Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) securities	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) securities
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held	$ 7,300	$ 7,300
Policy Loans Percent Of Total Investments	3.30%		3.50%
Mortgage Loan To Value Ratio on Approval	75.00%
Mortgage Loan Percent Of Cash And Invested Assets	7.60%		7.50%
Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Sold At Loss	$ 242,600	199,600
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	$ (11,787)	$ (13,596)
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | securities	1,450		2,080
Securities As Percentage Of Consolidated Stockholder Equity	10.00%
Securities Borrowed Or Pledged, Minimum Fair Value Percentage	100.00%
Collateral Obtained Percent Of Fair Value Reverse Repurchase Agreements	100.00%
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	100.00%		100.00%
Funds Withheld At Interest Percent Of Total Investments	13.30%		14.00%
Funds withheld at interest	$ 5,797,183		$ 5,880,203
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Specific Client	$ 3,900,000
Other Invested Assets Percent Of Cash And Invested Assets	3.10%		3.10%
CALIFORNIA
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage Of Total	22.20%		22.30%