Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 16,182,197	$ 17,807,359
Fixed maturities, held for trading, amortized cost (in dollars)	214,312	333,892
Mortgage loans on real estate, allowances (in dollars)	2,890	2,890
Short-term investments, available-for-sale, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 3,071,133	$ 294,287
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, number of shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, number of shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, number of shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, number of shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, number of shares issued	7,032,000	7,032,000
Common stock, number of shares outstanding	7,032,000	7,032,000