Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 02, 2013 The Canada Life Assurance Company
Revenues
Premium income	$ 169,543	$ 137,401	$ 363,893	$ 382,080	$ 42,297
Other revenue	0	0	0	7,355	7,355
Total revenues	667,125	608,965	1,883,591	1,686,642	49,652
Benefits and expenses:
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefits	26,922	26,209	(12,052)	38,495	41,297
Dividends to policyholders	15,325	15,452	47,591	50,172	1,000
Total benefits and expenses	576,834	503,707	1,533,062	1,484,730	42,297
Participating policyholders’ net income before income taxes	90,291	105,258	350,529	201,912	7,355
Income tax expense	29,790	33,287	120,324	67,159	2,574
Participating policyholders’ income					4,781
Provision for policyholders’ share of (losses) earnings on participating business	(389)	(506)	(868)	3,990	4,781
Net income	$ 60,501	$ 71,971	$ 230,205	$ 134,753	$ 0