Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Feb. 28, 2013 Subsequent event GWL&A Financial
Subsequent event
Dividend declared to be paid to the sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial	$ 184,401	$ 206,353	$ 160,917	$ 44,435