Schedule V - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 63,951	$ 68,422	$ 62,092
Charged to Costs and Expenses	665	4,939	7,690
Charged to Other Accounts	(1,238)	(600)	910
Deductions	9,062	8,810	2,270
Balance at End of Year	54,316	63,951	68,422
Valuation allowance for foreign NOL deferred tax carryforward
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	18,164	16,474	13,091
Charged to Costs and Expenses	(4,946)	1,690	3,383
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance at End of Year	13,218	18,164	16,474
Valuation allowance for mortgage loans on real estate
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	3,399	4,482	6,997
Charged to Costs and Expenses	(816)	(1,086)	(2,515)
Charged to Other Accounts	0	3	0
Deductions	1	0	0
Balance at End of Year	2,582	3,399	4,482
Valuation allowance for uncollectible agents balances
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	15,698	19,822	14,753
Charged to Costs and Expenses	(206)	(1,894)	5,870
Charged to Other Accounts	(59)	52	238
Deductions	1,686	2,282	1,039
Balance at End of Year	13,747	15,698	19,822
Valuation allowance for uncollectible accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	15,870	16,824	16,618
Charged to Costs and Expenses	6,633	6,229	765
Charged to Other Accounts	(1,179)	(655)	672
Deductions	7,375	6,528	1,231
Balance at End of Year	13,949	15,870	16,824
Valuation allowance for reinsurance recoverables
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	10,820	10,820	10,633
Charged to Costs and Expenses	0	0	187
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance at End of Year	$ 10,820	$ 10,820	$ 10,820