Derivative Instruments - Fair Value of Derivatives Included in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in fair value of derivatives:
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$ 14,867	$ 4,024	$ (1,483)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$ (13,410)	$ (5,076)	$ 2,529

Amount of increase (decrease) in the fair value of derivatives recognized in the income statement.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234895&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-Subparagraph (a),(c),(d),(e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234895&loc=SL5624171-113959

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration