Related Party Transactions Amounts Due from Parent and Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	$ 81,995	$ 62,596
GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	45,190	38,864
Great West Lifeco US Inc
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	34,992	11,783
Other Related Parties
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	$ 1,813	$ 11,949