Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entitiy Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document period end date	31-Mar-15
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		66,196,280
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturity securities:
Available-for-sale at fair value (amortized cost of $22,933,716 and $23,105,597)	$25,801,223	$25,480,972
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $6,130 and $6,471)	2,913,486	2,712,238
Policy loans	1,284,085	1,284,284
Funds withheld at interest	5,841,554	5,922,561
Short-term investments	89,136	97,694
Other invested assets	1,243,033	1,198,319
Total investments	37,172,517	36,696,068
Cash and cash equivalents	1,083,179	1,645,669
Accrued investment income	283,665	261,096
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	1,509,810	1,527,729
Reinsurance ceded receivables	665,797	578,206
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,286,348	3,342,575
Other assets	689,952	628,268
Total assets	44,691,268	44,679,611
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Future policy benefits	14,152,780	14,476,637
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	12,508,201	12,591,497
Other policy claims and benefits	3,822,699	3,824,069
Other reinsurance balances	320,950	306,915
Deferred income taxes	2,529,733	2,365,817
Other liabilities	1,118,645	994,230
Long-term debt	2,313,884	2,314,293
Collateral finance and securitization notes	774,351	782,701
Total liabilities	37,541,243	37,656,159
Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 8)
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, 79,137,758 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	791	791
Additional paid-in-capital	1,802,774	1,798,279
Retained earnings	4,339,028	4,239,647
Treasury stock, at cost - 12,699,199 and 10,364,797 shares	-876,804	-672,394
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,884,236	1,657,129
Total stockholders’ equity	7,150,025	7,023,452
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$44,691,268	$44,679,611

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICAL (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Available for Sale at Fair value - Amortized cost	$22,933,716	$23,105,597
Preferred stock par value (per share)	$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 (per share)	$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	66,438,559	68,772,961
Treasury stock, shares	12,699,199	10,364,797
Allowances for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	$6,130	$6,471

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Net premiums	$2,023,852	$2,100,637
Investment income, net of related expenses	426,891	404,375
Investment related gains (losses), net:
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	-2,527	-303
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Other investment related gains (losses), net	10,110	84,874
Total investment related gains (losses), net	7,583	84,571
Other revenues	62,287	67,590
Total revenues	2,520,613	2,657,173
Benefits and Expenses:
Claims and other policy benefits	1,775,451	1,843,677
Interest credited	120,678	110,594
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	277,043	354,873
Other operating expenses	121,618	110,936
Interest expense	35,627	35,084
Collateral finance and securitization expense	6,071	2,569
Total benefits and expenses	2,336,488	2,457,733
Income before income taxes	184,125	199,440
Provision for income taxes	59,011	62,776
Net income	$125,114	$136,664
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$1.84	$1.94
Diluted earnings per share	$1.81	$1.92
Dividends declared per share	$0.33	$0.30

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Comprehensive income
Net income	$125,114	$136,664
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	-117,771	-42,683
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments	343,924	315,384
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities	0	450
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	954	741
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	227,107	273,892
Total comprehensive income	$352,221	$410,556

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$125,114	$136,664
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	-28,443	34,480
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	-19,816	-15,627
Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,380	64,559
Reinsurance ceded receivable balances	-64,299	4,254
Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and other reinsurance balances	251,570	392,876
Deferred income taxes	13,144	41,472
Other assets and other liabilities, net	5,973	-29,340
Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other	-21,666	-25,357
Investment related gains, net	-7,583	-84,571
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	0	-668
Other, net	59,837	22,486
Net cash provided by operating activities	316,211	541,228
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	639,676	584,491
Maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	94,994	111,854
Principal payments on mortgage loans on real estate	69,322	105,622
Principal payments on policy loans	200	485
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	-1,000,335	-917,715
Cash invested in mortgage loans on real estate	-272,287	-135,802
Cash invested in policy loans	-1	-52,913
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest	-32,196	-21,466
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	-21,504	0
Change in short-term investments	4,325	20,740
Change in other invested assets	14,092	160,427
Net cash used in investing activities	-503,714	-144,277
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Dividends to stockholders	-22,669	-21,244
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Secured Debt	-7,367	0
Net change in short-term debt	0	50,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	-1,184	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt	-586	0
Purchases of treasury stock	-214,665	-86,837
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	0	668
Exercise of stock options, net	5,759	6,364
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements	31,109	29,680
Deposits on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	66,329	36,257
Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	-196,623	-215,660
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-339,897	-200,772
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-35,090	7,306
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-562,490	203,485
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,645,669	923,647
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,083,179	1,127,132
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid (received) for:	29,849	25,434
Income Taxes Paid, Net	-58,864	8,611
Transfer to Investments	118	0
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$4,514	$0

Business_and_Basis_of_Presenta

Business and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Business and Basis of Presentation
	Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. There were no subsequent events, other than as disclosed in Note 15 - "Subsequent Event", that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries, and all intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These condensed consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 2, 2015 (the "2014 Annual Report").
	Effective January 1, 2015, the Company further refined its reporting of the Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments into traditional and non-traditional businesses to reflect the expanded product offerings within its geographic-based segments. The prior period presentation has been adjusted to conform to the new segment reporting structure. See Part II, Item 5 - Other Information of this report for comparable figures by quarter for 2014 and 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	125,114	$	136,664
	Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)	68,141		70,574
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	801		690
	Denominator for diluted calculation	68,942		71,264
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	1.84	$	1.94
	Diluted	$	1.81	$	1.92
	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. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, approximately 0.3 million stock options and approximately 0.7 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, approximately 0.3 million stock options and approximately 0.9 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. Year-to-date amounts for equivalent shares from outstanding stock options and performance contingent shares are the weighted average of the individual quarterly amounts.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
			Accumulated			Unrealized			Pension and			Total
			Currency			Appreciation			Postretirement
			Translation			(Depreciation)			Benefits
			Adjustments			of Investments(1)
	Balance, December 31, 2014		$	81,847		$	1,624,773		$	(49,491	)	$	1,657,129
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(103,285		)	494,294			617			391,626
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		(14,486		)	(142,978		)	(175		)	(157,639		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax		(117,771		)	351,316			442			233,987
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI		—			(8,252		)	787			(7,465		)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		—			860			(275		)	585
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI, net of income tax		—			(7,392		)	512			(6,880		)
	Balance, March 31, 2015		$	(35,924	)	$	1,968,697		$	(48,537	)	$	1,884,236
			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
			Accumulated			Unrealized			Pension and			Total
			Currency			Appreciation			Postretirement
			Translation			(Depreciation)			Benefits
			Adjustments			of Investments(1)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	207,083		$	820,245		$	(21,721	)	$	1,005,607
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(45,428		)	469,975			225			424,772
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		2,745			(150,217		)	(64		)	(147,536		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax		(42,683		)	319,758			161			277,236
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI		—			(5,828		)	892			(4,936		)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		—			1,904			(312		)	1,592
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI, net of income tax		—			(3,924		)	580			(3,344		)
	Balance, March 31, 2014		$	164,400		$	1,136,079		$	(20,980	)	$	1,279,499
	-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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			Amount Reclassified from AOCI
			Three months ended March 31,
	Details about AOCI Components		2015			2014			Affected Line Item in
									Statement of Income
	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities		$	3,079		$	1,189		Investment related gains (losses), net
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap		840			218			Investment income
	Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)		4,333			4,421
	Total		8,252			5,828
	Provision for income taxes		(860		)	(1,904		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax		$	7,392		$	3,924
	Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Prior service cost(2)		$	(83	)	$	(2	)
	Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)		(704		)	(890		)
	Total		(787		)	(892		)
	Provision for income taxes		275			312
	Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax		$	(512	)	$	(580	)
	Total reclassifications, net of tax		$	6,880		$	3,344
	-1	This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” of the 2014 Annual Report 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

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized			Estimated Fair		% of		Other-than-
																		temporary impairments
			Cost				Gains				Losses			Value		Total		in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	14,084,589			$	1,159,377			$	64,831		$	15,179,135	58.8	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,477,703				1,416,036				—			3,893,739		15.1		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,072,415				60,491				5,232			1,127,674		4.4		(300		)
	Asset-backed securities		1,082,883				23,322				8,093			1,098,112		4.3		354
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,448,372				93,304				7,402			1,534,274		5.9		(1,609		)
	U.S. government and agencies		444,529				28,879				—			473,408		1.8		—
	State and political subdivisions		378,403				54,496				3,128			429,771		1.7		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,944,822				129,615				9,327			2,065,110		8		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	22,933,716			$	2,965,520			$	98,013		$	25,801,223	100	%	$	(1,555	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	90,643			$	5,136			$	1,405		$	94,374	70.1	%
	Other equity securities		39,395				894				44			40,245		29.9
	Total equity securities		$	130,038			$	6,030			$	1,449		$	134,619	100	%
	December 31, 2014:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized			Estimated Fair		% of		Other-than-
																		temporary impairments
			Cost				Gains				Losses			Value		Total		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	%
	The Company enters into various collateral arrangements that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral with derivative, repurchase agreement and reinsurance counterparties. Pledged fixed maturity securities are included in fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Fixed maturity securities received as collateral are held in separate custodial accounts and are not recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge collateral it receives; however, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized			Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost			Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral	$	148,411			$	160,448			$	127,229		$	134,863
	Fixed maturity securities received as collateral	n/a				128,643				n/a			117,227
	Securities held in trust	9,719,868				10,628,413				10,197,489			10,922,947
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands).
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized			Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost			Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities guaranteed or issued by:
	Canadian province of Ontario	$	901,634			$	1,351,722			$	979,908		$	1,359,339
	Canadian province of Quebec	934,860				1,628,425				1,006,315			1,599,673
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2015 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		$	594,886			$	600,953
	Due after one year through five years		4,504,020				4,771,660
	Due after five years through ten years		7,388,162				7,862,501
	Due after ten years		6,842,978				8,806,049
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities		3,603,670				3,760,060
	Total		$	22,933,716			$	25,801,223
	Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
	The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:						Estimated
			Amortized Cost				Fair Value				% of Total
	Finance		$	4,842,257			$	5,186,461			34.2	%
	Industrial		7,699,936				8,270,678				54.4
Utility		1,542,396				1,721,996				11.4
Total		$	14,084,589			$	15,179,135			100	%
December 31, 2014:						Estimated
		Amortized Cost				Fair Value				% of Total
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	%
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
As discussed in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the 2014 Annual Report, 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 condensed 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 amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, was $7.3 million and $11.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no changes in these amounts from their respective prior-year ending balances.
Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 687 and 932 fixed maturity and equity securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
		Gross				% of Total			Gross			% of Total
		Unrealized							Unrealized
		Losses							Losses
Less than 20%		$	72,598			73	%		$	111,965		83	%
20% or more for less than six months		15,318				15.4			13,698			10.1
20% or more for six months or greater		11,546				11.6			9,256			6.9
Total		$	99,462			100	%		$	134,919		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 687 and 932 fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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
						Gross							Gross					Gross
March 31, 2015:		Estimated				Unrealized				Estimated			Unrealized		Estimated			Unrealized
		Fair Value				Losses				Fair Value			Losses		Fair Value			Losses
Investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		$	805,091			$	18,419			$	227,150		$	15,576	$	1,032,241		$	33,995
Residential mortgage-backed securities		100,937				1,507				62,201			3,228		163,138			4,735
Asset-backed securities		285,839				2,774				99,896			3,381		385,735			6,155
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		49,304				162				20,733			1,590		70,037			1,752
State and political subdivisions		—				—				13,647			3,128		13,647			3,128
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		109,347				5,560				36,737			1,494		146,084			7,054
Total investment grade securities		1,350,518				28,422				460,364			28,397		1,810,882			56,819
Below investment grade securities:
Corporate securities		357,118				28,279				25,560			2,557		382,678			30,836
Residential mortgage-backed securities		10,308				83				12,033			414		22,341			497
Asset-backed securities		14,478				231				6,715			1,707		21,193			1,938
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		6,739				240				5,522			5,410		12,261			5,650
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		15,375				2,145				2,910			128		18,285			2,273
Total below investment grade securities		404,018				30,978				52,740			10,216		456,758			41,194
Total fixed maturity securities		$	1,754,536			$	59,400			$	513,104		$	38,613	$	2,267,640		$	98,013
Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	20,885			$	501			$	6,649		$	904	$	27,534		$	1,405
Other equity securities		8,597				44				—			—		8,597			44
Total equity securities		$	29,482			$	545			$	6,649		$	904	$	36,131		$	1,449
		Less than 12 months								12 months or greater					Total
						Gross							Gross					Gross
December 31, 2014:		Estimated				Unrealized				Estimated			Unrealized		Estimated			Unrealized
		Fair Value				Losses				Fair Value			Losses		Fair Value			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
Below 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 below 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
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 on below investment grade securities as of March 31, 2015 are primarily related to high-yield corporate securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Unrealized losses decreased across all security types as interest rates decreased during the first three months of 2015.
Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses
Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	269,768			$	243,962
Mortgage loans on real estate		34,772				33,092
Policy loans		14,040				13,438
Funds withheld at interest		112,260				112,739
Short-term investments		695				965
Other invested assets		12,027				14,501
Investment income		443,562				418,697
Investment expense		(16,671		)		(14,322		)
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	426,891			$	404,375
Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net
Investment related gains (losses), net consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
	Three months ended March 31,
	2015				2014
Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings	$	(2,527	)		$	(303	)
Gain on investment activity	19,201				8,067
Loss on investment activity	(13,596		)		(6,583		)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision	(4,168		)		1,664
Derivatives and other, net	8,673				81,726
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$	7,583			$	84,571
The decrease in investment related gains for derivatives and other is primarily due to changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance and funds withheld treaties. The gains recognized in the first quarter of 2014 reflect tightening credit spreads during the quarter.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company sold fixed maturity and equity securities with fair values of $199.6 million and $235.1 million at losses of $13.6 million and $6.6 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 condensed 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 condensed 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 condensed 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 $101.7 million and $101.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. This was fully collateralized by securities with a fair value of $108.3 million and $107.2 million, which were not offset by the payable, resulting in a net exposure of $6.6 million and $5.8 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Additionally, the Company participates in a repurchase/reverse repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed 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 condensed 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).
	31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
	Amortized				Estimated				Amortized			Estimated
	Cost				Fair Value				Cost			Fair Value
Borrowed securities	$	193,840			$	207,476			$	201,050		$	212,946
Repurchase program securities pledged	91,875				108,268				92,446			107,158
Repurchase program/reverse repurchase program:
Securities pledged	298,625				317,368				298,466			314,160
Securities received	n/a				346,560				n/a			338,929
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 7.8% and 7.4% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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 20.3% and 18.7% of mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
Property type:		Recorded				% of Total			Recorded			% of Total
		Investment							Investment
Office building		$	937,939			32.2	%		$	851,749		31.3	%
Retail		890,080				30.5			802,466			29.6
Industrial		474,310				16.2			466,583			17.2
Apartment		404,174				13.8			376,430			13.8
Other commercial		213,113				7.3			221,481			8.1
Total		$	2,919,616			100	%		$	2,718,709		100	%
The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
		Recorded				% of Total			Recorded			% of Total
		Investment							Investment
Due within five years		$	923,234			31.6	%		$	860,362		31.6	%
Due after five years through ten years		1,263,984				43.3			1,165,530			42.9
Due after ten years		732,398				25.1			692,817			25.5
Total		$	2,919,616			100	%		$	2,718,709		100	%
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
Internal credit quality grade:		Recorded				% of Total			Recorded			% of Total
		Investment							Investment
High investment grade		$	1,404,166			48	%		$	1,326,199		48.8	%
Investment grade		1,377,802				47.2			1,235,046			45.4
Average		98,531				3.4			118,152			4.4
Watch list		22,161				0.8			22,285			0.8
In or near default		16,956				0.6			17,027			0.6
Total		$	2,919,616			100	%		$	2,718,709		100	%
None of the payments due to the Company on its recorded investment in mortgage loans were delinquent as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
Mortgage loans:
Individually measured for impairment		$	16,956			$	17,027
Collectively measured for impairment		2,902,660				2,701,682
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		2,919,616				2,718,709
Valuation allowances:
Individually measured for impairment		713				816
Collectively measured for impairment		5,417				5,655
Total valuation allowances		6,130				6,471
		$	2,913,486			$	2,712,238
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances
Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
Balance, beginning of period		$	6,471			$	10,106
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		—				24
Provision (release)		(341		)		(1,664		)
Balance, end of period		$	6,130			$	8,466
Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Unpaid				Recorded				Related			Carrying
		Principal				Investment				Allowance			Value
		Balance
March 31, 2015:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	7,296			$	6,693			$	—		$	6,693
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		10,227				10,263				713			9,550
Total impaired mortgage loans		$	17,523			$	16,956			$	713		$	16,243
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
The Company’s average investment in impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015								2014
		Average				Interest				Average			Interest
		Recorded				Income				Recorded			Income
		Investment(1)								Investment(1)
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	10,290			$	106			$	14,539		$	318
		6,702				155				20,554			193
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
Total impaired mortgage loans		$	16,992			$	261			$	35,093		$	511
(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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company had no mortgage loans that were on a nonaccrual status at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.5% of the Company’s total investments as of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 15.7% and 16.1% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Of the $5.8 billion funds withheld at interest balance, net of embedded derivatives, as of March 31, 2015, $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 condensed 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, fair value option ("FVO") contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB") common stock (included in other in the table below), real estate held-for-investment (included in other in the table below), and equity release mortgages (included in other in the table below). 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% of the Company’s total investments as of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Carrying values of these assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
Equity securities		$	134,619			$	126,860
Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures		450,842				446,604
Structured loans		148,377				164,309
Derivatives		265,020				216,966
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		136,597				140,344
Other		107,578				103,236
Total other invested assets		$	1,243,033			$	1,198,319

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 condensed consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Longevity and mortality swaps are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Embedded derivative assets on modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements are included on the condensed 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 condensed 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15												31-Dec-14
			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		$	1,000,440			$	111,886			$	3,532			$	1,144,661			$	93,783			$	3,934
	Interest rate options		—				—				—				240,000				18,195				—
	Financial futures		249,212				—				—				275,983				—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		80,000				71				10,585				67,967				87				15,098
	Consumer price index swaps		39,024				—				386				41,938				—				561
	Credit default swaps		870,700				13,563				4,166				805,700				11,689				3,502
	Equity options		506,226				38,747				—				555,361				35,242				—
	Longevity swaps		482,895				8,602				—				450,000				7,727				—
	Mortality swaps		50,000				—				1,276				50,000				—				797
	Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts		6,577,133				—				—				6,500,942				—				—
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		—				19,769				—				—				22,094				—
	Indexed annuity products		—				—				947,857				—				—				925,887
	Variable annuity products		—				—				184,413				—				—				159,279
	Total non-hedging derivatives		9,855,630				192,638				1,152,215				10,132,552				188,817				1,109,058
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		120,000				—				25,848				120,000				—				18,228
	Foreign currency swaps		672,053				116,588				32				676,972				70,906				—
	Forward bond purchase commitments		178,152				1,917				7,666				196,452				1,175				14,545
	Total hedging derivatives		970,205				118,505				33,546				993,424				72,081				32,773
	Total derivatives		$	10,825,835			$	311,143			$	1,185,761			$	11,125,976			$	260,898			$	1,141,831
	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 condensed 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (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
	March 31, 2015:
	Derivative assets		$	291,374			$	(17,752	)		$	273,622			$	(24,514	)		$	(219,016	)		$	30,092
	Derivative liabilities		53,491				(17,752		)		35,739				(55,397		)		(5,120		)		(24,778		)
	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		)
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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, had derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments and had forward bond purchase commitments that qualified as cash flow hedges. See Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s 2014 Annual Report 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 condensed consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of period		$	(31,591	)		$	(4,578	)
	Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		213				776
	Amounts reclassified to investment related gains (losses), net		840				—
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(60		)		(218		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period		$	(30,598	)		$	(4,020	)
	As of March 31, 2015, 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 approximately $0.1 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 condensed consolidated statements of income and AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(7,567	)		$	60			Investment Income		$	7			Investment related gains (losses)
	Forward bond purchase commitments		7,780				(840		)		Investment related gains (losses)		—				Investment related gains (losses)
	Total		$	213			$	(780	)				$	7
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Interest rate swaps		$	776			$	218			Investment Income		$	(6	)		Investment related 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
		For the three months ended March 31,
Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)		2015				2014
Foreign currency swaps		$	49,966			$	23,080
-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 $125.8 million and $75.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. If a foreign operation was sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI would be reclassified to the condensed 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 condensed consolidated statements of income, except where otherwise noted.
A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
				Gain (Loss) for the three months ended
				March 31,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)		2015				2014
Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	29,344			$	29,653
Interest rate options		Investment related gains (losses), net		3,275				1,282
Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net		(7,331		)		(1,584		)
Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net		(220		)		1,154
CPI swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		(71		)		352
Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		2,658				(2,114		)
Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(8,067		)		(8,966		)
Longevity swaps		Other revenues		1,821				—
Mortality swaps		Other revenues		(479		)		—
Subtotal				20,930				19,777
Embedded derivatives in:
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		Investment related gains (losses), net		(2,325		)		77,241
Indexed annuity products		Interest credited		(29,326		)		(23,840		)
Variable annuity products		Investment related gains (losses), net		(25,133		)		(23,661		)
Total non-hedging derivatives				$	(35,854	)		$	49,517
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 futures are used primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products. With exchange-traded futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the relevant 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 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15											31-Dec-14
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		$	1,819			$	182,500			4.4			$	1,498			$	167,500			4.6
Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
Subtotal		1,819				182,500				4.4			1,498				167,500				4.6
BBB+/BBB/BBB-
Single name credit default swaps		232				267,200				4.7			168				217,200				4.9
Credit default swaps referencing indices		7,518				416,000				5.2			6,651				416,000				5
Subtotal		7,750				683,200				5			6,819				633,200				4.9
BB+
Single name credit default swaps		(172		)		5,000				4.2			(130		)		5,000				4.5
Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
Subtotal		(172		)		5,000				4.2			(130		)		5,000				4.5
Total		$	9,397			$	870,700			4.9			$	8,187			$	805,700			4.9
-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.
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 (“modco”) or funds withheld basis. 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).
Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties are net of an increase (decrease) in investment related gains (losses) of $0.1 million and $(0.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, associated with a CVA. The Company also 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 in investment related gains (losses) of $0.5 million for both three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, associated with a CVA. The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
	Three months ended March 31,
	2015				2014
Embedded derivatives in modco or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains	$	(2,325	)		$	77,241
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income	(2,588		)		18,079
Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains	(25,133		)		(23,661		)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income	(9,409		)		(13,669		)
Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses	(29,326		)		(23,840		)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income	(15,999		)		(18,375		)
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 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position		$	230,557			$	175,209
Cash provided as collateral(1)		5,120				—
Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)		55,397				47,222
Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)		(219,016		)		(178,141		)
Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)		(24,514		)		(20,260		)
Initial margin for cleared derivatives(2)		(31,291		)		(16,333		)
Net credit exposure		$	16,253			$	7,697
Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)		$	6,267			$	7,976
-1	Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
-2	Included in available-for-sale securities, 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	15,179,135		$	141,501			$	13,750,655		$	1,286,979
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		3,893,739			—				3,893,739			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,127,674			—				935,095			192,579
	Asset-backed securities		1,098,112			—				488,676			609,436
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,534,274			—				1,440,405			93,869
	U.S. government and agencies securities		473,408			385,705				59,947			27,756
	State and political subdivision securities		429,771			—				387,896			41,875
	Other foreign government supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		2,065,110			273,890				1,776,018			15,202
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		25,801,223			801,096				22,732,431			2,267,696
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		19,769			—				—			19,769
	Cash equivalents		376,508			376,508				—			—
	Short-term investments		59,931			36,465				23,466			—
	Other invested assets:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		94,374			86,382				—			7,992
	Other equity securities		40,245			40,245				—			—
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		100,290			—				100,290			—
	CPI swaps		(386		)	—				(386		)	—
	Credit default swaps		9,781			—				9,781			—
	Equity options		38,747			—				38,747			—
	Foreign currency swaps		116,588			—				116,588			—
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		136,597			131,932				4,665			—
	Other		12,480			12,480				—			—
	Total other invested assets		548,716			271,039				269,685			7,992
	Other assets – longevity swaps		8,602			—				—			8,602
	Total		$	26,814,749		$	1,485,108			$	23,025,582		$	2,304,059
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	1,132,270		$	—			$	—		$	1,132,270
	Other liabilities:
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		17,784			—				17,784			—
	Foreign currency forwards		10,514			—				10,514			—
	Credit default swaps		384			—				384			—
	Foreign currency swaps		32			—				32			—
	Forward purchase commitments		5,749			—				5,749			—
	Mortality swaps		1,276			—				—			1,276
	Total		$	1,168,009		$	—			$	34,463		$	1,133,546
	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
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 condensed consolidated 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 both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company classified approximately 8.8% 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
March 31, 2015:					Valuation Technique		Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
		Fair Value
Assets:
State and political subdivision securities		$	5,038		Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		1	%
Corporate securities		221,072			Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		0-2% (1%)
U.S. government and agencies		27,985			Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		0-1% (1%)
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		19,769			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		8,602			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100%  (2%)
							Mortality improvement		(10%)-10%  (3%)
Liabilities:
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		947,857			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		184,413			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100% (2%)
							Lapse		0-25% (9%)
							Withdrawal		0-7% (3%)
							CVA		0-5% (1%)
							Long-term volatility		0-27% (10%)
Mortality swaps		1,276			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100%  (1%)
	December 31, 2014:		Fair Value			Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range (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%)
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, 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. In addition, certain transfers out of Level 3 were also due to ratings upgrades on mortgage-backed securities that had previously had below investment-grade ratings.
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015							2014
		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		$	625		$	5,100			$	—		$	—
The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2015:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Corporate			Residential				Asset-backed			Commercial			U.S. government			State
		securities			mortgage-				securities			mortgage-			and agencies			and political
					backed							backed			securities			subdivision
					securities							securities						securities
Fair value, beginning of period		$	1,310,427		$	188,094			$	572,960		$	86,746		$	28,529		$	42,711
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(803		)	(140		)		1,419			594			(19		)	7
Investment related gains (losses), net		(405		)	(82		)		73			87			(107		)	(4		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		6,069			523				3,632			(310		)	176			25
Purchases(1)		36,900			11,439				40,991			—			121			—
Sales(1)		—			(714		)		(7,356		)	(956		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		(59,600		)	(5,719		)		(4,122		)	(5,120		)	(944		)	(29		)
Transfers into Level 3		—			600				9,055			12,828			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		(5,609		)	(1,422		)		(7,216		)	—			—			(835		)
Fair value, end of period		$	1,286,979		$	192,579			$	609,436		$	93,869		$	27,756		$	41,875
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		$	(803	)	$	(141	)		$	1,399		$	589		$	(19	)	$	7
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				—			—			—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—			—
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 (continued):		Fixed maturity securities
		available-for-sale
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises			Funds withheld				Other invested assets - non-redeemable preferred stock			Other assets longevity swaps			Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives			Other liabilities mortality swaps
					at interest-
					embedded
					derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period		$	19,663		$	22,094			$	7,904		$	7,727		$	(1,085,166	)	$	(797	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		—			—				—			—			—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			(2,325		)		—			—			(25,133		)	—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			(29,326		)	—
Included in other comprehensive income		182			—				88			1,821			—			—
Other revenues		—			—				—			(946		)	—			(479		)
Purchases(1)		—			—				29			—			(11,644		)	—
Sales(1)		—			—				—			—			—			—
Settlements(1)		(310		)	—				—			—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3		—			—				—			—			18,999			—
Transfers out of Level 3		(4,333		)	—				(29		)	—			—			—
Fair value, end of period		$	15,202		$	19,769			$	7,992		$	8,602		$	(1,132,270	)	$	(1,276	)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	—		$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				—			—			(28,245		)	—
Other revenues		—			—				—			(946		)	—			(479		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			(2,325		)		—			—			(48,324		)	—
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 three months ended March 31, 2014, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2014:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
		Corporate			Residential mortgage-backed securities				Asset-backed securities			Commercial mortgage-backed securities			U.S. government and agencies securities
		securities
Fair value, beginning of period		$	1,345,289		$	153,505			$	471,848		$	101,785		$	40,919
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(1,111		)	56				2,057			372			(97		)
Investment related gains (losses), net		(161		)	106				304			86			(195		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		2,450			2,887				5,501			3,035			305
Purchases (1)		79,512			18,750				59,224			—			128
Sales(1)		(38,747		)	(744		)		(6,612		)	(14,626		)	—
Settlements(1)		(51,944		)	(6,172		)		(6,315		)	(279		)	(3,029		)
Transfers into Level 3		6,930			10,563				5,948			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		(50,517		)	(1,024		)		(29,280		)	—			—
Fair value, end of period		$	1,291,701		$	177,927			$	502,675		$	90,373		$	38,031
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		$	(1,062	)	$	52			$	2,050		$	428		$	(97	)
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				—			—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—
		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 (continued):		State and political subdivision securities			Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises				Funds			Other invested assets- non-redeemable preferred stock			Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
									withheld
									at interest-
									embedded
									derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period		$	43,776		$	37,997			$	(176,270	)	$	4,962		$	(868,726	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		12			—				—			—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		(4		)	—				77,241			—			(23,661		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			(23,840		)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		113			—				—			—			—
Purchases(1)		—			—				—			—			(15,193		)
Sales(1)		—			—				—			—			—
Settlements(1)		(64		)	(298		)		—			—			19,433
Transfers into Level 3		—			—				—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			(26,542		)		—			(4,962		)	—
Fair value, end of period		$	43,833		$	11,157			$	(99,029	)	$	—		$	(911,987	)
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		$	12		$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				77,241			—			(24,211		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			(43,273		)
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.
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 March 31,							Three months ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2015			2014				2015			2014
Mortgage loans(1)		$	3,540		$	10,660			$	50		$	380
Limited partnership interests(2)		13,667			—				(4,509		)	—
-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.
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (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.
March 31, 2015:		Carrying Value			Estimated				Fair Value Measurement Using:
					Fair Value				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Assets:
Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,913,486		$	3,053,041			$	—		$	—		$	3,053,041
Policy loans		1,284,085			1,284,085				—			1,284,085			—
Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,815,835			6,305,645				—			—			6,305,645
Cash and cash equivalents(2)		706,671			706,671				706,671			—			—
Short-term investments(2)		29,205			29,205				29,205			—			—
Other invested assets(2)		458,423			510,287				4,637			35,446			470,204
Accrued investment income		283,665			283,665				—			283,665			—
Liabilities:
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	9,479,958		$	9,830,871			$	—		$	—		$	9,830,871
Long-term debt		2,313,884			2,527,728				—			—			2,527,728
Collateral finance and securitization notes		774,351			684,719				—			—			684,719
December 31, 2014:		Carrying Value			Estimated				Fair Value Measurement Using:
					Fair 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
-1	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed 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 condensed 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 are generally obtained from brokers and is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	Effective January 1, 2015, the Company further refined its reporting of the Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments into traditional and non-traditional businesses to reflect the expanded product offerings within its geographic-based segments. The Company’s traditional and non-traditional segments are now managed separately and have discrete financial information available that is reviewed regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The Company has recently experienced growth and opportunity in its non-traditional businesses resulting from its efforts to meet the needs of its clients and adapt to the changing regulatory environment within the insurance industry. The non-traditional business primarily consists of asset-intensive, longevity, financial reinsurance and capital motivated transactions that are sourced and managed by the Company’s Global Financial Solutions unit. The prior period presentation has been adjusted to conform to the new segment reporting structure.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2014 Annual Report. 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 and total assets of the Company for each reportable segment are summarized below (dollars in thousands).
		Three months ended March 31,
	Total revenues:	2015			2014
	U.S. and Latin America:
	Traditional	$	1,255,290		$	1,278,692
	Non-Traditional	192,673			288,621
	Total	1,447,963			1,567,313
	Canada:
	Traditional	265,004			271,444
	Non-Traditional	11,874			6,305
	Total	276,878			277,749
	Europe, Middle East and Africa:
	Traditional	295,232			307,750
	Non-Traditional	55,376			58,107
	Total	350,608			365,857
	Asia Pacific:
	Traditional	393,875			386,889
	Non-Traditional	19,570			28,140
	Total	413,445			415,029
	Corporate and Other	31,719			31,225
	Total	$	2,520,613		$	2,657,173
		Three months ended March 31,
	Income (loss) before income taxes:	2015			2014
	U.S. and Latin America:
	Traditional	$	17,843		$	50,972
	Non-Traditional	54,505			83,124
	Total	72,348			134,096
	Canada:
	Traditional	22,727			19,433
	Non-Traditional	4,131			631
	Total	26,858			20,064
	Europe, Middle East and Africa:
	Traditional	10,482			(992		)
	Non-Traditional	19,634			16,197
	Total	30,116			15,205
	Asia Pacific:
	Traditional	52,648			18,867
	Non-Traditional	10,145			7,444
	Total	62,793			26,311
	Corporate and Other	(7,990		)	3,764
	Total	$	184,125		$	199,440
	Total Assets:	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	U.S. and Latin America:
	Traditional	$	14,835,231		$	14,159,824
	Non-Traditional	11,548,878			11,572,251
	Total	26,384,109			25,732,075
	Canada:
	Traditional	3,859,043			3,946,942
	Non-Traditional	43,708			49,186
	Total	3,902,751			3,996,128
	Europe, Middle East and Africa:
	Traditional	2,438,389			2,514,868
	Non-Traditional	2,075,279			2,178,454
	Total	4,513,668			4,693,322
	Asia Pacific:
	Traditional	2,953,837			2,951,723
	Non-Traditional	657,826			667,645
	Total	3,611,663			3,619,368
	Corporate and Other	6,279,077			6,638,718
	Total	$	44,691,268		$	44,679,611

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Limited partnerships	$	233,330		$	254,314
	Commercial mortgage loans	28,750			33,850
	Bank loans and revolving credit agreements	49,835			52,859
	Equity release mortgages	8,509			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 condensed 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were approximately $159.9 million and $176.5 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. The capital required to support the business in the affiliates reflects more realistic expectations than the original jurisdiction of the business, where capital requirements are often considered to be quite conservative. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $1,335.6 million and $1,035.0 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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“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 $818.5 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 credit facilities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
						Amount Utilized(1)
	Facility Capacity			Maturity Date		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14		Basis of Fees
	$	850,000		September 2019		$	577,157	$	204,774	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
	77,259(2)			Nov-15		77,259		74,623		Fixed
	120,000			May-16		80,040		80,040		Fixed
	38,035(2)			May-16		26,625		28,612		Fixed
	150,000			Jun-16		130,000		130,000		Fixed
	100,000			Jun-17		74,898		81,747		Fixed
	270,000			Nov-17		270,000		270,000		Fixed
	63,174(2)			Mar-19		63,174		80,961		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.
	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 condensed consolidated balance sheets in future policy benefits. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Treaty guarantees	$	793,815		$	826,496
	Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust	650,115			664,913
	Borrowed securities	193,840			201,050
	Financing arrangements	132,193			100,000
	Lease obligations	6,085			6,085
	RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third parties, 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 March 31, 2015, 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 the maximum potential obligation for these commitments as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in millions):
	Commitment Period	31-Mar-15
	2023	$	500
	2033	950
	2034	3,000
	2035	500
	2036	1,432
	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.

Income_Tax_Income_Tax

Income Tax Income Tax	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Tax
	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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate	$	64,444		$	69,804
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate	(5,517		)	(3,221		)
	Differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions	(6,670		)	250
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	6,791			(3,157		)
	Amounts related to tax audit contingencies	952			778
	Corporate rate changes	272			(17		)
	Subpart F	6,434			2,439
	Foreign tax credits	(2,343		)	(855		)
	Return to provision adjustments	(4,765		)	(3,353		)
	Other, net	(587		)	108
	Total provision for income taxes	$	59,011		$	62,776
	Effective tax rate	32.1		%	31.5		%
	The first quarter of 2015 effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. Statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of income in non-U.S. jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S. and differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions. The first quarter rate in 2014 was also lower due to the release of a valuation allowance on tax benefits associated with claims experience on certain treaties. These 2015 and 2014 adjustments were partially offset by a tax accrual related to the Active Financing Exception business extender provision that the U.S. Congress did not pass prior to the end of the quarter.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three months ended March 31,						Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015		2014
	Service cost	$	2,030		$	1,501		$	589	$	470
	Interest Cost	1,243			808			491		338
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,118		)	(933		)	—		—
	Amortization of prior service cost	83			2			—		—
	Amortization of prior actuarial loss	439			673			265		217
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,677		$	2,051		$	1,345	$	1,025
	The Company has made no pension contributions during the first three months of 2015, and expects to make total pension contributions of $3.7 million in 2015.

Equity_Based_Compensation

Equity Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity Based Compensation	Equity Based Compensation
	Equity compensation expense was $4.5 million and $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company granted 0.3 million stock appreciation rights at $90.06 weighted average exercise price per share and 0.2 million performance contingent units to employees. Additionally, non-employee directors were granted a total of 15,174 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2015, 1.9 million share options at $53.08 weighted average per share were vested and exercisable with a remaining weighted average exercise period of 5.1 years. As of March 31, 2015, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements was $43.0 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

Retrocession_Arrangements_and_

Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Retrocession Arrangements And Reinsurance Ceded Receivables [Abstract]
Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables	Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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.
	Retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of the Company’s retention limit. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 reinsurance ceded 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Reinsurer	A.M. Best Rating	Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total
	Reinsurer A	A+	$	197,021	29.6	%	$	210,996	36.5	%
	Reinsurer B	A+	152,870		23		45,541		7.9
	Reinsurer C	A+	74,754		11.2		74,412		12.9
	Reinsurer D	A++	49,313		7.4		43,154		7.5
	Reinsurer E	A	45,468		6.8		43,818		7.6
	Other reinsurers		146,371		22		160,285		27.6
	Total		$	665,797	100	%	$	578,206	100	%
	Included in the total reinsurance ceded receivables balance were $253.7 million and $143.0 million of claims recoverable, of which $13.6 million and $10.9 million were in excess of 90 days past due, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The increase in the Company's reinsurance ceded receivable and claims recoverable are due to a large retrocession transaction with Reinsurer B, as reflected in the table above.

Stock_Transactions

Stock Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Transactions	Stock Transactions
	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 was effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. Repurchases are to be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and are to 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.
	During the first quarter of 2015, RGA repurchased 2,538,718 shares of common stock under this program for $230.1 million. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2015 there was $69.9 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards
	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 Codification™. 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 condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Adoption of New Accounting Standards
	Income Taxes
	In July 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Income Taxes as it relates to the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets.  These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
	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 condensed 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. Certain interim period disclosures for repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions are not required until the second quarter of 2015. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements other than the addition of the required disclosures
	Consolidation
	In February 2015, the FASB amended the general accounting principle for Consolidation, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those years and early adoption is permitted. The new standard is intended to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. The amendments affect the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations. In addition, the amendments simplify and improve current GAAP by reducing the number of consolidation models. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Debt Issuance Costs
	In April 2015, the FASB amended the general accounting principle related to the presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. These amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent_Event_Subsequent_Ev

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Event
	On April 1, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of Aurora National Life Assurance Company’s stock (“Aurora”) from Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc. (“Swiss Re”) pursuant to the stock purchase agreement dated October 20, 2014 between the Company and Swiss Re. The purchase price was approximately $200.0 million and represented approximately $3.7 billion of assets and $3.5 billion of liabilities subject to confirmation and customary post-closing adjustments. There is no goodwill, including tax deductible goodwill, associated with the acquisition. The aggregate purchase price will be subject to the customary post-closing adjustments within 90 days of the closing date. The business acquired will be managed by the U.S. and Latin America traditional and non-traditional segments.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [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):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	125,114	$	136,664
	Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)	68,141		70,574
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	801		690
	Denominator for diluted calculation	68,942		71,264
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	1.84	$	1.94
	Diluted	$	1.81	$	1.92

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
			Accumulated			Unrealized			Pension and			Total
			Currency			Appreciation			Postretirement
			Translation			(Depreciation)			Benefits
			Adjustments			of Investments(1)
	Balance, December 31, 2014		$	81,847		$	1,624,773		$	(49,491	)	$	1,657,129
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(103,285		)	494,294			617			391,626
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		(14,486		)	(142,978		)	(175		)	(157,639		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax		(117,771		)	351,316			442			233,987
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI		—			(8,252		)	787			(7,465		)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		—			860			(275		)	585
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI, net of income tax		—			(7,392		)	512			(6,880		)
	Balance, March 31, 2015		$	(35,924	)	$	1,968,697		$	(48,537	)	$	1,884,236
			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
			Accumulated			Unrealized			Pension and			Total
			Currency			Appreciation			Postretirement
			Translation			(Depreciation)			Benefits
			Adjustments			of Investments(1)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	207,083		$	820,245		$	(21,721	)	$	1,005,607
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(45,428		)	469,975			225			424,772
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		2,745			(150,217		)	(64		)	(147,536		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax		(42,683		)	319,758			161			277,236
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI		—			(5,828		)	892			(4,936		)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		—			1,904			(312		)	1,592
	Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI, net of income tax		—			(3,924		)	580			(3,344		)
	Balance, March 31, 2014		$	164,400		$	1,136,079		$	(20,980	)	$	1,279,499
	-1	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents the amounts of AOCI reclassifications for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			Amount Reclassified from AOCI
			Three months ended March 31,
	Details about AOCI Components		2015			2014			Affected Line Item in
									Statement of Income
	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities		$	3,079		$	1,189		Investment related gains (losses), net
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap		840			218			Investment income
	Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)		4,333			4,421
	Total		8,252			5,828
	Provision for income taxes		(860		)	(1,904		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax		$	7,392		$	3,924
	Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
	Prior service cost(2)		$	(83	)	$	(2	)
	Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)		(704		)	(890		)
	Total		(787		)	(892		)
	Provision for income taxes		275			312
	Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax		$	(512	)	$	(580	)
	Total reclassifications, net of tax		$	6,880		$	3,344
	-1	This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” of the 2014 Annual Report 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.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Available For Sale Securities	The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity and equity securities by sector as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized			Estimated Fair		% of		Other-than-
																		temporary impairments
			Cost				Gains				Losses			Value		Total		in AOCI
	Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	14,084,589			$	1,159,377			$	64,831		$	15,179,135	58.8	%	$	—
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		2,477,703				1,416,036				—			3,893,739		15.1		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,072,415				60,491				5,232			1,127,674		4.4		(300		)
	Asset-backed securities		1,082,883				23,322				8,093			1,098,112		4.3		354
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,448,372				93,304				7,402			1,534,274		5.9		(1,609		)
	U.S. government and agencies		444,529				28,879				—			473,408		1.8		—
	State and political subdivisions		378,403				54,496				3,128			429,771		1.7		—
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,944,822				129,615				9,327			2,065,110		8		—
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	22,933,716			$	2,965,520			$	98,013		$	25,801,223	100	%	$	(1,555	)
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	90,643			$	5,136			$	1,405		$	94,374	70.1	%
	Other equity securities		39,395				894				44			40,245		29.9
	Total equity securities		$	130,038			$	6,030			$	1,449		$	134,619	100	%
	December 31, 2014:		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized			Estimated Fair		% of		Other-than-
																		temporary impairments
			Cost				Gains				Losses			Value		Total		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	%
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized			Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost			Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral	$	148,411			$	160,448			$	127,229		$	134,863
	Fixed maturity securities received as collateral	n/a				128,643				n/a			117,227
	Securities held in trust	9,719,868				10,628,413				10,197,489			10,922,947
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands).
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized			Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost			Fair Value
	Fixed maturity securities guaranteed or issued by:
	Canadian province of Ontario	$	901,634			$	1,351,722			$	979,908		$	1,359,339
	Canadian province of Quebec	934,860				1,628,425				1,006,315			1,599,673
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2015 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		$	594,886			$	600,953
	Due after one year through five years		4,504,020				4,771,660
	Due after five years through ten years		7,388,162				7,862,501
	Due after ten years		6,842,978				8,806,049
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities		3,603,670				3,760,060
	Total		$	22,933,716			$	25,801,223
Fixed Maturity Holdings Industry Types Weighted Average Credit Ratings [Table Text Block]	The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:						Estimated
			Amortized Cost				Fair Value				% of Total
	Finance		$	4,842,257			$	5,186,461			34.2	%
	Industrial		7,699,936				8,270,678				54.4
	Utility		1,542,396				1,721,996				11.4
	Total		$	14,084,589			$	15,179,135			100	%
	December 31, 2014:						Estimated
			Amortized Cost				Fair Value				% of Total
	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	%
Investments In Debt And Equity Securities Gross Unrealized Losses Disclosures	The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 687 and 932 fixed maturity and equity securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
			Gross				% of Total			Gross			% of Total
			Unrealized							Unrealized
			Losses							Losses
	Less than 20%		$	72,598			73	%		$	111,965		83	%
	20% or more for less than six months		15,318				15.4			13,698			10.1
	20% or more for six months or greater		11,546				11.6			9,256			6.9
	Total		$	99,462			100	%		$	134,919		100	%
Fair Value And Investments In Debt And Marketable Equity Securities And Certain Trading Assets Disclosures	The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for 687 and 932 fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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
							Gross							Gross					Gross
	March 31, 2015:		Estimated				Unrealized				Estimated			Unrealized		Estimated			Unrealized
			Fair Value				Losses				Fair Value			Losses		Fair Value			Losses
	Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	805,091			$	18,419			$	227,150		$	15,576	$	1,032,241		$	33,995
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		100,937				1,507				62,201			3,228		163,138			4,735
	Asset-backed securities		285,839				2,774				99,896			3,381		385,735			6,155
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		49,304				162				20,733			1,590		70,037			1,752
	State and political subdivisions		—				—				13,647			3,128		13,647			3,128
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		109,347				5,560				36,737			1,494		146,084			7,054
	Total investment grade securities		1,350,518				28,422				460,364			28,397		1,810,882			56,819
	Below investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		357,118				28,279				25,560			2,557		382,678			30,836
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		10,308				83				12,033			414		22,341			497
	Asset-backed securities		14,478				231				6,715			1,707		21,193			1,938
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		6,739				240				5,522			5,410		12,261			5,650
	Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		15,375				2,145				2,910			128		18,285			2,273
	Total below investment grade securities		404,018				30,978				52,740			10,216		456,758			41,194
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	1,754,536			$	59,400			$	513,104		$	38,613	$	2,267,640		$	98,013
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	20,885			$	501			$	6,649		$	904	$	27,534		$	1,405
	Other equity securities		8,597				44				—			—		8,597			44
	Total equity securities		$	29,482			$	545			$	6,649		$	904	$	36,131		$	1,449
			Less than 12 months								12 months or greater					Total
							Gross							Gross					Gross
	December 31, 2014:		Estimated				Unrealized				Estimated			Unrealized		Estimated			Unrealized
			Fair Value				Losses				Fair Value			Losses		Fair Value			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
	Below 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 below 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
Investment Income	Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		$	269,768			$	243,962
	Mortgage loans on real estate		34,772				33,092
	Policy loans		14,040				13,438
	Funds withheld at interest		112,260				112,739
	Short-term investments		695				965
	Other invested assets		12,027				14,501
	Investment income		443,562				418,697
	Investment expense		(16,671		)		(14,322		)
	Investment income, net of related expenses		$	426,891			$	404,375
Gain Loss On Investments	Investment related gains (losses), net consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings	$	(2,527	)		$	(303	)
	Gain on investment activity	19,201				8,067
	Loss on investment activity	(13,596		)		(6,583		)
	Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision	(4,168		)		1,664
	Derivatives and other, net	8,673				81,726
	Total investment related gains (losses), net	$	7,583			$	84,571
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
		Amortized				Estimated				Amortized			Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value				Cost			Fair Value
	Borrowed securities	$	193,840			$	207,476			$	201,050		$	212,946
	Repurchase program securities pledged	91,875				108,268				92,446			107,158
	Repurchase program/reverse repurchase program:
	Securities pledged	298,625				317,368				298,466			314,160
	Securities received	n/a				346,560				n/a			338,929
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
	Property type:		Recorded				% of Total			Recorded			% of Total
			Investment							Investment
	Office building		$	937,939			32.2	%		$	851,749		31.3	%
	Retail		890,080				30.5			802,466			29.6
	Industrial		474,310				16.2			466,583			17.2
	Apartment		404,174				13.8			376,430			13.8
	Other commercial		213,113				7.3			221,481			8.1
	Total		$	2,919,616			100	%		$	2,718,709		100	%
Mortgage Loans Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
			Recorded				% of Total			Recorded			% of Total
			Investment							Investment
	Due within five years		$	923,234			31.6	%		$	860,362		31.6	%
	Due after five years through ten years		1,263,984				43.3			1,165,530			42.9
	Due after ten years		732,398				25.1			692,817			25.5
	Total		$	2,919,616			100	%		$	2,718,709		100	%
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
	Internal credit quality grade:		Recorded				% of Total			Recorded			% of Total
			Investment							Investment
	High investment grade		$	1,404,166			48	%		$	1,326,199		48.8	%
	Investment grade		1,377,802				47.2			1,235,046			45.4
	Average		98,531				3.4			118,152			4.4
	Watch list		22,161				0.8			22,285			0.8
	In or near default		16,956				0.6			17,027			0.6
	Total		$	2,919,616			100	%		$	2,718,709		100	%
Recorded Investment And Allowance For Credit Losses	The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Mortgage loans:
	Individually measured for impairment		$	16,956			$	17,027
	Collectively measured for impairment		2,902,660				2,701,682
	Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		2,919,616				2,718,709
	Valuation allowances:
	Individually measured for impairment		713				816
	Collectively measured for impairment		5,417				5,655
	Total valuation allowances		6,130				6,471
			$	2,913,486			$	2,712,238
	Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances
Allowance For Mortgage Loan And Lease Losses Provision For Loss Net	Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Balance, beginning of period		$	6,471			$	10,106
	Charge-offs, net of recoveries		—				24
	Provision (release)		(341		)		(1,664		)
	Balance, end of period		$	6,130			$	8,466
Impaired Financing Receivables Table	Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
			Unpaid				Recorded				Related			Carrying
			Principal				Investment				Allowance			Value
			Balance
	March 31, 2015:
	Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	7,296			$	6,693			$	—		$	6,693
	Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded		10,227				10,263				713			9,550
	Total impaired mortgage loans		$	17,523			$	16,956			$	713		$	16,243
	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
	The Company’s average investment in impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015								2014
			Average				Interest				Average			Interest
			Recorded				Income				Recorded			Income
			Investment(1)								Investment(1)
	Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	10,290			$	106			$	14,539		$	318
			6,702				155				20,554			193
	Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
	Total impaired mortgage loans		$	16,992			$	261			$	35,093		$	511
	(1) Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances
Schedule Of Other Invested Assets [Table Text Block]	Carrying values of these assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Equity securities		$	134,619			$	126,860
	Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures		450,842				446,604
	Structured loans		148,377				164,309
	Derivatives		265,020				216,966
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		136,597				140,344
	Other		107,578				103,236
	Total other invested assets		$	1,243,033			$	1,198,319

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15												31-Dec-14
			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		$	1,000,440			$	111,886			$	3,532			$	1,144,661			$	93,783			$	3,934
	Interest rate options		—				—				—				240,000				18,195				—
	Financial futures		249,212				—				—				275,983				—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		80,000				71				10,585				67,967				87				15,098
	Consumer price index swaps		39,024				—				386				41,938				—				561
	Credit default swaps		870,700				13,563				4,166				805,700				11,689				3,502
	Equity options		506,226				38,747				—				555,361				35,242				—
	Longevity swaps		482,895				8,602				—				450,000				7,727				—
	Mortality swaps		50,000				—				1,276				50,000				—				797
	Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts		6,577,133				—				—				6,500,942				—				—
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		—				19,769				—				—				22,094				—
	Indexed annuity products		—				—				947,857				—				—				925,887
	Variable annuity products		—				—				184,413				—				—				159,279
	Total non-hedging derivatives		9,855,630				192,638				1,152,215				10,132,552				188,817				1,109,058
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		120,000				—				25,848				120,000				—				18,228
	Foreign currency swaps		672,053				116,588				32				676,972				70,906				—
	Forward bond purchase commitments		178,152				1,917				7,666				196,452				1,175				14,545
	Total hedging derivatives		970,205				118,505				33,546				993,424				72,081				32,773
	Total derivatives		$	10,825,835			$	311,143			$	1,185,761			$	11,125,976			$	260,898			$	1,141,831
Offsetting Assets And Liabilities	The following table provides information relating to the Company’s derivative instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (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
	March 31, 2015:
	Derivative assets		$	291,374			$	(17,752	)		$	273,622			$	(24,514	)		$	(219,016	)		$	30,092
	Derivative liabilities		53,491				(17,752		)		35,739				(55,397		)		(5,120		)		(24,778		)
	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		)
	The Company has elected to include all derivatives, except embedded derivatives, in the tables below, irrespective of whether the
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 condensed consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of period		$	(31,591	)		$	(4,578	)
	Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		213				776
	Amounts reclassified to investment related gains (losses), net		840				—
	Amounts reclassified to investment income		(60		)		(218		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period		$	(30,598	)		$	(4,020	)
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 condensed consolidated statements of income and AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(7,567	)		$	60			Investment Income		$	7			Investment related gains (losses)
	Forward bond purchase commitments		7,780				(840		)		Investment related gains (losses)		—				Investment related gains (losses)
	Total		$	213			$	(780	)				$	7
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Interest rate swaps		$	776			$	218			Investment Income		$	(6	)		Investment related gains (losses)
Derivatives Hedging Instruments In Net Investment Hedging Relationships	The following table illustrates the Company’s net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
			For the three months ended March 31,
	Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)		2015				2014
	Foreign currency swaps		$	49,966			$	23,080
	-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	A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
					Gain (Loss) for the three months ended
					March 31,
	Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)		2015				2014
	Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	29,344			$	29,653
	Interest rate options		Investment related gains (losses), net		3,275				1,282
	Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net		(7,331		)		(1,584		)
	Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net		(220		)		1,154
	CPI swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		(71		)		352
	Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		2,658				(2,114		)
	Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net		(8,067		)		(8,966		)
	Longevity swaps		Other revenues		1,821				—
	Mortality swaps		Other revenues		(479		)		—
	Subtotal				20,930				19,777
	Embedded derivatives in:
	Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements		Investment related gains (losses), net		(2,325		)		77,241
	Indexed annuity products		Interest credited		(29,326		)		(23,840		)
	Variable annuity products		Investment related gains (losses), net		(25,133		)		(23,661		)
	Total non-hedging derivatives				$	(35,854	)		$	49,517
Disclosure Of Credit Derivatives	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15											31-Dec-14
	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		$	1,819			$	182,500			4.4			$	1,498			$	167,500			4.6
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
	Subtotal		1,819				182,500				4.4			1,498				167,500				4.6
	BBB+/BBB/BBB-
	Single name credit default swaps		232				267,200				4.7			168				217,200				4.9
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		7,518				416,000				5.2			6,651				416,000				5
	Subtotal		7,750				683,200				5			6,819				633,200				4.9
	BB+
	Single name credit default swaps		(172		)		5,000				4.2			(130		)		5,000				4.5
	Credit default swaps referencing indices		—				—				—			—				—				—
	Subtotal		(172		)		5,000				4.2			(130		)		5,000				4.5
	Total		$	9,397			$	870,700			4.9			$	8,187			$	805,700			4.9
	-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	The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Embedded derivatives in modco or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains	$	(2,325	)		$	77,241
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income	(2,588		)		18,079
	Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains	(25,133		)		(23,661		)
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income	(9,409		)		(13,669		)
	Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses	(29,326		)		(23,840		)
	After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income	(15,999		)		(18,375		)
Credit Risk	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position		$	230,557			$	175,209
	Cash provided as collateral(1)		5,120				—
	Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)		55,397				47,222
	Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)		(219,016		)		(178,141		)
	Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)		(24,514		)		(20,260		)
	Initial margin for cleared derivatives(2)		(31,291		)		(16,333		)
	Net credit exposure		$	16,253			$	7,697
	Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)		$	6,267			$	7,976
	-1	Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
	-2	Included in available-for-sale securities, 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 Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:					Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Total			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	15,179,135		$	141,501			$	13,750,655		$	1,286,979
	Canadian and Canadian provincial governments		3,893,739			—				3,893,739			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1,127,674			—				935,095			192,579
	Asset-backed securities		1,098,112			—				488,676			609,436
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		1,534,274			—				1,440,405			93,869
	U.S. government and agencies securities		473,408			385,705				59,947			27,756
	State and political subdivision securities		429,771			—				387,896			41,875
	Other foreign government supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises		2,065,110			273,890				1,776,018			15,202
	Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		25,801,223			801,096				22,732,431			2,267,696
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives		19,769			—				—			19,769
	Cash equivalents		376,508			376,508				—			—
	Short-term investments		59,931			36,465				23,466			—
	Other invested assets:
	Non-redeemable preferred stock		94,374			86,382				—			7,992
	Other equity securities		40,245			40,245				—			—
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		100,290			—				100,290			—
	CPI swaps		(386		)	—				(386		)	—
	Credit default swaps		9,781			—				9,781			—
	Equity options		38,747			—				38,747			—
	Foreign currency swaps		116,588			—				116,588			—
	FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments		136,597			131,932				4,665			—
	Other		12,480			12,480				—			—
	Total other invested assets		548,716			271,039				269,685			7,992
	Other assets – longevity swaps		8,602			—				—			8,602
	Total		$	26,814,749		$	1,485,108			$	23,025,582		$	2,304,059
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives		$	1,132,270		$	—			$	—		$	1,132,270
	Other liabilities:
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate swaps		17,784			—				17,784			—
	Foreign currency forwards		10,514			—				10,514			—
	Credit default swaps		384			—				384			—
	Foreign currency swaps		32			—				32			—
	Forward purchase commitments		5,749			—				5,749			—
	Mortality swaps		1,276			—				—			1,276
	Total		$	1,168,009		$	—			$	34,463		$	1,133,546
	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
Fair Value Unobservable Input Measurements [Table Text Block]	The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed by the Company, which does not include unobservable Level 3 asset and liability measurements provided by third parties, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:					Valuation Technique		Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
			Fair Value
	Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities		$	5,038		Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		1	%
	Corporate securities		221,072			Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		0-2% (1%)
	U.S. government and agencies		27,985			Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		0-1% (1%)
	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		19,769			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		8,602			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100%  (2%)
								Mortality improvement		(10%)-10%  (3%)
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		947,857			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		184,413			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100% (2%)
								Lapse		0-25% (9%)
								Withdrawal		0-7% (3%)
								CVA		0-5% (1%)
								Long-term volatility		0-27% (10%)
	Mortality swaps		1,276			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100%  (1%)
		December 31, 2014:		Fair Value			Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range (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%)
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2015:					Valuation Technique		Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
			Fair Value
	Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities		$	5,038		Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		1	%
	Corporate securities		221,072			Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		0-2% (1%)
	U.S. government and agencies		27,985			Market comparable securities		Liquidity premium		0-1% (1%)
	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		19,769			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		8,602			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100%  (2%)
								Mortality improvement		(10%)-10%  (3%)
	Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		947,857			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		184,413			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100% (2%)
								Lapse		0-25% (9%)
								Withdrawal		0-7% (3%)
								CVA		0-5% (1%)
								Long-term volatility		0-27% (10%)
	Mortality swaps		1,276			Discounted cash flow		Mortality		0-100%  (1%)
		December 31, 2014:		Fair Value			Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range (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%)
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015							2014
			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		$	625		$	5,100			$	—		$	—
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 three months ended March 31, 2014, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
			Corporate			Residential mortgage-backed securities				Asset-backed securities			Commercial mortgage-backed securities			U.S. government and agencies securities
			securities
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	1,345,289		$	153,505			$	471,848		$	101,785		$	40,919
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		(1,111		)	56				2,057			372			(97		)
	Investment related gains (losses), net		(161		)	106				304			86			(195		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—
	Included in other comprehensive income		2,450			2,887				5,501			3,035			305
	Purchases (1)		79,512			18,750				59,224			—			128
	Sales(1)		(38,747		)	(744		)		(6,612		)	(14,626		)	—
	Settlements(1)		(51,944		)	(6,172		)		(6,315		)	(279		)	(3,029		)
	Transfers into Level 3		6,930			10,563				5,948			—			—
	Transfers out of Level 3		(50,517		)	(1,024		)		(29,280		)	—			—
	Fair value, end of period		$	1,291,701		$	177,927			$	502,675		$	90,373		$	38,031
	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		$	(1,062	)	$	52			$	2,050		$	428		$	(97	)
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				—			—			—
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—
			Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 (continued):		State and political subdivision securities			Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises				Funds			Other invested assets- non-redeemable preferred stock			Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
										withheld
										at interest-
										embedded
										derivatives
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	43,776		$	37,997			$	(176,270	)	$	4,962		$	(868,726	)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
	Investment income, net of related expenses		12			—				—			—			—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		(4		)	—				77,241			—			(23,661		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—				—			—			(23,840		)
	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—
	Included in other comprehensive income		113			—				—			—			—
	Purchases(1)		—			—				—			—			(15,193		)
	Sales(1)		—			—				—			—			—
	Settlements(1)		(64		)	(298		)		—			—			19,433
	Transfers into Level 3		—			—				—			—			—
	Transfers out of Level 3		—			(26,542		)		—			(4,962		)	—
	Fair value, end of period		$	43,833		$	11,157			$	(99,029	)	$	—		$	(911,987	)
	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		$	12		$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—
	Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				77,241			—			(24,211		)
	Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—
	Interest credited		—			—				—			—			(43,273		)
	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 three months ended March 31, 2015, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015:		Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
			Corporate			Residential				Asset-backed			Commercial			U.S. government			State
			securities			mortgage-				securities			mortgage-			and agencies			and political
						backed							backed			securities			subdivision
						securities							securities						securities
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	1,310,427		$	188,094			$	572,960		$	86,746		$	28,529		$	42,711
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		(803		)	(140		)		1,419			594			(19		)	7
Investment related gains (losses), net		(405		)	(82		)		73			87			(107		)	(4		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income		6,069			523				3,632			(310		)	176			25
Purchases(1)		36,900			11,439				40,991			—			121			—
Sales(1)		—			(714		)		(7,356		)	(956		)	—			—
Settlements(1)		(59,600		)	(5,719		)		(4,122		)	(5,120		)	(944		)	(29		)
Transfers into Level 3		—			600				9,055			12,828			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		(5,609		)	(1,422		)		(7,216		)	—			—			(835		)
Fair value, end of period		$	1,286,979		$	192,579			$	609,436		$	93,869		$	27,756		$	41,875
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		$	(803	)	$	(141	)		$	1,399		$	589		$	(19	)	$	7
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				—			—			—			—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			—			—
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 (continued):		Fixed maturity securities
		available-for-sale
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises			Funds withheld				Other invested assets - non-redeemable preferred stock			Other assets longevity swaps			Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives			Other liabilities mortality swaps
					at interest-
					embedded
					derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period		$	19,663		$	22,094			$	7,904		$	7,727		$	(1,085,166	)	$	(797	)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		—			—				—			—			—			—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			(2,325		)		—			—			(25,133		)	—
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			—				—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		—			—				—			—			(29,326		)	—
Included in other comprehensive income		182			—				88			1,821			—			—
Other revenues		—			—				—			(946		)	—			(479		)
Purchases(1)		—			—				29			—			(11,644		)	—
Sales(1)		—			—				—			—			—			—
Settlements(1)		(310		)	—				—			—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3		—			—				—			—			18,999			—
Transfers out of Level 3		(4,333		)	—				(29		)	—			—			—
Fair value, end of period		$	15,202		$	19,769			$	7,992		$	8,602		$	(1,132,270	)	$	(1,276	)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
Included in earnings, net:
Investment income, net of related expenses		$	—		$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Investment related gains (losses), net		—			—				—			—			(28,245		)	—
Other revenues		—			—				—			(946		)	—			(479		)
Claims & other policy benefits		—			—				—			—			—			—
Interest credited		—			(2,325		)		—			—			(48,324		)	—
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.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]	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 March 31,							Three months ended March 31,
	(dollars in thousands)		2015			2014				2015			2014
	Mortgage loans(1)		$	3,540		$	10,660			$	50		$	380
	Limited partnership interests(2)		13,667			—				(4,509		)	—
	-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.
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (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.
	March 31, 2015:		Carrying Value			Estimated				Fair Value Measurement Using:
						Fair Value				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	2,913,486		$	3,053,041			$	—		$	—		$	3,053,041
	Policy loans		1,284,085			1,284,085				—			1,284,085			—
	Funds withheld at interest(1)		5,815,835			6,305,645				—			—			6,305,645
	Cash and cash equivalents(2)		706,671			706,671				706,671			—			—
	Short-term investments(2)		29,205			29,205				29,205			—			—
	Other invested assets(2)		458,423			510,287				4,637			35,446			470,204
	Accrued investment income		283,665			283,665				—			283,665			—
	Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)		$	9,479,958		$	9,830,871			$	—		$	—		$	9,830,871
	Long-term debt		2,313,884			2,527,728				—			—			2,527,728
	Collateral finance and securitization notes		774,351			684,719				—			—			684,719
	December 31, 2014:		Carrying Value			Estimated				Fair Value Measurement Using:
						Fair 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
	-1	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated Text Block	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 and total assets of the Company for each reportable segment are summarized below (dollars in thousands).
		Three months ended March 31,
	Total revenues:	2015			2014
	U.S. and Latin America:
	Traditional	$	1,255,290		$	1,278,692
	Non-Traditional	192,673			288,621
	Total	1,447,963			1,567,313
	Canada:
	Traditional	265,004			271,444
	Non-Traditional	11,874			6,305
	Total	276,878			277,749
	Europe, Middle East and Africa:
	Traditional	295,232			307,750
	Non-Traditional	55,376			58,107
	Total	350,608			365,857
	Asia Pacific:
	Traditional	393,875			386,889
	Non-Traditional	19,570			28,140
	Total	413,445			415,029
	Corporate and Other	31,719			31,225
	Total	$	2,520,613		$	2,657,173
Reconciliation Of Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated Text Block
		Three months ended March 31,
	Income (loss) before income taxes:	2015			2014
	U.S. and Latin America:
	Traditional	$	17,843		$	50,972
	Non-Traditional	54,505			83,124
	Total	72,348			134,096
	Canada:
	Traditional	22,727			19,433
	Non-Traditional	4,131			631
	Total	26,858			20,064
	Europe, Middle East and Africa:
	Traditional	10,482			(992		)
	Non-Traditional	19,634			16,197
	Total	30,116			15,205
	Asia Pacific:
	Traditional	52,648			18,867
	Non-Traditional	10,145			7,444
	Total	62,793			26,311
	Corporate and Other	(7,990		)	3,764
	Total	$	184,125		$	199,440
Reconciliation Of Assets From Segment To Consolidated Text Block
	Total Assets:	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	U.S. and Latin America:
	Traditional	$	14,835,231		$	14,159,824
	Non-Traditional	11,548,878			11,572,251
	Total	26,384,109			25,732,075
	Canada:
	Traditional	3,859,043			3,946,942
	Non-Traditional	43,708			49,186
	Total	3,902,751			3,996,128
	Europe, Middle East and Africa:
	Traditional	2,438,389			2,514,868
	Non-Traditional	2,075,279			2,178,454
	Total	4,513,668			4,693,322
	Asia Pacific:
	Traditional	2,953,837			2,951,723
	Non-Traditional	657,826			667,645
	Total	3,611,663			3,619,368
	Corporate and Other	6,279,077			6,638,718
	Total	$	44,691,268		$	44,679,611

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Limited partnerships	$	233,330		$	254,314
	Commercial mortgage loans	28,750			33,850
	Bank loans and revolving credit agreements	49,835			52,859
	Equity release mortgages	8,509			8,549
Credit Facilities	The following table provides additional information on the Company’s credit facilities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
						Amount Utilized(1)
	Facility Capacity			Maturity Date		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14		Basis of Fees
	$	850,000		September 2019		$	577,157	$	204,774	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
	77,259(2)			Nov-15		77,259		74,623		Fixed
	120,000			May-16		80,040		80,040		Fixed
	38,035(2)			May-16		26,625		28,612		Fixed
	150,000			Jun-16		130,000		130,000		Fixed
	100,000			Jun-17		74,898		81,747		Fixed
	270,000			Nov-17		270,000		270,000		Fixed
	63,174(2)			Mar-19		63,174		80,961		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.
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	RGA’s guarantees issued as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Treaty guarantees	$	793,815		$	826,496
	Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust	650,115			664,913
	Borrowed securities	193,840			201,050
	Financing arrangements	132,193			100,000
	Lease obligations	6,085			6,085
Other Commitments [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the maximum potential obligation for these commitments as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in millions):
	Commitment Period	31-Mar-15
	2023	$	500
	2033	950
	2034	3,000
	2035	500
	2036	1,432

Income_Tax_Income_Tax_Tables

Income Tax Income Tax (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate	$	64,444		$	69,804
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate	(5,517		)	(3,221		)
	Differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions	(6,670		)	250
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	6,791			(3,157		)
	Amounts related to tax audit contingencies	952			778
	Corporate rate changes	272			(17		)
	Subpart F	6,434			2,439
	Foreign tax credits	(2,343		)	(855		)
	Return to provision adjustments	(4,765		)	(3,353		)
	Other, net	(587		)	108
	Total provision for income taxes	$	59,011		$	62,776
	Effective tax rate	32.1		%	31.5		%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Text Block	The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three months ended March 31,						Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015		2014
	Service cost	$	2,030		$	1,501		$	589	$	470
	Interest Cost	1,243			808			491		338
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,118		)	(933		)	—		—
	Amortization of prior service cost	83			2			—		—
	Amortization of prior actuarial loss	439			673			265		217
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,677		$	2,051		$	1,345	$	1,025

Retrocession_Arrangements_and_1

Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Retrocession Arrangements And Reinsurance Ceded Receivables [Abstract]
Ceded Credit Risk [Table Text Block]	The following table presents information for the Company's reinsurance ceded 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Reinsurer	A.M. Best Rating	Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total
	Reinsurer A	A+	$	197,021	29.6	%	$	210,996	36.5	%
	Reinsurer B	A+	152,870		23		45,541		7.9
	Reinsurer C	A+	74,754		11.2		74,412		12.9
	Reinsurer D	A++	49,313		7.4		43,154		7.5
	Reinsurer E	A	45,468		6.8		43,818		7.6
	Other reinsurers		146,371		22		160,285		27.6
	Total		$	665,797	100	%	$	578,206	100	%

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Shares) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract]
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$125,114	$136,664
Shares:
Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)	68,141	70,574
Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	801	690
Denominator for diluted calculation	68,942	71,264
Earnings Per Share:
Basic earnings per share	$1.84	$1.94
Diluted earnings per share	$1.81	$1.92

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount	0.3	0.3
Contingently Issuable Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount	0.7	0.9

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Balance of and Changes in Each Component of AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	$391,626		$424,772
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	-157,639		-147,536
Net income	125,114		136,664
Balance, Beginning of Period	1,657,129		1,005,607
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	184,125		199,440
Balance, End of Period	1,884,236		1,279,499
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-59,011		-62,776
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	233,987		277,236
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax	-103,285		-45,428
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	-14,486		2,745
Net income	0		0
Balance, Beginning of Period	81,847		207,083
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	0		0
Balance, End of Period	-35,924		164,400
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-117,771		-42,683
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax	494,294	[1]	469,975	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, before Reclassification Adjustments, Tax	-142,978	[1]	-150,217	[1]
Net income	-7,392	[1]	-3,924	[1]
Balance, Beginning of Period	1,624,773	[1]	820,245	[1]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-8,252	[1]	-5,828	[1]
Balance, End of Period	1,968,697	[1]	1,136,079	[1]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	860	[1]	1,904	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	351,316	[1]	319,758	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	617		225
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	-175		-64
Net income	512		580
Balance, Beginning of Period	-49,491		-21,721
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	787		892
Balance, End of Period	-48,537		-20,980
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	275		312
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	442		161
Amounts Reclassified From AOCI [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Net income	-6,880		-3,344
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-7,465		-4,936
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($585)		($1,592)
[1]	Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment related gains (losses), net	$10,110		$84,874
Investment income	426,891		404,375
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	184,125		199,440
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-59,011		-62,776
Net income	125,114		136,664
Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	8,252		5,828
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-860		-1,904
Net income	7,392		3,924
Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] | Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment related gains (losses), net	3,079		1,189
Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] | Gains Losses On Qualifying Cash Flow Hedging Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment income	840		218
Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] | DAC Attributed To Unrealized Gains Losses [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses	4,333	[1]	4,421	[1]
Amortization Of Unrealized Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-787		-892
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	275		312
Net income	-512		-580
Amounts Reclassified From AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	6,880		3,344
Prior Service Cost [Member] | Amortization Of Unrealized Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior service cost	-83	[2]	-2	[2]
Actuarial Gains Losses [Member] | Amortization Of Unrealized Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Actuarial gains/(losses)	($704)	[2]	($890)	[2]
[1]	This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” of the 2014 Annual Report 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.

Investments_Investments_in_Fix

Investments (Investments in Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$14,084,589	$14,010,604
Unrealized Losses	99,462	134,919
Estimated Fair Value	15,179,135	14,885,583
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	22,933,716	23,105,597
Unrealized Gains	2,965,520	2,508,673
Unrealized Losses	98,013	133,298
Estimated Fair Value	25,801,223	25,480,972
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	1,555	-1,555
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	130,038	120,534
Unrealized Gains	6,030	7,947
Unrealized Losses	1,449	1,621
Estimated Fair Value	134,619	126,860
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	14,084,589	14,010,604
Unrealized Gains	1,159,377	965,523
Unrealized Losses	64,831	90,544
Estimated Fair Value	15,179,135	14,885,583
% of Total	58.80%	58.40%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	0	0
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,477,703	2,668,852
Unrealized Gains	1,416,036	1,196,420
Unrealized Losses	0	7
Estimated Fair Value	3,893,739	3,865,265
% of Total	15.10%	15.20%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,072,415	991,867
Unrealized Gains	60,491	52,640
Unrealized Losses	5,232	6,611
Estimated Fair Value	1,127,674	1,037,896
% of Total	4.40%	4.10%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	-300	-300
Asset-backed securities | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,082,883	1,059,660
Unrealized Gains	23,322	20,301
Unrealized Losses	8,093	10,375
Estimated Fair Value	1,098,112	1,069,586
% of Total	4.30%	4.20%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	354	354
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,448,372	1,453,657
Unrealized Gains	93,304	87,593
Unrealized Losses	7,402	8,659
Estimated Fair Value	1,534,274	1,532,591
% of Total	5.90%	6.00%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	-1,609	-1,609
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	444,529	501,352
Unrealized Gains	28,879	25,014
Unrealized Losses	0	515
Estimated Fair Value	473,408	525,851
% of Total	1.80%	2.00%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	0	0
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	378,403	378,457
Unrealized Gains	54,496	51,117
Unrealized Losses	3,128	3,498
Estimated Fair Value	429,771	426,076
% of Total	1.70%	1.70%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	0	0
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,944,822	2,041,148
Unrealized Gains	129,615	110,065
Unrealized Losses	9,327	13,089
Estimated Fair Value	2,065,110	2,138,124
% of Total	8.00%	8.40%
Other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI	0	0
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	90,643	93,540
Unrealized Gains	5,136	7,350
Unrealized Losses	1,405	1,527
Estimated Fair Value	94,374	99,363
% of Total	70.10%	78.30%
Other equity securities | Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	39,395	26,994
Unrealized Gains	894	597
Unrealized Losses	44	94
Estimated Fair Value	$40,245	$27,497
% of Total	29.90%	21.70%

Investments_Fixed_Maturity_Sec

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities Pledged And Received As Collateral) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$14,084,589	$14,010,604
Available-for-sale Securities	15,179,135	14,885,583
Collateral Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	148,411	127,229
Available-for-sale Securities	160,448	134,863
Collateral Received Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	128,643	117,227
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Assets Held-in-trust	9,719,868	10,197,489
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Assets Held-in-trust	$10,628,413	$10,922,947

Investments_Exposure_To_Concen

Investments (Exposure To Concentrations Of Credit Risk) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$14,084,589	$14,010,604
Available-for-sale Securities	15,179,135	14,885,583
Canadian Province Of Quebec Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	934,860	1,006,315
Available-for-sale Securities	1,628,425	1,599,673
Canadian Province Of Ontario Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	901,634	979,908
Available-for-sale Securities	$1,351,722	$1,359,339

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$594,886
Due after one year through five years	4,504,020
Due after five year through ten years	7,388,162
Due after ten years	6,842,978
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	3,603,670
Total	22,933,716	23,105,597
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Fair Value
Due in one year or less	600,953
Due after one year through five years	4,771,660
Due after five year through ten years	7,862,501
Due after ten years	8,806,049
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	3,760,060
Total	$25,801,223	$25,480,972

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and1

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Holdings by Industry Type) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Corporate Securities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$14,084,589	$14,010,604
Estimated Fair Value	15,179,135	14,885,583
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Finance
Corporate Securities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	4,842,257	4,789,568
Estimated Fair Value	5,186,461	5,066,408
% of Total	34.20%	34.00%
Industrial
Corporate Securities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	7,699,936	7,639,330
Estimated Fair Value	8,270,678	8,086,067
% of Total	54.40%	54.30%
Utility
Corporate Securities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,542,396	1,581,706
Estimated Fair Value	$1,721,996	$1,733,108
% of Total	11.40%	11.70%

Investments_Fair_Value_Below_A

Investments (Fair Value Below Amortized Cost of Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	$99,462	$134,919
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 20%
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	72,598	111,965
% of Total	73.00%	83.00%
20% or more for less than six months
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	15,318	13,698
% of Total	15.40%	10.10%
20% or more for six months or greater
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	$11,546	$9,256
% of Total	11.60%	6.90%

Investments_Fair_Value_and_Los

Investments (Fair Value and Losses by Investment Category and Length of Time in a Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	$1,754,536	$2,437,278
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	59,400	73,639
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	513,104	1,068,336
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	38,613	59,659
Estimated Fair Value	2,267,640	3,505,614
Gross Unrealized Losses	98,013	133,298
Equity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	29,482	11,619
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	545	235
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	6,649	22,645
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	904	1,386
Estimated Fair Value	36,131	34,264
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,449	1,621
Non-investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	404,018	469,408
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	30,978	33,311
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	52,740	51,539
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	10,216	10,805
Estimated Fair Value	456,758	520,947
Gross Unrealized Losses	41,194	44,116
Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	1,350,518	1,967,870
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	28,422	40,328
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	460,364	1,016,797
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	28,397	48,854
Estimated Fair Value	1,810,882	2,984,667
Gross Unrealized Losses	56,819	89,182
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Non-investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	357,118	415,886
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	28,279	29,316
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	25,560	32,567
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	2,557	3,404
Estimated Fair Value	382,678	448,453
Gross Unrealized Losses	30,836	32,720
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	805,091	1,225,767
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	18,419	27,784
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	227,150	614,294
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	15,576	30,040
Estimated Fair Value	1,032,241	1,840,061
Gross Unrealized Losses	33,995	57,824
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months		0
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months		0
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater		1,235
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater		7
Estimated Fair Value		1,235
Gross Unrealized Losses		7
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Non-investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	10,308	22,836
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	83	293
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	12,033	6,284
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	414	225
Estimated Fair Value	22,341	29,120
Gross Unrealized Losses	497	518
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	100,937	78,864
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	1,507	846
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	62,201	135,414
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	3,228	5,247
Estimated Fair Value	163,138	214,278
Gross Unrealized Losses	4,735	6,093
Asset-backed securities | Non-investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	14,478	12,448
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	231	274
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	6,715	7,108
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	1,707	1,791
Estimated Fair Value	21,193	19,556
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,938	2,065
Asset-backed securities | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	285,839	332,785
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	2,774	4,021
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	99,896	109,411
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	3,381	4,289
Estimated Fair Value	385,735	442,196
Gross Unrealized Losses	6,155	8,310
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Non-investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	6,739	3,288
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	240	249
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	5,522	5,580
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	5,410	5,385
Estimated Fair Value	12,261	8,868
Gross Unrealized Losses	5,650	5,634
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	49,304	78,632
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	162	564
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	20,733	28,375
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	1,590	2,461
Estimated Fair Value	70,037	107,007
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,752	3,025
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months		81,317
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months		89
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater		32,959
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater		426
Estimated Fair Value		114,276
Gross Unrealized Losses		515
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	0	13,780
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	0	17
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	13,647	18,998
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	3,128	3,438
Estimated Fair Value	13,647	32,778
Gross Unrealized Losses	3,128	3,455
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Non-investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	15,375	13,986
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	2,145	3,136
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	2,910	0
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	128	0
Estimated Fair Value	18,285	13,986
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,273	3,136
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Investment grade securities | Fixed maturity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	109,347	156,725
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	5,560	7,007
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	36,737	76,111
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	1,494	2,946
Estimated Fair Value	146,084	232,836
Gross Unrealized Losses	7,054	9,953
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Equity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	20,885	11,619
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	501	235
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	6,649	19,100
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	904	1,292
Estimated Fair Value	27,534	30,719
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,405	1,527
Other equity securities | Equity securities
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value - Less than 12 months	8,597	0
Gross Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	44	0
Estimated Fair Value - 12 months or greater	0	3,545
Gross Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	0	94
Estimated Fair Value	8,597	3,545
Gross Unrealized Losses	$44	$94

Investments_Investment_Income_

Investments (Investment Income Net of Related Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment revenue	$443,562	$418,697
Investment expense	-16,671	-14,322
Investment income, net of related expenses	426,891	404,375
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment revenue	269,768	243,962
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment revenue	34,772	33,092
Policy loans
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment revenue	14,040	13,438
Funds withheld at interest
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment revenue	112,260	112,739
Short-term Investments [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment revenue	695	965
Other invested assets
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment revenue	$12,027	$14,501

Investments_Investment_Related

Investments (Investment Related Gains (Losses) Net) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment Gains And Losses [Abstract]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$2,527	$303
Gain on investment activity	19,201	8,067
Loss on investment activity	-13,596	-6,583
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision	-4,168	1,664
Derivatives and other, net	8,673	81,726
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$7,583	$84,571

Investments_Borrowed_Securitie

Investments (Borrowed Securities Repurchased Securities And Repurchased Reversed Repurchased Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase	$91,875	$92,446
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Fair Value of Collateral	108,268	107,158
Securities for Reverse Repurchase Agreements	298,625	298,466
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	346,560	338,929
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities Borrowed	193,840	201,050
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities Borrowed	207,476	212,946
Securities for Reverse Repurchase Agreements	$317,368	$314,160

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Property Type) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Recorded investment	$2,919,616	$2,718,709
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
Apartment
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Recorded investment	404,174	376,430
Percentage of total	13.80%	13.80%
Retail
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Recorded investment	890,080	802,466
Percentage of total	30.50%	29.60%
Office building
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Recorded investment	937,939	851,749
Percentage of total	32.20%	31.30%
Industrial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Recorded investment	474,310	466,583
Percentage of total	16.20%	17.20%
Other commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Recorded investment	$213,113	$221,481
Percentage of total	7.30%	8.10%

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_1

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Maturity Date) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	$2,919,616	$2,718,709
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Due within five years
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	923,234	860,362
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	31.60%	31.60%
Due after five years through ten years
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	1,263,984	1,165,530
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	43.30%	42.90%
Due after ten years
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	$732,398	$692,817
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	25.10%	25.50%

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_2

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Credit Quality Indicator) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	$2,919,616	$2,718,709
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	100.00%	100.00%
High investment grade
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	1,404,166	1,326,199
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	48.00%	48.80%
Investment grade
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	1,377,802	1,235,046
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	47.20%	45.40%
Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	98,531	118,152
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	3.40%	4.40%
Watch list
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	22,161	22,285
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	0.80%	0.80%
In or near default
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances	$16,956	$17,027
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	0.60%	0.60%

Investments_Mortgage_Loans_by_3

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Method of Evaluation and Related Valuation Allowances) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans:
Total mortgage loans	$2,919,616	$2,718,709
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net, (Investment Based Operations Presentation) [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	2,913,486	2,712,238
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment
Mortgage Loans:
Evaluated individually for credit losses	16,956	17,027
Evaluated collectively for credit losses	2,902,660	2,701,682
Total mortgage loans	2,919,616	2,718,709
Valuation Allowances:
Specific for credit losses	713	816
Non-specifically identified credit losses	5,417	5,655
Total valuation allowances	$6,130	$6,471

Investments_Loan_Valuation_All

Investments (Loan Valuation Allowance for Mortgage Loans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Roll Forward
Balance, Beginning of Period	$6,471	$10,106
Charge-offs	0	24
Provision (release)	-341	-1,664
Balance, End of Period	$6,130	$8,466

Investments_Impaired_Mortgage_

Investments (Impaired Mortgage Loans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$17,523				$17,593
Recorded Investment	16,956				17,027
Related Allowance	713				816
Carrying Value	16,243				16,211
Average Investment	16,992	[1]	35,093	[1]
Interest Income	261		511
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	10,227				10,279
Recorded Investment	10,263				10,316
Related Allowance	713				816
Carrying Value	9,550				9,500
Average Investment	6,702	[1]	20,554	[1]
Interest Income	155		193
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	7,296				7,314
Recorded Investment	6,693				6,711
Related Allowance	0				0
Carrying Value	6,693				6,711
Average Investment	10,290	[1]	14,539	[1]
Interest Income	$106		$318
[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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$1,243,033	$1,198,319
Equity securities
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	134,619	126,860
Limited Partner [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	450,842	446,604
Structured loans
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	148,377	164,309
Derivatives
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	265,020	216,966
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	136,597	140,344
Other
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$107,578	$103,236

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	securities		securities
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held	$7,300,000	$11,700,000
Policy Loans Percent Of Total Investments	3.50%		3.50%
Mortgage Loan To Value Ratio on Approval	75.00%
Mortgage Loan Percent Of Cash And Invested Assets	7.80%		7.40%
Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Sold At Loss	199,600,000	235,100,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	13,596,000	6,583,000
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	687		932
Securities As Percentage Of Consolidated Stockholder Equity	10.00%
Securities Borrowed Or Pledged, Minimum Fair Value Percentage	100.00%
Minimum Collateral Balance of Cash Received Fair Value	105.00%
Collateral Obtained Percent Of Fair Value Reverse Repurchase Agreements	100.00%
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	100.00%		100.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Percent Of Total Investments	15.70%		16.10%
Funds withheld at interest	5,841,554,000		5,922,561,000
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Specific Client	4,200,000,000
Other Invested Assets Percent Of Cash And Invested Assets	3.30%		3.30%
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Repurchase Liability	101,700,000		101,400,000
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Fair Value of Collateral	108,268,000		107,158,000
Repurchase Agreement Counterparty, Amount at Risk	6,600,000		5,800,000
Investment in mortgage loans
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	20.30%		18.70%

Derivative_Instruments_Gross_N

Derivative Instruments (Gross Notional Amount and Fair Value of Derivatives Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$10,825,835	$11,125,976
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	311,143	260,898
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	1,185,761	1,141,831
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	9,855,630	10,132,552
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	192,638	188,817
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	1,152,215	1,109,058
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	1,000,440	1,144,661
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	111,886	93,783
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	3,532	3,934
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Options
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	240,000
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	18,195
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Financial Futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	249,212	275,983
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	80,000	67,967
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	71	87
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	10,585	15,098
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Consumer Price Index Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	39,024	41,938
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	386	561
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Credit Default Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	870,700	805,700
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	13,563	11,689
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	4,166	3,502
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Equity Options
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	506,226	555,361
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	38,747	35,242
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Longevity Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	482,895	450,000
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	8,602	7,727
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Mortality Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	50,000	50,000
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	1,276	797
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	19,769	22,094
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	947,857	925,887
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	184,413	159,279
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	6,577,133	6,500,942
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	970,205	993,424
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	118,505	72,081
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	33,546	32,773
Designated As Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	120,000	120,000
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	25,848	18,228
Designated As Hedging Instrument | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	672,053	676,972
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	116,588	70,906
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	32	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	178,152	196,452
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	1,917	1,175
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	$7,666	$14,545

Derivative_Instruments_Derivat

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Instruments Offsetting Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Derivative Fair Value Of Free Standing Derivative Asset	$291,374		$238,804
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	-17,752		-14,111
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet	273,622		224,693
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	-24,514	[1]	-20,260	[1]
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Pledged/Received	-219,016	[2]	-178,141	[2]
Net Amount	30,092		26,292
Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Recognized	53,491		56,665
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	-17,752		-14,111
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet	35,739		42,554
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet - Financial Instruments	-55,397	[3]	-47,222	[3]
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Pledged/Received	-5,120	[4]	0	[4]
Net Amount	($24,778)		($4,668)
[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 available-for-sale securities, 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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning	($31,591)	($4,578)
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges	213	776
Balance ending	-30,598	-4,020
Forward Contracts [Member]
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges	7,780
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges	-7,567	776
Investment Income [Member]
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	780
Investment Income [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-60	-218
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	$840	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Cash_Fl

Derivative Instruments (Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges	$213	$776
Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges	-7,567	776
Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges	7,780
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	7
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	7	-6
Investment Related Gains Losses [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	-840	0
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	-780
Investment Income [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	$60	$218

Derivative_Instruments_Hedges_

Derivative Instruments (Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations) (Details) (Currency Swap [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Currency Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	$49,966	[1],[2]	$23,080	[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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$7,583	$84,571
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	-277,043	-354,873
Interest credited	-120,678	-110,594
Other revenues	62,287	67,590
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-35,854	49,517
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swaps
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	29,344	29,653
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Options
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	3,275	1,282
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Financial Futures
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-7,331	-1,584
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forwards
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-220	1,154
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Consumer Price Index Swaps
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-71	352
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Credit Default Swaps
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	2,658	-2,114
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Equity Options
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-8,067	-8,966
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Longevity Swap [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Other revenues	1,821	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Mortality Swap [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Other revenues	-479	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-2,325	77,241
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Interest credited	-29,326	-23,840
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	($25,133)	($23,661)

Derivative_Instruments_Exposur

Derivative Instruments (Exposure from Credit Derivatives by Rating of the Underlying Credits) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	$9,397	[1]	$8,187	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	870,700	[1],[2]	805,700	[1],[2]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 11 months	[1],[3]	4 years 11 months	[1],[3]
Standard Poors AAA To A Minus Ratings [Member] | Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	1,819	[1]	1,498	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	182,500	[1],[2]	167,500	[1],[2]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 5 months	[1],[3]	4 years 7 months	[1],[3]
Standard Poors AAA To A Minus Ratings [Member] | Credit Default Swaps Referencing Indices [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Standard Poors AAA To A Minus Ratings [Member] | Credit Default Subtotal [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	1,819	[1]	1,498	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	182,500	[1],[2]	167,500	[1],[2]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 5 months	[1],[3]	4 years 7 months	[1],[3]
Standard Poors BBB Rating [Member] | Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	232	[1]	168	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	267,200	[1],[2]	217,200	[1],[2]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 8 months	[1],[3]	4 years 11 months	[1],[3]
Standard Poors BBB Rating [Member] | Credit Default Swaps Referencing Indices [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	7,518	[1]	6,651	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	416,000	[1],[2]	416,000	[1],[2]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	5 years 2 months	[1],[3]	5 years	[1],[3]
Standard Poors BBB Rating [Member] | Credit Default Subtotal [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	7,750	[1]	6,819	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	683,200	[1],[2]	633,200	[1],[2]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	5 years	[1],[3]	4 years 11 months	[1],[3]
Standard & Poor's, BB Rating [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Derivative Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 2 months	[1],[2]	4 years 6 months	[1],[2]
Standard & Poor's, BB Rating [Member] | Single Name Credit Default Swaps [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	-172	[1]	-130	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	5,000	[1],[2]	5,000	[1],[2]
Standard & Poor's, BB Rating [Member] | Credit Default Swaps Referencing Indices [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Standard & Poor's, BB Rating [Member] | Credit Default Subtotal [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative Current Fair Value	-172	[1]	-130	[1]
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	$5,000	[1],[2]	$5,000	[1],[2]
[1]	The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”).
[2]	Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
[3]	The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.

Derivative_Instruments_Changes

Derivative Instruments (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$7,583	$84,571
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives	20,930	19,777
Total benefits and expenses	2,336,488	2,457,733
Net income	125,114	136,664
Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-2,325	77,241
Net income	-2,588	18,079
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total benefits and expenses	-29,326	-23,840
Net income	-15,999	-18,375
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	-25,133	-23,661
Net income	($9,409)	($13,669)

Derivative_Instruments_Credit_

Derivative Instruments (Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset (liability) position	$230,557		$175,209
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	5,120	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	55,397	[2]	47,222	[2]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	-219,016	[3]	-178,141	[3]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	-24,514	[4]	-20,260	[4]
Deposits with Clearing Organizations and Others, Securities	-31,291		-16,333
Net credit exposure	16,253		7,697
Margin account related to exchange-traded futures	$6,267	[5]	$7,976	[5]
[1]	Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
[2]	Included in available-for-sale securities, 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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$0.10
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Gain Loss Recorded In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss For Terminated Net Investment In Foreign Operations Hedges	125.8		75.8
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk	0.1	-0.9
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss On Variable Annuity Contracts In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk		$0.50

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi2

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$25,801,223	$25,480,972
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	19,769	22,094
Cash and cash equivalents	376,508	899,846
Short-term investments	59,931	45,190
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	548,716	490,590
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	8,602	7,727
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	26,814,749	26,946,419
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	1,132,270	1,085,166
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		1,127,720
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,168,009
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	94,374	99,363
Other equity securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	40,245	27,497
Other
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	12,480	6,420
Interest Rate Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	100,290	84,578
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	17,784	12,957
Interest Rate Options
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		18,195
Foreign Currency Forwards
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	10,514	15,011
Currency Swap [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	116,588	70,906
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	32
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	136,597	140,344
Consumer Price Index Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	-386	-561
Credit Default Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	9,781	8,606
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	384	419
Equity Option [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	38,747	35,242
Mortality Swap [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	1,276	797
Purchase Commitment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	5,749	13,370
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	15,179,135	14,885,583
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	3,893,739	3,865,265
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,127,674	1,037,896
Asset-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,098,112	1,069,586
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,534,274	1,532,591
US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	473,408	525,851
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	429,771	426,076
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,065,110	2,138,124
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	801,096	838,946
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	376,508	899,846
Short-term investments	36,465	21,536
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	271,039	260,116
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,485,108	2,020,444
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	86,382	91,450
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Other equity securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	40,245	27,497
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Other
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	12,480	6,420
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Interest Rate Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Interest Rate Options
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Foreign Currency Forwards
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Currency Swap [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	131,932	134,749
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Consumer Price Index Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Credit Default Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Equity Option [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Mortality Swap [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Purchase Commitment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	141,501	115,822
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Asset-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	385,705	437,129
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	273,890	285,995
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	22,732,431	22,392,896
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	23,466	23,654
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	269,685	222,570
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	23,025,582	22,639,120
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		41,757
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	34,463
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	9
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Other equity securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Other
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Interest Rate Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	100,290	84,578
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	17,784	12,957
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Interest Rate Options
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		18,195
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Foreign Currency Forwards
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	10,514	15,011
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Currency Swap [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	116,588	70,906
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	32
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	4,665	5,595
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Consumer Price Index Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	-386	-561
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Credit Default Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	9,781	8,606
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	384	419
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Equity Option [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	38,747	35,242
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Mortality Swap [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Purchase Commitment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	5,749	13,370
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	13,750,655	13,459,334
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	3,893,739	3,865,265
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	935,095	849,802
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Asset-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	488,676	496,626
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,440,405	1,445,845
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	59,947	60,193
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	387,896	383,365
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,776,018	1,832,466
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,267,696	2,249,130
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	19,769	22,094
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,992	7,904
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	8,602	7,727
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,304,059	2,286,855
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	1,132,270	1,085,166
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		1,085,963
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,133,546
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,992	7,904
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Other equity securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Other
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Interest Rate Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Interest Rate Options
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Foreign Currency Forwards
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Currency Swap [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Consumer Price Index Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Credit Default Swaps
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Equity Option [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Mortality Swap [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	1,276	797
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Purchase Commitment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,286,979	1,310,427
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	192,579	188,094
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Asset-backed securities
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	609,436	572,960
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	93,869	86,746
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	27,756	28,529
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	41,875	42,711
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$15,202	$19,663

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi3

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Quantitative Information for Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Securities Classified As Level 3	8.80%	8.80%
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	-221,072	-205,392
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%
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] | 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%
Longevity Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	-8,602	-7,727
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%	2.00%
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	3.00%	3.00%
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%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	10.00%	10.00%
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%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	-10.00%	-10.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	19,769	22,094
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
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 Withdrawal	3.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%	1.00%
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	3.00%	3.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%	35.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%	5.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	5.00%	5.00%
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	4.00%	4.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
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 Withdrawal	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	2.00%	2.00%
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	-27,985	-28,530
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%
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] | 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 States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	-5,038	-4,994
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%
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] | 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%
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	947,857	925,887
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [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, 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 Withdrawal	3.00%	3.00%
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	3.00%	3.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%	35.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%	5.00%
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	4.00%	4.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
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 Withdrawal	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	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	184,413	159,279
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [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, Lapse Rate, Low End	9.00%	8.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%	2.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%	3.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	25.00%	25.00%
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	7.00%	7.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
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 Withdrawal	0.00%	0.00%
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 Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%	1.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	10.00%	11.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	5.00%	5.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	27.00%	27.00%
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Mortality Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,276	797
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%	1.00%
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%	100.00%
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%	0.00%

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi4

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities 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])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Equity, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Description	625	0
Fair Value, Equity, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Description	5100	0

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi5

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$22,094		($176,270)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	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		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	19,769		-99,029
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		77,241
Fair Value, Assets 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	-2,325		77,241
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-2,325		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	7,904		4,962
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	88		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	29	[1]	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0	[1]	0
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	-29		4,962
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	7,992		0
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Longevity Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	7,727
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,821
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0
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 Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	8,602
Longevity Swap [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Longevity Swap [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Longevity Swap [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Longevity Swap [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Longevity Swap [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Longevity Swap [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-946
Fair Value, Assets 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	-946
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-1,132,270		-911,987		-1,085,166	-868,726
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	-11,644	[1]	-15,193	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements	0	[1]	19,433	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	18,999		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, 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
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-28,245		-24,211
Fair Value, 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	-25,133		-23,661
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, 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
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-48,324		-43,273
Fair Value, 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		-23,840
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, 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	-29,326		0
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, 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
Mortality Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	-1,276				-797
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
Mortality Swap [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, 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
Mortality Swap [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, 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
Mortality Swap [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, 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
Mortality Swap [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, 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
Mortality Swap [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, 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
Mortality Swap [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-479
Fair Value, 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	-479
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	1,310,427		1,345,289
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6,069		2,450
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	36,900	[1]	79,512	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	-38,747	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-59,600	[1]	-51,944	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0		6,930
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-5,609		-50,517
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	1,286,979		1,291,701
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-803		-1,062
Fair Value, Assets 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	-803		-1,111
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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	-405		-161
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	188,094		153,505
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	523		2,887
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	11,439	[1]	18,750	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-714	[1]	-744	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-5,719	[1]	-6,172	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	600		10,563
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-1,422		-1,024
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	192,579		177,927
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-141		52
Fair Value, Assets 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	-140		56
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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	-82		106
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	572,960		471,848
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,632		5,501
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	40,991	[1]	59,224	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-7,356	[1]	-6,612	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-4,122	[1]	-6,315	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	9,055		5,948
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-7,216		-29,280
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	609,436		502,675
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	1,399		2,050
Fair Value, Assets 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	1,419		2,057
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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	73		304
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	86,746		101,785
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-310		3,035
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	-956	[1]	-14,626	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-5,120	[1]	-279	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	12,828		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	93,869		90,373
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	589		428
Fair Value, Assets 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	594		372
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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	87		86
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	28,529
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	176
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	121	[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	-944	[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 Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	27,756
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-19
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-19
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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	-107
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	42,711		43,776
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	25		113
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-29	[1]	-64	[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	-835		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	41,875		43,833
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	7		12
Fair Value, Assets 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		12
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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		-4
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	19,663		37,997
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	182		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-310	[1]	-298	[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	-4,333		-26,542
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	15,202		11,157
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			40,919
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			305
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases			128	[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			-3,029	[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 Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			38,031
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Investment Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)			-97
Fair Value, Assets 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			-97
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)			0
Fair Value, Assets 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			-195
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Insurance Claims [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)			0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Interest Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)			0
Fair Value, Assets 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
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Member | Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)			0
Fair Value, Assets 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
[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_of_Assets_and_Liabi6

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Fair Value Assets Measured on Non-Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
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	$3,540	[1]	$10,660	[1]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	50	[1]	380	[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	13,667	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses	($4,509)	[2]	$0	[2]
[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.

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi7

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Financial Instruments where Carrying Amounts and Fair Values May Differ) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	$2,913,486		$2,712,238
Policy loans	1,284,085		1,284,284
Funds withheld at interest	5,841,554		5,922,561
Cash and cash equivalents	1,083,179		1,645,669		1,127,132	923,647
Short-term investments	89,136		97,694
Other invested assets	1,243,033		1,198,319
Accrued investment income	283,665		261,096
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	12,508,201		12,591,497
Long-term debt	2,313,884		2,314,293
Collateral finance and securitization notes	774,351		782,701
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	2,913,486		2,712,238
Policy loans	1,284,085		1,284,284
Funds withheld at interest	5,815,835	[1]	5,897,202	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	706,671	[2]	745,823	[2]
Short-term investments	29,205	[2]	52,504	[2]
Other invested assets	458,423	[2]	465,720	[2]
Accrued investment income	283,665		261,096
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,479,958	[1]	9,623,596	[1]
Long-term debt	2,313,884
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			2,314,293
Collateral finance and securitization notes	774,351		782,701
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	3,053,041		2,803,942
Policy loans	1,284,085		1,284,284
Funds withheld at interest	6,305,645	[1]	6,367,165	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	706,671	[2]	745,823	[2]
Short-term investments	29,205	[2]	52,504	[2]
Other invested assets	510,287	[2]	518,261	[2]
Accrued investment income	283,665		261,096
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,830,871	[1]	9,666,240	[1]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	2,527,728
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			2,518,399
Collateral finance and securitization notes	684,719		674,984
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	0		0
Policy loans	0		0
Funds withheld at interest	0	[1]	0	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	706,671	[2]	745,823	[2]
Short-term investments	29,205	[2]	52,504	[2]
Other invested assets	4,637	[2]	4,674	[2]
Accrued investment income	0		0
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	0
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			0
Collateral finance and securitization notes	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	0		0
Policy loans	1,284,085		1,284,284
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]	35,446	[2]
Accrued investment income	283,665		261,096
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	0
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			0
Collateral finance and securitization notes	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	3,053,041		2,803,942
Policy loans	0		0
Funds withheld at interest	6,305,645	[1]	6,367,165	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]
Short-term investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other invested assets	470,204	[2]	478,141	[2]
Accrued investment income	0		0
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	9,830,871	[1]	9,666,240	[1]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	2,527,728
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			2,518,399
Collateral finance and securitization notes	$684,719		$674,984
[1]	Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed 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 condensed 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 Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Securities Classified As Level 3	8.80%	8.80%

Segment_Information_Total_Reve

Segment Information (Total Revenues of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$2,520,613	$2,657,173
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,447,963	1,567,313
CANADA
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	276,878	277,749
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	350,608	365,857
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	413,445	415,029
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	31,719	31,225
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,255,290	1,278,692
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | CANADA
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	265,004	271,444
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	295,232	307,750
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	393,875	386,889
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	192,673	288,621
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | CANADA
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	11,874	6,305
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	55,376	58,107
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$19,570	$28,140

Segment_Information_Income_Los

Segment Information (Income Loss Before Provision for Income Tax of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$184,125	$199,440
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	72,348	134,096
CANADA
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	26,858	20,064
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	30,116	15,205
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	62,793	26,311
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-7,990	3,764
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	17,843	50,972
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | CANADA
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	22,727	19,433
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	10,482	-992
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	52,648	18,867
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	54,505	83,124
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | CANADA
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	4,131	631
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	19,634	16,197
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$10,145	$7,444

Segment_Information_Total_Asse

Segment Information (Total Assets of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$44,691,268	$44,679,611
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	26,384,109	25,732,075
CANADA
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	3,902,751	3,996,128
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	4,513,668	4,693,322
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	3,611,663	3,619,368
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	6,279,077	6,638,718
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	14,835,231	14,159,824
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | CANADA
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	3,859,043	3,946,942
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	2,438,389	2,514,868
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	2,953,837	2,951,723
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	11,548,878	11,572,251
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | CANADA
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	43,708	49,186
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	2,075,279	2,178,454
Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$657,826	$667,645

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Commitments to Fund Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$233,330	$254,314
Commercial Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	28,750	33,850
Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	49,835	52,859
Equity Release Mortgages [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$8,509	$8,549

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Credit Facility) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Facility One Hundred Million [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$100,000
Maturity Date	Jun-17
Amount Utilized	74,898	[1]	81,747	[1]
Basis Of Fees	Fixed
Credit Facility Fifty Three Million [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	77,259	[2]
Maturity Date	Nov-15
Amount Utilized	77,259	[1]	74,623	[1]
Basis Of Fees	Fixed
Credit Facility 270 Million [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	270,000
Maturity Date	Nov-17
Amount Utilized	270,000	[1]	270,000	[1]
Basis Of Fees	Fixed
Credit Facility 120 Million [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	120,000
Maturity Date	May-16
Amount Utilized	80,040	[1]	80,040	[1]
Basis Of Fees	Fixed
Credit Facility 850 Million [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	850,000
Maturity Date	September 2019
Amount Utilized	577,157	[1]	204,774
Basis Of Fees	Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
Credit Facility One Hundred Fifty Million [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	38,035	[2]
Maturity Date	Mar-19
Amount Utilized	63,174	[1]	80,961	[1]
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
Maturity Date	Jun-16
Amount Utilized	130,000	[1]	130,000	[1]
Basis Of Fees	Fixed
Credit Facility Forty Seven Million [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	63,174	[2]
Maturity Date	May-16
Amount Utilized	$26,625	[1]	$28,612	[1]
Basis Of Fees	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.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia4

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Guarantees Issued) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Insurance Treaty Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$793,815	$826,496
Insurance Treaty Guarantee Net Of Assets Held In Trust [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	650,115	664,913
Guarantee Of Borrowed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	193,840	201,050
Product Financing Arrangement [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	132,193	100,000
Guarantee Of Lease Obligations [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$6,085	$6,085

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia5

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Maximum Potential Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitment Period Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$500
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	950
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Four [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	3,000
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Five [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	500
Commitment Period Two Thousand Thirty Six [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$1,432

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia6

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	credit_facilities
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Undrawn outstanding letters of credit in favor of third parties	$159,900,000	$176,500,000
Undrawn outstanding letters of credit between subsidiaries	1,335,600,000	1,035,000,000
Number of credit facilities	8
Credit Facility 850 Million [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	850,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of credit facilities	7
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$818,500,000

Income_Tax_Income_Tax_Provisio

Income Tax Income Tax (Provision for Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount	$64,444	$69,804
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount	-5,517	-3,221
Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Income Tax Basis Differential	-6,670	250
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount	6,791	-3,157
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Domestic, Amount	952	778
Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Foreign Enacted Tax Rate	272	-17
Income Tax Reconciliation SubpartF	6,434	2,439
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount	-2,343	-855
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount	-4,765	-3,353
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount	-587	108
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$59,011	$62,776
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	32.10%	31.50%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Defined

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Benefit Plans Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$2,030	$1,501
Interest cost	1,243	808
Expected return on plan assets	-1,118	-933
Amortization of prior service cost	83	2
Amortization of prior actuarial loss	439	673
Total	2,677	2,051
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	589	470
Interest cost	491	338
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Amortization of prior actuarial loss	265	217
Total	$1,345	$1,025

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$0
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	$3.70

Equity_Based_Compensation_Narr

Equity Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity compensation expense	$4.50	$4.30
Stock appreciation rights granted	300,000
Stock appreciation rights granted, weighted average exercise price (per share)	$90.06
Performance contingent units	200,000
Shares Granted To Non Employee Directors	15,174
Options exercisable (shares)	1,900,000
Options exercisable, weighted average price (per share)	$53.08
Options, remaining term	5 years 1 month
Compensation cost not yet recognized	$43
Period for recognition	2 years 3 months

Retrocession_Arrangements_and_2

Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables (Ceded Reinsurance Receivable Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	$665,797	$578,206
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Other Reinsurers [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	146,371	160,285
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	22.00%	27.60%
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer A [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	197,021	210,996
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	29.60%	36.50%
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer B [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	152,870	45,541
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	23.00%	7.90%
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer C [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	74,754	74,412
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	11.20%	12.90%
AM Best, A Rating [Member] | Reinsurer E [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	45,468	43,818
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	6.80%	7.60%
AM Best, A++ Rating [Member] | Reinsurer D [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivables	$49,313	$43,154
Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage of Total	7.40%	7.50%

Retrocession_Arrangements_and_3

Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance Claims Recoverables	253.7	143
Claims Recoverable From Retrocessionaires Past Due	13.6	10.9
AM Best, A- Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Ceded Credit Risk, Disclosure	“A- (excellent)”	“A- (excellent)”

Stock_Transactions_Stock_Trans

Stock Transactions Stock Transactions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	2,538,718
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$230.10
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		300
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$69.90

Subsequent_Event_Subsequent_Ev1

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event (Narrative) (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	1-Apr-15
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%	100.00%
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	Aurora National Life Assurance Company
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$200,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	3,700,000,000	3,700,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	$3,500,000,000	$3,500,000,000