Investments, Investment Income By Category (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income										$ 124,201	$ 204,053	$ 250,452
Investment expenses										(2,561)	(2,783)	(3,199)
Net investment income	21,660	[1]	30,394	32,178	37,408	40,339	48,898	55,490	56,543	121,640	201,270	247,253
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income										122,886	202,301	236,734
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income										200	330	315
Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income										333	496	1,526
Interest on Sherman Note [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income										0	0	10,796
Other [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income										$ 782	$ 926	$ 1,081

[1] The results for the fourth quarter of 2012 include a loss of approximately $267 million related to our settlement with Freddie Mac and approximately $100 million related to our probable rescission settlement agreements. See Note 20 - "Litigation and Contingencies".