Revision to Prior Year Information (Consolidated Statement of Financial Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 1,341,093	$ 5,129,931	$ 5,081,938	$ 5,045,025
Reinsurance recoverables	28,674,226	22,691,491
TOTAL ASSETS	155,665,990	148,807,633
LIABILITIES
Policyholders’ account balances		17,204,824
Future policy benefits		15,198,755
Income taxes	97,400	138,639
TOTAL LIABILITIES	153,169,187	144,325,208
EQUITY
Retained earnings	1,437,266	3,635,147
TOTAL EQUITY	2,496,803	4,482,425
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 155,665,990	148,807,633
As Previously Reported
ASSETS
Deferred policy acquisition costs		5,111,373
Reinsurance recoverables		22,546,361
TOTAL ASSETS		148,643,945
LIABILITIES
Policyholders’ account balances		17,164,705
Future policy benefits		15,031,390
Income taxes		154,043
TOTAL LIABILITIES		144,133,128
EQUITY
Retained earnings		3,663,539
TOTAL EQUITY		4,510,817
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY		148,643,945
Revision
ASSETS
Deferred policy acquisition costs		18,558
Reinsurance recoverables		145,130
TOTAL ASSETS		163,688
LIABILITIES
Policyholders’ account balances		40,119
Future policy benefits		167,365
Income taxes		(15,404)
TOTAL LIABILITIES		192,080
EQUITY
Retained earnings		(28,392)
TOTAL EQUITY		(28,392)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY		$ 163,688