19,365,000	5,224,000	3,784,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	447,889,000	319,419,000	325,999,000
Assumed Premiums Earned	9,098,378,000	8,568,222,000	8,228,811,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	8,669,854,000	8,254,027,000	7,906,596,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	104.90%	103.80%	104.10%
US Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	9,600,000	5,200,000	3,800,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	287,800,000	146,200,000	152,100,000
Assumed Premiums Earned	5,003,700,000	4,704,400,000	4,491,200,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	4,725,500,000	4,563,400,000	4,342,900,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	105.90%	103.10%	103.40%
US Non-Traditional Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	39,400,000	44,700,000	50,500,000
Assumed Premiums Earned	59,500,000	67,200,000	64,600,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	20,100,000	22,500,000	14,100,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	296.00%	298.70%	458.20%
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	49,600,000	54,200,000	52,900,000
Assumed Premiums Earned	1,024,200,000	1,016,500,000	968,600,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	974,600,000	962,300,000	915,700,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	105.10%	105.60%	105.80%
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	9,800,000	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	30,400,000	25,800,000	26,200,000
Assumed Premiums Earned	1,394,600,000	1,246,600,000	1,241,400,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	1,374,000,000	1,220,800,000	1,215,200,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	101.50%	102.10%	102.20%
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	40,700,000	48,500,000	44,300,000
Assumed Premiums Earned	1,615,600,000	1,533,700,000	1,453,800,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	1,574,900,000	1,485,200,000	1,409,500,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	102.60%	103.30%	103.10%
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Amount Ceded to Other Companies	0	0	0
Assumed Premiums Earned	800,000	-200,000	9,200,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount	$800,000	($200,000)	$9,200,000
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Beginning Balance	$102.20	$10.10	$8.60
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	15.9	23.5	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	-6.1	68.6	1.6
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0	0	0.1
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Ending Balance	112	102.2	10.1
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Beginning Balance	10.1	11.6	11.8
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	-0.9	1.9	6.3
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	2.7	3.4	6.5
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Ending Balance	$6.50	$10.10	$11.60