Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Significant unobservable inputs used during the valuation of assets categorized within Level 3 of the recurring fair value measurements table
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	$ 17,293,066		$ 18,469,544
Recurring basis | Level 3
Significant unobservable inputs used during the valuation of assets categorized within Level 3 of the recurring fair value measurements table
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	216,032		259,642
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, Asset-backed securities | Recurring basis | Internal model pricing | Weighted average
Unobservable Input
Prepayment speed assumption (as a percent)	8.00%		9.00%
Constant default rate assumption (as a percent)	5.00%		5.00%
Internally calculated liquidity premium adjustment included in Adjusted ABX Index spread assumption	0.0217		0.0217
Fair Value Inputs, Adjusted Asset Backed Securities Index	0.0505	[1]	0.0455	[1]
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, Asset-backed securities | Recurring basis | Internal model pricing | Minimum
Unobservable Input
Constant default rate assumption (as a percent)	2.00%		2.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Adjusted Asset Backed Securities Index	0.0293		0.0327
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, Asset-backed securities | Recurring basis | Internal model pricing | Maximum
Unobservable Input
Constant default rate assumption (as a percent)	12.70%		12.90%
Fair Value Inputs, Adjusted Asset Backed Securities Index	0.0613		0.0647
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, Asset-backed securities | Recurring basis | Level 3 | Internal model pricing
Significant unobservable inputs used during the valuation of assets categorized within Level 3 of the recurring fair value measurements table
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	$ 209,888	[2]	$ 252,902	[2]

[1] Includes an internally calculated liquidity premium adjustment of 2.17%.

[2] Includes home improvement loans only.