Reinsurance and Policy Provisions Value of insurance in force acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination [Roll Forward]
Value of insurance in force acquired	$ 20,913	$ 22,497
Amortization per fixed schedule	(2,198)	(2,384)	$ (2,090)
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense	194	52	1,409
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses	(12,382)	(3,087)	(3,939)
Value of insurance in force acquired	9,226	20,913	22,497
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	2,200
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Two	2,200
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Three	2,100
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Four	2,200
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Five	2,000
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Movement in Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination [Roll Forward]
Value of insurance in force acquired	24,000	26,436	29,935
Value of insurance in force acquired	$ 21,608	$ 24,000	$ 26,436