Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 5,066,855	$ 5,034,299	$ 3,679,061
Capitalization of commissions, sales and issue expenses	616,002	626,718	822,075
Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups	108,563	272,385	(9,167)
Amortization-All other	(771,207)	(708,554)	533,478
Change in unrealized investment gains and losses	91,160	(67,056)	167,880
Ceded DAC upon Coinsurance Treaty with PAR U and PURC (See Note 12)	0	(90,937)	(159,028)
Balance, end of year	$ 5,111,373	$ 5,066,855	$ 5,034,299