Related Party Transactions (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 02, 2013 The Canada Life Assurance Company
Revenues
Premium income	$ 137,401	$ 140,032	$ 382,080	$ 343,510	$ 42,297
Other revenue			7,355		7,355
Total revenues	608,965	630,950	1,686,642	1,743,338	49,652
Benefits and expenses:
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefits	26,209	28,185	38,495	(30,103)	41,297
Dividends to policyholders	15,452	14,904	50,172	47,628	1,000
Total benefits and expenses, net	503,707	511,578	1,484,730	1,449,142	42,297
Participating policyholders' net income before income taxes	105,258	119,372	201,912	294,196	7,355
Income tax expense	33,287	48,797	67,159	107,673	2,574
Participating policyholders' income					4,781
Provision for policyholders' share of earnings on participating business	$ (506)	$ (428)	$ 3,990	$ 1,760	$ 4,781