10-Q

FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number : 001-31911

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa	42-1447959
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6000 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, Iowa	50266
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code	(515) 221-0002
	(Telephone)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $1

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes o No x

APPLICABLE TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Shares of common stock outstanding at July 31, 2012: 62,616,109

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1: Financial Statements:	2
Consolidated Balance Sheets	2
Consolidated Statements of Operations	3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	32
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	48
Item 4: Controls and Procedures	50
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1: Legal Proceedings	50
Item 1A: Risk Factors	50
Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	50
Item 6: Exhibits	51
Signatures	52

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $19,083,027; 2011 - $16,980,279)	$	20,955,231		$	18,464,109
Held for investment, at amortized cost (fair value: 2012 - $988,361; 2011 - $2,644,422)	1,000,024			2,644,206
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2012 - $53,397; 2011 - $58,438)	61,441			62,845
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093			2,823,047
Derivative instruments	476,699			273,314
Other investments	201,757			115,930
Total investments	25,427,245			24,383,451
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830			404,952
Coinsurance deposits	2,895,212			2,818,642
Accrued investment income	244,644			228,937
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,677,770			1,683,857
Deferred sales inducements	1,253,583			1,242,787
Deferred income taxes	—			21,981
Income taxes recoverable	11,934			8,441
Other assets	215,384			81,671
Total assets	$	33,133,602		$	30,874,719
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Policy benefit reserves	$	29,896,751		$	28,118,716
Other policy funds and contract claims	434,142			400,594
Notes payable	303,595			297,608
Subordinated debentures	256,122			268,593
Deferred income taxes	29,808			—
Other liabilities	635,533			380,529
Total liabilities	31,555,951			29,466,040
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 2012 and 2011 no shares issued and outstanding	—			—
Common stock, par value $1 per share, 125,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:    2012 - 60,208,754 shares (excluding 5,124,749 treasury shares);    2011 - 57,836,540 shares (excluding 5,616,595 treasury shares)	60,209			57,837
Additional paid-in capital	482,563			468,281
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP; 2012 - 294,770 shares; 2011 - 336,093 shares	(3,175		)	(3,620		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	579,872			457,229
Retained earnings	458,182			428,952
Total stockholders' equity	1,577,651			1,408,679
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	33,133,602		$	30,874,719

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

2

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues:
Traditional life insurance premiums	$	3,248		$	3,289		$	6,470		$	6,205
Annuity product charges	21,908			19,892			41,301			36,854
Net investment income	320,259			296,878			647,169			589,006
Change in fair value of derivatives	(150,847		)	(22,029		)	108,314			126,624
Net realized losses on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses	(611		)	(854		)	(6,687		)	(2,047		)
OTTI losses on investments:
Total OTTI losses	(375		)	(113		)	(2,156		)	(5,213		)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income	(603		)	(2,116		)	(1,703		)	(3,587		)
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	(978		)	(2,229		)	(3,859		)	(8,800		)
Total revenues	192,979			294,947			792,708			747,842
Benefits and expenses:
Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits	2,250			2,499			4,367			4,394
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	142,733			238,420			281,856			398,085
Amortization of deferred sales inducements	25,940			20,265			42,650			50,957
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	(80,989		)	(60,963		)	278,077			67,340
Interest expense on notes payable	7,072			7,832			14,067			15,739
Interest expense on subordinated debentures	3,563			3,481			7,149			6,947
Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements	—			1			—			5
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	44,848			38,862			79,132			94,085
Other operating costs and expenses	18,902			16,634			40,615			34,108
Total benefits and expenses	164,319			267,031			747,913			671,660
Income before income taxes	28,660			27,916			44,795			76,182
Income tax expense	9,901			9,642			15,565			26,565
Net income	$	18,759		$	18,274		$	29,230		$	49,617
Earnings per common share	$	0.31		$	0.31		$	0.49		$	0.84
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.30		$	0.28		$	0.46		$	0.77
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
Earnings per common share	59,943			59,504			59,822			59,344
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	64,254			65,530			64,230			65,437

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net income	$	18,759		$	18,274		29,230			49,617
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses (1)	263,366			85,149			188,391			62,596
Noncredit component of OTTI losses (1)	(99		)	855			290			1,499
Other comprehensive income before income tax	263,267			86,004			188,681			64,095
Income tax effect related to other comprehensive income	(92,142		)	(30,101		)	(66,038		)	(22,433		)
Other comprehensive income	171,125			55,903			122,643			41,662
Comprehensive income	$	189,884		$	74,177		$	151,873		$	91,279

(1) Net of related adjustments to amortization of deferred sales inducements and deferred policy acquisition costs.

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Unallocated Common Stock Held by ESOP			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Retained Earnings		Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	57,837	$	468,281		$	(3,620	)	$	457,229	$	428,952	$	1,408,679
Net income for period	—		—			—			—		29,230		29,230
Other comprehensive income	—		—			—			122,643		—		122,643
Conversion of $12,554 of subordinated debentures	1,550		10,291			—			—		—		11,841
Allocation of 41,323 shares of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	—		22			445			—		—		467
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	—		3,719			—			—		—		3,719
Issuance of 822,390 shares of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	822		250			—			—		—		1,072
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	60,209	$	482,563		$	(3,175	)	$	579,872	$	458,182	$	1,577,651
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	56,968	$	454,454		$	(4,815	)	$	81,820	$	349,620	$	938,047
Net income for period	—		—			—			—		49,617		49,617
Other comprehensive income	—		—			—			41,662		—		41,662
Acquisition of 500 shares of common stock	—		(6		)	—			—		—		(6		)
Allocation of 51,189 shares of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	—		69			551			—		—		620
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	—		5,229			—			—		—		5,229
Issuance of 864,129 shares of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	864		3,499			—			—		—		4,363
Balance at June 30, 2011	$	57,832	$	463,245		$	(4,264	)	$	123,482	$	399,237	$	1,039,532

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011
Operating activities
Net income	$	29,230		$	49,617
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	281,856			398,085
Amortization of deferred sales inducements	42,650			50,957
Annuity product charges	(41,301		)	(36,854		)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	278,077			67,340
Increase in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves	12,652			45,720
Policy acquisition costs deferred	(186,573		)	(222,358		)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	79,132			94,085
Provision for depreciation and other amortization	9,150			9,292
Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments	(64,020		)	(78,582		)
Realized gains/losses on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations	10,546			10,847
Change in fair value of derivatives	(108,314		)	(127,799		)
Deferred income taxes	(14,249		)	(64,332		)
Share-based compensation	3,024			4,181
Change in accrued investment income	(15,707		)	(47,812		)
Change in income taxes recoverable/payable	(3,493		)	(3,308		)
Change in other assets	(10,077		)	2,182
Change in other policy funds and contract claims	33,548			95,560
Change in collateral held for derivatives	175,549			12,910
Change in other liabilities	(11,421		)	(74,889		)
Other	164			703
Net cash provided by operating activities	500,423			185,545
Investing activities
Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments:
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	1,423,179			3,244,966
Fixed maturity securities - held for investment	1,688,329			—
Equity securities - available for sale	5,605			2,958
Mortgage loans on real estate	219,423			86,079
Derivative instruments	110,201			275,473
Other investments	10,362			57
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	(3,542,142		)	(3,189,624		)
Fixed maturity securities - held for investment	—			(1,279,831		)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(152,648		)	(296,884		)
Derivative instruments	(184,709		)	(189,759		)
Other investments	(83,811		)	(1,660		)
Purchases of property, furniture and equipment	(273		)	(3,552		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(506,484		)	(1,351,777		)

6

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011
Financing activities
Receipts credited to annuity and single premium universal life policyholder account balances	$	1,896,794		$	2,450,646
Coinsurance deposits	(28,630		)	(37,196		)
Return of annuity policyholder account balances	(848,372		)	(898,472		)
Financing fees incurred and deferred	—			(1,566		)
Acquisition of common stock	—			(6		)
Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	693			1,117
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,062			4,255
Change in checks in excess of cash balance	(12,608		)	(828		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,008,939			1,517,950
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,002,878			351,718
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	404,952			597,766
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,407,830		$	949,484
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during period for:
Interest expense	$	14,308		$	15,210
Income taxes	32,650			93,200
Non-cash operating activity:
Deferral of sales inducements	143,248			189,200
Non-cash investing activity:
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	11,985			6,308
Mortgage loan on real estate sold	—			1,215
Non-cash financing activities:
Conversion of subordinated debentures	12,554			—

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2012

(Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“we”, “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which are necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2012. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements requires the use of management estimates. For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

During 2011, we discovered a prior period error related to policy benefit reserves for our single premium immediate annuity products. Accordingly, we made an adjustment in the first quarter of 2011 which resulted in a decrease of policy benefit reserves and a decrease in interest sensitive and index product benefits of $4.2 million. On an after-tax basis, the adjustment resulted in a $2.7 million increase in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2010, as a result of a consensus of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF), the FASB issued an accounting standards update (ASU) that modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts. This guidance defines the costs that qualify for deferral as incremental direct costs that result directly from and are essential to successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transactions not occurred. In addition, it lists certain costs as deferrable as those that are directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection, and sales force contract selling as deferrable, as well as the portion of an employee's total compensation related directly to time spent performing those activities for actual acquired contracts and other costs related directly to those activities that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been acquired. This amendment to current GAAP became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Other operating costs and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, increased $2.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, due to the prospective adoption of this ASU effective January 1, 2012, which decreased net income $1.3 million and $3.1 million and decreased diluted earnings per share $0.02 and $0.05 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.

In May 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that addresses fair value measurement and disclosure as part of its convergence efforts with the International Accounting Standards Board. The guidance is intended to create common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This ASU changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Some changes clarify the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The disclosure requirements add information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, information about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those unobservable inputs and the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for which the fair value of such items is required to be disclosed. This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. See note 2 for disclosures regarding fair value measurements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that expands the disclosure requirements related to other comprehensive income (loss). A reporting entity is now required to present the total of comprehensive income (loss), the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income (loss) either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (loss) or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both choices, the reporting entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income (loss) along with a total for other comprehensive income (loss) and a total amount for comprehensive income (loss). This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We have adopted this ASU on January 1, 2012.

New Accounting Pronouncements

There are no accounting standards updates finalized to become effective in the future that will significantly effect our consolidated financial statements.

8

Significant Accounting Policy - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Our accounting policy for deferred policy acquisition costs which follows, has been updated from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 to reflect the adoption of new accounting standards.

To the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits, certain incremental direct costs that vary with and are directly related to the production of successful new business are not expensed when incurred but instead are capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs. Deferred policy acquisition costs are subject to loss recognition testing on a quarterly basis or when an event occurs that may warrant loss recognition. Deferred policy acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions and certain costs of policy issuance.

For annuity products, these capitalized costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross profits from investment spreads, including the cost of hedging the fixed indexed annuity obligations, and, to a lesser extent, from product charges and mortality and expense margins. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of net realized gains on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations) to be realized from a group of products are revised. Deferred policy acquisition costs are also adjusted for the change in amortization that would have occurred if available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities had been sold at their aggregate fair value at the end of the reporting period and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. The impact of this adjustment is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within consolidated stockholders' equity, net of applicable taxes.

2. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following sets forth a comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of our financial instruments:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale	$	20,955,231	$	20,955,231	$	18,464,109	$	18,464,109
Held for investment	1,000,024		988,361		2,644,206		2,644,422
Equity securities, available for sale	61,441		61,441		62,845		62,845
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093		2,989,626		2,823,047		3,030,308
Derivative instruments	476,699		476,699		273,314		273,314
Other investments	163,367		163,243		79,109		76,648
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830		1,407,830		404,952		404,952
Coinsurance deposits	2,895,212		2,632,861		2,818,642		2,549,025
Interest rate caps	3,565		3,565		—		—
2015 notes hedges	38,181		38,181		45,593		45,593
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	29,598,728		24,695,555		27,842,770		23,407,540
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	433,335		448,702		397,248		412,998
Notes payable	303,595		398,479		297,608		376,370
Subordinated debentures	256,122		225,710		268,593		233,809
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		38,181		45,593		45,593
Interest rate swaps	3,148		3,148		—		—

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.

9

We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Level 1— Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Level 2— Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.

Level 3— Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.

Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security, however there were no transfers between levels during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

10

Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:

	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	5,214	$	5,214	$	—	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,704,516		—		1,704,516		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,495,557		—		3,495,557		—
Foreign government obligations	46,186		—		46,186		—
Corporate securities	12,418,135		40,979		12,377,156		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,524,030		—		2,522,025		2,005
Other asset backed securities	761,593		384		761,209		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	61,441		42,066		19,375		—
Derivative instruments	476,699		—		476,699		—
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830		1,407,830		—		—
Interest rate caps	3,565		—		3,565		—
2015 notes hedges	38,181		—		38,181		—
	$	22,942,947	$	1,496,473	$	21,444,469	$	2,005
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	3,148	$	—	$	3,148	$	—
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		—		38,181		—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	2,914,948		—		—		2,914,948
	$	2,956,277	$	—	$	41,329	$	2,914,948
December 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,678	$	4,678	$	—	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,799,779		—		1,799,779		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,333,383		—		3,333,383		—
Foreign government obligations	43,228		—		43,228		—
Corporate securities	10,116,361		58,827		10,057,534		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,703,290		—		2,701,192		2,098
Other asset backed securities	463,390		370		463,020		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	62,845		44,229		18,616		—
Derivative instruments	273,314		—		273,314		—
Cash and cash equivalents	404,952		404,952		—		—
2015 notes hedges	45,593		—		45,593		—
	$	19,250,813	$	513,056	$	18,735,659	$	2,098
Liabilities
2015 notes embedded derivatives	$	45,593	$	—	$	45,593	$	—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	2,530,496		—		—		2,530,496
	$	2,576,089	$	—	$	45,593	$	2,530,496

11

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Fixed maturity securities and equity securities

The fair values of fixed maturity securities and equity securities in an active and orderly market are determined by utilizing independent pricing services. The independent pricing services incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques, including:

• reported trading prices,

• benchmark yields,

• broker-dealer quotes,

• benchmark securities,

• bids and offers,

• credit ratings,

• relative credit information, and

• other reference data.

The independent pricing services also take into account perceived market movements and sector news, as well as a security's terms and conditions, including any features specific to that issue that may influence risk and marketability. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary.

The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available. Quoted prices are not always available due to market inactivity. When quoted market prices are not available, the third parties use yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics to determine fair value for securities that are not actively traded. We generally obtain one value from our primary external pricing service. In situations where a price is not available from this service, we may obtain further quotes or prices from additional parties as needed. In addition, for our callable United States Government sponsored agencies we obtain two broker quotes and take the average of two broker prices received. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are considered for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. Inputs used by the broker include market information, such as yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. Valuations and quotes obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and do not represent quotes on which one may execute the disposition of the assets.

We validate external valuations at least quarterly through a combination of procedures that include the evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing services, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against trends, and maintenance of a securities watch list. Additionally, as needed we utilize discounted cash flow models or perform independent valuations on a case-by-case basis of inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing services. Although we do identify differences from time to time as a result of these validation procedures, we did not make any significant adjustments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Mortgage loans on real estate

Mortgage loans on real estate are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are calculated using discounted expected cash flows using current competitive market interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. The fair values of impaired mortgage loans on real estate that we have considered to be collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the real estate collateral (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The inputs utilized to determine fair value of all mortgage loans are unobservable market data (competitive market interest rates and appraised property values); therefore, fair value of mortgage loans falls into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments

The fair values of derivative instruments, primarily call options, are based upon the amount of cash that we will receive to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are obtained from each of the counterparties using industry accepted valuation models and are adjusted for the nonperformance risk of each counterparty net of any collateral held. Inputs include market volatility and risk free interest rates and are used in income valuation techniques in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to fund our fixed index annuity policy liabilities.

Other investments

None of the financial instruments included in other investments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments included in other investments are policy loans, an equity method investment and company owned life insurance (COLI). We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying value and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived. The fair value of our equity method investment qualifies as a Level 3 fair value and was determined by calculating the present value of future cash flows discounted by a risk free rate, a risk spread and a liquidity discount. The risk spread and liquidity discount are rates determined by our investment professionals and are unobservable market inputs. The fair value of our COLI approximates its cash surrender value. Cash surrender of our COLI is based on the fair value of the underlying assets, whose fair values fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

12

Cash and cash equivalents

Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.

Interest rate swaps and caps

The fair values of our pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are obtained from third parties and are determined by discounting expected future cash flows using projected LIBOR rates for the term of the swaps and caps.

2015 notes hedges

The fair value of these call options is determined by a third party who applies market observable data such as our common stock price, its dividend yield and its volatility, as well as the time to expiration of the call options to determine a fair value of the buy side of these options.

Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves

The fair values of the liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The coinsurance deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. For period-certain annuity benefit contracts, the fair value is determined by discounting the benefits at the interest rates currently in effect for newly purchased immediate annuity contracts. We are not required to and have not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the fair values presented within these categories fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as most of the inputs are unobservable market data.

Notes payable

The fair value of the convertible senior notes is based upon pricing matrices developed by a third party pricing service when quoted market prices are not available and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Subordinated debentures

Fair values for subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including our incremental borrowing rates, which reflect our credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued. These fair values are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Subordinated debentures are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

2015 notes embedded derivatives

The fair value of this embedded derivative is determined by pricing the call options that hedge this potential liability. The terms of the conversion premium are identical to the 2015 notes hedges and the method of determining fair value of the call options is based upon observable market data.

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

13

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our Level 3 assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities
Beginning balance	$	2,027		$	4,301		$	2,098		$	2,702
Principal returned	(52		)	(78		)	(93		)	(266		)
(Amortization)/accretion of premium/discount	21			(4		)	47			8
Reclassification	—			(1,600		)	—			—
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	81			104			183			279
Included in operations	(72		)	(530		)	(230		)	(530		)
Ending balance	$	2,005		$	2,193		$	2,005		$	2,193

The Level 3 assets included in the table above are not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and it is management's opinion that the sensitivity of the inputs used in determining the fair value of these assets is not material as well.

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
Beginning balance	$	2,921,037		$	2,242,000		$	2,530,496	$	1,971,383
Premiums less benefits	105,279			251,733			189,505		467,676
Change in unrealized gains, net	(111,368		)	(125,200		)	194,947		(70,526		)
Ending balance	$	2,914,948		$	2,368,533		$	2,914,948	$	2,368,533

Change in unrealized gains, net for each period in our embedded derivatives are included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Certain derivatives embedded in our fixed index annuity contracts are our most significant financial instrument measured at fair value that are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The contractual obligations for future annual index credits within our fixed index annuity contracts are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We estimate the fair value of these embedded derivatives at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credits on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

The most sensitive assumption in determining policy liabilities for fixed index annuities is the rates used to discount the excess projected contract values. As indicated above, the discount rate reflects our nonperformance risk. If the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values at June 30, 2012, were to increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of the embedded derivatives would decrease by $195.5 million recorded through operations as a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding decrease of $117.7 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as an increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. A decrease by 100 basis points in the discount rate used to discount the excess projected contract values would increase the fair value of the embedded derivatives by $218.2 million recorded through operations as an increase in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and increase our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements by $132.1 million recorded through operations as a decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

14

3. Investments

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities were as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,589	$	625	$	—		$	5,214
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,678,765		26,424		(673		)	1,704,516
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,052,875		442,716		(34		)	3,495,557
Foreign government obligations	36,402		9,784		—			46,186
Corporate securities	11,166,677		1,301,788		(50,330		)	12,418,135
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,407,618		170,617		(54,205		)	2,524,030
Other asset backed securities	736,101		29,674		(4,182		)	761,593
	$	19,083,027	$	1,981,628	$	(109,424	)	$	20,955,231
Held for investment:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	924,015	$	2,507	$	—		$	926,522
Corporate security	76,009		—		(14,170		)	61,839
	$	1,000,024	$	2,507	$	(14,170	)	$	988,361
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	53,397	$	9,347	$	(1,303	)	$	61,441
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,084	$	594	$	—		$	4,678
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,780,401		19,378		—			1,799,779
United States municipalities, states and territories	2,981,699		351,694		(10		)	3,333,383
Foreign government obligations	36,373		6,855		—			43,228
Corporate securities	9,117,173		1,079,422		(80,234		)	10,116,361
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,618,040		157,331		(72,081		)	2,703,290
Other asset backed securities	442,509		26,492		(5,611		)	463,390
	$	16,980,279	$	1,641,766	$	(157,936	)	$	18,464,109
Held for investment:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	2,568,274	$	16,806	$	—		$	2,585,080
Corporate security	75,932		—		(16,590		)	59,342
	$	2,644,206	$	16,806	$	(16,590	)	$	2,644,422
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	58,438	$	8,752	$	(4,345	)	$	62,845

During the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, we received $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, in redemption proceeds related to calls of our callable United States Government sponsored agency securities and public and private corporate bonds, of which $1.7 billion were classified as held for investment for the six months endedJune 30, 2012. There were no calls of held for investment securities during the six months endedJune 30, 2011. We reinvested the proceeds from these redemptions primarily in United States Government sponsored agencies, corporate securities and other asset backed securities. At June 30, 2012, 33% of our fixed income securities have call features and 1% ($0.1 billion) were subject to call redemption. Another 14% ($2.6 billion) will become subject to call redemption during the next twelve months (principally the last two quarters of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013).

15

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our residential mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as separate lines.

	Available for sale				Held for investment
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	47,272	$	48,858	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years	590,055		656,408		—		—
Due after five years through ten years	3,449,900		3,741,359		—		—
Due after ten years through twenty years	4,963,113		5,413,578		—		—
Due after twenty years	6,888,968		7,809,405		1,000,024		988,361
	15,939,308		17,669,608		1,000,024		988,361
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,407,618		2,524,030		—		—
Other asset backed securities	736,101		761,593		—		—
	$	19,083,027	$	20,955,231	$	1,000,024	$	988,361

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity were comprised of the following:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$	1,880,248		$	1,488,237
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,022,806		)	(819,476		)
Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534			22,534
Deferred income tax benefit	(300,104		)	(234,066		)
Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$	579,872		$	457,229

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) assigns designations to fixed maturity securities. These designations range from Class 1 (highest quality) to Class 6 (lowest quality). In general, securities are assigned a designation based upon the ratings they are given by the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO’s”). The NAIC designations are utilized by insurers in preparing their annual statutory statements. NAIC Class 1 and 2 designations are considered “investment grade” while NAIC Class 3 through 6 designations are considered “non-investment grade.” Based on the NAIC designations, we had 98% of our fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
NAIC Designation	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
1	$	13,388,910	$	14,799,840	$	14,359,272	$	15,486,571
2	6,282,280		6,758,202		4,894,739		5,272,759
3	371,555		345,380		335,642		315,406
4	31,828		30,224		26,674		23,989
5	5,528		5,783		4,932		5,756
6	2,950		4,163		3,226		4,050
	$	20,083,051	$	21,943,592	$	19,624,485	$	21,108,531

16

The following tables show our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 220 and 246 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	Less than 12 months					12 months or more					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	227,829	$	(673	)	$	—	$	—		$	227,829	$	(673	)
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,973		(34		)	—		—			3,973		(34		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	202,825		(10,990		)	118,952		(12,532		)	321,777		(23,522		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	169,512		(4,242		)	11,870		(2,006		)	181,382		(6,248		)
Utilities and related sectors	119,762		(4,005		)	61,802		(12,593		)	181,564		(16,598		)
Wholesale/retail trade	14,226		(763		)	9,700		(763		)	23,926		(1,526		)
Services, media and other	67,231		(456		)	18,020		(1,980		)	85,251		(2,436		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	411,338		(24,615		)	367,268		(29,590		)	778,606		(54,205		)
Other asset backed securities	155,929		(2,120		)	25,486		(2,062		)	181,415		(4,182		)
	$	1,372,625	$	(47,898	)	$	613,098	$	(61,526	)	$	1,985,723	$	(109,424	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	61,839	$	(14,170	)	$	61,839	$	(14,170	)
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	$	8,922	$	(1,203	)	$	7,900	$	(100	)	$	16,822	$	(1,303	)
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States municipalities, states and territories	$	3,535	$	(10	)	$	—	$	—		$	3,535	$	(10	)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	363,909		(36,575		)	146,354		(15,611		)	510,263		(52,186		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	201,762		(7,131		)	29,875		(1,869		)	231,637		(9,000		)
Utilities and related sectors	174,251		(7,576		)	37,778		(6,946		)	212,029		(14,522		)
Wholesale/retail trade	15,523		(188		)	9,275		(1,194		)	24,798		(1,382		)
Services, media and other	27,688		(249		)	17,105		(2,895		)	44,793		(3,144		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	295,352		(19,920		)	709,612		(52,161		)	1,004,964		(72,081		)
Other asset backed securities	115,542		(2,863		)	15,550		(2,748		)	131,092		(5,611		)
	$	1,197,562	$	(74,512	)	$	965,549	$	(83,424	)	$	2,163,111	$	(157,936	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	59,342	$	(16,590	)	$	59,342	$	(16,590	)
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	$	20,028	$	(3,095	)	$	3,750	$	(1,250	)	$	23,778	$	(4,345	)

The following is a description of the factors causing the temporary unrealized losses by investment category as of June 30, 2012:

United States Government sponsored agenciesand United States municipalities, states and territories: These securities are relatively long in duration, making the value of such securities sensitive to changes in market interest rates. We purchase these securities regularly over time at different interest rates available at time of purchase; thus, some securities carry yields less than those available at June 30, 2012.

Corporate securities: The unrealized losses in these securities are due partially to the timing of purchases in 2011 and a small number of securities seeing their yield spreads widen due to issuer specific news. In addition, the financial sector credit spreads narrowed from year end 2011 but remain wide as the result of continued economic uncertainty and further concerns around the European Union.

17

Residential mortgage backed securities: At June 30, 2012, we had no exposure to sub-prime residential mortgage backed securities. All of our residential mortgage backed securities are pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans. Substantially all of the securities that we own are in the most senior tranche of the securitization in which they are structured and are not subordinated to any other tranche. Our "Alt-A" residential mortgage backed securities are comprised of 36 securities with a total amortized cost basis of $405.0 million and a fair value of $386.5 million. Despite recent improvements in the capital markets, the fair values of RMBS continue at prices below amortized cost. RMBS prices will likely remain below our cost basis until the housing market is able to absorb current and future foreclosures.

Other asset backed securities: The unrealized losses in these securities are predominantly assigned to financial sector capital trust securities which have longer maturity dates and have declined in price due to prolonged stress in the financial sector. Only one security in an unrealized loss position is rated below investment grade.

Equity securities: Equity securities in an unrealized loss position are in the financial sector and have exposure to the economic uncertainty in the European Union and the United States. A majority of these securities have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more and are investment grade perpetual preferred stocks that are absent credit deterioration. A continued difficult investment environment has raised concerns in regard to earnings and dividend stability in many companies which directly affect the values of these securities.

Approximately 74% and 83% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table for June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, are on securities that are rated investment grade, defined as being the highest two NAIC designations. All of the securities with unrealized losses, except one security with a principal amount outstanding of $4.5 million and an unrealized loss of $0.4 million, are current with respect to the payment of principal and interest.

Changes in net unrealized gains on investments for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
							(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$	1,690		$	55,060		$	11,879		$	29,402
Investments carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	603,462		$	202,827		$	388,374		$	150,683
Equity securities, available for sale	(787		)	559			3,637			2,640
	602,675			203,386			392,011			153,323
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(339,408		)	(117,382		)	(203,330		)	(89,228		)
Change in deferred tax valuation allowance	—			—			—			—
Deferred income tax asset	(92,142		)	(30,101		)	(66,038		)	(22,433		)
	(431,550		)	(147,483		)	(269,368		)	(111,661		)
Increase in net unrealized gains on investments carried at fair value	$	171,125		$	55,903		$	122,643		$	41,662

Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities for the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 were $165.2 million and $122.2 million, respectively. Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale securities for the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 were $1.4 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively.

Realized gains and losses on sales are determined on the basis of specific identification of investments based on the trade date. Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding net OTTI losses for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	4,030		$	2,901		$	5,048		$	4,542
Gross realized losses	(59		)	(1,423		)	(355		)	(1,423		)
	3,971			1,478			4,693			3,119
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	—			966			562			966
Other investments:
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate	1,450			(12		)	2,895			(12		)
Impairment losses on real estate	(1,669		)	—			(2,643		)	—
	(219		)	(12		)	252			(12		)
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Increase in allowance for credit losses	(4,363		)	(3,286		)	(12,194		)	(6,120		)
	$	(611	)	$	(854	)	$	(6,687	)	$	(2,047	)

18

We review and analyze all investments on an ongoing basis for changes in market interest rates and credit deterioration. This review process includes analyzing our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of each investment that has a fair value that is materially lower than its amortized cost and requires a high degree of management judgment and involves uncertainty. The evaluation of securities for other than temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties.

We have a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have impairments that are other than temporary. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as:

• the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;

• whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;

• the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;

• the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;

• the fair value of any underlying collateral;

• the existence of any credit protection available;

• our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;

• our assessment in the case of equity securities including perpetual preferred stocks with credit deterioration that the security cannot recover to cost in a reasonable period of time;

• our intent and ability to retain equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery;

• consideration of rating agency actions; and

• changes in estimated cash flows of residential mortgage and asset backed securities.

We determine whether other than temporary impairment losses should be recognized for debt and equity securities by assessing all facts and circumstances surrounding each security. Where the decline in market value of debt securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates or to factors such as market volatility, liquidity and spread widening, and we anticipate recovery of all contractual or expected cash flows, we do not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell these investments before a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity. For equity securities, we recognize an impairment charge in the period in which we do not have the intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery of cost or we determine that the security will not recover to book value within a reasonable period of time. We determine what constitutes a reasonable period of time on a security-by-security basis by considering all the evidence available to us, including the magnitude of any unrealized loss and its duration. In any event, this period does not exceed 18 months from the date of impairment for perpetual preferred securities for which there is evidence of deterioration in credit of the issuer and common equity securities. For perpetual preferred securities absent evidence of a deterioration in credit of the issuer we apply an impairment model, including an anticipated recovery period, similar to a debt security.

Other than temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in operations. If we intend to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, other than temporary impairment has occurred and the difference between amortized cost and fair value will be recognized as a loss in operations.

If we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security but also do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an impairment loss would be recognized in operations in the amount of the expected credit loss. We determine the amount of expected credit loss by calculating the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected discounted at each security's acquisition yield based on our consideration of whether the security was of high credit quality at the time of acquisition. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security is the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The remaining amount of the other than temporary impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income.

The determination of the credit loss component of a residential mortgage backed security is based on a number of factors. The primary consideration in this evaluation process is the issuer's ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments as contractually stated at time of purchase. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of the cash flow modeling under various default scenarios considering independent third party benchmarks, the seniority of the specific tranche within the structure of the security, the composition of the collateral and the actual default, loss severity and prepayment experience exhibited. With the input of third party assumptions for default projections, loss severity and prepayment expectations, we evaluate the cash flow projections to determine whether the security is performing in accordance with its contractual obligation.

We utilize the models from a leading structured product software specialist serving institutional investors. These models incorporate each security's seniority and cash flow structure. In circumstances where the analysis implies a potential for principal loss at some point in the future, we use the "best estimate" cash flow projection discounted at the security's effective yield at acquisition to determine the amount of our potential credit loss associated with this security. The discounted expected future cash flows equates to our expected recovery value. Any shortfall of the expected recovery when compared to the amortized cost of the security will be recorded as the credit loss component of other than temporary impairment.

19

The cash flow modeling is performed on a security-by-security basis and incorporates actual cash flows on the residential mortgage backed securities through the current period, as well as the projection of remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions including default rates, prepayment rates and loss severity rates. The default curves we use are tailored to the Prime or Alt-A residential mortgage backed securities that we own, which assume lower default rates and loss severity for Prime securities versus Alt-A securities. These default curves are scaled higher or lower depending on factors such as current underlying mortgage loan performance, rating agency loss projections, loan to value ratios, geographic diversity, as well as other appropriate considerations.

The following table presents the range of significant assumptions used to determine the credit loss component of other than temporary impairments we have recognized on residential mortgage backed securities for the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, which are all senior level tranches within the structure of the securities:

		Discount Rate				Default Rate				Loss Severity
Sector	Vintage	Min		Max		Min		Max		Min		Max
Six months ended June 30, 2012
Prime	2005	6.5	%	7.7	%	9	%	13	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	5.8	%	7.4	%	9	%	19	%	40	%	55	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.3	%	11	%	38	%	40	%	60	%
Alt-A	2005	5.6	%	7.7	%	12	%	27	%	5	%	50	%
	2006	6.0	%	6.0	%	32	%	46	%	55	%	60	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.0	%	31	%	55	%	55	%	60	%
Six months ended June 30, 2011
Prime	2005	7.7	%	7.7	%	8	%	8	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	7.3	%	7.3	%	9	%	11	%	50	%	55	%
	2007	5.8	%	7.3	%	8	%	30	%	40	%	60	%
Alt-A	2005	6.0	%	7.7	%	13	%	24	%	5	%	55	%
	2006	6.0	%	6.5	%	30	%	33	%	50	%	50	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.4	%	29	%	41	%	50	%	70	%

The determination of the credit loss component of a corporate bond (including redeemable preferred stocks) is based on the underlying financial performance of the issuer and their ability to meet their contractual obligations. Considerations in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, credit rating changes, financial statement and ratio analysis, changes in management, significant changes in credit spreads, breaches of financial covenants and a review of the economic outlook for the industry and markets in which they trade. In circumstances where an issuer appears unlikely to meet its future obligation, or the security's price decline is deemed other than temporary, an estimate of credit loss is determined. Credit loss is calculated using default probabilities as derived from the credit default swaps markets in conjunction with recovery rates derived from independent third party analysis or a best estimate of credit loss. This credit loss rate is then incorporated into a present value calculation based on an expected principal loss in the future discounted at the yield at the date of purchase and compared to amortized cost to determine the amount of credit loss associated with the security.

In addition, for debt securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell, but our intent changes due to changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated, an other than temporary impairment charge is recognized. Once an impairment charge has been recorded, we then continue to review the other than temporarily impaired securities for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Unrealized losses may be recognized in future periods through a charge to earnings, should we later conclude that the decline in fair value below amortized cost is other than temporary pursuant to our accounting policy described above. The use of different methodologies and assumptions to determine the fair value of investments and the timing and amount of impairments may have a material effect on the amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements.

20

The following table summarizes other than temporary impairments for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, by asset type:

	Number of Securities	Total OTTI Losses			Portion of OTTI Losses Recognized from Other Comprehensive Income			Net OTTI Losses Recognized in Operations
		(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	7	$	(375	)	$	(603	)	$	(978	)
Three months ended June 30, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	18	$	(113	)	$	(2,116	)	$	(2,229	)
Six months ended June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	22	$	(2,156	)	$	(1,703	)	$	(3,859	)
Six months ended June 30, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	29	$	(5,213	)	$	(3,587	)	$	(8,800	)

The cumulative portion of other than temporary impairments determined to be credit losses which have been recognized in operations for debt securities are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of period	$	(121,976	)	$	(102,251	)	$	(119,095	)	$	(96,893	)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(47		)	—			(47		)	(789		)
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(931		)	(2,229		)	(3,812		)	(8,011		)
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	—			—			—			1,213
Cumulative credit loss at end of period	$	(122,954	)	$	(104,480	)	$	(122,954	)	$	(104,480	)

21

The following table summarizes the cumulative noncredit portion of OTTI and the change in fair value since recognition of OTTI, both of which were recognized in other comprehensive income, by major type of security, for securities that are part of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	Amortized Cost		OTTI Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income			Change in Fair Value Since OTTI was Recognized		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	3,401	$	(2,151	)	$	5,636	$	6,886
Residential mortgage backed securities	938,894		(185,423		)	146,771		900,242
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	9,976		—			7,890		17,866
	$	952,271	$	(187,574	)	$	160,297	$	924,994
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	3,347	$	(2,151	)	$	4,818	$	6,014
Residential mortgage backed securities	999,024		(187,126		)	125,502		937,400
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	12,019		—			8,110		20,129
	$	1,014,390	$	(189,277	)	$	138,430	$	963,543

22

4. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

Our mortgage loan portfolio totaled $2.7 billion and $2.8 billion at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, with commitments outstanding of $54.7 million at June 30, 2012.

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Principal outstanding	$	2,768,738		$	2,856,011
Loan loss allowance	(36,645		)	(32,964		)
Carrying value	$	2,732,093		$	2,823,047

The portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. The mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Principal Outstanding		Percent		Principal Outstanding		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Geographic distribution
East	$	700,554	25.3	%	$	719,231	25.2	%
Middle Atlantic	161,976		5.8	%	169,240		5.9	%
Mountain	406,787		14.7	%	411,054		14.4	%
New England	32,463		1.2	%	36,815		1.3	%
Pacific	321,860		11.6	%	309,693		10.8	%
South Atlantic	500,536		18.1	%	493,764		17.3	%
West North Central	423,036		15.3	%	487,693		17.1	%
West South Central	221,526		8.0	%	228,521		8.0	%
	$	2,768,738	100.0	%	$	2,856,011	100.0	%
Property type distribution
Office	$	703,802	25.4	%	$	777,343	27.2	%
Medical Office	153,021		5.5	%	175,580		6.1	%
Retail	657,615		23.7	%	635,916		22.3	%
Industrial/Warehouse	718,964		26.0	%	710,426		24.9	%
Hotel	112,906		4.1	%	139,193		4.9	%
Apartment	190,348		6.9	%	187,548		6.6	%
Mixed use/other	232,082		8.4	%	230,005		8.0	%
	$	2,768,738	100.0	%	$	2,856,011	100.0	%

We evaluate our mortgage loan portfolio for the establishment of a loan loss reserve by specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss for each individual loan identified. A mortgage loan is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. In addition, we analyze the mortgage loan portfolio for the need of a general loan allowance for probable losses on all other loans. The amount of the general loan allowance is based upon management's evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, delinquencies, credit concentrations, underwriting standards and national and local economic conditions.

Our financing receivables currently consist of one portfolio segment which is our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. These are mortgage loans with collateral consisting of commercial real estate and borrowers consisting mostly of limited liability partnerships or limited liability corporations. Credit loss experience in our mortgage loan portfolio has been limited to the most recent fiscal years. We experienced our first credit loss from our mortgage loan portfolio in 2009.

Since 2008, we have had a population of mortgage loans that we have been carrying with workout terms (e.g. interest only periods, period of suspended payments, etc.) and a population of mortgage loans that have been in a delinquent status (i.e. more than 60 days past due). It is from this population that we have been recognizing some impairment loss due to nonpayment and eventual satisfaction of the loan by taking ownership of the collateral real estate. In most cases the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell such collateral has been less than the outstanding principal amount of the mortgage loan.

23

Our general loan loss allowance as of June 30, 2011 was calculated on the cumulative outstanding principal on loans making up the group of loans currently in workout terms and loans currently more than 60 days past due. We applied a factor to the total outstanding principal of these loans that is calculated as the average specific impairment loss for the most recent 4 quarters divided by the sum of the average of the total outstanding principal of delinquent loans for the most recent 4 quarters and the average of the total outstanding principal of loans in workout for the most recent 4 quarters.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, we modified the calculation for determining our general loan loss allowance. The group of loans that we are now analyzing collectively are those that have a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of less than 1.0. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the net operating income of the mortgaged property by the contractual principal and interest payment due for the corresponding period. We developed the loss rates to apply to this group of loans by dividing the specific impairment loss for the most recent 4 quarters by the principal outstanding of the loans with a DSCR of less than 1.0.

The following table presents a rollforward of our specific and general valuation allowances for commercial mortgage loans for the three and six months ended2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012						Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(29,595	)	$	(10,300	)	$	(13,842	)	$	(3,100	)
Charge-offs	7,613			—			1,001			—
Recoveries	—			—			—			—
Provision for credit losses	(3,463		)	(900		)	(2,186		)	(1,100		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(25,445	)	$	(11,200	)	$	(15,027	)	$	(4,200	)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012						Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(23,664	)	$	(9,300	)	$	(13,224	)	$	(3,000	)
Charge-offs	8,513			—			3,117			—
Recoveries	—			—			—			—
Provision for credit losses	(10,294		)	(1,900		)	(4,920		)	(1,200		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(25,445	)	$	(11,200	)	$	(15,027	)	$	(4,200	)

The specific allowance is a total of credit loss allowances on loans which are individually evaluated for impairment. The general allowance is the group of loans discussed above which are collectively evaluated for impairment. The following table presents the total outstanding principal of loans evaluated for impairment by basis of impairment method:

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	59,815	$	67,698
Collectively evaluated for impairment	179,122		176,681
Total loans evaluated for impairment	$	238,937	$	244,379

The amount of charge-offs include the amount of allowance that has been established for loans that were satisfied by taking ownership of the collateral. When the property is taken it is recorded at its fair value and the mortgage loan is recorded as fully paid, with any allowance for credit loss that has been established charged off. There could be other situations that develop where we have established a larger specific loan loss allowance than is needed based on increases in the fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent loans, or improvements in the financial position of a borrower so that a loan would become reliant on cash flows from debt service instead of dependent upon sale of the collateral. Charge-offs of the allowance would be recognized in those situations as well. We define collateral dependent loans as those mortgage loans for which we will depend on the value of the collateral real estate to satisfy the outstanding principal of the loan. See note 2 for how we determine the value of the collateral real estate.

24

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, four and six mortgage loans, respectively, were satisfied by taking ownership of the real estate serving as collateral compared to two and three mortgage loans, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. The following table summarizes the activity in the real estate owned which was obtained in satisfaction of mortgage loans on real estate:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate owned at beginning of period	$	35,824		$	22,790		$	36,821		$	19,122
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	8,683			2,527			11,985			6,308
Additions	117			16			117			40
Sales	(4,283		)	(1,283		)	(7,366		)	(1,283		)
Impairments	(1,669		)	—			(2,643		)	—
Depreciation	(282		)	(140		)	(524		)	(277		)
Real estate owned at end of period	$	38,390		$	23,910		$	38,390		$	23,910

We analyze credit risk of our mortgage loans by analyzing all available evidence on loans that are delinquent and loans that are in a workout period.

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Credit Exposure--By Payment Activity
Performing	$	2,662,205	$	2,743,068
In workout	71,008		67,425
Delinquent	7,244		6,595
Collateral dependent	28,281		38,923
	$	2,768,738	$	2,856,011

Mortgage loans are considered delinquent when they become 60 days past due. When loans become 90 days past due, become collateral dependent or enter a period with no debt service payments required we place them on non-accrual status and discontinue recognizing interest income. If payments are received on a delinquent loan, interest income is recognized to the extent it would have been recognized if normal principal and interest would have been received timely. If payments are received to bring a delinquent loan back to current we will resume accruing interest income on that loan. Outstanding principal of loans in a non-accrual status at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 totaled $28.3 million and $45.5 million, respectively.

All of our commercial mortgage loans depend on the cash flow of the borrower to be at a sufficient level to service the principal and interest payments as they come due. In general, cash inflows of the borrowers are generated by collecting monthly rent from tenants occupying space within the borrowers' properties. Our borrowers face collateral risks such as tenants going out of business, tenants struggling to make rent payments as they become due, and tenants canceling leases and moving to other locations. We have a number of loans where the real estate is occupied by a single tenant. The current depressed and somewhat inactive commercial real estate market has resulted in some of our borrowers experiencing both a reduction in cash flow on their mortgage property as well as a reduction in the fair value of the real estate collateral. If these borrowers are unable to replace lost rent revenue and increases in the fair value of their property do not materialize we could potentially incur more losses than what we have allowed for in our specific and general loan loss allowances.

Aging of financing receivables with loans in a "workout" period as of the reporting date considered current if payments are current in accordance with agreed upon terms:

	30 - 59 Days		60 - 89 Days		90 Days and Over		Total Past Due		Current		Collateral Dependent Receivables		Total Financing Receivables
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial Mortgage Loans
June 30, 2012	$	—	$	7,244	$	—	$	7,244	$	2,733,213	$	28,281	$	2,768,738
December 31, 2011	$	3,378	$	—	$	6,595	$	9,973	$	2,807,115	$	38,923	$	2,856,011

25

Financing receivables summarized in the following table represent all loans that we are either not currently collecting or those we feel it is probable we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements (all loans that we have worked with the borrower to alleviate short-term cash flow issues, loans delinquent for more than 60 days at the reporting date, loans we have determined to be collateral dependent and loans that we have recorded specific impairments on that we feel may continue to have performance issues).

	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	34,370	$	59,815	$	(25,445	)	$	48,445	$	1,332
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	59,541		59,541		—			59,434		1,886
	$	93,911	$	119,356	$	(25,445	)	$	107,879	$	3,218
December 31, 2011
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	44,034	$	67,698	$	(23,664	)	$	53,617	$	3,284
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	63,023		63,023		—			60,974		3,509
	$	107,057	$	130,721	$	(23,664	)	$	114,591	$	6,793

The loans that are categorized as "in workout" consist of loans that we have agreed to lower or no mortgage payments for a period of time while the borrowers address cash flow and/or operational issues. The key features of these workouts have been determined on a loan-by-loan basis. Most of these loans are in a period of low cash flow due to tenants vacating their space or tenants requesting rent relief during difficult economic periods. Generally, we have allowed the borrower a six month interest only period and in some cases a twelve month period of interest only. Interest only workout loans are expected to return to their regular debt service payments after the interest only period. Interest only loans that are not fully amortizing will have a larger balance at their balloon date than originally contracted. Fully amortizing loans that are in interest only periods will have larger debt service payments for their remaining term due to lost principal payments during the interest only period. In limited circumstances we have allowed borrowers to pay the principal portion of their loan payment into an escrow account that can be used for capital and tenant improvements for a period of not more than twelve months. In these situations new loan amortization schedules are calculated based on the principal not collected during this twelve month workout period and larger payments are collected for the remaining term of each loan. In all cases, original interest rate and maturity date have not been modified and we have not forgiven any principal amounts.

A Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constituting a concession on our part. We analyze all loans that we agree to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:

• borrower is in default,

• borrower has declared bankruptcy,

• there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,

• borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,

• borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and

• there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.

If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:

• assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,

• interest rate is modified,

• maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,

• capitalization of interest,

• delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and

• partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.

26

Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDR are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. A summary of mortgage loans on commercial real estate with outstanding principal at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 that we determined to be TDR's are as follows:

Geographic Region	Number of TDR's	Principal Balance Outstanding		Specific Loan Loss Allowance			Net Carrying Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
East	2	$	6,126	$	(1,963	)	$	4,163
Mountain	10	32,222		(2,193		)	30,029
South Atlantic	7	18,101		(4,346		)	13,755
East North Central	1	2,319		(512		)	1,807
West North Central	2	6,974		(1,300		)	5,674
	22	$	65,742	$	(10,314	)	$	55,428
December 31, 2011
East	3	$	8,489	$	(2,115	)	$	6,374
Mountain	10	29,539		(1,637		)	27,902
South Atlantic	11	28,676		(6,339		)	22,337
West North Central	1	1,937		(269		)	1,668
	25	$	68,641	$	(10,360	)	$	58,281

5. Derivative Instruments

We recognize all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. None of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, thus, any change in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Derivative instruments
Call options	$	476,699	$	273,314
Other assets
2015 notes hedges	38,181		45,593
Interest rate caps	3,565		—
	$	518,445	$	318,907
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves - annuity products
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	$	2,914,948	$	2,530,496
Other liabilities
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		45,593
Interest rate swaps	3,148		—
	$	2,956,277	$	2,576,089

27

The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of derivatives:
Call options	$	(122,241	)	$	(13,238	)	$	119,279		$	130,214
2015 notes hedges	(24,163		)	(8,723		)	(7,412		)	(3,454		)
Interest rate swaps	(4,038		)	(68		)	(3,148		)	(136		)
Interest rate caps	(405		)	—			(405		)	—
	$	(150,847	)	$	(22,029	)	$	108,314		$	126,624
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
2015 notes embedded derivatives	$	(24,163	)	$	(8,723	)	$	(7,412	)	$	(3,454	)
Fixed index annuities	(56,826		)	(52,240		)	285,489			70,794
	$	(80,989	)	$	(60,963	)	$	278,077		$	67,340

We have fixed index annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. When fixed index annuity deposits are received, a portion of the deposit is used to purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to fixed index annuity policyholders. Substantially all such call options are one year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. The call options are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of revenues. The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term or upon early termination and the changes in fair value for open positions. On the respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the annual index credit is reset and we purchase new one-year call options to fund the next annual index credit. We manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our fixed index annuities, which permit us to change caps, participation rates, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums on each policy's anniversary date. By adjusting caps, participation rates, or asset fees, we can generally manage option costs except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.

Our strategy attempts to mitigate any potential risk of loss under these agreements through a regular monitoring process which evaluates the program's effectiveness. We do not purchase call options that would require payment or collateral to another institution and our call options do not contain counterparty credit-risk-related contingent features. We are exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, we purchase our option contracts from multiple counterparties and evaluate the creditworthiness of all counterparties prior to purchase of the contracts. All of these options have been purchased from nationally recognized financial institutions with a Standard and Poor's credit rating of A- or higher at the time of purchase and the maximum credit exposure to any single counterparty is subject to concentration limits. We also have credit support agreements that allow us to request the counterparty to provide collateral to us when the fair value of our exposure to the counterparty exceeds specified amounts.

The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty's current credit rating are as follows:

			June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Counterparty	Credit Rating (S&P)	Credit Rating (Moody's)	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
Bank of America	A	A3	$	1,421,833	$	58,679	$	2,340,213	$	43,481
Barclays	A+	A2	2,847,540		103,550		2,419,339		60,903
BNP Paribas	AA-	A2	2,106,213		78,442		2,533,301		48,293
Citibank, N.A.	A	A3	1,951,838		39,502		—		—
Credit Suisse	A+	A1	1,181,136		34,057		1,423,802		27,464
Deutsche Bank	A+	A2	717,035		16,519		384,420		7,697
HSBC	AA-	Aa3	222,902		6,073		348,674		4,557
J.P. Morgan	A+	Aa3	1,249,826		36,080		2,109,019		27,961
Morgan Stanley	A	Baa1	808,375		23,784		244,180		7,375
UBS	A	A2	622		66		39,147		240
Wells Fargo (Wachovia)	AA-	Aa3	1,996,526		79,947		2,227,235		45,343
			$	14,503,846	$	476,699	$	14,069,330	$	273,314

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As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we held $341.0 million and $165.4 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents received from counterparties for derivative collateral, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This derivative collateral limits the maximum amount of economic loss due to credit risk that we would incur if parties to the call options failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts to $136.4 million and $109.3 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The future annual index credits on our fixed index annuities are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contract. We do not purchase call options to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next policy anniversary date. We must value both the call options and the related forward embedded options in the policies at fair value.

We enter into interest rate swaps and caps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. See note 10 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for more information on our subordinated debentures. The terms of the interest rate swaps provide that we pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a floating rate of interest. The terms of the interest rate caps limit the three month London Interbank Offered Rate to 2.50%. The interest rate swaps and caps are not effective hedges under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Therefore, we record the interest rate swaps and caps at fair value and any net cash payments received or paid are included in the change in fair value of derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Details regarding the interest rate swaps are as follows:

	Notional			Pay			June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Maturity Date	Amount		Receive Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value			Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
March 15, 2021	$	85,500	*LIBOR	2.415	%	SunTrust	$	(3,148	)	$	—

___________________________________

* - three month London Interbank Offered Rate

Details regarding the interest rate caps are as follows:

	Notional			Cap			June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Maturity Date	Amount		Floating Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value		Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
July 7, 2021	$	40,000	*LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	$	1,796	$	—
July 8, 2021	12,000		*LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	539		—
July 29, 2021	27,000		*LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	1,230		—
	$	79,000					$	3,565	$	—

___________________________________

* - three month London Interbank Offered Rate

The interest rate swaps have a forward starting date beginning in March 2014 and convert floating rates to fixed rates for seven years. The interest rate caps have a forward starting date beginning in July 2014 and cap our interest rates for seven years. As of June 30, 2012 we held $0.3 million of cash and cash equivalents received from the counterparty for derivative collateral related to the swaps and caps, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

6. Notes Payable

The contingent convertible senior notes included in notes payable are accounted for separately as a liability component and an equity component in the consolidated balance sheets. The liability component and equity component are as follows:

	June 30, 2012								December 31, 2011
	September 2015 Notes			December 2029 Notes			December 2024 Notes		September 2015 Notes			December 2029 Notes			December 2024 Notes
	(Dollars in thousands)
Notes payable:
Principal amount of liability component	$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243	$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243
Unamortized discount	(25,494		)	(14,993		)	—		(28,906		)	(17,568		)	—
Net carrying amount of liability component	$	174,506		$	100,846		$	28,243	$	171,094		$	98,271		$	28,243
Additional paid-in capital:
Carrying amount of equity component				$	15,586		$	22,637				$	15,586		$	22,637
Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	$	—		$	15,781		$	—	$	—		$	8,489		$	—

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The discount is being amortized over the expected lives of the notes, which is December 15, 2014 for the 2029 notes and September 15, 2015 for the 2015 notes, and was December 15, 2011 for the 2024 notes. The effective interest rates during the discount amortization periods are 8.9%, 8.5% and 11.9% on the 2015 notes, the 2024 notes and the 2029 notes, respectively. The interest cost recognized in operations for the convertible notes, inclusive of the coupon and amortization of the discount and debt issue costs, was $7.1 million and $14.1 million for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, respectively, and $7.8 million and $15.7 million for the same periods in 2011.

We are required to include the dilutive effect of the 2024 and 2029 notes in our diluted earnings per share calculation. Because these notes include a mandatory cash settlement feature for the principal amount, incremental dilutive shares will only exist when the fair value of our common stock at the end of the reporting period exceeds the conversion price per share of $14.03 for the 2024 notes and $9.69 for the 2029 notes. At June 30, 2012 and 2011, the conversion premium of the 2029 notes was dilutive and the effect has been included in diluted earnings per share for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011. The 2015 notes and the 2015 notes hedges are excluded from the dilutive effect in our diluted earnings per share calculation as they are currently to be settled only in cash. The 2015 warrants could have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share to the extent that the price of our common stock exceeds the strike price of the 2015 warrants.

In 2011, we entered into a three year $160 million revolving line of credit agreement with seven banks. The interest rate is floating at a rate based on our election that will be equal to the alternate base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin or the adjusted LIBOR rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin. We also pay a commitment fee on the available unused portion of the credit facility. The applicable margin and commitment fee rate are based on our credit rating and can change throughout the period of the credit facility. Based upon our current credit rating, the applicable margin is 2.00% for alternate base rate borrowings and 3.00% for adjusted LIBOR rate borrowings and the commitment fee is 0.50%. Under this agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio at American Equity Life, a maximum ratio of debt to total capital, a minimum cash coverage ratio, and a minimum level of statutory surplus at American Equity Life. No amounts were outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

7. Subordinated Debentures

In May 2012, we issued a notice of mandatory redemption of all of our 8% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") and American Equity Capital Trust I, the holder of all of the Debentures, issued notices of mandatory redemption of all of its 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities and all of its 8% Trust Common Securities. As of June 30, 2012, $12.4 millionprincipal amount (414,457 shares) of 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities were converted into 1,535,025 shares of our common stock. In July 2012, another $8.2 million (273,870 shares) of 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities were converted into 1,014,308 shares of our common stock. The remaining 44,001 shares of these trust preferred securities will be settled in cash of approximately $1.3 million.

8. Contingencies

We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, FINRA, the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability.

In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We are currently a defendant in a purported class action, McCormack, et al. v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et al., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division and Anagnostis v. American Equity, et al., coordinated in the Central District, entitled, In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the "Los Angeles Case"), involving allegations of improper sales practices and similar claims as described below.

The Los Angeles Case is a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by individuals, and the individuals are seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by us; however, no class has yet been certified. The named plaintiffs in this consolidated case are Bernard McCormack, Gust Anagnostis by and through Gary S. Anagnostis and Robert C. Anagnostis, Regina Bush by and through Sharon Schipiour, Lenice Mathews by and through Mary Ann Maclean and George Miller. The allegations generally attack the suitability of sales of deferred annuity products to persons over the age of 65. The plaintiffs seek rescission and injunctive relief including restitution and disgorgement of profits on behalf of all class members under California Business & Professions Code section 17200 et seq. and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; compensatory damages for breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting of breach of fiduciary duty; unjust enrichment and constructive trust; and other pecuniary damages under California Civil Code section 1750 and California Welfare & Institutions Codes section 15600 et seq. As previously reported, we participated in mediation sessions with plaintiffs' counsel in 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. In July 2012, we participated in another mediation session where potential settlement terms continued to be discussed. However, due to (i) the fact no class has been certified (ii) the lack of specificity as to legal theories put forth by the plaintiffs, (iii) the lack of specificity of the remedies sought, and (iv) the lack of any basis on which to compute estimated compensatory and/or punitive damages, we generally cannot predict what the outcome of the pending purported class action lawsuit will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of

30

this lawsuit will be, or an estimate and/or range of possible loss related to the pending purported class action lawsuit. In light of the inherent uncertainties involved in the pending purported class action lawsuit, there can be no assurance that such litigation, or any other pending or future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

9. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share - assuming dilution:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income - numerator for earnings per common share	$	18,759	$	18,274	$	29,230	$	49,617
Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit)	257		258		515		517
Numerator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	19,016	$	18,532	$	29,745	$	50,134
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)	59,943,337		59,504,119		59,821,937		59,343,959
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible subordinated debentures	2,637,176		2,727,084		2,678,508		2,727,084
Convertible senior notes	1,158,686		2,612,637		1,158,686		2,612,637
Stock options and deferred compensation agreements	514,429		686,352		570,525		753,272
Denominator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution	64,253,628		65,530,192		64,229,656		65,436,952
Earnings per common share	$	0.31	$	0.31	$	0.49	$	0.84
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.30	$	0.28	$	0.46	$	0.77

_____________________________

(1) Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP.

Options to purchase shares of our common stock that were outstanding during the respective periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares are as follows:

Period	Number of Shares	Range of Exercise Prices
		Minimum	Maximum
Three months ended June 30, 2012	1,502,900	$11.88	$14.34
Six months ended June 30, 2012	1,502,900	$11.88	$14.34
Three months ended June 30, 2011	1,370,350	$12.79	$14.34
Six months ended June 30, 2011	1,370,350	$12.79	$14.34

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management's discussion and analysis reviews our unaudited consolidated financial position at June 30, 2012, and the unaudited consolidated results of operations for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance. This analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, and the audited consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and selected consolidated financial data appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this report and elsewhere (such as in filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), press releases, presentations by us or our management or oral statements) relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements including words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements. We caution that these statements may and often do vary from actual results and the differences between these statements and actual results can be material. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include, among other things:

• general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock and credit market performance which may affect (among other things) our ability to sell our products, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associated therewith, the fair value of our investments, which could result in impairments and other than temporary impairments, and certain liabilities, and the lapse rate and profitability of policies;

• customer response to new products and marketing initiatives;

• changes in Federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative income tax advantages of our products;

• increasing competition in the sale of annuities;

• regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among other things) bank sales and underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products; and

• the risk factors or uncertainties listed from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

For a detailed discussion of these and other factors that might affect our performance, see Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Overview

We specialize in the sale of individual annuities (primarily deferred annuities) and, to a lesser extent, we also sell life insurance policies. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), premium collections for deferred annuities are reported as deposit liabilities instead of as revenues. Similarly, cash payments to policyholders are reported as decreases in the liabilities for policyholder account balances and not as expenses. Sources of revenues for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are net investment income, surrender and other charges deducted from the account balances of policyholders, net realized gains (losses) on investments and changes in fair value of derivatives. Components of expenses for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are interest sensitive and index product benefits (primarily interest credited to account balances), changes in fair value of embedded derivatives, amortization of deferred sales inducements and deferred policy acquisition costs, other operating costs and expenses and income taxes.

Annuity deposits by product type collected during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, were as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
Product Type	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities:
Index strategies	$	533,633	$	595,422	$	1,021,760	$	1,374,004
Fixed strategy	281,206		312,161		570,560		669,633
	814,839		907,583		1,592,320		2,043,637
Fixed rate annuities:
Single-year rate guaranteed	21,141		34,036		55,628		80,889
Multi-year rate guaranteed	39,232		85,592		160,897		162,639
Single premium immediate annuities	42,137		81,591		87,949		163,481
	102,510		201,219		304,474		407,009
Total before coinsurance ceded	917,349		1,108,802		1,896,794		2,450,646
Coinsurance ceded	32,668		70,331		131,447		136,208
Net after coinsurance ceded	$	884,681	$	1,038,471	$	1,765,347	$	2,314,438

Annuity deposits before coinsurance ceded decreased 17% during the second quarter of 2012 and decreased by 23% during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011. We attribute this in part to the low interest rate environment which appears to have made prospective policyholders less willing to commit funds to fixed index annuities. We also attribute the decrease in annuity deposits to certain competitors who were more aggressive in their product pricing in the first half of 2012. Recently, some competitors have made pricing adjustments

32

to their annuity products. The extent to which this will affect our annuity deposits is uncertain. In addition, first half 2011 sales benefited from higher demand in advance of a rate decrease implemented during that period.

Earnings from products accounted for as deposit liabilities are primarily generated from the excess of net investment income earned over the interest credited or the cost of providing index credits to the policyholder, or the "investment spread." Our investment spread is summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012	2011	2012	2011
Reported Amounts
Average yield on invested assets	5.34%	5.78%	5.47%	5.87%
Aggregate cost of money	2.64%	2.73%	2.66%	2.77%
Aggregate investment spread	2.70%	3.05%	2.81%	3.10%
Adjustments
Investment yield - temporary cash investments	0.27%	0.11%	0.21%	0.08%
Investment yield - additional prepayment income	(0.03)%	—%	(0.05)%	—%
Cost of money effect of (under) over hedging	(0.01)%	0.10%	—%	0.08%
Adjusted Amounts
Average yield on invested assets	5.58%	5.89%	5.63%	5.95%
Aggregate cost of money	2.63%	2.83%	2.66%	2.85%
Aggregate investment spread	2.95%	3.06%	2.97%	3.10%

The decreases in investment spread for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 resulted from a decline in the average yield in investments, offset in part by a smaller decline in the average cost of money on our fixed index annuities. The lower cost of money for fixed index annuities during 2012 was due to lower costs of options purchased to fund the annual index credits on fixed index annuities and lower rates for the fixed rate strategy in fixed index annuities. The decrease in the average yield on invested assets was primarily attributable to lower yields on investments purchased in 2011 and the six months ended June 30, 2012. Our investment spread has also been impacted by shortfalls in investment income from excess liquidity resulting from a lag in the reinvestment of proceeds of bonds called for redemption, benefits from additional prepayment and fee income or certain investments and the impact of hedging experience of the annual index credits for index annuities. The impact of excess liquidity and additional prepayment and fee income on net investment income and average yield on invested assets is quantified in Results of Operations - Net investment income.

The cost of money for fixed index annuities and average crediting rates for fixed rate annuities are computed based upon policyholder account balances and do not include the impact of amortization of deferred sales inducements. See Critical Accounting Policies - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. With respect to our fixed index annuities, the cost of money includes the average crediting rate on amounts allocated to the fixed rate strategy, expenses we incur to fund the annual index credits and where applicable, minimum guaranteed interest credited. Proceeds received upon expiration or early termination of call options purchased to fund annual index credits are recorded as part of the change in fair value of derivatives, and are largely offset by an expense for interest credited to annuity policyholder account balances. See Critical Accounting Policies - Policy Liabilities for Fixed Index Annuities and Financial Condition - Derivative Instruments included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

As reported in our previous filings, in response to the continuing low interest rate environment, we implemented reductions of policyholder crediting rates for new annuities and existing annuities in the fourth quarter of 2011. Rates on new sales were reduced 0.40% - 0.50% beginning with applications received after October 7, 2011. Renewal rate adjustments began taking effect on November 15, 2011 and will continue to take effect on the policy anniversary dates over the twelve months following that date. Accordingly, the benefit from the renewal rate reductions did not have a material impact on 2011 spread results. We expect the remaining 2012 spread results to reflect the benefit from these reductions with an additional 0.15% to 0.20% decline in the aggregate cost of money. However, the anticipated reductions in cost of money may be offset by continued lower yields available on investments including reinvestment of proceeds from calls of the callable bonds in our investment portfolio.

Our profitability depends in large part upon the amount of assets under our management, investment spreads we earn on our policyholder account balances, our ability to manage our investment portfolio to maximize returns and minimize risks such as interest rate changes and defaults or impairment of investments, our ability to manage interest rates credited to policyholders and costs of the options purchased to fund the annual index credits on our fixed index annuities, our ability to manage the costs of acquiring new business (principally commissions to agents and bonuses credited to policyholders) and our ability to manage our operating expenses.

33

Results of Operations

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Net income was $18.8 million in the second quarter of 2012 and $29.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $18.3 million and $49.6 million for the same periods in 2011. The comparability of net income from period to period is primarily impacted by fair value accounting for derivative instruments as presented below in Operating income (a non-GAAP financial measure). Amounts attributable to the fair value accounting for fixed index annuity derivatives and embedded derivatives fluctuate from period to period primarily based upon changes in the fair values of call options purchased to fund the annual index credits for fixed index annuities and changes in the interest rates used to discount the embedded derivative liability. The significant changes in the impact from this item relate primarily to changes in the interest rates used to discount the embedded derivative liabilities.

In general, net income has been positively impacted by the growth in the volume of business in force and the investment spread earned on this business. The average amount of annuity liabilities outstanding (net of annuity liabilities ceded under coinsurance agreements) increased 17% to $25.5 billion during the second quarter of 2012 and increased 18% to $25.2 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $21.9 billion and $21.3 billion for the same periods in 2011. Our investment spread measured in dollars was $146.6 million during the second quarter of 2012 and $301.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $143.7 million and $289.7 million during the same periods in 2011.

Net income was negatively affected by the prospective adoption on January 1, 2012, of an accounting standards update that defines the types of costs that are deferrable with policy acquisition. This resulted in $2.0 million and $5.0 million of incurred costs to be expensed as incurred in the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, which under the accounting method in effect for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2011, would have been capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs and amortized in future periods. The after tax effect of this item was a decrease in net income of $1.3 million and $3.1 million for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, respectively.

As discussed in our prior filings and in Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q, net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased $2.7 million resulting from the correction of a prior period error.

Operating income (a non-GAAP financial measure) decreased 6% to $27.4 million in the second quarter of 2012 and decreased 4% to $57.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $29.0 million and $59.6 million for the same periods in 2011.

In addition to net income, we have consistently utilized operating income, a non-GAAP financial measure commonly used in the life insurance industry, as an economic measure to evaluate our financial performance. Operating income equals net income adjusted to eliminate the impact of net realized gains (losses) on investments, including net other than temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses recognized in operations and fair value changes in derivatives and embedded derivatives. Because these items fluctuate from period to period in a manner unrelated to core operations, we believe measures excluding their impact are useful in analyzing operating trends. We believe the combined presentation and evaluation of operating income together with net income, provides information that may enhance an investor's understanding of our underlying results and profitability.

Operating income is not a substitute for net income determined in accordance with GAAP. The adjustments made to derive operating income are important to understanding our overall results from operations and, if evaluated without proper context, operating income possesses material limitations. As an example, we could produce a low level of net income in a given period, despite strong operating performance, if in that period we generate significant net realized losses from our investment portfolio. We could also produce a high level of net income in a given period, despite poor operating performance, if in that period we generate significant net realized gains from our investment portfolio. As an example of another limitation of operating income, it does not include the decrease in cash flows expected to be collected as a result of credit loss OTTI. Therefore, our management and board of directors also separately review net realized investment gains (losses) and analyses of our net investment income, including impacts related to OTTI write-downs, in connection with their review of our investment portfolio. In addition, our management and board of directors examine net income as part of their review of our overall financial results.

The adjustments made to net income to arrive at operating income for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 are set forth in the table that follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Reconciliation of net income to operating income:
Net income	$	18,759	$	18,274	$	29,230	$	49,617
Net realized losses and net OTTI losses on investments, net of offsets	861		1,278		4,408		3,750
Net effect of derivatives and embedded derivatives, net of offsets	7,736		9,461		23,478		6,220
Operating income	$	27,356	$	29,013	$	57,116	$	59,587

The amounts disclosed above as reconciling items are net of related adjustments to amortization of deferred sales inducements and deferred policy acquisition costs and income taxes.

34

Net realized losses on investments and net impairment losses recognized in operations fluctuate from period to period based upon changes in the interest rate and economic environment and the timing of the sale of investments or the recognition of other than temporary impairments.

Annuity product charges (surrender charges assessed against policy withdrawals and fees deducted from policyholder account balances for lifetime income benefit riders) increased10% to $21.9 million in the second quarter of 2012 and increased 12% to $41.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $19.9 million and $36.9 million for the same periods in 2011. These increases were primarily attributable to increases in the amounts of fees assessed for lifetime income benefit riders which were $9.7 million in the second quarter of 2012 and $17.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $6.9 million and $10.4 million for the same periods in 2011. The increases in these fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are attributable to a larger volume of business in force subject to the fee. See Interest sensitive and index product benefits below for corresponding expense recognized on lifetime income benefit riders. Surrender charges decreased by $0.8 million for the second quarter of 2012 and $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012. These decreases were primarily attributable to reductions in withdrawals subject to a surrender charge. Withdrawals from annuity and single premium universal life policies subject to surrender charges were $88.0 million in the second quarter of 2012 and $177.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $97.7 million and $202.7 million for the same periods in 2011. The average surrender charge collected on withdrawals subject to a surrender charge was 13.7% in the second quarter of 2012 and 13.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 13.2% and 13.0% for the same periods in 2011.

Net investment income increased 8% to $320.3 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 10% to $647.2 million compared to $296.9 million and $589.0 million for the same periods in 2011. These increases were principally attributable to the growth in our annuity business and a corresponding increase in our invested assets. Average invested assets excluding derivative instruments (on an amortized cost basis) increased 17% to $24.0 billion for the the second quarter of 2012 and 18% to $23.7 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $20.5 billion and $20.0 billion for the same periods in 2011. The average yield earned on average invested assets was5.34% for the second quarter of 2012 and 5.47% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 5.78% and 5.87% for the same periods in 2011.

The decrease in yield earned on average invested assets was primarily attributable to lower yields on investments purchased in 2011 and the six months ended June 30, 2012. In addition, net investment income and average yield for the periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were negatively impacted by a lag in reinvestment of proceeds from bonds called for redemption during the periods into new assets causing excess liquidity. Based on yields received for purchases of fixed maturity securities during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, we estimate that approximately $16.2 million and $24.4 million in net investment income was foregone during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 compared to $5.3 million and $7.8 million for the same periods in 2011. Additionally, net investment income and average yield for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 was positively impacted by prepayment and fee income received resulting in additional net investment income of $1.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively. There was no prepayment and fee income impact for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2011. Average yield on invested assets would have been 5.58% and 5.63% for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 compared to 5.89% and 5.95% for the same periods in 2011 taking into account these factors.

The high level of excess cash may persist for several more quarters as we hold $1.8 billion of U.S. Government agency securities at interest rates of 4.00% or higher that are likely to be called in the second half of 2012 and another $728 million of such securities that are callable in the first six months of 2013.

Change in fair value of derivatives (principally call options purchased to fund annual index credits on fixed index annuities) is affected by the performance of the indices upon which our options are based and the aggregate cost of options purchased. The components of change in fair value of derivatives are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Call options:
Gain (loss) on option expiration	$	(49,147	)	$	74,343		$	(75,300	)	$	106,461
Change in unrealized gain/loss	(73,094		)	(87,581		)	194,579			23,753
2015 notes hedges	(24,163		)	(8,723		)	(7,412		)	(3,454		)
Interest rate swaps	(4,038		)	(68		)	(3,148		)	(136		)
Interest rate caps	(405		)	—			(405		)	—
	$	(150,847	)	$	(22,029	)	$	108,314		$	126,624

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The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives between periods for call options are primarily due to the performance of the indices upon which our call options are based. A substantial portion of our call options are based upon the S&P 500 Index with the remainder based upon other equity and bond market indices. The range of index appreciation (after applicable caps, participation rates and asset fees) for options expiring during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012	2011	2012	2011
S&P 500 Index
Point-to-point strategy	0.0% - 6.8%	2.1% - 12.8%	0.0% - 7.0%	2.1% - 12.8%
Monthly average strategy	0.0% - 18.1%	0.0% - 25.0%	0.0% - 18.1%	0.0% - 25.0%
Monthly point-to-point strategy	0.0% - 0.2%	0.0% - 13.5%	0.0% - 3.3%	0.0% - 13.5%
Fixed income (bond index) strategies	4.0% - 10.0%	1.5% - 9.3%	4.0% - 10.0%	1.5% - 9.7%

The change in fair value of derivatives is also influenced by the aggregate costs of options purchased. The aggregate cost of options has increased primarily due to an increased amount of fixed index annuities in force. The aggregate cost of options is also influenced by the amount of policyholder funds allocated to the various indices and market volatility which affects option pricing. See Critical Accounting Policies - Policy Liabilities for Fixed Index Annuities included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Concurrently with the issuance of the 2015 notes, we entered into hedge transactions (the “2015 notes hedges”) to provide the cash needed to meet our cash obligations in excess of the principal amount of the 2015 notes upon conversion of the 2015 notes. The fair value of the 2015 notes hedges changes based upon changes in the price of our common stock, interest rates, stock price volatility, dividend yield and the time to expiration of the 2015 notes hedges. Similarly, the fair value of the conversion option obligation to the holders of the 2015 notes changes based upon these same factors and the conversion option obligation is accounted for as an embedded derivative liability with changes in fair value reported in the Change in fair value of embedded derivatives.The amount for the change in fair value of the 2015 notes hedges equals the amount for the change in the related embedded derivative liabilities and there is an offsetting expense in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives. See Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a discussion of the 2015 notes hedges.

Net realized losses on investments, excluding OTTI losses include gains and losses on the sale of securities and impairment losses on mortgage loans on real estate which fluctuate from year to year due to changes in the interest rate and economic environment and the timing of the sale of investments, as well as gains (losses) recognized on real estate owned due to any sales and impairments on long-lived assets. The components of net realized losses on investments for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	4,030		$	2,901		$	5,048		$	4,542
Gross realized losses	(59		)	(1,423		)	(355		)	(1,423		)
	3,971			1,478			4,693			3,119
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	—			966			562			966
Other investments:
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate	1,450			(12		)	2,895			(12		)
Impairment losses on real estate	(1,669		)	—			(2,643		)	—
	(219		)	(12		)	252			(12		)
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Increase in allowance for credit losses	(4,363		)	(3,286		)	(12,194		)	(6,120		)
	$	(611	)	$	(854	)	$	(6,687	)	$	(2,047	)

Gross realized gains were realized in 2012 and 2011 due to tax planning strategies to generate taxable capital gains that will permit deductions of capital losses for income tax purposes. See Financial Conditions - Investments for additional discussion of allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans on real estate.

Net OTTI losses recognized in operations decreased to $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2012 and $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $2.2 million and $8.8 million for the same periods in 2011. The impairments recognized during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, were all on residential mortgage backed securities and were principally due to a change of assumptions regarding loss severity of a number of securities we hold which affected our ongoing analysis of expected cash flow projections. See Financial Condition - Investments for additional discussion of write downs of securities for other than temporary impairments.

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Interest sensitive and index product benefitsdecreased 40%to $142.7 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 29% to $281.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $238.4 million and $398.1 million for the same periods in 2011. The components of interest credited to account balances are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Index credits on index policies	$	50,682	$	157,194	$	101,340	$	244,588
Interest credited (including changes in minimum guaranteed interest for fixed index annuities)	81,949		74,547		162,461		143,329
Living income benefit rider	10,102		6,679		18,055		10,168
	$	142,733	$	238,420	$	281,856	$	398,085

The decreases in index credits were attributable to changes in the appreciation of the underlying indices (see discussion above under Change in fair value of derivatives) and the amount of funds allocated by policyholders to the respective index options. Total proceeds received upon expiration of the call options purchased to fund the annual index credits were $50.0 million and $100.9 million for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, compared to $160.5 and $248.6 million for the same periods in 2011. The increases in interest credited were due to an increase in the average amount of annuity liabilities outstanding receiving a fixed rate of interest.

Amortization of deferred sales inducements increased 28% to $25.9 million in the second quarter of 2012 and decreased 16% to $42.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $20.3 million and $51.0 million for the same periods in 2011. In general, amortization of deferred sales inducements has been increasing each period due to growth in our annuity business and the deferral of sales inducements incurred with respect to sales of premium bonus annuity products. Bonus products represented 96% of our net annuity deposits during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 compared to 95% during the same periods in 2011. The anticipated increase in amortization from these factors has been affected by amortization associated with fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives utilized in our fixed index annuity business and amortization associated with net realized losses on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations. Fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives utilized in our fixed index annuity business creates differences in the recognition of revenues and expenses from derivative instruments including the embedded derivative liabilities in our fixed index annuity contracts. The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives will not correspond to the change in fair value of the derivatives (purchased call options) because the purchased call options are one-year options while the options valued in the fair value of embedded derivatives cover the expected lives of the contracts which typically exceeds ten years. Amortization of deferred sales inducements is summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Amortization of deferred sales inducements before gross profit adjustments	$	33,141		$	30,866		$	66,609		$	61,138
Gross profit adjustments:
Fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives	(7,217		)	(10,211		)	(22,637		)	(8,155		)
Net realized losses on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations	16			(390		)	(1,322		)	(2,026		)
Amortization of deferred sales inducements after gross profit adjustments	$	25,940		$	20,265		$	42,650		$	50,957

See Critical Accounting Policies - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred SalesInducements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives was a decrease of $81.0 million in the second quarter of 2012 and an increase of $278.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to a decrease of $61.0 millionand an increase$67.3 million for the same periods in 2011. The change during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 include decreases of $24.2 million and $8.7 million, respectively, in the fair value of the 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative. As discussed previously, these amounts were offset by decreases in the change in fair value of the 2015 notes hedges. The remainder of the 2012 and 2011 increases relate to fixed index annuity embedded derivatives and resulted from (i) changes in the expected index credits on the next policy anniversary dates, which are related to the change in fair value of the call options acquired to fund these index credits discussed above in change in fair value of derivatives; (ii) changes in discount rates used in estimating our liability for policy growth; and (iii) the growth in the host component of the policy liability. See Critical Accounting Policies - Policy Liabilities for Fixed Index Annuities included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The primary reasons for the increases in the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives during the first quarter of 2012 and 2011 were increases in the expected index credits that resulted from increases in the fair value of the call options acquired to fund these index credits and decreases in the discount rates used in estimating our liability for policy growth.

Interest expense on notes payable decreased10% to $7.1 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 11% to $14.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $7.8 million and $15.7 million for the same periods in 2011. These decreases were primarily due to the extinguishment of $46.3 million principal amount of the 2024 notes at par as holders required us to repurchase the notes at the initial put date of December 15, 2011.

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Interest expense on subordinated debentures increased 2% to $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 3% to $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $3.5 millionand$6.9 million for the same periods in 2011. These increases were primarily due to the increases in the weighted average interest rate on the outstanding subordinated debentures which were 5.22% and 5.23% for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 5.09% and 5.08% for the same periods in 2011. The weighted average interest rate has increased because $169.6 million principal amount of the subordinated debentures has floating rates of interest based upon the three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus an applicable margin. See Financial Condition - Liabilities included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased 15%to $44.8 million in the second quarter of 2012 and decreased 16% to $79.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $38.9 millionand$94.1 million for the same periods in 2011. In general, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs has been increasing each period due to the growth in our annuity business and the deferral of policy acquisition costs incurred with respect to sales of annuity products. The anticipated increase in amortization from these factors has been affected by amortization associated with fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives utilized in our fixed index annuity business and amortization associated with net realized gains (losses) on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations. As discussed above, fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives utilized in our fixed index annuity business creates differences in the recognition of revenues and expenses from derivative instruments including the embedded derivative liabilities in our fixed index annuity contracts. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs is summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs before gross profit adjustments	$	54,457		$	53,815		$	110,096		$	107,574
Gross profit adjustments:
Fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives	(9,342		)	(14,245		)	(28,585		)	(10,492		)
Net realized losses on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations	(267		)	(708		)	(2,379		)	(2,997		)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs after gross profit adjustments	$	44,848		$	38,862		$	79,132		$	94,085

See Critical Accounting Policies - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred SalesInducements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Other operating costs and expenses increased 14% to $18.9 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 19% to $40.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $16.6 millionand $34.1 million for the same periods in 2011. Other operating costs and expenses are primarily affected by increases in salaries and benefits, marketing expenses and general operating expenses due to the growth of our business as well as fluctuations in legal expense for the cost of defense of on-going litigation. Other operating expenses increased $2.0 million during the the second quarter of 2012 and $5.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 due to a change in accounting which we adopted prospectively effective January 1, 2012 for the types of costs that may be capitalized as acquisition costs of new and renewal insurance contracts (see note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements).

Income tax expense increased 3% to $9.9 million in the second quarter of 2012 and decreased 41% to $15.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $9.6 millionand$26.6 million for the same periods in 2011. These changes in income tax expense were primarily due to a changes in income before income taxes. Income tax expense and the resulting effective tax rate are based upon two components of income before income taxes ("pretax income") that are taxed at different tax rates. Life insurance income is generally taxed at an effective rate of approximately 35.6% reflecting the absence of state income taxes for substantially all of the states that the life insurance subsidiaries do business in. The income (loss) for the parent company and other non-life insurance subsidiaries is generally taxed at an effective tax rate of 41.5% reflecting the combined federal / state income tax rates. The effective tax rates resulting from the combination of the income tax provisions for the life / non-life sources of income (loss) vary from period to period based primarily on the relative size of pretax income (loss) from the two sources. The effective tax rate for these periods ranged from 34.5% to 34.9%.

Financial Condition

Investments

Our investment strategy is to maintain a substantially investment grade fixed income portfolio, provide adequate liquidity to meet our cash obligations to policyholders and others and maximize current income and total investment return through active investment management. Consistent with this strategy, our investments principally consist of fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans on real estate.

Insurance statutes regulate the type of investments that our life subsidiaries are permitted to make and limit the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations and our business and investment strategy, we generally seek to invest in United States government and government-sponsored agency securities, corporate securities and United States municipalities, states and territories securities rated investment grade by established nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSRO's") or in securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated, and commercial mortgage loans on real estate.

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The composition of our investment portfolio is summarized in the table below:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Percent		Carrying Amount		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	5,214	—	%	$	4,678	—	%
United States Government sponsored agencies	2,628,531		10.3	%	4,368,053		17.9	%
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,495,557		13.8	%	3,333,383		13.7	%
Foreign government obligations	46,186		0.2	%	43,228		0.2	%
Corporate securities	12,494,144		49.1	%	10,192,293		41.8	%
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,524,030		9.9	%	2,703,290		11.1	%
Other asset backed securities	761,593		3.0	%	463,390		1.9	%
Total fixed maturity securities	21,955,255		86.3	%	21,108,315		86.6	%
Equity securities	61,441		0.2	%	62,845		0.2	%
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093		10.8	%	2,823,047		11.6	%
Derivative instruments	476,699		1.9	%	273,314		1.1	%
Other investments	201,757		0.8	%	115,930		0.5	%
	$	25,427,245	100.0	%	$	24,383,451	100.0	%

During the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, we received $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, in redemption proceeds related to calls of our callable United States Government sponsored agency securities and public and private corporate bonds, of which $1.7 billion were classified as held for investment during the six months ended June 30, 2012. There were no calls of held for investment securities during the six months endedJune 30, 2011. We reinvested the proceeds from these redemptions primarily in United States Government sponsored agencies, corporate securities and other asset backed securities. At June 30, 2012, 33% of our fixed income securities have call features and 1% ($0.1 billion) were subject to call redemption. Another 14% ($2.6 billion) will become subject to call redemption during the next twelve months (principally the last two quarters of 2012).

Fixed Maturity Securities

Our fixed maturity security portfolio is managed to minimize risks such as interest rate changes and defaults or impairments while earning a sufficient and stable return on our investments. Historically, we have had a high percentage of our fixed maturity securities in U.S. Government sponsored agency securities (for the most part Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Federal National Mortgage Association). While U.S. Government sponsored agency securities are of high credit quality, the call features have resulted in our excess cash position. These calls resulted from the low interest rate and tight agency spread environment. Since 2007, when we had almost 80% of our fixed maturity portfolio invested in callable agencies, we have reallocated a significant portion of our fixed maturities from the callable agency securities to other highly rated, long-term securities. The largest portion of our fixed maturity securities are now in investment grade (NAIC designation 1 or 2) publicly traded or privately placed corporate securities. We have also built a portfolio of residential mortgage backed securities ("RMBS") that provide our investment portfolio a source of regular cash flow and higher yielding assets than our agency securities. Additionally, in 2009 we began building a portfolio of taxable bonds issued by municipalities, states and territories of the United States that provide us with attractive yields while consistent with our aversion to credit risk.

A summary of our fixed maturity securities by NRSRO ratings is as follows:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Rating Agency Rating	Carrying Amount		Percent of Fixed Maturity Securities		Carrying Amount		Percent of Fixed Maturity Securities
	(Dollars in thousands)
Aaa/Aa/A	$	14,049,730	64.0	%	$	14,777,524	70.0	%
Baa	6,479,458		29.5	%	4,945,809		23.4	%
Total investment grade	20,529,188		93.5	%	19,723,333		93.4	%
Ba	263,616		1.2	%	257,585		1.2	%
B	226,137		1.0	%	169,112		0.8	%
Caa and lower	829,464		3.8	%	858,694		4.1	%
In or near default	106,850		0.5	%	99,591		0.5	%
Total below investment grade	1,426,067		6.5	%	1,384,982		6.6	%
	$	21,955,255	100.0	%	$	21,108,315	100.0	%

The NAIC's Securities Valuation Office ("SVO") is responsible for the day-to-day credit quality assessment and valuation of securities owned by state regulated insurance companies. Insurance companies report ownership of securities to the SVO when such securities are eligible for regulatory filings. The SVO conducts credit analysis on these securities for the purpose of assigning an NAIC designation and/or unit price.

39

Typically, if a security has been rated by an NRSRO, the SVO utilizes that rating and assigns an NAIC designation based upon the following system:

NAIC Designation	NRSRO Equivalent Rating
1	Aaa/Aa/A
2	Baa
3	Ba
4	B
5	Caa and lower
6	In or near default

In November 2011, the NAIC membership approved continuation of a process developed in 2009 to assess non-agency RMBS for the 2011 filing year that does not rely on NRSRO ratings. The NAIC retained the services of PIMCO Advisory to model each non-agency RMBS owned by U.S. insurers at year-end 2011 and 2010. PIMCO Advisory has provided 5 prices for each security for life insurance companies to utilize in determining the NAIC designation for each RMBS based on each insurer's statutory book value price. This process is used to determine the level of RBC requirements for non-agency RMBS.

The table below presents our fixed maturity securities by NAIC designation:

	June 30, 2012								December 31, 2011
NAIC Designation	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Percent of Total Carrying Amount		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Percent of Total Carrying Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)								(Dollars in thousands)
1	$	13,388,910	$	14,799,840	$	14,797,333	67.4	%	$	14,359,272	$	15,486,571	$	15,469,765	73.3	%
2	6,282,280		6,758,202		6,758,202		30.9	%	4,894,739		5,272,759		5,272,759		25.0	%
3	371,555		345,380		359,550		1.6	%	335,642		315,406		331,996		1.6	%
4	31,828		30,224		30,224		0.1	%	26,674		23,989		23,989		0.1	%
5	5,528		5,783		5,783		—	%	4,932		5,756		5,756		—	%
6	2,950		4,163		4,163		—	%	3,226		4,050		4,050		—	%
	$	20,083,051	$	21,943,592	$	21,955,255	100.0	%	$	19,624,485	$	21,108,531	$	21,108,315	100.0	%

A summary of our RMBS by collateral type and split by NAIC designation, as well as a separate summary of securities for which we have recognized OTTI and those which we have not recognized any OTTI is as follows as of June 30, 2012:

Collateral Type	Principal Amount		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
OTTI has not been recognized
Government agency	$	491,262	$	439,046	$	544,008
Prime	1,033,851		985,064		1,034,048
Alt-A	43,998		44,614		45,732
	$	1,569,111	$	1,468,724	$	1,623,788
OTTI has been recognized
Prime	$	654,317	$	578,529	$	559,482
Alt-A	448,967		360,365		340,760
	$	1,103,284	$	938,894	$	900,242
Total by collateral type
Government agency	$	491,262	$	439,046	$	544,008
Prime	1,688,168		1,563,593		1,593,530
Alt-A	492,965		404,979		386,492
	$	2,672,395	$	2,407,618	$	2,524,030
Total by NAIC designation
1	$	2,272,920	$	2,055,472	$	2,193,086
2	329,707		290,504		273,991
3	65,544		58,905		54,948
6	4,224		2,737		2,005
	$	2,672,395	$	2,407,618	$	2,524,030

40

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2012, by contractual maturity, are presented in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements in this form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.

Unrealized Losses

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position were as follows:

	Number of Securities	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	3	$	228,502	$	(673	)	$	227,829
United States municipalities, states and territories	2	4,007		(34		)	3,973
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	32	345,299		(23,522		)	321,777
Manufacturing, construction and mining	30	187,630		(6,248		)	181,382
Utilities and related sectors	32	198,162		(16,598		)	181,564
Wholesale/retail trade	4	25,452		(1,526		)	23,926
Services, media and other	9	87,687		(2,436		)	85,251
Residential mortgage backed securities	82	832,811		(54,205		)	778,606
Other asset backed securities	22	185,597		(4,182		)	181,415
	216	$	2,095,147	$	(109,424	)	$	1,985,723
Fixed maturity securities, held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	1	$	76,009	$	(14,170	)	$	61,839
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	3	$	18,125	$	(1,303	)	$	16,822
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
United States municipalities, states and territories	1	$	3,545	$	(10	)	$	3,535
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	52	562,449		(52,186		)	510,263
Manufacturing, construction and mining	32	240,637		(9,000		)	231,637
Utilities and related sectors	28	226,551		(14,522		)	212,029
Wholesale/retail trade	4	26,180		(1,382		)	24,798
Services, media and other	9	47,937		(3,144		)	44,793
Residential mortgage backed securities	95	1,077,045		(72,081		)	1,004,964
Other asset backed securities	17	136,703		(5,611		)	131,092
	238	$	2,321,047	$	(157,936	)	$	2,163,111
Fixed maturity securities, held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	1	$	75,932	$	(16,590	)	$	59,342
Equity securities, available for sale
Finance, insurance and real estate	7	$	28,123	$	(4,345	)	$	23,778

Unrealized losses decreased $54.0 million from $178.9 million at December 31, 2011 to $124.9 million at June 30, 2012. Unrealized losses decreased due to a narrowing of credit spreads in certain sectors of the corporate bond market during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

41

The following table sets forth the composition by credit quality (NAIC designation) of fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses:

NAIC Designation	Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses		Percent of Total		Gross Unrealized Losses			Percent of Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
1	$	1,052,055	51.0	%	$	(46,681	)	37.8	%
2	745,957		36.2	%	(44,487		)	36.0	%
3	237,645		11.5	%	(29,644		)	24.0	%
4	20,064		1.0	%	(1,604		)	1.3	%
5	4,006		0.2	%	(445		)	0.3	%
6	2,005		0.1	%	(733		)	0.6	%
	$	2,061,732	100.0	%	$	(123,594	)	100.0	%
December 31, 2011
1	$	1,229,962	54.9	%	$	(88,632	)	50.8	%
2	825,771		36.9	%	(56,551		)	32.4	%
3	165,902		7.4	%	(25,402		)	14.6	%
4	15,310		0.7	%	(3,026		)	1.7	%
5	—		—	%	—			—	%
6	2,098		0.1	%	(915		)	0.5	%
	$	2,239,043	100.0	%	$	(174,526	)	100.0	%

Our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 220 and 246 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, along with a description of the factors causing the unrealized losses is presented in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q, which is incorporate by reference in the Item 2.

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At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities in an unrealized loss position and the number of months in a continuous unrealized loss position (fixed maturity securities that carry an NRSRO rating of BBB/Baa or higher considered investment grade) were as follows:

	Number of Securities	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Investment grade:
Less than six months	89	$	849,623	$	840,124	$	(9,499	)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	20	145,550		132,176		(13,374		)
Twelve months or greater	24	228,715		206,334		(22,381		)
Total investment grade	133	1,223,888		1,178,634		(45,254		)
Below investment grade:
Less than six months	13	225,391		214,279		(11,112		)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	14	199,959		186,046		(13,913		)
Twelve months or greater	57	521,918		468,603		(53,315		)
Total below investment grade	84	947,268		868,928		(78,340		)
Equity securities:
Less then six months	—	—		—		—
Six months or more and less than twelve months	1	10,125		8,922		(1,203		)
Twelve months or greater	2	8,000		7,900		(100		)
Total equity securities	3	18,125		16,822		(1,303		)
	220	$	2,189,281	$	2,064,384	$	(124,897	)
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Investment grade:
Less than six months	105	$	888,771	$	845,654	$	(43,117	)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	16	133,766		121,320		(12,446		)
Twelve months or greater	32	333,116		304,408		(28,708		)
Total investment grade	153	1,355,653		1,271,382		(84,271		)
Below investment grade:
Less than six months	15	193,472		180,373		(13,099		)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	8	56,065		50,215		(5,850		)
Twelve months or greater	63	791,789		720,483		(71,306		)
Total below investment grade	86	1,041,326		951,071		(90,255		)
Equity securities:
Less then six months	4	17,123		15,004		(2,119		)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	2	6,000		5,024		(976		)
Twelve months or greater	1	5,000		3,750		(1,250		)
Total equity securities	7	28,123		23,778		(4,345		)
	246	$	2,425,102	$	2,246,231	$	(178,871	)

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At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities (excluding United States Government and United States Government sponsored agency securities) segregated by investment grade (NRSRO rating of BBB/Baa or higher) and below investment grade that had unrealized losses greater than 20% and the number of months in an unrealized loss position greater than 20% were as follows:

	Number of Securities	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Investment grade:
Less than six months	5	$	41,842	$	33,186	$	(8,656	)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	2	40,000		28,825		(11,175		)
Twelve months or greater	—	—		—		—
Total investment grade	7	81,842		62,011		(19,831		)
Below investment grade:
Less than six months	4	60,106		45,350		(14,756		)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	2	13,103		10,039		(3,064		)
Twelve months or greater	3	9,912		7,061		(2,851		)
Total below investment grade	9	83,121		62,450		(20,671		)
	16	$	164,963	$	124,461	$	(40,502	)
December 31, 2011
Investment grade:
Less than six months	9	$	83,332	$	56,501	$	(26,831	)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	—	—		—		—
Twelve months or greater	—	—		—		—
Total investment grade	9	83,332		56,501		(26,831		)
Below investment grade:
Less than six months	4	38,506		29,076		(9,430		)
Six months or more and less than twelve months	1	7,464		5,250		(2,214		)
Twelve months or greater	3	78,945		61,440		(17,505		)
Total below investment grade	8	124,915		95,766		(29,149		)
	17	$	208,247	$	152,267	$	(55,980	)

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The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity, that were in an unrealized loss position are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our residential mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives, and are shown below as a separate line.

	Available for sale				Held for investment
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Due in one year or less	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years	22,035		19,147		—		—
Due after five years through ten years	263,243		253,792		—		—
Due after ten years through twenty years	466,857		446,057		—		—
Due after twenty years	324,603		306,706		76,009		61,839
	1,076,738		1,025,702		76,009		61,839
Residential mortgage backed securities	832,811		778,606		—		—
Other asset backed securities	185,598		181,415		—		—
	$	2,095,147	$	1,985,723	$	76,009	$	61,839
December 31, 2011
Due in one year or less	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years	18,066		16,725		—		—
Due after five years through ten years	374,616		356,620		—		—
Due after ten years through twenty years	359,672		319,977		—		—
Due after twenty years	354,945		333,733		75,932		59,342
	1,107,299		1,027,055		75,932		59,342
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,077,045		1,004,964		—		—
Other asset backed securities	136,703		131,092		—		—
	$	2,321,047	$	2,163,111	$	75,932	$	59,342

International Exposure

We hold fixed maturity securities with international exposure. As of June 30, 2012, 13% of the carrying value of our fixed maturity securities was comprised of corporate debt securities of issuers based outside of the United States and debt securities of foreign governments. All of these securities are denominated in U.S. dollars and all are investment grade (NAIC designation of either 1 or 2), except for four securities with a total fair value of $35.8 million which are all NAIC 3. Our investment professionals analyze each holding for credit risk by economic and other factors of each country and industry. The following table presents our international exposure in our fixed maturity portfolio by country or region:

	June 30, 2012
	Amortized Cost		Carrying Amount/Fair Value		Percent of Total Carrying Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
GIIPS (1)	$	224,403	$	212,944	1.0%
Asia/Pacific	102,911		113,651		0.5%
Non-GIIPS Europe	1,146,266		1,221,904		5.6%
Latin America	152,080		163,030		0.7%
Non-U.S. North America	589,974		649,858		3.0%
Australia & New Zealand	306,008		326,962		1.5%
Other	215,392		243,925		1.1%
	$	2,737,034	$	2,932,274	13.4%

(1) Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain continue to cause credit risk as economic conditions in these countries continue to be volatile, especially within the financial and banking sectors. All of our exposure in GIIPS are corporate securities with issuers domiciled in these countries. None of our foreign government obligations were held in any of these countries.

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Watch List

At each balance sheet date, we identify invested assets which have characteristics (i.e. significant unrealized losses compared to amortized cost and industry trends) creating uncertainty as to our future assessment of an other than temporary impairment. As part of this assessment we review not only a change in current price relative to its amortized cost but the issuer's current credit rating and the probability of full recovery of principal based upon the issuer's financial strength. Specifically for corporate issues we evaluate the financial stability and quality of asset coverage for the securities relative to the term to maturity for the issues we own. A security which has a 25% or greater change in market price relative to its amortized cost and a possibility of a loss of principal will be included on a list which is referred to as our watch list. We exclude from this list securities with unrealized losses which are related to market movements in interest rates and which have no factors indicating that such unrealized losses may be other than temporary as we do not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not we will not have to sell these securities before a recovery is realized. In addition, we exclude our RMBS as we monitor all of our RMBS on a quarterly basis for changes in default rates, loss severities and expected cash flows for the purpose of assessing potential other than temporary impairments and related credit losses to be recognized in operations. At June 30, 2012, the amortized cost and fair value of securities on the watch list are as follows:

General Description	Number of Securities	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Months in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	Months Unrealized Losses Greater Than 20%
		(Dollars in thousands)
Investment grade
Corporate fixed maturity securities:
Finance	4	$	64,500	$	(16,708	)	$	47,792	7 - 19	1 - 10
Industrial	3	18,271		(2,962		)	15,309		11 - 22	0
	7	$	82,771	$	(19,670	)	$	63,101
Below investment grade
Corporate fixed maturity securities:
Finance	1	$	4,451	$	(445	)	$	4,006	3	—
Industrial	1	20,616		(4,985		)	15,631		13	3
	2	25,067		(5,430		)	19,637
	9	$	107,838	(25,100		)	$	82,738

All of the investment grade securities on the watch list, as well as the industrial that is below investment grade, have Eurozone exposure that has contributed to their depressed fair values. Our analysis of all of the securities on the watch list that we have determined are temporarily impaired and their credit performance at June 30, 2012 is as follows:

Finance:  The decline in value of these securities is due to the continued wide spreads as a result of the ongoing concerns relating to capital, asset quality and earnings stability due to the financial events of the past three years and the ongoing events in the Eurozone, specifically the sovereign debt crisis. While these issuers have had their financial position and profitability weakened by the credit and liquidity crisis, we have determined that these securities were not other than temporarily impaired due to our evaluation of the operating performance and the credit worthiness of each individual issuer.

Industrial:  The decline in value of these securities relates to ongoing operational issues. These issues have caused the price for these securities to decline; however, the companies have strong liquidity and ample time to strengthen their credit profile. We have determined that these securities were not other than temporarily impaired due to the issuers' very strong market position, restructuring actions that are expected to favorable impact future profitability and a history of strong reliable operating performance, improving economic conditions and rising security prices.

Other Than Temporary Impairments

We have a policy and process in place to identify securities in our investment portfolio for which we should recognize impairments. See Critical Accounting Policies—Evaluation of Other Than Temporary Impairments included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. We recognized other than temporary impairments and additional credit losses on a number of securities for which we have previously recognized OTTI. A summary of OTTI is presented in Note 3 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.

Several factors led us to believe that full recovery of amortized cost will not be expected. A discussion of these factors and our policy and process in place to identify securities that could potential have impairment that is other than temporary is in Note 3 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location, and loan size. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. Our commercial mortgage loans on real estate are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts net of valuation allowances. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 the largest principal amount outstanding for any

46

single mortgage loan was $10.4 million and $10.2 million, respectively, and the average loan size was $2.4 million as of both reporting dates. We have the contractual ability to pursue full personal recourse on 13.2% of the loans and partial personal recourse on 32.1% of the loans, and master leases provide us recourse against the principals of the borrowing entity on 4.6% of the loans. In addition, the average loan to value ratio for the overall portfolio was 54.0% and 54.5% at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, based upon the underwriting and appraisal at the time the loan was made. This loan to value is indicative of our conservative underwriting policies and practices for making commercial mortgage loans and may not be indicative of collateral values at the current reporting date. Our current practice is to only obtain market value appraisals of the underlying collateral at the inception of the loan unless we identify indicators of impairment in our ongoing analysis of the portfolio, in which case, we either calculate a value of the collateral using a capitalization method or obtain a current appraisal of the underlying collateral. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type in Note 4 - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In the normal course of business, we commit to fund commercial mortgage loans up to 90 days in advance. At June 30, 2012, we had commitments to fund commercial mortgage loans totaling $54.7 million, with fixed interest rates ranging from 4.70% to 5.10%. In 2012, the commercial mortgage loan industry has become very competitive. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, we received $165.4 million in cash for loans being paid in full compared to $39.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Some of the loans being paid off have either reached their maturity or are nearing maturity; however, many borrowers are paying the prepayment fee and refinancing at a lower rate. The competition in commercial mortgage lending has resulted in a number of borrowers refinancing with other lenders.

See Note 4 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for a presentation of our specific and general loan loss allowances, foreclosure activity and troubled debt restructure analysis.

We recorded impairment losses of $3.5 million on five mortgage loans with outstanding principal due totaling $13.6 million and impairment losses of $10.3 million on sixteen mortgage loans with outstanding principal due totaling $45.6 million, during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, respectively. We recorded impairment losses of $2.2 million on ten mortgage loans with outstanding principal due totaling $26.7 million and impairment losses of $4.9 million on thirteen mortgage loans with outstanding principal due totaling $32.2 million during the same periods in 2011.

At June 30, 2012, we have nine mortgages that are in the process of being satisfied by our taking ownership of the real estate serving as collateral. These loans have an outstanding principal balance of $28.3 million and we have recorded specific loan loss allowances totaling $7.2 million, of which $1.5 million and $3.2 million of losses were recognized during the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, respectively. We also have twenty-six commercial mortgage loans at June 30, 2012 with an outstanding principal balance of $71.0 million that have been given "workout" terms which generally allow for interest only payments or the capitalization of interest for a specified period of time and we have recorded specific loan loss allowances on seven of these loans (principal balance of $15.7 million) of $6.9 million. At June 30, 2012, we had two commercial mortgage loans with an outstanding principal balance of $7.2 million that were delinquent (60 days or more past due at the reporting date) and we recorded a specific loan loss allowances on these loans of $4.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. The total outstanding principal balance of these 37 loans is $106.5 million, which represents less than 4% of our total mortgage loan portfolio.

Mortgage loans summarized in the following table represent all loans that we are either not currently collecting or those we feel it is probable we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements (all loans that we have worked with the borrower to alleviate short-term cash flow issues, loans delinquent for 60 days or more at the reporting date, loans we have determined to be collateral dependent and loans that we have recorded specific impairments on that we feel may continue to have performance issues).

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage loans with allowances	$	59,815		$	67,698
Mortgage loans with no allowance for losses	59,541			63,023
Allowance for probable loan losses	(25,445		)	(23,664		)
Net carrying value	$	93,911		$	107,057

Derivative Instruments

Our derivative instruments primarily consist of call options purchased to provide the income needed to fund the annual index credits on our fixed index annuity products. The fair value of the call options is based upon the amount of cash that would be required to settle the call options obtained from the counterparties adjusted for the nonperformance risk of the counterparty. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options.

We recognize all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. None of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, thus, any change in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. A presentation of our derivative instruments along with a discussion of the business strategy involved with our derivatives is included in Note 5 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our insurance subsidiaries continue to have adequate cash flows from annuity deposits and investment income to meet their policyholder and other obligations. Net cash flows from annuity deposits and funds returned to policyholders as surrenders, withdrawals and death claims were $1.0 billion in the six months endedJune 30, 2012 compared to $1.5 billion for the six months endedJune 30, 2011, with the decrease primarily attributable to a $549.1 million decrease in net annuity deposits after coinsurance. We continue to invest the net proceeds from policyholder transactions and investment activities in high quality fixed maturity securities and fixed rate commercial mortgage loans. As reported above under Financial Condition - Investments, during the the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, we experienced a significant amount of calls of United States Government sponsored agency securities. As a result we have had elevated levels of cash and cash equivalents during the first six months of 2012 and 2011. We have been reinvesting the proceeds from the called securities in United States Government sponsored agencies securities, investment grade corporate fixed maturity securities and other asset backed securities with yields that meet our investment spread objectives. At June 30, 2012, 33% of our fixed income securities have call features and 1% ($0.1 billion) were subject to call redemption. Another 14% ($2.6 billion) will become subject to call redemption during the next twelve months (principally the last two quarters of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013).

We, as the parent company, are a legal entity separate and distinct from our subsidiaries, and have no business operations. We need liquidity primarily to service our debt, including the convertible senior notes and subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts, pay operating expenses and pay dividends to stockholders. Our assets consist primarily of the capital stock and surplus notes of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our future cash flows depend upon the availability of dividends, surplus note interest payments and other statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries, such as payments under our investment advisory agreements and tax allocation agreement with our subsidiaries. These sources provide adequate cash flow to us to meet our current and reasonably foreseeable future obligations and we expect they will be adequate to fund our parent company cash flow requirements for the rest of 2012.

The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends and to make such other payments will be limited by applicable laws and regulations of the states in which our subsidiaries are domiciled, which subject our subsidiaries to significant regulatory restrictions. These laws and regulations require, among other things, our insurance subsidiaries to maintain minimum solvency requirements and limit the amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay. Along with solvency regulations, the primary driver in determining the amount of capital used for dividends is the level of capital needed to maintain desired financial strength ratings from A.M. Best. Given recent economic events that have affected the insurance industry, both regulators and rating agencies could become more conservative in their methodology and criteria, including increasing capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries which, in turn, could negatively affect the cash available to us from insurance subsidiaries.

The statutory capital and surplus of our life insurance subsidiaries at June 30, 2012 was $1.6 billion. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (American Equity Life) made surplus note interest payments to us of $2.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. For the remainder of 2012, up to $195.5 million can be distributed by American Equity Life as dividends under applicable laws and regulations without prior regulatory approval. Dividends may be made only out of earned surplus, and all surplus note payments are subject to prior approval by regulatory authorities. American Equity Life had $700.0 million of statutory earned surplus at June 30, 2012. The transfer of funds by American Equity Life is also restricted by a covenant in our revolving line of credit which requires American Equity Life to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio of 275%.

Cash and cash equivalents of the parent holding company at June 30, 2012, was $12.8 million, which includes $0.3 million held from the counterparty for derivative collateral related to the our interest rate swaps and caps. $1.3 million of the cash and cash equivalents of the parent holding company will be utilized to settle the remaining trust preferred securities that were not converted (see note 7 to our consolidated financial statements). In addition, we have a $160 million line of credit, with no borrowings outstanding, available through January 2014 for general corporate purposes of the parent company and its subsidiaries.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 2, for new accounting pronouncement disclosures that supplements the disclosure in Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We seek to invest our available funds in a manner that will maximize shareholder value and fund future obligations to policyholders and debtors, subject to appropriate risk considerations. We seek to meet this objective through investments that: (i) consist substantially of investment grade fixed maturity securities; (ii) have projected returns which satisfy our spread targets; and (iii) have characteristics which support the underlying liabilities. Many of our products incorporate surrender charges, market interest rate adjustments or other features to encourage persistency.

We seek to maximize the total return on our available for sale investments through active investment management. Accordingly, we have determined that our available for sale portfolio of fixed maturity securities is available to be sold in response to: (i) changes in market interest rates; (ii) changes in relative values of individual securities and asset sectors; (iii) changes in prepayment risks; (iv) changes in credit quality outlook for certain securities; (v) liquidity needs: and (vi) other factors. An OTTI shall be considered to have occurred when we have an intention to sell available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position. If we do not intend to sell a debt security, we consider all available evidence

48

to make an assessment of whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. If it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, an OTTI will be considered to have occurred. We have a portfolio of held for investment securities which consists principally of long duration bonds issued by U.S. government agencies. These securities are purchased to secure long-term yields which meet our spread targets and support the underlying liabilities.

Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates can affect the profitability of our products, the fair value of our investments, and the amount of interest we pay on our floating rate subordinated debentures. Our floating rate trust preferred securities bear interest at the three month LIBOR plus 3.50% - 4.00%. Our outstanding balance of floating rate trust preferred securities was $164.5 million at June 30, 2012, of which $85.5 million has been swapped to a fixed rate and $79.0 million has been capped for a term of seven years beginning March or July 2014 (See Note 5 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements). The profitability of most of our products depends on the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on insurance liabilities. We have the ability to adjust crediting rates (caps, participation rates or asset fee rates for index annuities) on substantially all of our annuity liabilities at least annually (subject to minimum guaranteed values). In addition, substantially all of our annuity products have surrender and withdrawal penalty provisions designed to encourage persistency and to help ensure targeted spreads are earned. However, competitive factors, including the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions.

A major component of our interest rate risk management program is structuring the investment portfolio with cash flow characteristics consistent with the cash flow characteristics of our insurance liabilities. We use computer models to simulate cash flows expected from our existing business under various interest rate scenarios. These simulations enable us to measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of our interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, to evaluate the adequacy of expected cash flows from our assets to meet the expected cash requirements of our liabilities and to determine if it is necessary to lengthen or shorten the average life and duration of our investment portfolio. The "duration" of a security is the time weighted present value of the security's expected cash flows and is used to measure a security's sensitivity to changes in interest rates. When the durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change in value of assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities.

If interest rates were to increase 10% (28 basis points) from levels at June 30, 2012, we estimate that the fair value of our fixed maturity securities would decrease by approximately $553.5 million. The impact on stockholders' equity of such decrease (net of income taxes and certain adjustments for changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements) would be a decrease of $170.4 million in the accumulated other comprehensive income and a decrease in stockholders' equity. The computer models used to estimate the impact of a 10% change in market interest rates incorporate numerous assumptions, require significant estimates and assume an immediate and parallel change in interest rates without any management of the investment portfolio in reaction to such change. Consequently, potential changes in value of our financial instruments indicated by the simulations will likely be different from the actual changes experienced under given interest rate scenarios, and the differences may be material. Because we actively manage our investments and liabilities, our net exposure to interest rates can vary over time. However, any such decreases in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities (unless related to credit concerns of the issuer requiring recognition of an other than temporary impairment) would generally be realized only if we were required to sell such securities at losses prior to their maturity to meet our liquidity needs, which we manage using the surrender and withdrawal provisions of our annuity contracts and through other means. See Financial Condition - Liquidity for Insurance Operations included in Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

At June 30, 2012, 33% of our fixed income securities have call features and 1% ($0.1 billion) were subject to call redemption. Another 14% ($2.6 billion) will become subject to call redemption during the next twelve months (principally the last two quarters of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013). During the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, we received $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, in redemption proceeds related to the exercise of such call options. We have reinvestment risk related to these redemptions to the extent we cannot reinvest the net proceeds in assets with credit quality and yield characteristics similar to the redeemed bonds. Such reinvestment risk typically occurs in a declining rate environment. Should rates decline to levels which tighten the spread between our average portfolio yield and average cost of interest credited on annuity liabilities, we have the ability to reduce crediting rates (caps, participation rates or asset fees for index annuities) on most of our annuity liabilities to maintain the spread at our targeted level. At June 30, 2012, approximately 99% of our annuity liabilities were subject to annual adjustment of the applicable crediting rates at our discretion, limited by minimum guaranteed crediting rates specified in the policies.

We purchase call options on the applicable indices to fund the annual index credits on our fixed index annuities. These options are primarily one-year instruments purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. Fair value changes associated with those investments are substantially offset by an increase or decrease in the amounts added to policyholder account balances for fixed index products. For the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, the annual index credits to policyholders on their anniversaries were $101.3 million and $244.6 million, respectively. Proceeds received at expiration of these options related to such credits were $100.9 million and $248.6 million for the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Within our hedging process we purchase options out of the money to the extent of anticipated minimum guaranteed interest on index policies. On the anniversary dates of the index policies, we purchase new one-year call options to fund the next annual index credits. The risk associated with these prospective purchases is the uncertainty of the cost, which will determine whether we are able to earn our spread on our index business. We manage this risk through the terms of our fixed index annuities, which permit us to change caps, participation rates and asset fees, subject to contractual features. By modifying caps, participation rates or asset fees, we can limit option costs to budgeted amounts, except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications. Based upon actuarial testing which we conduct as a part of the design of our index products and on an ongoing basis, we believe the risk that contractual features would prevent us from controlling option costs is not material.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2012 in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 8 - Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 1, for litigation and regulatory disclosures that supplements the disclosure in Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K described our Risk Factors. There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors during the six months endedJune 30, 2012.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no issuer purchases of equity securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

We have a Rabbi Trust, the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust, which purchases our common shares to fund the amount of shares earned by our agents under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan. At June 30, 2012, all shares earned and vested by agents have been purchased and contributed to the Rabbi Trust.

In addition, we have a share repurchase program under which we are authorized to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock. As of June 30, 2012, no shares of our common stock had been repurchased under this program.

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Item 6. Exhibits

Number	Name	Method of Filing
10.38	Change of Control Agreement between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Ted Johnson	Filed herewith
10.39	Change of Control Agreement between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Ronald J. Grensteiner	Filed herewith
12.1	Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges	Filed herewith
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	*
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	*
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	*
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	*
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	*
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	*
*	Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 6, 2012	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE
	HOLDING COMPANY
	By:	/s/ John M. Matovina
		John M. Matovina, Chief Executive Officer and President
		(Principal Executive Officer)
	By:	/s/ Ted M. Johnson
		Ted M. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
		(Principal Financial Officer)
	By:	/s/ Scott A. Samuelson
		Scott A. Samuelson, Vice President - Controller
		(Principal Accounting Officer)

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EX-10.38

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

Ted Johnson

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this 5th day of June, 2003 by and between AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY, an Iowa corporation (the "Company"), and Ted Johnson (the "Executive"). The Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to ensure that the Company and its affiliates will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a termination of the Executive's employment in certain circumstances, including following a Change in Control as defined herein. The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened termination of the Executive's employment in such circumstances and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon such a termination which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations who may seek to employ the Executive. In order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement with the Executive.

It is hereby agreed as follows:

1.Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement:

A. "Beneficiary" means any individual, trust or other entity named by the Executive to receive the severance payments and benefits payable hereunder in the event of the death of the Executive during the Salary Continuation Period. Executive may designate a Beneficiary to receive such payments and benefits by completing a form provided by the Company and delivering it to the Chairman of the Board of the Company. Executive may change his or her designated Beneficiary at any time (without the consent of any prior Beneficiary) by completing and delivering to the Company a new beneficiary designation form. If a Beneficiary has not been designated by the Executive, or if no designated Beneficiary survives the Executive, then the payment and benefits provided under this Agreement, if any, will be paid to the Executive's estate, which shall be deemed to be Executive's Beneficiary.

B. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

C. "Cause" means:

i. the Executive's willful and continued failure to substantially perform the Executive's duties with the Company or its affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Executive has not substantially performed his or her duties;

ii. the final conviction of the Executive of, or an entering of a guilty plea or a plea of no contest by the Executive to, a felony; or

iii. the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

For purposes of this definition, no act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without a reasonable belief that the action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, the instructions of a more senior officer of the Company or the advice of counsel to the Company or its affiliates will be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company and its affiliates.

D. "Change in Control" means the occurrence of anyone of the following events:

i. any "person" (as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"», other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, directly or indirectly acquires "beneficial ownership" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities representing 35% of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

ii. during any period of not more than two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board and any new directors (other than any director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in subsections l(d)(i), I (d)(iii), or I (d)(iv) of this Agreement) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; or

iii. the stockholders of the Company approve and the Company consummates a merger other than (A) a merger that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company and any Subsidiary, at least 50% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or (B) a merger effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

iv. the Company consummates a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.

E. "Date of Termination" means the date specified in a Notice of Termination pursuant to paragraph 3 hereof, or the Executive's last date as an active employee of the Company and its affiliates before a termination of employment due to death, disability or other reason, as the case may be.

F. "Disability" means the Executive's total and permanent disability as defined under the terms of the Company's long-term disability plan in effect on the Date of Termination.

G. "Effective Period" means the 24-month period following any Change in Control.

H. "Good Reason" means, unless the Executive has consented in writing thereto, the occurrence of any of the following:

i. The assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the Executive's position, including any change in status, title, authority, duties or responsibilities or any other action which results in a material diminution in such status, title, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose (A) an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company or the Executive's employer promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; and (B) changes reasonably related to the termination of the Company's registration under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

ii. A reduction by the Company or the Executive's employer in the Executive's base salary;

iii. The relocation of the Executive's office to a location more than fifty (50) miles outside West Des Moines, Iowa;

iv. Following a Change in Control, unless a plan providing a substantially similar compensation or benefit is substituted, (A) the failure by the Company or any of its affiliates to continue in effect any material fringe benefit or compensation plan, retirement plan, life insurance plan, health and accident plan or disability plan in which the Executive is participating prior to the Change in Control, or (B) the taking of any action by the Company or any of its affiliates which would adversely affect the Executive's participation in or materially reduce his benefits under any of such plans or deprive him of any material fringe benefit; or

v. Following a Change in Control, the failure of the Company or the affiliate of the Company by which the Executive is employed, or any affiliate which directly or indirectly owns or controls any affiliate by which the Executive is employed, to obtain the assumption in writing of the Company's obligation to perform this Agreement by any successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or such affiliate within 15 days after a reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of assets of the Company or such affiliate.

For purposes of this Agreement, any determination of "Good Reason" made by the Executive shall be presumed correct unless the Company establishes by clear and convincing evidence that Good Reason does not exist. If the Company contests the Executive's determination, the Company shall nevertheless make the payments as and when prescribed by paragraph 4 of this Agreement upon receipt of a written undertaking by the Executive to repay (without interest and with no collateral) such amounts upon entry of a judgment of a court in which the court determines that Good Reason did not exist or such earlier date as the Company and the Executive may agree. The Company must give the Executive written notice of the Company's intent to contest ("Contest Notice") the Executive's determination of Good Reason within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Executive's Notice of Termination given pursuant to paragraph 3, or it shall be barred from contesting the Executive's determination. If the Company provides a timely Contest Notice, (A) the Executive or the Company may seek a declaratory judgment in any Court of appropriate jurisdiction in the State of Iowa with respect to the presence of Good Reason; and (B) the Executive may suspend or cancel the Notice of Termination, either before or after the Company initiates

any declaratory judgment action, pending a final decision.

2.Term. The term ("Term") of this Agreement shall commence on the date first above written (the "Commencement Date") and, unless terminated earlier as provided hereunder, shall continue through December 31, 2004; provided, however, that commencing on January 1,2005 and each January 1st thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year, unless at least 90 days prior to such January 1st date, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control during the term of this Agreement, including any extensions thereof, this Agreement shall automatically be extended until the end of the Effective Period and may not be terminated by the Company during such time.

3.Notice of Termination.

A. Any termination of the Executive's employment by the Company, or by any affiliate of the Company by which the Executive is employed, for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with paragraph 10 of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" for termination of employment for Cause or for Good Reason means a written notice which (i) is given at least thirty (30) days prior to the Date of Termination; (ii) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (iii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated, (iv) specifies the employment termination date; and (v) allows the recipient of the Notice of Termination at least thirty (30) days to cure the act or omission relied upon in the Notice of Termination. The failure to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause will not waive any right of the party giving the Notice of Termination hereunder or preclude such party from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing its rights hereunder.

B. A Termination of Employment of the Executive will not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there has been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive has engaged in the conduct described in paragraph l(c) hereof, and specifying the particulars of such conduct.

C. A Termination of Employment of the Executive will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless the Executive gives the Notice of Termination provided for herein within twelve (12) months after the Executive has actual knowledge of the act or omission of the Company constituting such Good Reason.

D. The provisions of this paragraph 3 shall only apply following a Change in Control.

4.Obligations of the Company Upon Termination of Executive's Employment Following a Change in Control.

A. If, during the Effective Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment other than for Cause or the Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason, the Company will pay the following to the Executive:

i. A cash lump sum in the amount of the Executive's annual base salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid;

ii. A cash lump sum in the amount of the target annual bonus that the Executive would receive for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, pro-rationed by multiplying such bonus amount by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in the year through the Date of Termination by 365;

iii. Cash in an amount equal to the product of one times the Executive's annual base salary at the greater of (A) the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given or (B) the rate in effect immediately preceding the Change in Control, payable in equal monthly installments over a period of one year following the Date of Termination (the "Salary Continuation Period");

iv. A lump sum cash amount equal to the product of one times the target annual cash bonus in effect for the Executive at the time Notice of Termination is given;

v. The continuation of the provision of health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance benefits for the Salary Continuation Period to the Executive and the Executive's family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies of the Company as in effect and applicable generally to other peer executives and their families during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Period or on the Date of Termination, at the election of the Executive; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes re-employed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein will be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility;

B. Any and all amounts paid under this Agreement in the amount of or otherwise in respect of the Executive's annual base salary and bonuses, whether or not deferred under a deferred compensation plan or program, are intended to be and will be "Compensation" for purposes of determining Compensation under any and all retirement plans sponsored or maintained by the Company or by any affiliate controlled by the Company; provided however, to the extent the treatment of such amounts as Compensation under a retirement plan could adversely affect such plan's qualification status, the amount of the benefits under such plan attributable to such potentially disqualifying Compensation shall be paid by the Company and not pursuant to such plan.

C. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's death or Disability during the Term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate automatically on the date of death or, in the event of Disability, on the Date of Termination. In the event of the Executive's death during the Salary Continuation Period, the severance payments and benefits listed in paragraph 4 of this Agreement will be paid to the Executive's Beneficiary for the remainder of the Salary Continuation Period. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, death or Disability during the term of this Agreement, or if the Executive terminates his employment by the Company other than for death, Disability or Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate on the Date of Termination.

5.Mitigation of Damages. The Executive will not be required to mitigate damages or the

amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement will not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of self-employment or employment by another employer or otherwise.

6.Stock Options; Stock Appreciation Rights; Stock Bonus; Restricted Stock. The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire common stock of the Company, the exercisability of which is accelerated upon a Change in Control pursuant to the terms of the 1996 American Equity Stock Option Plan or the 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Stock Plans”); any management subscription rights, the exercisability of which is accelerated upon a Change in Control; any Stock Bonus or restricted stock, the vesting of which is accelerated upon a Change in Control pursuant to the terms of any stock award agreement; and any other incentive or similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

7.Certain Reduction in Payments.

A. For purposes of this Section 7, (i) “Independent Tax Counsel” shall mean a lawyer, a certified public accountant with a nationally recognized accounting firm, or a compensation consultant with a nationally recognized actuarial and benefits consulting firm with expertise in the area of executive compensation tax law, who will be selected by the Company and will be reasonably acceptable to the Executive, and whose fees and disbursements will be paid by the Company, (ii) “Payment shall mean any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any reductions required by this Section 7); (iii) "Net After Tax Receipt" shall mean the Present Value of a Payment net of all federal, state and local income taxes, Medicare tax and other taxes imposed on the Executive or the Payment with respect thereto, determined by applying the highest marginal federal and state income tax rate that applied to the Executive's taxable income for the immediately preceding taxable year; (iv) "Present Value" shall mean such value determined in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); and (v) "Reduced Amount" shall mean the largest aggregate amount of Payments which (a) is less than the sum of all Payments and (b) results in aggregate Net After Tax Receipts which is greater than the Net After Tax Receipts which would result if the aggregate Payments were any other amount less than the sum of all Payments.

B. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the Independent Tax Counsel shall determine that receipt of all Payments would subject the Executive to tax under Section 4999 of the Code, it shall determine whether a Reduced Amount exists. If the Independent Tax Counsel determines that a Reduced Amount exists, the aggregate Payments shall be reduced to such Reduced Amount.

C. If the Independent Tax Counsel determines that aggregate Payments should be reduced to the Reduced Amount, the Company shall promptly give the Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof, and the Executive may then elect which and how much of the Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount), and shall advise the Company in writing of such election within ten days of his receipt of notice. If no such election is made by the Executive within such ten-day period, the Company may elect which of such Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount) and shall notify the Executive promptly of such election. All determinations made by the Independent Tax Counsel under this Section 7 shall be binding upon the Company

and the Executive and shall be made within 15 business days of the date of termination of the Executive's employment. As promptly as practicable following such determination, the Company shall pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive such Payments as are then due to the Executive and shall promptly pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive in the future such Payments as become due to the Executive.

D. If the Independent Tax Counsel determines that aggregate Payments should be reduced to the Reduced Amount, the Company shall promptly give the Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof, and the Executive may then elect which and how much of the Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount), and shall advise the Company in writing of such election within ten days of his receipt of notice. If no such election is made by the executive within such ten-day period, the Company may elect which of such Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount) and shall notify the Executive promptly of such election. All determinations made by the Independent Tax Counsel under this Section 7 shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive and shall be made within 15 business days of the date of termination of the Executive's employment. As promptly as practicable following such determination, the Company shall pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive such Payments as are then due to the Executive and shall promptly pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive in the future such Payments as become due to the Executive.

8.Confidential Information; Non-solicitation. For the Term of this Agreement and any Salary Continuation Period, the Executive covenants and agrees as follows: (a) to hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and its affiliates all secret, proprietary or confidential material, knowledge, data or any other information relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies and their respective businesses ("Confidential Information"), which has been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and that has not been, is not now and hereafter does not become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement), and will not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it; the Executive further agrees to return to the Company any and all records and documents (and all copies thereof) and all other property belonging to the Company or relating to the Company, its affiliates or their businesses, upon termination of Executive's employment with the Company and its affiliates; and, (b) not to solicit or entice any other employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the Company or its affiliates to go to work for any other business or organization which is in direct or indirect competition with the Company or any of its affiliates, nor request or advise a customer or client of the Company or its affiliates to curtail or cancel such customer's business relationship with the Company or its affiliates.

9.Rights and Remedies Upon Breach.

A. The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that the provisions contained in paragraph 8 of this Agreement (the "Restrictive Covenants") are reasonable and valid in duration and in all other respects. If any court determines that any of the Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Restrictive Covenants will not thereby be affected and will be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions.

B. If the Executive breaches, or threatens to commit a breach of, any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company will have the following rights and remedies, each of which rights and remedies will

be independent of the others and severally enforceable, and each of which is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the Company under law or in equity:

i. Specific Performance. The right and remedy to have the Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction, it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of the Restrictive Covenants would cause irreparable injury to the Company and that money damages would not provide an adequate remedy to the Company.

ii. Accounting. The right and remedy to require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments or other benefits derived or received by the Executive as the result of any action constituting a breach of the Restrictive Covenants.

iii. Cessation of Severance Benefits. The right and remedy to cease any further severance, benefit or other compensation payments under this Agreement to the Executive or the Executive's Beneficiary from and after the commencement of such breach by the Executive.

C. The provisions of this subparagraph 9(c) shall apply to any dispute relating to this Agreement and not governed by subparagraph 9(b).

i. Neither the Company nor the Executive may commence any action in any court until the parties have either participated in non-binding mediation under the auspices of an independent mediator, or (if the dispute involves a Notice of Termination or Contest Notice) more than sixty (60) days have elapsed after the date of any applicable Notice of Termination or Contest Notice. Either party may initiate mediation procedures by sending the other party a list of three (3) mediators selected from Blair's ADR List (www.adrlist.com), from which list the receiving party shall designate one person to serve as mediator. The mediation process shall be subject to the customary agreements and confidentiality utilized by members of Blair's ADR List. The cost of mediation shall be borne by the Company.

ii. Upon expiration of the time periods prescribed in (i) above, either party may commence action in either the state or Federal courts of the State of Iowa, but not elsewhere. In any such action, (A) each party hereby waives a jury trial; and (B) each party waives any rights to punitive or exemplary damages.

iii. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for one-half of the reasonable attorneys fees incurred and paid by the Executive in connection with any dispute relating to this Agreement, but only to the extent such fees do not exceed the lesser of (A) a reasonable hourly rate or (B) $225 per hour; provided, however, that if the Executive prevails in any action and is awarded an amount exceeding 125% of the amount offered to the Employee by the Company prior to the commencement of the action, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for 100% of such fees.

10.Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be given in writing and will be delivered personally, telegraphed, telexed, sent by facsimile transmission or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid. Any such notice will be deemed given when so delivered personally, telegraphed, telexed or sent by facsimile transmission, or, if mailed, on the date of actual receipt thereof. Notices will be properly addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below or to such other

address as either party may later specify by notice to the other in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph:

If to the Company:

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING CO.

5000 Westown Parkway

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Attention: Chairman of the Board

If to the Executive:

11.Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto, including, without limitation, any and all prior employment or severance agreements and related amendments entered into between the Company and the Executive; provided, however, that this Agreement shall supersede any agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of the Executive's employment with the Company only in the event that the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated on or following a Change in Control, by the Company other than for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason. Furthermore, the severance payments and benefits provided for under this Agreement are separate and apart from and, to the extent they are actually paid, will be in lieu of any payment under any policy of the Company or any of its affiliates regarding severance payments generally.

12.Waivers and Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended, and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any waiver on the part of any party of any such right, power or privilege hereunder, nor any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.

13.Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Iowa (without giving effect to the choice of law provisions thereof), where the employment of the Executive will be deemed, in part, to be performed, and enforcement of this Agreement or any action taken or held with respect to this Agreement will be taken in the courts of appropriate jurisdiction in Iowa.

14.Assignment. This Agreement, and any rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by the Executive and may be assigned by the Company only to any successor in interest, whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or the like, or to purchasers of substantial1y all of the assets of the Company.

15.Binding Agreement. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns and the Executive and his legal representatives.

16.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

17.Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not in

any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

18.Authorization. The Company represents and warrants that the Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the execution of this Agreement.

19.Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions of this Agreement, which will remain in full force and effect.

20.Tax Withholding. The Company will have the right to deduct from all benefits and/or payments made under this Agreement to the Executive any and all taxes required by law to be paid or withheld with respect to such benefits or payments.

21.No Contract of Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed as a contract of employment between the Company or any of its affiliates and the Executive, as a right of the Executive to be continued in the employment of the Company or any of its affiliates, or as a limitation of the right of the Company or any of its affiliates to discharge the Executive with or without cause.

IN WITNESS WHERE the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT	EXECUTIVE
LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
By: /s/ D.J. Noble	/s/ Ted Johnson
D.J. Noble, Chairman, CEO
and President

EX-10.39

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

Ron Grensteiner

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this 5th day of June, 2003 by and between AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY, an Iowa corporation (the "Company"), and Ted Johnson (the "Executive"). The Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to ensure that the Company and its affiliates will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a termination of the Executive's employment in certain circumstances, including following a Change in Control as defined herein. The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened termination of the Executive's employment in such circumstances and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon such a termination which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations who may seek to employ the Executive. In order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement with the Executive.

It is hereby agreed as follows:

1.Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement:

A. "Beneficiary" means any individual, trust or other entity named by the Executive to receive the severance payments and benefits payable hereunder in the event of the death of the Executive during the Salary Continuation Period. Executive may designate a Beneficiary to receive such payments and benefits by completing a form provided by the Company and delivering it to the Chairman of the Board of the Company. Executive may change his or her designated Beneficiary at any time (without the consent of any prior Beneficiary) by completing and delivering to the Company a new beneficiary designation form. If a Beneficiary has not been designated by the Executive, or if no designated Beneficiary survives the Executive, then the payment and benefits provided under this Agreement, if any, will be paid to the Executive's estate, which shall be deemed to be Executive's Beneficiary.

B. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

C. "Cause" means:

i. the Executive's willful and continued failure to substantially perform the Executive's duties with the Company or its affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Executive has not substantially performed his or her duties;

ii. the final conviction of the Executive of, or an entering of a guilty plea or a plea of no contest by the Executive to, a felony; or

iii. the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

For purposes of this definition, no act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without a reasonable belief that the action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, the instructions of a more senior officer of the Company or the advice of counsel to the Company or its affiliates will be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company and its affiliates.

D. "Change in Control" means the occurrence of anyone of the following events:

i. any "person" (as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"», other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, directly or indirectly acquires "beneficial ownership" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities representing 35% of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

ii. during any period of not more than two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board and any new directors (other than any director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in subsections l(d)(i), I (d)(iii), or I (d)(iv) of this Agreement) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; or

iii. the stockholders of the Company approve and the Company consummates a merger other than (A) a merger that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company and any Subsidiary, at least 50% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or (B) a merger effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

iv. the Company consummates a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.

E. "Date of Termination" means the date specified in a Notice of Termination pursuant to paragraph 3 hereof, or the Executive's last date as an active employee of the Company and its affiliates before a termination of employment due to death, disability or other reason, as the case may be.

F. "Disability" means the Executive's total and permanent disability as defined under the terms of the Company's long-term disability plan in effect on the Date of Termination.

G. "Effective Period" means the 24-month period following any Change in Control.

H. "Good Reason" means, unless the Executive has consented in writing thereto, the occurrence of any of the following:

i. The assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the Executive's position, including any change in status, title, authority, duties or responsibilities or any other action which results in a material diminution in such status, title, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose (A) an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company or the Executive's employer promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; and (B) changes reasonably related to the termination of the Company's registration under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

ii. A reduction by the Company or the Executive's employer in the Executive's base salary;

iii. The relocation of the Executive's office to a location more than fifty (50) miles outside West Des Moines, Iowa;

iv. Following a Change in Control, unless a plan providing a substantially similar compensation or benefit is substituted, (A) the failure by the Company or any of its affiliates to continue in effect any material fringe benefit or compensation plan, retirement plan, life insurance plan, health and accident plan or disability plan in which the Executive is participating prior to the Change in Control, or (B) the taking of any action by the Company or any of its affiliates which would adversely affect the Executive's participation in or materially reduce his benefits under any of such plans or deprive him of any material fringe benefit; or

v. Following a Change in Control, the failure of the Company or the affiliate of the Company by which the Executive is employed, or any affiliate which directly or indirectly owns or controls any affiliate by which the Executive is employed, to obtain the assumption in writing of the Company's obligation to perform this Agreement by any successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or such affiliate within 15 days after a reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of assets of the Company or such affiliate.

For purposes of this Agreement, any determination of "Good Reason" made by the Executive shall be presumed correct unless the Company establishes by clear and convincing evidence that Good Reason does not exist. If the Company contests the Executive's determination, the Company shall nevertheless make the payments as and when prescribed by paragraph 4 of this Agreement upon receipt of a written undertaking by the Executive to repay (without interest and with no collateral) such amounts upon entry of a judgment of a court in which the court determines that Good Reason did not exist or such earlier date as the Company and the Executive may agree. The Company must give the Executive written notice of the Company's intent to contest ("Contest Notice") the Executive's determination of Good Reason within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Executive's Notice of Termination given pursuant to paragraph 3, or it shall be barred from contesting the Executive's determination. If the Company provides a timely Contest Notice, (A) the Executive or the Company may seek a declaratory judgment in any Court of appropriate jurisdiction in the State of Iowa with respect to the presence of Good Reason; and (B) the Executive may suspend or cancel the Notice of Termination, either before or after the Company initiates

any declaratory judgment action, pending a final decision.

2.Term. The term ("Term") of this Agreement shall commence on the date first above written (the "Commencement Date") and, unless terminated earlier as provided hereunder, shall continue through December 31, 2004; provided, however, that commencing on January 1,2005 and each January 1st thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year, unless at least 90 days prior to such January 1st date, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control during the term of this Agreement, including any extensions thereof, this Agreement shall automatically be extended until the end of the Effective Period and may not be terminated by the Company during such time.

3.Notice of Termination.

A. Any termination of the Executive's employment by the Company, or by any affiliate of the Company by which the Executive is employed, for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with paragraph 10 of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" for termination of employment for Cause or for Good Reason means a written notice which (i) is given at least thirty (30) days prior to the Date of Termination; (ii) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (iii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated, (iv) specifies the employment termination date; and (v) allows the recipient of the Notice of Termination at least thirty (30) days to cure the act or omission relied upon in the Notice of Termination. The failure to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause will not waive any right of the party giving the Notice of Termination hereunder or preclude such party from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing its rights hereunder.

B. A Termination of Employment of the Executive will not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there has been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive has engaged in the conduct described in paragraph l(c) hereof, and specifying the particulars of such conduct.

C. A Termination of Employment of the Executive will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless the Executive gives the Notice of Termination provided for herein within twelve (12) months after the Executive has actual knowledge of the act or omission of the Company constituting such Good Reason.

D. The provisions of this paragraph 3 shall only apply following a Change in Control.

4.Obligations of the Company Upon Termination of Executive's Employment Following a Change in Control.

A. If, during the Effective Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment other than for Cause or the Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason, the Company will pay the following to the Executive:

i. A cash lump sum in the amount of the Executive's annual base salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid;

ii. A cash lump sum in the amount of the target annual bonus that the Executive would receive for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, pro-rationed by multiplying such bonus amount by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in the year through the Date of Termination by 365;

iii. Cash in an amount equal to the product of one times the Executive's annual base salary at the greater of (A) the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given or (B) the rate in effect immediately preceding the Change in Control, payable in equal monthly installments over a period of one year following the Date of Termination (the "Salary Continuation Period");

iv. A lump sum cash amount equal to the product of one times the target annual cash bonus in effect for the Executive at the time Notice of Termination is given;

v. The continuation of the provision of health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance benefits for the Salary Continuation Period to the Executive and the Executive's family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies of the Company as in effect and applicable generally to other peer executives and their families during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Period or on the Date of Termination, at the election of the Executive; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes re-employed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein will be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility;

B. Any and all amounts paid under this Agreement in the amount of or otherwise in respect of the Executive's annual base salary and bonuses, whether or not deferred under a deferred compensation plan or program, are intended to be and will be "Compensation" for purposes of determining Compensation under any and all retirement plans sponsored or maintained by the Company or by any affiliate controlled by the Company; provided however, to the extent the treatment of such amounts as Compensation under a retirement plan could adversely affect such plan's qualification status, the amount of the benefits under such plan attributable to such potentially disqualifying Compensation shall be paid by the Company and not pursuant to such plan.

C. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's death or Disability during the Term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate automatically on the date of death or, in the event of Disability, on the Date of Termination. In the event of the Executive's death during the Salary Continuation Period, the severance payments and benefits listed in paragraph 4 of this Agreement will be paid to the Executive's Beneficiary for the remainder of the Salary Continuation Period. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, death or Disability during the term of this Agreement, or if the Executive terminates his employment by the Company other than for death, Disability or Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate on the Date of Termination.

5.Mitigation of Damages. The Executive will not be required to mitigate damages or the

amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement will not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of self-employment or employment by another employer or otherwise.

6.Stock Options; Stock Appreciation Rights; Stock Bonus; Restricted Stock. The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire common stock of the Company, the exercisability of which is accelerated upon a Change in Control pursuant to the terms of the 1996 American Equity Stock Option Plan or the 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Stock Plans”); any management subscription rights, the exercisability of which is accelerated upon a Change in Control; any Stock Bonus or restricted stock, the vesting of which is accelerated upon a Change in Control pursuant to the terms of any stock award agreement; and any other incentive or similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

7.Certain Reduction in Payments.

A. For purposes of this Section 7, (i) “Independent Tax Counsel” shall mean a lawyer, a certified public accountant with a nationally recognized accounting firm, or a compensation consultant with a nationally recognized actuarial and benefits consulting firm with expertise in the area of executive compensation tax law, who will be selected by the Company and will be reasonably acceptable to the Executive, and whose fees and disbursements will be paid by the Company, (ii) “Payment shall mean any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any reductions required by this Section 7); (iii) "Net After Tax Receipt" shall mean the Present Value of a Payment net of all federal, state and local income taxes, Medicare tax and other taxes imposed on the Executive or the Payment with respect thereto, determined by applying the highest marginal federal and state income tax rate that applied to the Executive's taxable income for the immediately preceding taxable year; (iv) "Present Value" shall mean such value determined in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); and (v) "Reduced Amount" shall mean the largest aggregate amount of Payments which (a) is less than the sum of all Payments and (b) results in aggregate Net After Tax Receipts which is greater than the Net After Tax Receipts which would result if the aggregate Payments were any other amount less than the sum of all Payments.

B. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the Independent Tax Counsel shall determine that receipt of all Payments would subject the Executive to tax under Section 4999 of the Code, it shall determine whether a Reduced Amount exists. If the Independent Tax Counsel determines that a Reduced Amount exists, the aggregate Payments shall be reduced to such Reduced Amount.

C. If the Independent Tax Counsel determines that aggregate Payments should be reduced to the Reduced Amount, the Company shall promptly give the Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof, and the Executive may then elect which and how much of the Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount), and shall advise the Company in writing of such election within ten days of his receipt of notice. If no such election is made by the Executive within such ten-day period, the Company may elect which of such Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount) and shall notify the Executive promptly of such election. All determinations made by the Independent Tax Counsel under this Section 7 shall be binding upon the Company

and the Executive and shall be made within 15 business days of the date of termination of the Executive's employment. As promptly as practicable following such determination, the Company shall pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive such Payments as are then due to the Executive and shall promptly pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive in the future such Payments as become due to the Executive.

D. If the Independent Tax Counsel determines that aggregate Payments should be reduced to the Reduced Amount, the Company shall promptly give the Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof, and the Executive may then elect which and how much of the Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount), and shall advise the Company in writing of such election within ten days of his receipt of notice. If no such election is made by the executive within such ten-day period, the Company may elect which of such Payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the present value of the aggregate Payments equals the Reduced Amount) and shall notify the Executive promptly of such election. All determinations made by the Independent Tax Counsel under this Section 7 shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive and shall be made within 15 business days of the date of termination of the Executive's employment. As promptly as practicable following such determination, the Company shall pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive such Payments as are then due to the Executive and shall promptly pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of the Executive in the future such Payments as become due to the Executive.

8.Confidential Information; Non-solicitation. For the Term of this Agreement and any Salary Continuation Period, the Executive covenants and agrees as follows: (a) to hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and its affiliates all secret, proprietary or confidential material, knowledge, data or any other information relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies and their respective businesses ("Confidential Information"), which has been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and that has not been, is not now and hereafter does not become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement), and will not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it; the Executive further agrees to return to the Company any and all records and documents (and all copies thereof) and all other property belonging to the Company or relating to the Company, its affiliates or their businesses, upon termination of Executive's employment with the Company and its affiliates; and, (b) not to solicit or entice any other employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the Company or its affiliates to go to work for any other business or organization which is in direct or indirect competition with the Company or any of its affiliates, nor request or advise a customer or client of the Company or its affiliates to curtail or cancel such customer's business relationship with the Company or its affiliates.

9.Rights and Remedies Upon Breach.

A. The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that the provisions contained in paragraph 8 of this Agreement (the "Restrictive Covenants") are reasonable and valid in duration and in all other respects. If any court determines that any of the Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Restrictive Covenants will not thereby be affected and will be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions.

B. If the Executive breaches, or threatens to commit a breach of, any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company will have the following rights and remedies, each of which rights and remedies will

be independent of the others and severally enforceable, and each of which is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the Company under law or in equity:

i. Specific Performance. The right and remedy to have the Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction, it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of the Restrictive Covenants would cause irreparable injury to the Company and that money damages would not provide an adequate remedy to the Company.

ii. Accounting. The right and remedy to require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments or other benefits derived or received by the Executive as the result of any action constituting a breach of the Restrictive Covenants.

iii. Cessation of Severance Benefits. The right and remedy to cease any further severance, benefit or other compensation payments under this Agreement to the Executive or the Executive's Beneficiary from and after the commencement of such breach by the Executive.

C. The provisions of this subparagraph 9(c) shall apply to any dispute relating to this Agreement and not governed by subparagraph 9(b).

i. Neither the Company nor the Executive may commence any action in any court until the parties have either participated in non-binding mediation under the auspices of an independent mediator, or (if the dispute involves a Notice of Termination or Contest Notice) more than sixty (60) days have elapsed after the date of any applicable Notice of Termination or Contest Notice. Either party may initiate mediation procedures by sending the other party a list of three (3) mediators selected from Blair's ADR List (www.adrlist.com), from which list the receiving party shall designate one person to serve as mediator. The mediation process shall be subject to the customary agreements and confidentiality utilized by members of Blair's ADR List. The cost of mediation shall be borne by the Company.

ii. Upon expiration of the time periods prescribed in (i) above, either party may commence action in either the state or Federal courts of the State of Iowa, but not elsewhere. In any such action, (A) each party hereby waives a jury trial; and (B) each party waives any rights to punitive or exemplary damages.

iii. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for one-half of the reasonable attorneys fees incurred and paid by the Executive in connection with any dispute relating to this Agreement, but only to the extent such fees do not exceed the lesser of (A) a reasonable hourly rate or (B) $225 per hour; provided, however, that if the Executive prevails in any action and is awarded an amount exceeding 125% of the amount offered to the Employee by the Company prior to the commencement of the action, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for 100% of such fees.

10.Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be given in writing and will be delivered personally, telegraphed, telexed, sent by facsimile transmission or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid. Any such notice will be deemed given when so delivered personally, telegraphed, telexed or sent by facsimile transmission, or, if mailed, on the date of actual receipt thereof. Notices will be properly addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below or to such other

address as either party may later specify by notice to the other in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph:

If to the Company:

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING CO.

5000 Westown Parkway

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Attention: Chairman of the Board

If to the Executive:

11.Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto, including, without limitation, any and all prior employment or severance agreements and related amendments entered into between the Company and the Executive; provided, however, that this Agreement shall supersede any agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of the Executive's employment with the Company only in the event that the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated on or following a Change in Control, by the Company other than for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason. Furthermore, the severance payments and benefits provided for under this Agreement are separate and apart from and, to the extent they are actually paid, will be in lieu of any payment under any policy of the Company or any of its affiliates regarding severance payments generally.

12.Waivers and Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended, and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any waiver on the part of any party of any such right, power or privilege hereunder, nor any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.

13.Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Iowa (without giving effect to the choice of law provisions thereof), where the employment of the Executive will be deemed, in part, to be performed, and enforcement of this Agreement or any action taken or held with respect to this Agreement will be taken in the courts of appropriate jurisdiction in Iowa.

14.Assignment. This Agreement, and any rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by the Executive and may be assigned by the Company only to any successor in interest, whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or the like, or to purchasers of substantial1y all of the assets of the Company.

15.Binding Agreement. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns and the Executive and his legal representatives.

16.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

17.Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not in

any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

18.Authorization. The Company represents and warrants that the Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the execution of this Agreement.

19.Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions of this Agreement, which will remain in full force and effect.

20.Tax Withholding. The Company will have the right to deduct from all benefits and/or payments made under this Agreement to the Executive any and all taxes required by law to be paid or withheld with respect to such benefits or payments.

21.No Contract of Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed as a contract of employment between the Company or any of its affiliates and the Executive, as a right of the Executive to be continued in the employment of the Company or any of its affiliates, or as a limitation of the right of the Company or any of its affiliates to discharge the Executive with or without cause.

IN WITNESS WHERE the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT	EXECUTIVE
LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
By: /s/ D.J. Noble	/s/ Ronald J. Grensteiner
D.J. Noble, Chairman, CEO
and President

EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

	Six Months  Ended		Year Ended December 31,
	June 30, 2012		2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
			(Dollars in thousands)
Consolidated income before income taxes and minority interests	$	44,795	$	132,914	$	65,266	$	86,164	$	77,053	$	38,144
Interest credited to account balances and amortization of deferred sales inducements	324,506		847,538		793,091		387,882		235,836		571,917
Interest expense on notes payable	14,067		31,633		22,125		14,853		19,773		20,916
Interest expense on subordinated debentures	7,149		13,977		14,906		15,819		19,445		22,520
Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements and other interest expense	—		30		—		534		8,207		15,926
Interest portion of rental expense	340		665		648		570		459		468
Consolidated earnings	$	390,857	$	1,026,757	$	896,036	$	505,822	$	360,773	$	669,891
Interest credited to account balances and amortization of deferred sales inducements	324,506		847,538		793,091		387,882		235,836		571,917
Interest expense on notes payable	14,067		31,633		22,125		14,853		19,773		20,916
Interest expense on subordinated debentures	7,149		13,977		14,906		15,819		19,445		22,520
Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements and other interest expense	—		30		—		534		8,207		15,926
Interest portion of rental expense	340		665		648		570		459		468
Combined fixed charges	$	346,062	$	893,843	$	830,770	$	419,658	$	283,720	$	631,747
Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed charges	1.1		1.1		1.1		1.2		1.3		1.1
Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed charges, excluding interest credited to account balances and amortization of deferred sales inducements	3.1		3.9		2.7		3.7		2.6		1.6

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John M. Matovina, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
		a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
		b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
		c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
		d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
		a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
		b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 6, 2012	By:	/s/ John M. Matovina
		John M. Matovina, Chief Executive Officer and President
		(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Ted M. Johnson, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
		a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
		b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
		c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
		d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
		a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
		b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 6, 2012	By:	/s/ Ted M. Johnson
		Ted M. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John M. Matovina, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.	The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
	and
2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company

Date: August 6, 2012
	By:	/s/ John M. Matovina
		John M. Matovina, Chief Executive Officer and President
		(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Ted M. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.	The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
	and
2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company

Date: August 6, 2012
	By:	/s/ Ted M. Johnson
		Ted M. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

XML

Investments Other Than Temporary Impairments by Asset Type (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ (978)	$ (2,229)	$ (3,859)	$ (8,800)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Than Temporary Impairment, Number of Securities	7	18	22	29
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	(375)	(113)	(2,156)	(5,213)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(603)	(2,116)	(1,703)	(3,587)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ (978)	$ (2,229)	$ (3,859)	$ (8,800)

XML

Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments Interest Rate Caps (Details) (Derivative Counterparty, SunTrust [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 79,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	3,565	0
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 7, 2021, 2.50% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	40,000
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	*LIBOR
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.50%
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,796	0
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 8, 2021, 2.50% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	12,000
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	*LIBOR
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.50%
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	539	0
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 29, 2021, 2.50% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	27,000
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	*LIBOR
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.50%
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 1,230	$ 0

XML

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivables (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Months	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Only Workout Period Allowed	6
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$ 93,911	$ 107,057
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	119,356	130,721
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	(25,445)	(23,664)
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	107,879	114,591
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	3,218	6,793
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Only Workout Period Allowed, Certain Cases	12
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loans in Workout, Period Allowed for Using Amount In Escrow Account for Capital and Tenant Improvement	12
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	34,370	44,034
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	59,815	67,698
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	(25,445)	(23,664)
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	48,445	53,617
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	1,332	3,284
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	59,541	63,023
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	59,541	63,023
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	59,434	60,974
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	1,886	3,509
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	59,815	67,698
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	238,937	244,379
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$ 179,122	$ 176,681

XML

Notes Payable Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Convertible Debt Issued in 2010 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Convertible Debt Issued in 2010 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Convertible Debt Issued in 2009 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Convertible Debt Issued in 2009 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Convertible Debt Issued in 2004 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Convertible Debt Issued in 2004 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Convertible Debt Issued 2009 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage					8.90%				8.50%		11.90%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Interest Expense	$ 7,100,000	$ 7,800,000	$ 14,100,000	$ 15,700,000
Principal Amount of Convertible Senior Notes Payable at Issuance					200,000,000
Long-term Debt, Gross						200,000,000	115,839,000	115,839,000	28,243,000	28,243,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount					(25,494,000)	(28,906,000)	(14,993,000)	(17,568,000)	0	0
Convertible Debt					174,506,000	171,094,000	100,846,000	98,271,000	28,243,000	28,243,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component							15,586,000	15,586,000	22,637,000	22,637,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, If-converted Value in Excess of Principal					$ 0	$ 0	$ 15,781,000	$ 8,489,000	$ 0	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price							$ 9.69		$ 14.03

XML

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Mortgage Loans by Credit Quality Indicator (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 2,700,000,000	$ 2,800,000,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	28,300,000	45,500,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Collateral Dependent	28,281,000	38,923,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Performing	2,662,205,000	2,743,068,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate In Workout	71,008,000	67,425,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Principal Amount of Delinquent Loans	7,244,000	6,595,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Collateral Dependent	28,281,000	38,923,000
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 2,768,738,000	$ 2,856,011,000

XML

Investments Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Available-for-sale Fixed Income and Equity Securities Reported as a Seperate Component of Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) Reported as Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$ 1,880,248	$ 1,488,237
Adjustments for Assumed Changes in Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements	(1,022,806)	(819,476)
Deferred tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534	22,534
Deferred income tax benefit	(300,104)	(234,066)
Net unrealized gains (losses) reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 579,872	$ 457,229

XML

Subordinated Debentures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion of subordinated debentures		$ 12,554,000	$ 0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	1,014,308	1,535,025
Cash				1,300,000
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion of subordinated debentures	8,200,000	$ 12,400,000
Shares of Subordinated Debentures Converted During Period	273,870	414,457
Shares of Convertible Subordinated Debentures				44,001

XML

Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Change in other policy funds and contract claims			$ 33,548	$ 95,560
Net income	18,759	18,274	29,230	49,617
Policy Benefit Reserves, Single Premium Immediate Annuities [Member]
Change in other policy funds and contract claims				4,200
Net income				$ 2,700

XML

Derivative Instruments Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	$ 476,699	$ 273,314
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	518,445	318,907
Derivative Liabilities	2,956,277	2,576,089
Call Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Call Option [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Option on Securities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	38,181	45,593
Option on Securities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	38,181	45,593
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	3,565	0
Fixed Index Annuity Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	2,914,948	2,530,496
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	38,181	45,593
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	38,181	45,593
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	$ 3,148	$ 0

XML

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Amortized Cost and Carrying Value (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$ 2,700,000,000	$ 2,800,000,000
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093,000	2,823,047,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commercial, Loans in Process	54,700,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	2,768,738,000	2,856,011,000
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	(36,645,000)	(32,964,000)
Mortgage loans on real estate	$ 2,732,093,000	$ 2,823,047,000

XML

Investments Net Realized Gains/Losses on Invesments, Excluding Other Than Temporary Impairments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized gains on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	$ (611,000)	$ (854,000)	$ (6,687,000)	$ (2,047,000)
Fixed Maturities - Available for Sale			1,423,179,000	3,244,966,000
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities			165,200,000	122,200,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	4,030,000	2,901,000	5,048,000	4,542,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	59,000	1,423,000	355,000	1,423,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments	3,971,000	1,478,000	4,693,000	3,119,000
Fixed Maturities - Available for Sale			1,400,000,000	3,100,000,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	0	966,000	562,000	966,000
Other Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate	(1,450,000)	(12,000)	(2,895,000)	(12,000)
Other Investments, Impairment Losses	(1,669,000)	0	(2,643,000)	0
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Other Investments	(219,000)	(12,000)	252,000	(12,000)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount	$ (4,363,000)	$ (3,286,000)	$ (12,194,000)	$ (6,120,000)

XML

Derivative Instruments Derivative Call Options, Notional Amount and Fair Value, by Counterparty (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	$ 300,000
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure	136,400,000	109,300,000
Call Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	341,000,000	165,400,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, SunTrust [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	3,565,000	0
Notional Amount	79,000,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	476,699,000	273,314,000
Notional Amount	14,503,846,000	14,069,330,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, Bank of America [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	58,679,000	43,481,000
Notional Amount	1,421,833,000	2,340,213,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, BNP Paribas [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	78,442,000	48,293,000
Notional Amount	2,106,213,000	2,533,301,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, Citibank, N.A. [Member] [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	39,502,000	0
Notional Amount	1,951,838,000	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, Credi Suisse [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	34,057,000	27,464,000
Notional Amount	1,181,136,000	1,423,802,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, Barclays [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	103,550,000	60,903,000
Notional Amount	2,847,540,000	2,419,339,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, Wells Fargo (Wachovia) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	79,947,000	45,343,000
Notional Amount	1,996,526,000	2,227,235,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, J.P. Morgan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	36,080,000	27,961,000
Notional Amount	1,249,826,000	2,109,019,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, Morgan Stanley [Member] [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	23,784,000	7,375,000
Notional Amount	808,375,000	244,180,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, UBS [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	66,000	240,000
Notional Amount	622,000	39,147,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, HSBC [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,073,000	4,557,000
Notional Amount	222,902,000	348,674,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call Option [Member] | Derivative Counterparty, Deutsche Bank [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	16,519,000	7,697,000
Notional Amount	$ 717,035,000	$ 384,420,000

XML

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due (Details) (Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 days	Dec. 31, 2011
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Past Due Period for Considering Loans as Delinquent	60
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 30 to 59 Days Past Due	$ 0	$ 3,378
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 60 to 89 Days Past Due	7,244	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	6,595
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	7,244	9,973
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current	2,733,213	2,807,115
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Collateral Dependent	28,281	38,923
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 2,768,738	$ 2,856,011
Financing Receivables, Minimum Number of Days Past Due for Ceasing Accrual of Interest	90

XML

Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“we”, “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which are necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2012. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements requires the use of management estimates. For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

During 2011, we discovered a prior period error related to policy benefit reserves for our single premium immediate annuity products. Accordingly, we made an adjustment in the first quarter of 2011 which resulted in a decrease of policy benefit reserves and a decrease in interest sensitive and index product benefits of $4.2 million. On an after-tax basis, the adjustment resulted in a $2.7 million increase in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2010, as a result of a consensus of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF), the FASB issued an accounting standards update (ASU) that modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts. This guidance defines the costs that qualify for deferral as incremental direct costs that result directly from and are essential to successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transactions not occurred. In addition, it lists certain costs as deferrable as those that are directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection, and sales force contract selling as deferrable, as well as the portion of an employee's total compensation related directly to time spent performing those activities for actual acquired contracts and other costs related directly to those activities that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been acquired. This amendment to current GAAP became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Other operating costs and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, increased $2.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, due to the prospective adoption of this ASU effective January 1, 2012, which decreased net income $1.3 million and $3.1 million and decreased diluted earnings per share $0.02 and $0.05 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.

In May 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that addresses fair value measurement and disclosure as part of its convergence efforts with the International Accounting Standards Board. The guidance is intended to create common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This ASU changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Some changes clarify the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The disclosure requirements add information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, information about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those unobservable inputs and the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for which the fair value of such items is required to be disclosed. This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. See note 2 for disclosures regarding fair value measurements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an ASU that expands the disclosure requirements related to other comprehensive income (loss). A reporting entity is now required to present the total of comprehensive income (loss), the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income (loss) either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (loss) or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both choices, the reporting entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income (loss) along with a total for other comprehensive income (loss) and a total amount for comprehensive income (loss). This ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We have adopted this ASU on January 1, 2012.

New Accounting Pronouncements

There are no accounting standards updates finalized to become effective in the future that will significantly effect our consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policy - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Our accounting policy for deferred policy acquisition costs which follows, has been updated from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 to reflect the adoption of new accounting standards.

To the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits, certain incremental direct costs that vary with and are directly related to the production of successful new business are not expensed when incurred but instead are capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs. Deferred policy acquisition costs are subject to loss recognition testing on a quarterly basis or when an event occurs that may warrant loss recognition. Deferred policy acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions and certain costs of policy issuance.

For annuity products, these capitalized costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross profits from investment spreads, including the cost of hedging the fixed indexed annuity obligations, and, to a lesser extent, from product charges and mortality and expense margins. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of net realized gains on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations) to be realized from a group of products are revised. Deferred policy acquisition costs are also adjusted for the change in amortization that would have occurred if available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities had been sold at their aggregate fair value at the end of the reporting period and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. The impact of this adjustment is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within consolidated stockholders' equity, net of applicable taxes

XML

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule of Mortgage Loan Portfolio by Geographic Region and Property Type (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$ 2,700,000	$ 2,800,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	2,768,738	2,856,011
Percent of Mortgage Loans	100.00%	100.00%
Mortgage Loans Apartment Property Type [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	190,348	187,548
Percent of Mortgage Loans	6.90%	6.60%
Mortgage Loans Hotel Property Type [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	112,906	139,193
Percent of Mortgage Loans	4.10%	4.90%
Mortgage Loans Industrial/Warehouse Property Type [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	718,964	710,426
Percent of Mortgage Loans	26.00%	24.90%
Mortgage Loans Retail Property Type [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	657,615	635,916
Percent of Mortgage Loans	23.70%	22.30%
Mortgage Loans Medical Office Property Type [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	153,021	175,580
Percent of Mortgage Loans	5.50%	6.10%
Mortgage Loans Office Property Type [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	703,802	777,343
Percent of Mortgage Loans	25.40%	27.20%
Mortgage Loans Mixed Use/Other Property Type [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	232,082	230,005
Percent of Mortgage Loans	8.40%	8.00%
Mortgage Loans East United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	700,554	719,231
Percent of Mortgage Loans	25.30%	25.20%
Mortgage Loans Middle Atlantic United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	161,976	169,240
Percent of Mortgage Loans	5.80%	5.90%
Mortgage Loans Mountain United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	406,787	411,054
Percent of Mortgage Loans	14.70%	14.40%
Mortgage Loans New England United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	32,463	36,815
Percent of Mortgage Loans	1.20%	1.30%
Mortgage Loans Pacific United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	321,860	309,693
Percent of Mortgage Loans	11.60%	10.80%
Mortgage Loans South Atlantic United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	500,536	493,764
Percent of Mortgage Loans	18.10%	17.30%
Mortgage Loans West North Central United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	423,036	487,693
Percent of Mortgage Loans	15.30%	17.10%
Mortgage Loans West South Central United States Region [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Real Estate	$ 221,526	$ 228,521
Percent of Mortgage Loans	8.00%	8.00%

XML

Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair Values of Financial Instruments Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Assets (Details) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 2,005	$ 2,193	$ 2,005	$ 2,193	$ 2,027	$ 2,098	$ 4,301	$ 2,702
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(72)	(530)	(230)	(530)
Principal Returned on Level 3 Assets	(52)	(78)	(93)	(266)
Amortization/Accretion of Premium/Discount on Level 3 Assets	(21)	(4)	(47)	(8)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Reclassification of Level 3 Assets	0	(1,600)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 81	$ 104	$ 183	$ 279

XML

Fair Values of Financial Instruments Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Derivative instruments	$ 476,699	$ 273,314
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	22,942,947	19,250,813
Liabilities
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,956,277	2,576,089
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,005
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	1,407,830	404,952
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	61,441	62,845
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,214	4,678
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,418,135	10,116,361
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,704,516	1,799,779
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,495,557	3,333,383
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,186	43,228
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,524,030	2,703,290
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	761,593	463,390
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	1,407,830	404,952
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,496,473	513,056
Liabilities
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	42,066	44,229
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,214	4,678
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	40,979	58,827
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	384	370
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	21,444,469	18,735,659
Liabilities
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	41,329	45,593
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,375	18,616
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,377,156	10,057,534
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,704,516	1,799,779
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,495,557	3,333,383
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,186	43,228
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,522,025	2,701,192
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	761,209	463,020
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,005	2,098
Liabilities
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,914,948	2,530,496
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		2,098
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Call Option [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Call Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0	0
Call Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Call Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0	0
Call Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	3,565
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	3,565
Option on Securities [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	38,181	45,593
Option on Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	38,181	45,593
Option on Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0	0
Option on Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	38,181	45,593
Option on Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0	0
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	38,181	45,593
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative		45,593
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	38,181
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative		0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	0
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative		45,593
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	38,181
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, 2015 Notes Embedded Derivative		0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	0
Fixed Index Annuity Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	2,914,948
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative		2,530,496
Fixed Index Annuity Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	0
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative		0
Fixed Index Annuity Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	0
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative		0
Fixed Index Annuity Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	2,914,948
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative		$ 2,530,496

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Notes Payable Line of Credit Due 2014 (Details) (Line of Credit 2011 [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 banks
Line of Credit 2011 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 160
Line of Credit, Number of Banks in Agreement	7
Line of Credit, Interest Rate, Floating, Applicable Margin	2.00%
Line of Credit, Interest Rate, Floating, Adjusted LIBOR	3.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 0

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Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Allowance for Loan Losses Table (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Periods Considered for Calculation of General Loan Loss Allowance			4
Financing Receivable, Debt Service Coverage Ratio Considered for Calculation of General Loan Loss Allowance			1.0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Specific Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	$ (29,595)	$ (13,842)	$ (23,664)	$ (13,224)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Charge-offs	7,613	1,001	8,513	3,117
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Provisions	(3,463)	(2,186)	(10,294)	(4,920)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	(25,445)	(15,027)	(25,445)	(15,027)
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | General Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	(10,300)	(3,100)	(9,300)	(3,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Provisions	(900)	(1,100)	(1,900)	(1,200)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	$ (11,200)	$ (4,200)	$ (11,200)	$ (4,200)

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Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair Values of Financial Instruments Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Liabilities (Details) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$ 2,914,948,000	$ 2,368,533,000	$ 2,914,948,000	$ 2,368,533,000	$ 2,921,037,000	$ 2,530,496,000	$ 2,242,000,000	$ 1,971,383,000
Premiums Less Benefis Level 3 Liabilities	105,279,000	251,733,000	189,505,000	467,676,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(111,368,000)	(125,200,000)	194,947,000	(70,526,000)
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Increase in Discount Rate by 10 Percent [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Discount Rate Adjustment	100		100
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative	195,500,000		195,500,000
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements, Adjustment Due to Change in Discount Rate, Combined Balance	117,700,000		117,700,000
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Decrease in Discount Rate by 10 Percent [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Discount Rate Adjustment	100		100
Fair Value Liability Measured on Recurring Basis, Fixed Index Annuities Embedded Derivative	218,200,000		218,200,000
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements, Adjustment Due to Change in Discount Rate, Combined Balance	$ 132,100,000		$ 132,100,000

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Investments Schedule of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Proceeds From Calls of United States Government Sponsored Agency Securities	$ 2,800,000,000	$ 2,900,000,000
Held-to-maturity Securities	1,000,024,000		2,644,206,000
Procceds From Calls of United States Sponsored Agency Securites, Held for Investment	1,700,000,000
Fixed Income Securities with Call Features	33.00%
Fixed Income Securities with Call Features, Currently Callable	1.00%
Fixed Income Securities with Call Features, Currently Callable Amount	100,000,000
Fixed Income Securities with Call Features, Callable During Next 12 Months	14.00%
Fixed Income Securities with Call Features, Callable During Next 12 Months Amount	2,600,000,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities	1,000,024,000		2,644,206,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	2,507,000		16,806,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss	(14,170,000)		(16,590,000)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	988,361,000		2,644,422,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities	76,009,000		75,932,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss	(14,170,000)		(16,590,000)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	61,839,000		59,342,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities	924,015,000		2,568,274,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	2,507,000		16,806,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss	0		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	926,522,000		2,585,080,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	19,083,027,000		16,980,279,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,981,628,000		1,641,766,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(109,424,000)		(157,936,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,955,231,000		18,464,109,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,052,875,000		2,981,699,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	442,716,000		351,694,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(34,000)		(10,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,495,557,000		3,333,383,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	36,402,000		36,373,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	9,784,000		6,855,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,186,000		43,228,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,589,000		4,084,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	625,000		594,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,214,000		4,678,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	11,166,677,000		9,117,173,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,301,788,000		1,079,422,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(50,330,000)		(80,234,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,418,135,000		10,116,361,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,407,618,000		2,618,040,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	170,617,000		157,331,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(54,205,000)		(72,081,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,524,030,000		2,703,290,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	736,101,000		442,509,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	29,674,000		26,492,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4,182,000)		(5,611,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	761,593,000		463,390,000
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,678,765,000		1,780,401,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	26,424,000		19,378,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(673,000)		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,704,516,000		1,799,779,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	53,397,000		58,438,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	9,347,000		8,752,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,303,000)		(4,345,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 61,441,000		$ 62,845,000

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Operating activities
Net income	$ 29,230	$ 49,617
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	281,856	398,085
Amortization of deferred sales inducements	42,650	50,957
Annuity product charges	(41,301)	(36,854)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	278,077	67,340
Increase in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves	12,652	45,720
Policy acquisition costs deferred	(186,573)	(222,358)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	79,132	94,085
Provision for depreciation and other amortization	9,150	9,292
Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments	(64,020)	(78,582)
Realized gains on investments and net OTTI losses recognized	10,546	10,847
Change in fair value of derivatives	(108,314)	(127,799)
Deferred income taxes	(14,249)	(64,332)
Share-based compensation	3,024	4,181
Change in accrued investment income	(15,707)	(47,812)
Change in income taxes recoverable/payable	(3,493)	(3,308)
Change in other assets	(10,077)	2,182
Change in other policy funds and contract claims	33,548	95,560
Change in collateral held for derivatives	175,549	12,910
Change in other liabilities	(11,421)	(74,889)
Other	164	703
Net cash provided by operating activities	500,423	185,545
Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments:
Fixed Maturities - Available for Sale	1,423,179	3,244,966
Fixed maturity securities - held for investment	1,688,329	0
Equity securities - available for sale	5,605	2,958
Mortgage loans on real estate	219,423	86,079
Derivative instruments	110,201	275,473
Other investments	10,362	57
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	(3,542,142)	(3,189,624)
Fixed maturity securities - held for investment	0	(1,279,831)
Equity securities - available for sale	0	0
Mortgage loans on real estate	(152,648)	(296,884)
Derivative instruments	(184,709)	(189,759)
Other investments	(83,811)	(1,660)
Purchases of property, furniture and equipment	(273)	(3,552)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(506,484)	(1,351,777)
Financing activities
Receipts credited to annuity policyholder account balances	1,896,794	2,450,646
Coinsurance deposits	(28,630)	(37,196)
Return of annuity policyholder account balances	(848,372)	(898,472)
Financing fees incurred and deferred	0	(1,566)
Acquisition of common stock	0	6
Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	693	1,117
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,062	4,255
Change in checks in excess of cash balance	(12,608)	(828)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,008,939	1,517,950
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,002,878	351,718
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	404,952	597,766
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,407,830
Cash paid during period for:
Interest expense	14,308	15,210
Income taxes	32,650	93,200
Non-cash operating activity:
Deferral of sales inducements	143,248	189,200
Non-cash investing activity:
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	11,985	6,308
Mortgage loan on real estate sold	0	1,215
Non-cash financing activities:
Conversion of subordinated debentures	$ 12,554	$ 0

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Investments Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 47,272
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Basis	590,055
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	3,449,900
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years through Twenty Years, Amortized Cost Basis	4,963,113
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Twenty Years, Amortized Cost	6,888,968
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	15,939,308
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	19,083,027	16,980,279
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	48,858
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	656,408
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	3,741,359
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years Through Twenty Years, Fair Value	5,413,578
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Twenty Years, Fair Value	7,809,405
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	17,669,608
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	20,955,231	18,464,109
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years Through Twenty Years, Net Carrying Amount	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Twenty Years, Net Carrying Amount	1,000,024
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Net Carrying Amount	1,000,024
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount	1,000,024
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years Through Twenty Years, Fair Value	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Twenty Years, Fair Value	988,361
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	988,361
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value	988,361
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	2,407,618
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	2,524,030
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Net Carrying Amount	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	0
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	736,101
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	761,593
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Net Carrying Amount	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	$ 0

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Investments Cummulative Credit Loss Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held	$ (121,976)	$ (102,251)	$ (119,095)	$ (96,893)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment	(47)	0	(47)	(789)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses	(931)	(2,229)	(3,812)	(8,011)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Securities Sold	0	0	0	(1,213)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held	$ (122,954)	$ (104,480)	$ (122,954)	$ (104,480)

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Derivative Instruments Interest Rate Swaps (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	$ 300,000
Derivative Instruments, Interest Rate Swaps, Duration	7
Derivative Counterparty, SunTrust [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	79,000,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(3,565,000)	0
Derivative Counterparty, SunTrust [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps, Maturity Date, October 15, 2011, 1.54% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	85,500,000
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	*LIBOR
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.415%
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ (3,148,000)	$ 0

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Balance Sheet Parentheticals Document (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 19,083,027	$ 16,980,279
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	988,361	2,644,422
Available for Sale Equity Securities Cost	$ 53,397	$ 58,438
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	125,000,000	125,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	60,208,754	57,836,540
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	60,208,754	57,836,540
Treasury Stock, Shares	5,124,749	5,616,595
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Number of Suspense Shares	294,770	336,093

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Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Real Estate Owned (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Real Estate Owned [Roll Forward]
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure	$ 35,824	$ 22,790	$ 36,821	$ 19,122
Real Estate, Acquisitions Through Foreclosures	8,683	2,527	11,985	6,308
Real Estate, Improvements	117	16	117	40
Real Estate, Cost of Real Estate Sold	(4,283)	(1,283)	(7,366)	(1,283)
Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Provision	(1,669)	0	(2,643)	0
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure CLONE	38,390	23,910	38,390	23,910
Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense	$ (282)	$ (140)	$ (524)	$ (277)
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Real Estate Owned [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Number of Loans Satisfied by Taking Ownership of Real Estate Held as Collateral	4	2	6	3

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net income	$ 18,759	$ 18,274	$ 29,230	$ 49,617
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses (1)	263,366	85,149	188,391	62,596
Noncredit component of OTTI losses (1)	(99)	855	290	1,499
Other comprehensive loss before income tax	263,267	86,004	188,681	64,095
Income tax effect related to other comprehensive loss	(92,142)	(30,101)	(66,038)	(22,433)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	171,125	55,903	122,643	41,662
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 189,884	$ 74,177	$ 151,873	$ 91,279

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Earnings Per Share Options to Purchase Shares Excluded from Diluted Earnings Per Share and Range of Exercise Prices (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to Purchase Common Shares Outstanding, Excluded from Earnings Per Share Assuming Dilution, Exercise Price Greater Than Average Stock Price	1,502,900	1,370,350	1,502,900	1,370,350
Minimum [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock Options, Excluded from Diluted Earnings per Share, Range of Exercise Prices	11.88	12.79	11.88	12.79
Maximum [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock Options, Excluded from Diluted Earnings per Share, Range of Exercise Prices	14.34	14.34	14.34	14.34

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Investments Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value by Investment Category (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Months Securities	Dec. 31, 2011 Securities	Jun. 30, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Equity Securities, Number of Months in Unrealized Losses, Description	12
Individual Securities with Unrealized Losses	220	246
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Fixed Maturity Securities, Unrealized Losses, Percentage Investment Grade	74.00%		83.00%
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Non-Income Producing Security, Number of Securities	1
Non-Income Producing Security, Principal Amount	4,000,000
Non-Income Producing Security, Unrealized Loss	(400,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,372,625,000	1,197,562,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(47,898,000)	(74,512,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	613,098,000	965,549,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(61,526,000)	(83,424,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,985,723,000	2,163,111,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(109,424,000)	(157,936,000)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		59,342,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(16,590,000)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		59,342,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		(16,590,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	227,829,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(673,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	227,829,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(673,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,973,000	3,535,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(34,000)	(10,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,973,000	3,535,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(34,000)	(10,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities, Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Sectors [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	202,825,000	363,909,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(10,990,000)	(36,575,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	118,952,000	146,354,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(12,532,000)	(15,611,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	321,777,000	510,263,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(23,522,000)	(52,186,000)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	61,839,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(14,170,000)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	61,839,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(14,170,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities, Manufacturing, Construction, and Mining Sectors [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	169,512,000	201,762,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(4,242,000)	(7,131,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	11,870,000	29,875,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(2,006,000)	(1,869,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	181,382,000	231,637,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(6,248,000)	(9,000,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities, Utilities and Related Sectors [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	119,762,000	174,251,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(4,005,000)	(7,576,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	61,802,000	37,778,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(12,593,000)	(6,946,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	181,564,000	212,029,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(16,598,000)	(14,522,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities, Wholesale and Retail Trade Sectors [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	14,226,000	15,523,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(763,000)	(188,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	9,700,000	9,275,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(763,000)	(1,194,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	23,926,000	24,798,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(1,526,000)	(1,382,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities, Services, Media, and Other Sectors [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	67,231,000	27,688,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(456,000)	(249,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	18,020,000	17,105,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(1,980,000)	(2,895,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	85,251,000	44,793,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(2,436,000)	(3,144,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	411,338,000	295,352,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(24,615,000)	(19,920,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	367,268,000	709,612,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(29,590,000)	(52,161,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	778,606,000	1,004,964,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(54,205,000)	(72,081,000)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	155,929,000	115,542,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(2,120,000)	(2,863,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	25,486,000	15,550,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(2,062,000)	(2,748,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	181,415,000	131,092,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(4,182,000)	(5,611,000)
Equity Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	8,922,000	20,028,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(1,203,000)	(3,095,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	7,900,000	3,750,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(100,000)	(1,250,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	16,822,000	23,778,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(1,303,000)	(4,345,000)

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Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Derivative instruments
Call options	$	476,699	$	273,314
Other assets
2015 notes hedges	38,181		45,593
Interest rate caps	3,565		—
	$	518,445	$	318,907
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves - annuity products
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	$	2,914,948	$	2,530,496
Other liabilities
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		45,593
Interest rate swaps	3,148		—
	$	2,956,277	$	2,576,089

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of derivatives:
Call options	$	(122,241	)	$	(13,238	)	$	119,279		$	130,214
2015 notes hedges	(24,163		)	(8,723		)	(7,412		)	(3,454		)
Interest rate swaps	(4,038		)	(68		)	(3,148		)	(136		)
Interest rate caps	(405		)	—			(405		)	—
	$	(150,847	)	$	(22,029	)	$	108,314		$	126,624
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
2015 notes embedded derivatives	$	(24,163	)	$	(8,723	)	$	(7,412	)	$	(3,454	)
Fixed index annuities	(56,826		)	(52,240		)	285,489			70,794
	$	(80,989	)	$	(60,963	)	$	278,077		$	67,340

Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block]

	Notional			Pay			June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Maturity Date	Amount		Receive Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value			Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
March 15, 2021	$	85,500	*LIBOR	2.415	%	SunTrust	$	(3,148	)	$	—

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

			June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Counterparty	Credit Rating (S&P)	Credit Rating (Moody's)	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
Bank of America	A	A3	$	1,421,833	$	58,679	$	2,340,213	$	43,481
Barclays	A+	A2	2,847,540		103,550		2,419,339		60,903
BNP Paribas	AA-	A2	2,106,213		78,442		2,533,301		48,293
Citibank, N.A.	A	A3	1,951,838		39,502		—		—
Credit Suisse	A+	A1	1,181,136		34,057		1,423,802		27,464
Deutsche Bank	A+	A2	717,035		16,519		384,420		7,697
HSBC	AA-	Aa3	222,902		6,073		348,674		4,557
J.P. Morgan	A+	Aa3	1,249,826		36,080		2,109,019		27,961
Morgan Stanley	A	Baa1	808,375		23,784		244,180		7,375
UBS	A	A2	622		66		39,147		240
Wells Fargo (Wachovia)	AA-	Aa3	1,996,526		79,947		2,227,235		45,343
			$	14,503,846	$	476,699	$	14,069,330	$	273,314

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Investments Changes in Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Changes Net Unrealized Gains/Losses for Adjustments in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducements, Deferred Tax Valuation Allowances, and Deferred Income Taxes	$ (431,550)	$ (147,483)	$ (269,368)	$ (111,661)
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax	171,125	55,903	122,643	41,662
Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	(92,142)	(30,101)	(66,038)	(22,433)
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	0	0	0	0
Alt A Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	19,083,027		19,083,027		16,980,279
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes	602,675	203,386	392,011	153,323
Adjustment for Effect on Other Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
Adjustments for Assumed Changes in Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements	(339,408)	(117,382)	(203,330)	(89,228)
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	0	0	0	0
Changes Net Unrealized Gains/Losses for Adjustments in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducements, Deferred Tax Valuation Allowances, and Deferred Income Taxes	(92,142)	(30,101)	(66,038)	(22,433)
Equity Securities [Member]
Alt A Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes	(787)	559	3,637	2,640
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Alt A Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Abstract]
Change in Net Unrealized Gain/Loss, Fixed Maturity Securities, Held for Investment	1,690	55,060	11,879	29,402
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes	603,462	202,827	388,374	150,683
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Alt A Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	36		36
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	405,000		405,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 386,500		$ 386,500

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Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income - numerator for earnings per common share	$	18,759	$	18,274	$	29,230	$	49,617
Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit)	257		258		515		517
Numerator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	19,016	$	18,532	$	29,745	$	50,134
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)	59,943,337		59,504,119		59,821,937		59,343,959
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible subordinated debentures	2,637,176		2,727,084		2,678,508		2,727,084
Convertible senior notes	1,158,686		2,612,637		1,158,686		2,612,637
Stock options and deferred compensation agreements	514,429		686,352		570,525		753,272
Denominator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution	64,253,628		65,530,192		64,229,656		65,436,952
Earnings per common share	$	0.31	$	0.31	$	0.49	$	0.84
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.30	$	0.28	$	0.46	$	0.77

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]

Period	Number of Shares	Range of Exercise Prices
		Minimum	Maximum
Three months ended June 30, 2012	1,502,900	$11.88	$14.34
Six months ended June 30, 2012	1,502,900	$11.88	$14.34
Three months ended June 30, 2011	1,370,350	$12.79	$14.34
Six months ended June 30, 2011	1,370,350	$12.79	$14.34

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Unallocated Common Stock Held by ESOP [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' equity at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2010	$ (938,047)	$ (56,968)	$ (454,454)	$ (4,815)	$ (81,820)	$ (349,620)
Net income	49,617	0	0	0	0	49,617
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	41,662	0	0	0	41,662	0
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	(6)	0	(6)	0	0	0
Allocation of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	620	0	69	551	0	0
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	5,229	0	5,229	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	4,363	864	3,499	0	0	0
Stockholders' equity at end of period at Jun. 30, 2011	(1,039,532)	(57,832)	(463,245)	(4,264)	(123,482)	(399,237)
Stockholders' equity at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011	(1,408,679)	(57,837)	(468,281)	(3,620)	(457,229)	(428,952)
Net income	29,230	0	0	0	0	29,230
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	122,643	0	0	0	122,643	0
Conversion of subordinated debentures	11,841	1,550	10,291	0	0	0
Allocation of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits	467	0	22	445	0	0
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	3,719	0	3,719	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	1,072	822	250	0	0	0
Stockholders' equity at end of period at Jun. 30, 2012	$ (1,577,651)	$ (60,209)	$ (482,563)	$ (3,175)	$ (579,872)	$ (458,182)

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Stockholders' Equity Parentheticals Document (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0	500,000
Conversion of subordinated debentures	$ 12,554	$ 0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Ownership Plan	41,253	51,189
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	822,930	864,129

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Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale	$	20,955,231	$	20,955,231	$	18,464,109	$	18,464,109
Held for investment	1,000,024		988,361		2,644,206		2,644,422
Equity securities, available for sale	61,441		61,441		62,845		62,845
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093		2,989,626		2,823,047		3,030,308
Derivative instruments	476,699		476,699		273,314		273,314
Other investments	163,367		163,243		79,109		76,648
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830		1,407,830		404,952		404,952
Coinsurance deposits	2,895,212		2,632,861		2,818,642		2,549,025
Interest rate caps	3,565		3,565		—		—
2015 notes hedges	38,181		38,181		45,593		45,593
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	29,598,728		24,695,555		27,842,770		23,407,540
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	433,335		448,702		397,248		412,998
Notes payable	303,595		398,479		297,608		376,370
Subordinated debentures	256,122		225,710		268,593		233,809
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		38,181		45,593		45,593
Interest rate swaps	3,148		3,148		—		—

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block]

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following sets forth a comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of our financial instruments:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale	$	20,955,231	$	20,955,231	$	18,464,109	$	18,464,109
Held for investment	1,000,024		988,361		2,644,206		2,644,422
Equity securities, available for sale	61,441		61,441		62,845		62,845
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093		2,989,626		2,823,047		3,030,308
Derivative instruments	476,699		476,699		273,314		273,314
Other investments	163,367		163,243		79,109		76,648
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830		1,407,830		404,952		404,952
Coinsurance deposits	2,895,212		2,632,861		2,818,642		2,549,025
Interest rate caps	3,565		3,565		—		—
2015 notes hedges	38,181		38,181		45,593		45,593
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	29,598,728		24,695,555		27,842,770		23,407,540
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	433,335		448,702		397,248		412,998
Notes payable	303,595		398,479		297,608		376,370
Subordinated debentures	256,122		225,710		268,593		233,809
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		38,181		45,593		45,593
Interest rate swaps	3,148		3,148		—		—

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.

We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Level 1— Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Level 2— Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.

Level 3— Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.

Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security, however there were no transfers between levels during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:

	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	5,214	$	5,214	$	—	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,704,516		—		1,704,516		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,495,557		—		3,495,557		—
Foreign government obligations	46,186		—		46,186		—
Corporate securities	12,418,135		40,979		12,377,156		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,524,030		—		2,522,025		2,005
Other asset backed securities	761,593		384		761,209		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	61,441		42,066		19,375		—
Derivative instruments	476,699		—		476,699		—
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830		1,407,830		—		—
Interest rate caps	3,565		—		3,565		—
2015 notes hedges	38,181		—		38,181		—
	$	22,942,947	$	1,496,473	$	21,444,469	$	2,005
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	3,148	$	—	$	3,148	$	—
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		—		38,181		—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	2,914,948		—		—		2,914,948
	$	2,956,277	$	—	$	41,329	$	2,914,948
December 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,678	$	4,678	$	—	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,799,779		—		1,799,779		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,333,383		—		3,333,383		—
Foreign government obligations	43,228		—		43,228		—
Corporate securities	10,116,361		58,827		10,057,534		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,703,290		—		2,701,192		2,098
Other asset backed securities	463,390		370		463,020		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	62,845		44,229		18,616		—
Derivative instruments	273,314		—		273,314		—
Cash and cash equivalents	404,952		404,952		—		—
2015 notes hedges	45,593		—		45,593		—
	$	19,250,813	$	513,056	$	18,735,659	$	2,098
Liabilities
2015 notes embedded derivatives	$	45,593	$	—	$	45,593	$	—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	2,530,496		—		—		2,530,496
	$	2,576,089	$	—	$	45,593	$	2,530,496

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Fixed maturity securities and equity securities

The fair values of fixed maturity securities and equity securities in an active and orderly market are determined by utilizing independent pricing services. The independent pricing services incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques, including:

• reported trading prices,

• benchmark yields,

• broker-dealer quotes,

• benchmark securities,

• bids and offers,

• credit ratings,

• relative credit information, and

• other reference data.

The independent pricing services also take into account perceived market movements and sector news, as well as a security's terms and conditions, including any features specific to that issue that may influence risk and marketability. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary.

The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available. Quoted prices are not always available due to market inactivity. When quoted market prices are not available, the third parties use yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics to determine fair value for securities that are not actively traded. We generally obtain one value from our primary external pricing service. In situations where a price is not available from this service, we may obtain further quotes or prices from additional parties as needed. In addition, for our callable United States Government sponsored agencies we obtain two broker quotes and take the average of two broker prices received. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are considered for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. Inputs used by the broker include market information, such as yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. Valuations and quotes obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and do not represent quotes on which one may execute the disposition of the assets.

We validate external valuations at least quarterly through a combination of procedures that include the evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing services, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against trends, and maintenance of a securities watch list. Additionally, as needed we utilize discounted cash flow models or perform independent valuations on a case-by-case basis of inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing services. Although we do identify differences from time to time as a result of these validation procedures, we did not make any significant adjustments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Mortgage loans on real estate

Mortgage loans on real estate are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are calculated using discounted expected cash flows using current competitive market interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. The fair values of impaired mortgage loans on real estate that we have considered to be collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the real estate collateral (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The inputs utilized to determine fair value of all mortgage loans are unobservable market data (competitive market interest rates and appraised property values); therefore, fair value of mortgage loans falls into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments

The fair values of derivative instruments, primarily call options, are based upon the amount of cash that we will receive to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are obtained from each of the counterparties using industry accepted valuation models and are adjusted for the nonperformance risk of each counterparty net of any collateral held. Inputs include market volatility and risk free interest rates and are used in income valuation techniques in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to fund our fixed index annuity policy liabilities.

Other investments

None of the financial instruments included in other investments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments included in other investments are policy loans, an equity method investment and company owned life insurance (COLI). We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying value and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived. The fair value of our equity method investment qualifies as a Level 3 fair value and was determined by calculating the present value of future cash flows discounted by a risk free rate, a risk spread and a liquidity discount. The risk spread and liquidity discount are rates determined by our investment professionals and are unobservable market inputs. The fair value of our COLI approximates its cash surrender value. Cash surrender of our COLI is based on the fair value of the underlying assets, whose fair values fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and cash equivalents

Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.

Interest rate swaps and caps

The fair values of our pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are obtained from third parties and are determined by discounting expected future cash flows using projected LIBOR rates for the term of the swaps and caps.

2015 notes hedges

The fair value of these call options is determined by a third party who applies market observable data such as our common stock price, its dividend yield and its volatility, as well as the time to expiration of the call options to determine a fair value of the buy side of these options.

Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves

The fair values of the liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The coinsurance deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. For period-certain annuity benefit contracts, the fair value is determined by discounting the benefits at the interest rates currently in effect for newly purchased immediate annuity contracts. We are not required to and have not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the fair values presented within these categories fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as most of the inputs are unobservable market data.

Notes payable

The fair value of the convertible senior notes is based upon pricing matrices developed by a third party pricing service when quoted market prices are not available and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Subordinated debentures

Fair values for subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including our incremental borrowing rates, which reflect our credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued. These fair values are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Subordinated debentures are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

2015 notes embedded derivatives

The fair value of this embedded derivative is determined by pricing the call options that hedge this potential liability. The terms of the conversion premium are identical to the 2015 notes hedges and the method of determining fair value of the call options is based upon observable market data.

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our Level 3 assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities
Beginning balance	$	2,027		$	4,301		$	2,098		$	2,702
Principal returned	(52		)	(78		)	(93		)	(266		)
(Amortization)/accretion of premium/discount	21			(4		)	47			8
Reclassification	—			(1,600		)	—			—
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	81			104			183			279
Included in operations	(72		)	(530		)	(230		)	(530		)
Ending balance	$	2,005		$	2,193		$	2,005		$	2,193

The Level 3 assets included in the table above are not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and it is management's opinion that the sensitivity of the inputs used in determining the fair value of these assets is not material as well.

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
Beginning balance	$	2,921,037		$	2,242,000		$	2,530,496	$	1,971,383
Premiums less benefits	105,279			251,733			189,505		467,676
Change in unrealized gains, net	(111,368		)	(125,200		)	194,947		(70,526		)
Ending balance	$	2,914,948		$	2,368,533		$	2,914,948	$	2,368,533

Change in unrealized gains, net for each period in our embedded derivatives are included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Certain derivatives embedded in our fixed index annuity contracts are our most significant financial instrument measured at fair value that are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The contractual obligations for future annual index credits within our fixed index annuity contracts are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We estimate the fair value of these embedded derivatives at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credits on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

The most sensitive assumption in determining policy liabilities for fixed index annuities is the rates used to discount the excess projected contract values. As indicated above, the discount rate reflects our nonperformance risk. If the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values at June 30, 2012, were to increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of the embedded derivatives would decrease by $195.5 million recorded through operations as a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding decrease of $117.7 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as an increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. A decrease by 100 basis points in the discount rate used to discount the excess projected contract values would increase the fair value of the embedded derivatives by $218.2 million recorded through operations as an increase in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and increase our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements by $132.1 million recorded through operations as a decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	5,214	$	5,214	$	—	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,704,516		—		1,704,516		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,495,557		—		3,495,557		—
Foreign government obligations	46,186		—		46,186		—
Corporate securities	12,418,135		40,979		12,377,156		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,524,030		—		2,522,025		2,005
Other asset backed securities	761,593		384		761,209		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	61,441		42,066		19,375		—
Derivative instruments	476,699		—		476,699		—
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830		1,407,830		—		—
Interest rate caps	3,565		—		3,565		—
2015 notes hedges	38,181		—		38,181		—
	$	22,942,947	$	1,496,473	$	21,444,469	$	2,005
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	3,148	$	—	$	3,148	$	—
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		—		38,181		—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	2,914,948		—		—		2,914,948
	$	2,956,277	$	—	$	41,329	$	2,914,948
December 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,678	$	4,678	$	—	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,799,779		—		1,799,779		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,333,383		—		3,333,383		—
Foreign government obligations	43,228		—		43,228		—
Corporate securities	10,116,361		58,827		10,057,534		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,703,290		—		2,701,192		2,098
Other asset backed securities	463,390		370		463,020		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	62,845		44,229		18,616		—
Derivative instruments	273,314		—		273,314		—
Cash and cash equivalents	404,952		404,952		—		—
2015 notes hedges	45,593		—		45,593		—
	$	19,250,813	$	513,056	$	18,735,659	$	2,098
Liabilities
2015 notes embedded derivatives	$	45,593	$	—	$	45,593	$	—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	2,530,496		—		—		2,530,496
	$	2,576,089	$	—	$	45,593	$	2,530,496

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities
Beginning balance	$	2,027		$	4,301		$	2,098		$	2,702
Principal returned	(52		)	(78		)	(93		)	(266		)
(Amortization)/accretion of premium/discount	21			(4		)	47			8
Reclassification	—			(1,600		)	—			—
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	81			104			183			279
Included in operations	(72		)	(530		)	(230		)	(530		)
Ending balance	$	2,005		$	2,193		$	2,005		$	2,193

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
Beginning balance	$	2,921,037		$	2,242,000		$	2,530,496	$	1,971,383
Premiums less benefits	105,279			251,733			189,505		467,676
Change in unrealized gains, net	(111,368		)	(125,200		)	194,947		(70,526		)
Ending balance	$	2,914,948		$	2,368,533		$	2,914,948	$	2,368,533

XML

Document and Entity Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING CO
Entity Central Index Key	0001039828
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		62,616,109

XML

Fair Values of Financial Instruments Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ 978	$ 2,229	$ 3,859	$ 8,800
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	2,027	4,301	2,098	2,702
Principal Returned on Level 3 Assets	52	78	93	266
Amortization/Accretion of Premium/Discount on Level 3 Assets	21	4	47	8
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	81	104	183	279
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(72)	(530)	(230)	(530)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 2,005	$ 2,193	$ 2,005	$ 2,193

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $2012 - $17,738,411; 2011 - $16,980,279)	$ 20,955,231	$ 18,464,109
Fixed maturity securities, held for investment, at amortized cost (fair value: 2012 - $1,521,790; 2011 - $2,644,422)	1,000,024	2,644,206
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2012 - $56,396; 2011 - $58,438)	61,441	62,845
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093	2,823,047
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Other investments	201,757	115,930
Total investments	25,427,245	24,383,451
Cash and cash equivalents	1,407,830	404,952
Coinsurance deposits	2,895,212	2,818,642
Accrued investment income	244,644	228,937
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,677,770	1,683,857
Deferred sales inducements	1,253,583	1,242,787
Deferred income taxes	0	21,981
Income taxes recoverable	11,934	8,441
Other assets	215,384	81,671
Total assets	33,133,602	30,874,719
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	29,896,751	28,118,716
Other policy funds and contract claims	434,142	400,594
Notes payable	303,595	297,608
Subordinated debentures	256,122	268,593
Deferred income taxes	29,808	0
Income taxes payable	0	0
Other liabilities	635,533	380,529
Total liabilities	31,555,951	29,466,040
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 2011 and 2010 no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share, 125,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 2012 - 58,621,637 shares (excluding 5,124,749 treasury shares); 2011 - 57,836,540 shares (excluding 5,616,595 treasury shares)	60,209	57,837
Additional paid-in capital	482,563	468,281
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP; 2012 - 336,093 shares; 2011 - 336,093 shares	(3,175)	(3,620)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	579,872	457,229
Retained earnings	458,182	428,952
Total stockholders' equity	1,577,651	1,408,679
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 33,133,602	$ 30,874,719

XML

Notes Payable

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Notes Payable [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

Notes Payable

The contingent convertible senior notes included in notes payable are accounted for separately as a liability component and an equity component in the consolidated balance sheets. The liability component and equity component are as follows:

	June 30, 2012								December 31, 2011
	September 2015 Notes			December 2029 Notes			December 2024 Notes		September 2015 Notes			December 2029 Notes			December 2024 Notes
	(Dollars in thousands)
Notes payable:
Principal amount of liability component	$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243	$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243
Unamortized discount	(25,494		)	(14,993		)	—		(28,906		)	(17,568		)	—
Net carrying amount of liability component	$	174,506		$	100,846		$	28,243	$	171,094		$	98,271		$	28,243
Additional paid-in capital:
Carrying amount of equity component				$	15,586		$	22,637				$	15,586		$	22,637
Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	$	—		$	15,781		$	—	$	—		$	8,489		$	—

The discount is being amortized over the expected lives of the notes, which is December 15, 2014 for the 2029 notes and September 15, 2015 for the 2015 notes, and was December 15, 2011 for the 2024 notes. The effective interest rates during the discount amortization periods are 8.9%, 8.5% and 11.9% on the 2015 notes, the 2024 notes and the 2029 notes, respectively. The interest cost recognized in operations for the convertible notes, inclusive of the coupon and amortization of the discount and debt issue costs, was $7.1 million and $14.1 million for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012, respectively, and $7.8 million and $15.7 million for the same periods in 2011.

We are required to include the dilutive effect of the 2024 and 2029 notes in our diluted earnings per share calculation. Because these notes include a mandatory cash settlement feature for the principal amount, incremental dilutive shares will only exist when the fair value of our common stock at the end of the reporting period exceeds the conversion price per share of $14.03 for the 2024 notes and $9.69 for the 2029 notes. At June 30, 2012 and 2011, the conversion premium of the 2029 notes was dilutive and the effect has been included in diluted earnings per share for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011. The 2015 notes and the 2015 notes hedges are excluded from the dilutive effect in our diluted earnings per share calculation as they are currently to be settled only in cash. The 2015 warrants could have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share to the extent that the price of our common stock exceeds the strike price of the 2015 warrants.

In 2011, we entered into a three year $160 million revolving line of credit agreement with seven banks. The interest rate is floating at a rate based on our election that will be equal to the alternate base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin or the adjusted LIBOR rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin. We also pay a commitment fee on the available unused portion of the credit facility. The applicable margin and commitment fee rate are based on our credit rating and can change throughout the period of the credit facility. Based upon our current credit rating, the applicable margin is 2.00% for alternate base rate borrowings and 3.00% for adjusted LIBOR rate borrowings and the commitment fee is 0.50%. Under this agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio at American Equity Life, a maximum ratio of debt to total capital, a minimum cash coverage ratio, and a minimum level of statutory surplus at American Equity Life. No amounts were outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

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Derivative Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

Derivative Instruments

We recognize all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. None of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, thus, any change in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Derivative instruments
Call options	$	476,699	$	273,314
Other assets
2015 notes hedges	38,181		45,593
Interest rate caps	3,565		—
	$	518,445	$	318,907
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves - annuity products
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	$	2,914,948	$	2,530,496
Other liabilities
2015 notes embedded derivatives	38,181		45,593
Interest rate swaps	3,148		—
	$	2,956,277	$	2,576,089

The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of derivatives:
Call options	$	(122,241	)	$	(13,238	)	$	119,279		$	130,214
2015 notes hedges	(24,163		)	(8,723		)	(7,412		)	(3,454		)
Interest rate swaps	(4,038		)	(68		)	(3,148		)	(136		)
Interest rate caps	(405		)	—			(405		)	—
	$	(150,847	)	$	(22,029	)	$	108,314		$	126,624
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
2015 notes embedded derivatives	$	(24,163	)	$	(8,723	)	$	(7,412	)	$	(3,454	)
Fixed index annuities	(56,826		)	(52,240		)	285,489			70,794
	$	(80,989	)	$	(60,963	)	$	278,077		$	67,340

We have fixed index annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. When fixed index annuity deposits are received, a portion of the deposit is used to purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to fixed index annuity policyholders. Substantially all such call options are one year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. The call options are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of revenues. The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term or upon early termination and the changes in fair value for open positions. On the respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the annual index credit is reset and we purchase new one-year call options to fund the next annual index credit. We manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our fixed index annuities, which permit us to change caps, participation rates, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums on each policy's anniversary date. By adjusting caps, participation rates, or asset fees, we can generally manage option costs except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.

Our strategy attempts to mitigate any potential risk of loss under these agreements through a regular monitoring process which evaluates the program's effectiveness. We do not purchase call options that would require payment or collateral to another institution and our call options do not contain counterparty credit-risk-related contingent features. We are exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, we purchase our option contracts from multiple counterparties and evaluate the creditworthiness of all counterparties prior to purchase of the contracts. All of these options have been purchased from nationally recognized financial institutions with a Standard and Poor's credit rating of A- or higher at the time of purchase and the maximum credit exposure to any single counterparty is subject to concentration limits. We also have credit support agreements that allow us to request the counterparty to provide collateral to us when the fair value of our exposure to the counterparty exceeds specified amounts.

The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty's current credit rating are as follows:

			June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Counterparty	Credit Rating (S&P)	Credit Rating (Moody's)	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
Bank of America	A	A3	$	1,421,833	$	58,679	$	2,340,213	$	43,481
Barclays	A+	A2	2,847,540		103,550		2,419,339		60,903
BNP Paribas	AA-	A2	2,106,213		78,442		2,533,301		48,293
Citibank, N.A.	A	A3	1,951,838		39,502		—		—
Credit Suisse	A+	A1	1,181,136		34,057		1,423,802		27,464
Deutsche Bank	A+	A2	717,035		16,519		384,420		7,697
HSBC	AA-	Aa3	222,902		6,073		348,674		4,557
J.P. Morgan	A+	Aa3	1,249,826		36,080		2,109,019		27,961
Morgan Stanley	A	Baa1	808,375		23,784		244,180		7,375
UBS	A	A2	622		66		39,147		240
Wells Fargo (Wachovia)	AA-	Aa3	1,996,526		79,947		2,227,235		45,343
			$	14,503,846	$	476,699	$	14,069,330	$	273,314

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we held $341.0 million and $165.4 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents received from counterparties for derivative collateral, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This derivative collateral limits the maximum amount of economic loss due to credit risk that we would incur if parties to the call options failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts to $136.4 million and $109.3 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The future annual index credits on our fixed index annuities are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contract. We do not purchase call options to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next policy anniversary date. We must value both the call options and the related forward embedded options in the policies at fair value.

We enter into interest rate swaps and caps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. See note 10 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for more information on our subordinated debentures. The terms of the interest rate swaps provide that we pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a floating rate of interest. The terms of the interest rate caps limit the three month London Interbank Offered Rate to 2.50%. The interest rate swaps and caps are not effective hedges under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Therefore, we record the interest rate swaps and caps at fair value and any net cash payments received or paid are included in the change in fair value of derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Details regarding the interest rate swaps are as follows:

	Notional			Pay			June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Maturity Date	Amount		Receive Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value			Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
March 15, 2021	$	85,500	*LIBOR	2.415	%	SunTrust	$	(3,148	)	$	—

___________________________________

* - three month London Interbank Offered Rate

Details regarding the interest rate caps are as follows:

	Notional			Cap			June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Maturity Date	Amount		Floating Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value		Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
July 7, 2021	$	40,000	*LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	$	1,796	$	—
July 8, 2021	12,000		*LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	539		—
July 29, 2021	27,000		*LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	1,230		—
	$	79,000					$	3,565	$	—

___________________________________

* - three month London Interbank Offered Rate

The interest rate swaps have a forward starting date beginning in March 2014 and convert floating rates to fixed rates for seven years. The interest rate caps have a forward starting date beginning in July 2014 and cap our interest rates for seven years. As of June 30, 2012 we held $0.3 million of cash and cash equivalents received from the counterparty for derivative collateral related to the swaps and caps, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

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Notes Payable Level 3 (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Convertible Notes Payable [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012								December 31, 2011
	September 2015 Notes			December 2029 Notes			December 2024 Notes		September 2015 Notes			December 2029 Notes			December 2024 Notes
	(Dollars in thousands)
Notes payable:
Principal amount of liability component	$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243	$	200,000		$	115,839		$	28,243
Unamortized discount	(25,494		)	(14,993		)	—		(28,906		)	(17,568		)	—
Net carrying amount of liability component	$	174,506		$	100,846		$	28,243	$	171,094		$	98,271		$	28,243
Additional paid-in capital:
Carrying amount of equity component				$	15,586		$	22,637				$	15,586		$	22,637
Amount by which the if-converted value exceeds principal	$	—		$	15,781		$	—	$	—		$	8,489		$	—

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Fair Values of Financial Instruments Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Liabilities (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$ 2,921,037	$ 2,242,000	$ 2,530,496	$ 1,971,383
Premiums Less Benefis Level 3 Liabilities	105,279	251,733	189,505	467,676
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(72)	(530)	(230)	(530)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$ 2,914,948	$ 2,368,533	$ 2,914,948	$ 2,368,533

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Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share - assuming dilution:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income - numerator for earnings per common share	$	18,759	$	18,274	$	29,230	$	49,617
Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit)	257		258		515		517
Numerator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	19,016	$	18,532	$	29,745	$	50,134
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)	59,943,337		59,504,119		59,821,937		59,343,959
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible subordinated debentures	2,637,176		2,727,084		2,678,508		2,727,084
Convertible senior notes	1,158,686		2,612,637		1,158,686		2,612,637
Stock options and deferred compensation agreements	514,429		686,352		570,525		753,272
Denominator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution	64,253,628		65,530,192		64,229,656		65,436,952
Earnings per common share	$	0.31	$	0.31	$	0.49	$	0.84
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.30	$	0.28	$	0.46	$	0.77

_____________________________

(1) Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP.

Options to purchase shares of our common stock that were outstanding during the respective periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares are as follows:

Period	Number of Shares	Range of Exercise Prices
		Minimum	Maximum
Three months ended June 30, 2012	1,502,900	$11.88	$14.34
Six months ended June 30, 2012	1,502,900	$11.88	$14.34
Three months ended June 30, 2011	1,370,350	$12.79	$14.34
Six months ended June 30, 2011	1,370,350	$12.79	$14.34

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Subordinated Debentures

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Subordinated Debentures [Abstract]

Subordinated Borrowings Disclosure [Text Block]

Subordinated Debentures

In May 2012, we issued a notice of mandatory redemption of all of our 8% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") and American Equity Capital Trust I, the holder of all of the Debentures, issued notices of mandatory redemption of all of its 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities and all of its 8% Trust Common Securities. As of June 30, 2012, $12.4 millionprincipal amount (414,457 shares) of 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities were converted into 1,535,025 shares of our common stock. In July 2012, another $8.2 million (273,870 shares) of 8% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities were converted into 1,014,308 shares of our common stock. The remaining 44,001 shares of these trust preferred securities will be settled in cash of approximately $1.3 million.

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Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Contingencies

We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, FINRA, the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability.

In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We are currently a defendant in a purported class action, McCormack, et al. v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et al., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division and Anagnostis v. American Equity, et al., coordinated in the Central District, entitled, In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the "Los Angeles Case"), involving allegations of improper sales practices and similar claims as described below.

The Los Angeles Case is a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by individuals, and the individuals are seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by us; however, no class has yet been certified. The named plaintiffs in this consolidated case are Bernard McCormack, Gust Anagnostis by and through Gary S. Anagnostis and Robert C. Anagnostis, Regina Bush by and through Sharon Schipiour, Lenice Mathews by and through Mary Ann Maclean and George Miller. The allegations generally attack the suitability of sales of deferred annuity products to persons over the age of 65. The plaintiffs seek rescission and injunctive relief including restitution and disgorgement of profits on behalf of all class members under California Business & Professions Code section 17200 et seq. and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; compensatory damages for breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting of breach of fiduciary duty; unjust enrichment and constructive trust; and other pecuniary damages under California Civil Code section 1750 and California Welfare & Institutions Codes section 15600 et seq. As previously reported, we participated in mediation sessions with plaintiffs' counsel in 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. In July 2012, we participated in another mediation session where potential settlement terms continued to be discussed. However, due to (i) the fact no class has been certified (ii) the lack of specificity as to legal theories put forth by the plaintiffs, (iii) the lack of specificity of the remedies sought, and (iv) the lack of any basis on which to compute estimated compensatory and/or punitive damages, we generally cannot predict what the outcome of the pending purported class action lawsuit will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of this lawsuit will be, or an estimate and/or range of possible loss related to the pending purported class action lawsuit. In light of the inherent uncertainties involved in the pending purported class action lawsuit, there can be no assurance that such litigation, or any other pending or future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

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Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Policy or Methodology Change [Policy Text Block]

Our general loan loss allowance as of June 30, 2011 was calculated on the cumulative outstanding principal on loans making up the group of loans currently in workout terms and loans currently more than 60 days past due. We applied a factor to the total outstanding principal of these loans that is calculated as the average specific impairment loss for the most recent 4 quarters divided by the sum of the average of the total outstanding principal of delinquent loans for the most recent 4 quarters and the average of the total outstanding principal of loans in workout for the most recent 4 quarters.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, we modified the calculation for determining our general loan loss allowance. The group of loans that we are now analyzing collectively are those that have a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of less than 1.0. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the net operating income of the mortgaged property by the contractual principal and interest payment due for the corresponding period. We developed the loss rates to apply to this group of loans by dividing the specific impairment loss for the most recent 4 quarters by the principal outstanding of the loans with a DSCR of less than 1.0.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Policy [Policy Text Block]

A Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constituting a concession on our part. We analyze all loans that we agree to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:

• borrower is in default,

• borrower has declared bankruptcy,

• there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,

• borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,

• borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and

• there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.

If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:

• assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,

• interest rate is modified,

• maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,

• capitalization of interest,

• delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and

• partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.

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Investments Schedule of Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities, at Fair Value	98.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	$ 20,083,051	$ 19,624,485
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	21,943,592	21,108,531
National Association of Insurance Commissioners NAIC Credit Rating 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	371,555	335,642
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	345,380	315,406
National Association of Insurance Commissioners NAIC Credit Rating 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	6,282,280	4,894,739
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	6,758,202	5,272,759
National Association of Insurance Commissioners NAIC Credit Rating 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	13,388,910	14,359,272
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	14,799,840	15,486,571
National Association of Insurance Commissioners NAIC Credit Rating 4 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	31,828	26,674
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	30,224	23,989
National Association of Insurance Commissioners NAIC Credit Rating 5 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	5,528	4,932
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	5,783	5,756
National Association of Insurance Commissioners NAIC Credit Rating 6 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	2,950	3,226
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	$ 4,163	$ 4,050

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Derivative Instruments Change in Fair Value of Derivatives Included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ (150,847)	$ (22,029)	$ 108,314	$ 126,624
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	(80,989)	(60,963)	278,077	67,340
Call Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(122,241)	(13,238)	119,279	130,214
Option on Securities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(24,163)	(8,723)	(7,412)	(3,454)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(4,038)	(68)	(3,148)	(136)
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(405)	0	(405)	0
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	24,163	8,723	7,412	3,454
Fixed Index Annuity Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	$ 56,826	$ 52,240	$ (285,489)	$ (70,794)

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Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

Our mortgage loan portfolio totaled $2.7 billion and $2.8 billion at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, with commitments outstanding of $54.7 million at June 30, 2012.

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Principal outstanding	$	2,768,738		$	2,856,011
Loan loss allowance	(36,645		)	(32,964		)
Carrying value	$	2,732,093		$	2,823,047

The portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. The mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Principal Outstanding		Percent		Principal Outstanding		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Geographic distribution
East	$	700,554	25.3	%	$	719,231	25.2	%
Middle Atlantic	161,976		5.8	%	169,240		5.9	%
Mountain	406,787		14.7	%	411,054		14.4	%
New England	32,463		1.2	%	36,815		1.3	%
Pacific	321,860		11.6	%	309,693		10.8	%
South Atlantic	500,536		18.1	%	493,764		17.3	%
West North Central	423,036		15.3	%	487,693		17.1	%
West South Central	221,526		8.0	%	228,521		8.0	%
	$	2,768,738	100.0	%	$	2,856,011	100.0	%
Property type distribution
Office	$	703,802	25.4	%	$	777,343	27.2	%
Medical Office	153,021		5.5	%	175,580		6.1	%
Retail	657,615		23.7	%	635,916		22.3	%
Industrial/Warehouse	718,964		26.0	%	710,426		24.9	%
Hotel	112,906		4.1	%	139,193		4.9	%
Apartment	190,348		6.9	%	187,548		6.6	%
Mixed use/other	232,082		8.4	%	230,005		8.0	%
	$	2,768,738	100.0	%	$	2,856,011	100.0	%

We evaluate our mortgage loan portfolio for the establishment of a loan loss reserve by specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss for each individual loan identified. A mortgage loan is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. In addition, we analyze the mortgage loan portfolio for the need of a general loan allowance for probable losses on all other loans. The amount of the general loan allowance is based upon management's evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, delinquencies, credit concentrations, underwriting standards and national and local economic conditions.

Our financing receivables currently consist of one portfolio segment which is our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. These are mortgage loans with collateral consisting of commercial real estate and borrowers consisting mostly of limited liability partnerships or limited liability corporations. Credit loss experience in our mortgage loan portfolio has been limited to the most recent fiscal years. We experienced our first credit loss from our mortgage loan portfolio in 2009.

Since 2008, we have had a population of mortgage loans that we have been carrying with workout terms (e.g. interest only periods, period of suspended payments, etc.) and a population of mortgage loans that have been in a delinquent status (i.e. more than 60 days past due). It is from this population that we have been recognizing some impairment loss due to nonpayment and eventual satisfaction of the loan by taking ownership of the collateral real estate. In most cases the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell such collateral has been less than the outstanding principal amount of the mortgage loan.

Our general loan loss allowance as of June 30, 2011 was calculated on the cumulative outstanding principal on loans making up the group of loans currently in workout terms and loans currently more than 60 days past due. We applied a factor to the total outstanding principal of these loans that is calculated as the average specific impairment loss for the most recent 4 quarters divided by the sum of the average of the total outstanding principal of delinquent loans for the most recent 4 quarters and the average of the total outstanding principal of loans in workout for the most recent 4 quarters.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, we modified the calculation for determining our general loan loss allowance. The group of loans that we are now analyzing collectively are those that have a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of less than 1.0. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the net operating income of the mortgaged property by the contractual principal and interest payment due for the corresponding period. We developed the loss rates to apply to this group of loans by dividing the specific impairment loss for the most recent 4 quarters by the principal outstanding of the loans with a DSCR of less than 1.0.

The following table presents a rollforward of our specific and general valuation allowances for commercial mortgage loans for the three and six months ended2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012						Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(29,595	)	$	(10,300	)	$	(13,842	)	$	(3,100	)
Charge-offs	7,613			—			1,001			—
Recoveries	—			—			—			—
Provision for credit losses	(3,463		)	(900		)	(2,186		)	(1,100		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(25,445	)	$	(11,200	)	$	(15,027	)	$	(4,200	)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012						Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(23,664	)	$	(9,300	)	$	(13,224	)	$	(3,000	)
Charge-offs	8,513			—			3,117			—
Recoveries	—			—			—			—
Provision for credit losses	(10,294		)	(1,900		)	(4,920		)	(1,200		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(25,445	)	$	(11,200	)	$	(15,027	)	$	(4,200	)

The specific allowance is a total of credit loss allowances on loans which are individually evaluated for impairment. The general allowance is the group of loans discussed above which are collectively evaluated for impairment. The following table presents the total outstanding principal of loans evaluated for impairment by basis of impairment method:

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	59,815	$	67,698
Collectively evaluated for impairment	179,122		176,681
Total loans evaluated for impairment	$	238,937	$	244,379

The amount of charge-offs include the amount of allowance that has been established for loans that were satisfied by taking ownership of the collateral. When the property is taken it is recorded at its fair value and the mortgage loan is recorded as fully paid, with any allowance for credit loss that has been established charged off. There could be other situations that develop where we have established a larger specific loan loss allowance than is needed based on increases in the fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent loans, or improvements in the financial position of a borrower so that a loan would become reliant on cash flows from debt service instead of dependent upon sale of the collateral. Charge-offs of the allowance would be recognized in those situations as well. We define collateral dependent loans as those mortgage loans for which we will depend on the value of the collateral real estate to satisfy the outstanding principal of the loan. See note 2 for how we determine the value of the collateral real estate.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, four and six mortgage loans, respectively, were satisfied by taking ownership of the real estate serving as collateral compared to two and three mortgage loans, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. The following table summarizes the activity in the real estate owned which was obtained in satisfaction of mortgage loans on real estate:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate owned at beginning of period	$	35,824		$	22,790		$	36,821		$	19,122
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	8,683			2,527			11,985			6,308
Additions	117			16			117			40
Sales	(4,283		)	(1,283		)	(7,366		)	(1,283		)
Impairments	(1,669		)	—			(2,643		)	—
Depreciation	(282		)	(140		)	(524		)	(277		)
Real estate owned at end of period	$	38,390		$	23,910		$	38,390		$	23,910

We analyze credit risk of our mortgage loans by analyzing all available evidence on loans that are delinquent and loans that are in a workout period.

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Credit Exposure--By Payment Activity
Performing	$	2,662,205	$	2,743,068
In workout	71,008		67,425
Delinquent	7,244		6,595
Collateral dependent	28,281		38,923
	$	2,768,738	$	2,856,011

Mortgage loans are considered delinquent when they become 60 days past due. When loans become 90 days past due, become collateral dependent or enter a period with no debt service payments required we place them on non-accrual status and discontinue recognizing interest income. If payments are received on a delinquent loan, interest income is recognized to the extent it would have been recognized if normal principal and interest would have been received timely. If payments are received to bring a delinquent loan back to current we will resume accruing interest income on that loan. Outstanding principal of loans in a non-accrual status at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 totaled $28.3 million and $45.5 million, respectively.

All of our commercial mortgage loans depend on the cash flow of the borrower to be at a sufficient level to service the principal and interest payments as they come due. In general, cash inflows of the borrowers are generated by collecting monthly rent from tenants occupying space within the borrowers' properties. Our borrowers face collateral risks such as tenants going out of business, tenants struggling to make rent payments as they become due, and tenants canceling leases and moving to other locations. We have a number of loans where the real estate is occupied by a single tenant. The current depressed and somewhat inactive commercial real estate market has resulted in some of our borrowers experiencing both a reduction in cash flow on their mortgage property as well as a reduction in the fair value of the real estate collateral. If these borrowers are unable to replace lost rent revenue and increases in the fair value of their property do not materialize we could potentially incur more losses than what we have allowed for in our specific and general loan loss allowances.

Aging of financing receivables with loans in a "workout" period as of the reporting date considered current if payments are current in accordance with agreed upon terms:

	30 - 59 Days		60 - 89 Days		90 Days and Over		Total Past Due		Current		Collateral Dependent Receivables		Total Financing Receivables
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial Mortgage Loans
June 30, 2012	$	—	$	7,244	$	—	$	7,244	$	2,733,213	$	28,281	$	2,768,738
December 31, 2011	$	3,378	$	—	$	6,595	$	9,973	$	2,807,115	$	38,923	$	2,856,011

Financing receivables summarized in the following table represent all loans that we are either not currently collecting or those we feel it is probable we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements (all loans that we have worked with the borrower to alleviate short-term cash flow issues, loans delinquent for more than 60 days at the reporting date, loans we have determined to be collateral dependent and loans that we have recorded specific impairments on that we feel may continue to have performance issues).

	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	34,370	$	59,815	$	(25,445	)	$	48,445	$	1,332
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	59,541		59,541		—			59,434		1,886
	$	93,911	$	119,356	$	(25,445	)	$	107,879	$	3,218
December 31, 2011
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	44,034	$	67,698	$	(23,664	)	$	53,617	$	3,284
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	63,023		63,023		—			60,974		3,509
	$	107,057	$	130,721	$	(23,664	)	$	114,591	$	6,793

The loans that are categorized as "in workout" consist of loans that we have agreed to lower or no mortgage payments for a period of time while the borrowers address cash flow and/or operational issues. The key features of these workouts have been determined on a loan-by-loan basis. Most of these loans are in a period of low cash flow due to tenants vacating their space or tenants requesting rent relief during difficult economic periods. Generally, we have allowed the borrower a six month interest only period and in some cases a twelve month period of interest only. Interest only workout loans are expected to return to their regular debt service payments after the interest only period. Interest only loans that are not fully amortizing will have a larger balance at their balloon date than originally contracted. Fully amortizing loans that are in interest only periods will have larger debt service payments for their remaining term due to lost principal payments during the interest only period. In limited circumstances we have allowed borrowers to pay the principal portion of their loan payment into an escrow account that can be used for capital and tenant improvements for a period of not more than twelve months. In these situations new loan amortization schedules are calculated based on the principal not collected during this twelve month workout period and larger payments are collected for the remaining term of each loan. In all cases, original interest rate and maturity date have not been modified and we have not forgiven any principal amounts.

A Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constituting a concession on our part. We analyze all loans that we agree to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:

• borrower is in default,

• borrower has declared bankruptcy,

• there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,

• borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,

• borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and

• there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.

If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:

• assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,

• interest rate is modified,

• maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,

• capitalization of interest,

• delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and

• partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.

Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDR are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. A summary of mortgage loans on commercial real estate with outstanding principal at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 that we determined to be TDR's are as follows:

Geographic Region	Number of TDR's	Principal Balance Outstanding		Specific Loan Loss Allowance			Net Carrying Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
East	2	$	6,126	$	(1,963	)	$	4,163
Mountain	10	32,222		(2,193		)	30,029
South Atlantic	7	18,101		(4,346		)	13,755
East North Central	1	2,319		(512		)	1,807
West North Central	2	6,974		(1,300		)	5,674
	22	$	65,742	$	(10,314	)	$	55,428
December 31, 2011
East	3	$	8,489	$	(2,115	)	$	6,374
Mountain	10	29,539		(1,637		)	27,902
South Atlantic	11	28,676		(6,339		)	22,337
West North Central	1	1,937		(269		)	1,668
	25	$	68,641	$	(10,360	)	$	58,281

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Principal outstanding	$	2,768,738		$	2,856,011
Loan loss allowance	(36,645		)	(32,964		)
Carrying value	$	2,732,093		$	2,823,047

Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region and Specific Collateral Property Type [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Principal Outstanding		Percent		Principal Outstanding		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Geographic distribution
East	$	700,554	25.3	%	$	719,231	25.2	%
Middle Atlantic	161,976		5.8	%	169,240		5.9	%
Mountain	406,787		14.7	%	411,054		14.4	%
New England	32,463		1.2	%	36,815		1.3	%
Pacific	321,860		11.6	%	309,693		10.8	%
South Atlantic	500,536		18.1	%	493,764		17.3	%
West North Central	423,036		15.3	%	487,693		17.1	%
West South Central	221,526		8.0	%	228,521		8.0	%
	$	2,768,738	100.0	%	$	2,856,011	100.0	%
Property type distribution
Office	$	703,802	25.4	%	$	777,343	27.2	%
Medical Office	153,021		5.5	%	175,580		6.1	%
Retail	657,615		23.7	%	635,916		22.3	%
Industrial/Warehouse	718,964		26.0	%	710,426		24.9	%
Hotel	112,906		4.1	%	139,193		4.9	%
Apartment	190,348		6.9	%	187,548		6.6	%
Mixed use/other	232,082		8.4	%	230,005		8.0	%
	$	2,768,738	100.0	%	$	2,856,011	100.0	%

Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012						Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(29,595	)	$	(10,300	)	$	(13,842	)	$	(3,100	)
Charge-offs	7,613			—			1,001			—
Recoveries	—			—			—			—
Provision for credit losses	(3,463		)	(900		)	(2,186		)	(1,100		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(25,445	)	$	(11,200	)	$	(15,027	)	$	(4,200	)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012						Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(23,664	)	$	(9,300	)	$	(13,224	)	$	(3,000	)
Charge-offs	8,513			—			3,117			—
Recoveries	—			—			—			—
Provision for credit losses	(10,294		)	(1,900		)	(4,920		)	(1,200		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(25,445	)	$	(11,200	)	$	(15,027	)	$	(4,200	)

Real Estate Acquired Via Foreclosure or Deed In Lieu [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate owned at beginning of period	$	35,824		$	22,790		$	36,821		$	19,122
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	8,683			2,527			11,985			6,308
Additions	117			16			117			40
Sales	(4,283		)	(1,283		)	(7,366		)	(1,283		)
Impairments	(1,669		)	—			(2,643		)	—
Depreciation	(282		)	(140		)	(524		)	(277		)
Real estate owned at end of period	$	38,390		$	23,910		$	38,390		$	23,910

Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Credit Exposure--By Payment Activity
Performing	$	2,662,205	$	2,743,068
In workout	71,008		67,425
Delinquent	7,244		6,595
Collateral dependent	28,281		38,923
	$	2,768,738	$	2,856,011

Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	30 - 59 Days		60 - 89 Days		90 Days and Over		Total Past Due		Current		Collateral Dependent Receivables		Total Financing Receivables
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial Mortgage Loans
June 30, 2012	$	—	$	7,244	$	—	$	7,244	$	2,733,213	$	28,281	$	2,768,738
December 31, 2011	$	3,378	$	—	$	6,595	$	9,973	$	2,807,115	$	38,923	$	2,856,011

Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	59,815	$	67,698
Collectively evaluated for impairment	179,122		176,681
Total loans evaluated for impairment	$	238,937	$	244,379

Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	34,370	$	59,815	$	(25,445	)	$	48,445	$	1,332
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	59,541		59,541		—			59,434		1,886
	$	93,911	$	119,356	$	(25,445	)	$	107,879	$	3,218
December 31, 2011
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	44,034	$	67,698	$	(23,664	)	$	53,617	$	3,284
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	63,023		63,023		—			60,974		3,509
	$	107,057	$	130,721	$	(23,664	)	$	114,591	$	6,793

Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

Geographic Region	Number of TDR's	Principal Balance Outstanding		Specific Loan Loss Allowance			Net Carrying Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
East	2	$	6,126	$	(1,963	)	$	4,163
Mountain	10	32,222		(2,193		)	30,029
South Atlantic	7	18,101		(4,346		)	13,755
East North Central	1	2,319		(512		)	1,807
West North Central	2	6,974		(1,300		)	5,674
	22	$	65,742	$	(10,314	)	$	55,428
December 31, 2011
East	3	$	8,489	$	(2,115	)	$	6,374
Mountain	10	29,539		(1,637		)	27,902
South Atlantic	11	28,676		(6,339		)	22,337
West North Central	1	1,937		(269		)	1,668
	25	$	68,641	$	(10,360	)	$	58,281

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Significant Accounting Policies Impact of New Accounting Pronouncement (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other operating costs and expenses	$ 18,902	$ 16,634	$ 40,615	$ 34,108
Net income	18,759	18,274	29,230	49,617
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 0.30	$ 0.28	$ 0.46	$ 0.77
Accounting Standards Update 2010-26 Financial Services—Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring orRenewing Insurance Contracts [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other operating costs and expenses	2,000		5,000
Net income	$ 1,300		$ 3,100
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 0.02		$ 0.05

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Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 loans	Dec. 31, 2011 loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Troubled Debt Restructurings During Period	22	25
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 65,742	$ 68,641
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	(10,314)	(10,360)
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	55,428	58,281
Troubled Debt Restructurings, East Region [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Troubled Debt Restructurings During Period	2	3
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	6,126	8,489
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	(1,963)	(2,115)
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	4,163	6,374
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Mountain Region [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Troubled Debt Restructurings During Period	10	10
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	32,222	29,539
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	(2,193)	(1,637)
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	30,029	27,902
Troubled Debt Restructurings, South Atlantic Region [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Troubled Debt Restructurings During Period	7	11
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	18,101	28,676
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	(4,346)	(6,339)
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	13,755	22,337
Troubled Debt Restructurings, East North Central Region [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Troubled Debt Restructurings During Period	1
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	2,319
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	(512)
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	1,807
Troubled Debt Restructurings, West North Central Region [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Troubled Debt Restructurings During Period	2	1
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	6,974	1,937
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	(1,300)	(269)
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	$ 5,674	$ 1,668

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Investments Cummlative Noncredit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Change in Fair Value Since Other Than Temporary Impairment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]
Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment at Amortized Cost	$ 952,271	$ 1,014,390
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(187,574)	(189,277)
Change in Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses	160,297	138,430
Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairments	924,994	963,543
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]
Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment at Amortized Cost	3,401	3,347
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(2,151)	(2,151)
Change in Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses	5,636	4,818
Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairments	6,886	6,014
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]
Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment at Amortized Cost	938,894	999,024
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(185,423)	(187,126)
Change in Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses	146,771	125,502
Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairments	900,242	937,400
Equity Securities [Member]
Cummulative Non-credit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment [Abstract]
Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment at Amortized Cost	9,976	12,019
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0	0
Change in Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses	7,890	8,110
Fair Value of Securities with Noncredit Other Than Temporary Impairments	$ 17,866	$ 20,129

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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Revenues:
Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums	$ 3,248	$ 3,289	$ 6,470	$ 6,205
Annuity product charges	21,908	19,892	41,301	36,854
Net investment income	320,259	296,878	647,169	589,006
Change in fair value of derivatives	(150,847)	(22,029)	108,314	126,624
Net realized gains on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	(611)	(854)	(6,687)	(2,047)
OTTI losses on investments:
Total OTTI losses	(375)	(113)	(2,156)	(5,213)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income	(603)	(2,116)	(1,703)	(3,587)
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	(978)	(2,229)	(3,859)	(8,800)
Total revenues	192,979	294,947	792,708	747,842
Benefits and expenses:
Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits	2,250	2,499	4,367	4,394
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	142,733	238,420	281,856	398,085
Amortization of deferred sales inducements	25,940	20,265	42,650	50,957
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	(80,989)	(60,963)	278,077	67,340
Interest expense on notes payable	7,072	7,832	14,067	15,739
Interest expense on subordinated debentures	3,563	3,481	7,149	6,947
Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements	0	1	0	5
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	44,848	38,862	79,132	94,085
Other operating costs and expenses	18,902	16,634	40,615	34,108
Total benefits and expenses	164,319	267,031	747,913	671,660
Income (loss) before income taxes	28,660	27,916	44,795	76,182
Income tax expense (benefit)	9,901	9,642	15,565	26,565
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 18,759	$ 18,274	$ 29,230	$ 49,617
Earnings per common share	$ 0.31	$ 0.31	$ 0.49	$ 0.84
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 0.30	$ 0.28	$ 0.46	$ 0.77
Earnings per common share	59,943,337	59,504,119	59,821,937	59,343,959
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	64,253,628	65,530,192	64,229,656	65,436,952

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Investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]

Investments

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities were as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,589	$	625	$	—		$	5,214
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,678,765		26,424		(673		)	1,704,516
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,052,875		442,716		(34		)	3,495,557
Foreign government obligations	36,402		9,784		—			46,186
Corporate securities	11,166,677		1,301,788		(50,330		)	12,418,135
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,407,618		170,617		(54,205		)	2,524,030
Other asset backed securities	736,101		29,674		(4,182		)	761,593
	$	19,083,027	$	1,981,628	$	(109,424	)	$	20,955,231
Held for investment:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	924,015	$	2,507	$	—		$	926,522
Corporate security	76,009		—		(14,170		)	61,839
	$	1,000,024	$	2,507	$	(14,170	)	$	988,361
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	53,397	$	9,347	$	(1,303	)	$	61,441
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,084	$	594	$	—		$	4,678
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,780,401		19,378		—			1,799,779
United States municipalities, states and territories	2,981,699		351,694		(10		)	3,333,383
Foreign government obligations	36,373		6,855		—			43,228
Corporate securities	9,117,173		1,079,422		(80,234		)	10,116,361
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,618,040		157,331		(72,081		)	2,703,290
Other asset backed securities	442,509		26,492		(5,611		)	463,390
	$	16,980,279	$	1,641,766	$	(157,936	)	$	18,464,109
Held for investment:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	2,568,274	$	16,806	$	—		$	2,585,080
Corporate security	75,932		—		(16,590		)	59,342
	$	2,644,206	$	16,806	$	(16,590	)	$	2,644,422
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	58,438	$	8,752	$	(4,345	)	$	62,845

During the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, we received $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, in redemption proceeds related to calls of our callable United States Government sponsored agency securities and public and private corporate bonds, of which $1.7 billion were classified as held for investment for the six months endedJune 30, 2012. There were no calls of held for investment securities during the six months endedJune 30, 2011. We reinvested the proceeds from these redemptions primarily in United States Government sponsored agencies, corporate securities and other asset backed securities. At June 30, 2012, 33% of our fixed income securities have call features and 1% ($0.1 billion) were subject to call redemption. Another 14% ($2.6 billion) will become subject to call redemption during the next twelve months (principally the last two quarters of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013).

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our residential mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as separate lines.

	Available for sale				Held for investment
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	47,272	$	48,858	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years	590,055		656,408		—		—
Due after five years through ten years	3,449,900		3,741,359		—		—
Due after ten years through twenty years	4,963,113		5,413,578		—		—
Due after twenty years	6,888,968		7,809,405		1,000,024		988,361
	15,939,308		17,669,608		1,000,024		988,361
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,407,618		2,524,030		—		—
Other asset backed securities	736,101		761,593		—		—
	$	19,083,027	$	20,955,231	$	1,000,024	$	988,361

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity were comprised of the following:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$	1,880,248		$	1,488,237
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,022,806		)	(819,476		)
Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534			22,534
Deferred income tax benefit	(300,104		)	(234,066		)
Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$	579,872		$	457,229

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) assigns designations to fixed maturity securities. These designations range from Class 1 (highest quality) to Class 6 (lowest quality). In general, securities are assigned a designation based upon the ratings they are given by the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO’s”). The NAIC designations are utilized by insurers in preparing their annual statutory statements. NAIC Class 1 and 2 designations are considered “investment grade” while NAIC Class 3 through 6 designations are considered “non-investment grade.” Based on the NAIC designations, we had 98% of our fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
NAIC Designation	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
1	$	13,388,910	$	14,799,840	$	14,359,272	$	15,486,571
2	6,282,280		6,758,202		4,894,739		5,272,759
3	371,555		345,380		335,642		315,406
4	31,828		30,224		26,674		23,989
5	5,528		5,783		4,932		5,756
6	2,950		4,163		3,226		4,050
	$	20,083,051	$	21,943,592	$	19,624,485	$	21,108,531

The following tables show our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 220 and 246 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	Less than 12 months					12 months or more					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	227,829	$	(673	)	$	—	$	—		$	227,829	$	(673	)
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,973		(34		)	—		—			3,973		(34		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	202,825		(10,990		)	118,952		(12,532		)	321,777		(23,522		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	169,512		(4,242		)	11,870		(2,006		)	181,382		(6,248		)
Utilities and related sectors	119,762		(4,005		)	61,802		(12,593		)	181,564		(16,598		)
Wholesale/retail trade	14,226		(763		)	9,700		(763		)	23,926		(1,526		)
Services, media and other	67,231		(456		)	18,020		(1,980		)	85,251		(2,436		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	411,338		(24,615		)	367,268		(29,590		)	778,606		(54,205		)
Other asset backed securities	155,929		(2,120		)	25,486		(2,062		)	181,415		(4,182		)
	$	1,372,625	$	(47,898	)	$	613,098	$	(61,526	)	$	1,985,723	$	(109,424	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	61,839	$	(14,170	)	$	61,839	$	(14,170	)
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	$	8,922	$	(1,203	)	$	7,900	$	(100	)	$	16,822	$	(1,303	)
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States municipalities, states and territories	$	3,535	$	(10	)	$	—	$	—		$	3,535	$	(10	)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	363,909		(36,575		)	146,354		(15,611		)	510,263		(52,186		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	201,762		(7,131		)	29,875		(1,869		)	231,637		(9,000		)
Utilities and related sectors	174,251		(7,576		)	37,778		(6,946		)	212,029		(14,522		)
Wholesale/retail trade	15,523		(188		)	9,275		(1,194		)	24,798		(1,382		)
Services, media and other	27,688		(249		)	17,105		(2,895		)	44,793		(3,144		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	295,352		(19,920		)	709,612		(52,161		)	1,004,964		(72,081		)
Other asset backed securities	115,542		(2,863		)	15,550		(2,748		)	131,092		(5,611		)
	$	1,197,562	$	(74,512	)	$	965,549	$	(83,424	)	$	2,163,111	$	(157,936	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	59,342	$	(16,590	)	$	59,342	$	(16,590	)
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	$	20,028	$	(3,095	)	$	3,750	$	(1,250	)	$	23,778	$	(4,345	)

The following is a description of the factors causing the temporary unrealized losses by investment category as of June 30, 2012:

United States Government sponsored agenciesand United States municipalities, states and territories: These securities are relatively long in duration, making the value of such securities sensitive to changes in market interest rates. We purchase these securities regularly over time at different interest rates available at time of purchase; thus, some securities carry yields less than those available at June 30, 2012.

Corporate securities: The unrealized losses in these securities are due partially to the timing of purchases in 2011 and a small number of securities seeing their yield spreads widen due to issuer specific news. In addition, the financial sector credit spreads narrowed from year end 2011 but remain wide as the result of continued economic uncertainty and further concerns around the European Union.

Residential mortgage backed securities: At June 30, 2012, we had no exposure to sub-prime residential mortgage backed securities. All of our residential mortgage backed securities are pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans. Substantially all of the securities that we own are in the most senior tranche of the securitization in which they are structured and are not subordinated to any other tranche. Our "Alt-A" residential mortgage backed securities are comprised of 36 securities with a total amortized cost basis of $405.0 million and a fair value of $386.5 million. Despite recent improvements in the capital markets, the fair values of RMBS continue at prices below amortized cost. RMBS prices will likely remain below our cost basis until the housing market is able to absorb current and future foreclosures.

Other asset backed securities: The unrealized losses in these securities are predominantly assigned to financial sector capital trust securities which have longer maturity dates and have declined in price due to prolonged stress in the financial sector. Only one security in an unrealized loss position is rated below investment grade.

Equity securities: Equity securities in an unrealized loss position are in the financial sector and have exposure to the economic uncertainty in the European Union and the United States. A majority of these securities have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more and are investment grade perpetual preferred stocks that are absent credit deterioration. A continued difficult investment environment has raised concerns in regard to earnings and dividend stability in many companies which directly affect the values of these securities.

Approximately 74% and 83% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table for June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, are on securities that are rated investment grade, defined as being the highest two NAIC designations. All of the securities with unrealized losses, except one security with a principal amount outstanding of $4.5 million and an unrealized loss of $0.4 million, are current with respect to the payment of principal and interest.

Changes in net unrealized gains on investments for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
							(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$	1,690		$	55,060		$	11,879		$	29,402
Investments carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	603,462		$	202,827		$	388,374		$	150,683
Equity securities, available for sale	(787		)	559			3,637			2,640
	602,675			203,386			392,011			153,323
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(339,408		)	(117,382		)	(203,330		)	(89,228		)
Change in deferred tax valuation allowance	—			—			—			—
Deferred income tax asset	(92,142		)	(30,101		)	(66,038		)	(22,433		)
	(431,550		)	(147,483		)	(269,368		)	(111,661		)
Increase in net unrealized gains on investments carried at fair value	$	171,125		$	55,903		$	122,643		$	41,662

Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities for the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 were $165.2 million and $122.2 million, respectively. Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale securities for the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 were $1.4 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively.

Realized gains and losses on sales are determined on the basis of specific identification of investments based on the trade date. Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding net OTTI losses for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	4,030		$	2,901		$	5,048		$	4,542
Gross realized losses	(59		)	(1,423		)	(355		)	(1,423		)
	3,971			1,478			4,693			3,119
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	—			966			562			966
Other investments:
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate	1,450			(12		)	2,895			(12		)
Impairment losses on real estate	(1,669		)	—			(2,643		)	—
	(219		)	(12		)	252			(12		)
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Increase in allowance for credit losses	(4,363		)	(3,286		)	(12,194		)	(6,120		)
	$	(611	)	$	(854	)	$	(6,687	)	$	(2,047	)

We review and analyze all investments on an ongoing basis for changes in market interest rates and credit deterioration. This review process includes analyzing our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of each investment that has a fair value that is materially lower than its amortized cost and requires a high degree of management judgment and involves uncertainty. The evaluation of securities for other than temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties.

We have a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have impairments that are other than temporary. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as:

• the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;

• whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;

• the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;

• the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;

• the fair value of any underlying collateral;

• the existence of any credit protection available;

• our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;

• our assessment in the case of equity securities including perpetual preferred stocks with credit deterioration that the security cannot recover to cost in a reasonable period of time;

• our intent and ability to retain equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery;

• consideration of rating agency actions; and

• changes in estimated cash flows of residential mortgage and asset backed securities.

We determine whether other than temporary impairment losses should be recognized for debt and equity securities by assessing all facts and circumstances surrounding each security. Where the decline in market value of debt securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates or to factors such as market volatility, liquidity and spread widening, and we anticipate recovery of all contractual or expected cash flows, we do not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell these investments before a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity. For equity securities, we recognize an impairment charge in the period in which we do not have the intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery of cost or we determine that the security will not recover to book value within a reasonable period of time. We determine what constitutes a reasonable period of time on a security-by-security basis by considering all the evidence available to us, including the magnitude of any unrealized loss and its duration. In any event, this period does not exceed 18 months from the date of impairment for perpetual preferred securities for which there is evidence of deterioration in credit of the issuer and common equity securities. For perpetual preferred securities absent evidence of a deterioration in credit of the issuer we apply an impairment model, including an anticipated recovery period, similar to a debt security.

Other than temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in operations. If we intend to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, other than temporary impairment has occurred and the difference between amortized cost and fair value will be recognized as a loss in operations.

If we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security but also do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an impairment loss would be recognized in operations in the amount of the expected credit loss. We determine the amount of expected credit loss by calculating the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected discounted at each security's acquisition yield based on our consideration of whether the security was of high credit quality at the time of acquisition. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security is the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The remaining amount of the other than temporary impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income.

The determination of the credit loss component of a residential mortgage backed security is based on a number of factors. The primary consideration in this evaluation process is the issuer's ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments as contractually stated at time of purchase. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of the cash flow modeling under various default scenarios considering independent third party benchmarks, the seniority of the specific tranche within the structure of the security, the composition of the collateral and the actual default, loss severity and prepayment experience exhibited. With the input of third party assumptions for default projections, loss severity and prepayment expectations, we evaluate the cash flow projections to determine whether the security is performing in accordance with its contractual obligation.

We utilize the models from a leading structured product software specialist serving institutional investors. These models incorporate each security's seniority and cash flow structure. In circumstances where the analysis implies a potential for principal loss at some point in the future, we use the "best estimate" cash flow projection discounted at the security's effective yield at acquisition to determine the amount of our potential credit loss associated with this security. The discounted expected future cash flows equates to our expected recovery value. Any shortfall of the expected recovery when compared to the amortized cost of the security will be recorded as the credit loss component of other than temporary impairment.

The cash flow modeling is performed on a security-by-security basis and incorporates actual cash flows on the residential mortgage backed securities through the current period, as well as the projection of remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions including default rates, prepayment rates and loss severity rates. The default curves we use are tailored to the Prime or Alt-A residential mortgage backed securities that we own, which assume lower default rates and loss severity for Prime securities versus Alt-A securities. These default curves are scaled higher or lower depending on factors such as current underlying mortgage loan performance, rating agency loss projections, loan to value ratios, geographic diversity, as well as other appropriate considerations.

The following table presents the range of significant assumptions used to determine the credit loss component of other than temporary impairments we have recognized on residential mortgage backed securities for the six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, which are all senior level tranches within the structure of the securities:

		Discount Rate				Default Rate				Loss Severity
Sector	Vintage	Min		Max		Min		Max		Min		Max
Six months ended June 30, 2012
Prime	2005	6.5	%	7.7	%	9	%	13	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	5.8	%	7.4	%	9	%	19	%	40	%	55	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.3	%	11	%	38	%	40	%	60	%
Alt-A	2005	5.6	%	7.7	%	12	%	27	%	5	%	50	%
	2006	6.0	%	6.0	%	32	%	46	%	55	%	60	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.0	%	31	%	55	%	55	%	60	%
Six months ended June 30, 2011
Prime	2005	7.7	%	7.7	%	8	%	8	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	7.3	%	7.3	%	9	%	11	%	50	%	55	%
	2007	5.8	%	7.3	%	8	%	30	%	40	%	60	%
Alt-A	2005	6.0	%	7.7	%	13	%	24	%	5	%	55	%
	2006	6.0	%	6.5	%	30	%	33	%	50	%	50	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.4	%	29	%	41	%	50	%	70	%

The determination of the credit loss component of a corporate bond (including redeemable preferred stocks) is based on the underlying financial performance of the issuer and their ability to meet their contractual obligations. Considerations in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, credit rating changes, financial statement and ratio analysis, changes in management, significant changes in credit spreads, breaches of financial covenants and a review of the economic outlook for the industry and markets in which they trade. In circumstances where an issuer appears unlikely to meet its future obligation, or the security's price decline is deemed other than temporary, an estimate of credit loss is determined. Credit loss is calculated using default probabilities as derived from the credit default swaps markets in conjunction with recovery rates derived from independent third party analysis or a best estimate of credit loss. This credit loss rate is then incorporated into a present value calculation based on an expected principal loss in the future discounted at the yield at the date of purchase and compared to amortized cost to determine the amount of credit loss associated with the security.

In addition, for debt securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell, but our intent changes due to changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated, an other than temporary impairment charge is recognized. Once an impairment charge has been recorded, we then continue to review the other than temporarily impaired securities for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Unrealized losses may be recognized in future periods through a charge to earnings, should we later conclude that the decline in fair value below amortized cost is other than temporary pursuant to our accounting policy described above. The use of different methodologies and assumptions to determine the fair value of investments and the timing and amount of impairments may have a material effect on the amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes other than temporary impairments for the three and six months endedJune 30, 2012 and 2011, by asset type:

	Number of Securities	Total OTTI Losses			Portion of OTTI Losses Recognized from Other Comprehensive Income			Net OTTI Losses Recognized in Operations
		(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	7	$	(375	)	$	(603	)	$	(978	)
Three months ended June 30, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	18	$	(113	)	$	(2,116	)	$	(2,229	)
Six months ended June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	22	$	(2,156	)	$	(1,703	)	$	(3,859	)
Six months ended June 30, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	29	$	(5,213	)	$	(3,587	)	$	(8,800	)

The cumulative portion of other than temporary impairments determined to be credit losses which have been recognized in operations for debt securities are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of period	$	(121,976	)	$	(102,251	)	$	(119,095	)	$	(96,893	)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(47		)	—			(47		)	(789		)
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(931		)	(2,229		)	(3,812		)	(8,011		)
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	—			—			—			1,213
Cumulative credit loss at end of period	$	(122,954	)	$	(104,480	)	$	(122,954	)	$	(104,480	)

The following table summarizes the cumulative noncredit portion of OTTI and the change in fair value since recognition of OTTI, both of which were recognized in other comprehensive income, by major type of security, for securities that are part of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	Amortized Cost		OTTI Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income			Change in Fair Value Since OTTI was Recognized		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	3,401	$	(2,151	)	$	5,636	$	6,886
Residential mortgage backed securities	938,894		(185,423		)	146,771		900,242
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	9,976		—			7,890		17,866
	$	952,271	$	(187,574	)	$	160,297	$	924,994
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	3,347	$	(2,151	)	$	4,818	$	6,014
Residential mortgage backed securities	999,024		(187,126		)	125,502		937,400
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	12,019		—			8,110		20,129
	$	1,014,390	$	(189,277	)	$	138,430	$	963,543

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Earnings Per Share Level 4 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Dilutive [Line Items]
Net income	$ 18,759	$ 18,274	$ 29,230	$ 49,617
Interest Expense, Subordinated Notes and Debentures	257	258	515	517
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 19,016	$ 18,532	$ 29,745	$ 50,134
Earnings per common share	59,943,337	59,504,119	59,821,937	59,343,959
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	514,429	686,352	570,525	753,272
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	64,253,628	65,530,192	64,229,656	65,436,952
Earnings per common share	$ 0.31	$ 0.31	$ 0.49	$ 0.84
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 0.30	$ 0.28	$ 0.46	$ 0.77
Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Dilutive [Line Items]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	1,158,686	2,612,637	1,158,686	2,612,637
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Dilutive [Line Items]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	2,637,176	2,727,084	2,678,508	2,727,084

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Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2012 - $56,396; 2011 - $58,438)	$ 61,441	$ 62,845
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093	2,823,047
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Other investments	201,757	115,930
Coinsurance deposits	2,895,212	2,818,642
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	29,896,751	28,118,716
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,000,024	2,644,206
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,732,093	2,823,047
Other investments	163,367	79,109
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	1,407,830	404,952
Coinsurance deposits	2,895,212	2,818,642
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	29,598,728	27,842,770
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Other Contracts	433,335	397,248
Notes Payable	303,595	297,608
Subordinated debentures	256,122	268,593
Interest Rate Swaps	3,565	0
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,148	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	988,361	2,644,422
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,989,626	3,030,308
Other investments	163,243	76,648
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	1,407,830	404,952
Coinsurance deposits	2,632,861	2,549,025
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	24,695,555	23,407,540
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Other Contracts	448,702	412,998
Notes Payable	398,479	376,370
Subordinated debentures	225,710	233,809
Interest Rate Swaps	3,565	0
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,148	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,955,231	18,464,109
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,955,231	18,464,109
Equity Securities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2012 - $56,396; 2011 - $58,438)	61,441	62,845
Equity Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2012 - $56,396; 2011 - $58,438)	61,441	62,845
Call Option [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	476,699	273,314
Option on Securities [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	38,181	45,593
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	$ 38,181	$ 45,593

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Investments Significant Assumptions in Determining Credit Loss Component of Other Than Temporary Impariment on Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			6 Months Ended													6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Prime Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Securities	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2005 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2006 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Alt-A Sector [Member] Vintage Year 2007 [Member] Maximum [Member]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Vintage Year [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions															36
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Qualitative Disclosures, Default Rate			9.00%	8.00%	13.00%	8.00%	9.00%	9.00%	19.00%	11.00%	11.00%	8.00%	38.00%	30.00%		12.00%	13.00%	27.00%	24.00%	32.00%	30.00%	46.00%	33.00%	31.00%	29.00%	55.00%	41.00%
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses, Available for Sale Securities, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Qualitative Disclosures, Loss Severity			50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	40.00%	50.00%	55.00%	55.00%	40.00%	40.00%	60.00%	60.00%		5.00%	5.00%	50.00%	55.00%	55.00%	50.00%	60.00%	50.00%	55.00%	50.00%	60.00%	70.00%
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses, Available for Sale Securities, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Qualitative Disclosures, Discount Rate			6.50%	7.70%	7.70%	7.70%	5.80%	7.30%	7.40%	7.30%	6.20%	5.80%	7.30%	7.30%		5.60%	6.00%	7.70%	7.70%	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%	6.50%	6.20%	6.20%	7.00%	7.40%
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 19,083,027	$ 16,980,279													$ 405,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure															$ 386,500

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Investments Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Investment Holdings, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block]

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,589	$	625	$	—		$	5,214
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,678,765		26,424		(673		)	1,704,516
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,052,875		442,716		(34		)	3,495,557
Foreign government obligations	36,402		9,784		—			46,186
Corporate securities	11,166,677		1,301,788		(50,330		)	12,418,135
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,407,618		170,617		(54,205		)	2,524,030
Other asset backed securities	736,101		29,674		(4,182		)	761,593
	$	19,083,027	$	1,981,628	$	(109,424	)	$	20,955,231
Held for investment:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	924,015	$	2,507	$	—		$	926,522
Corporate security	76,009		—		(14,170		)	61,839
	$	1,000,024	$	2,507	$	(14,170	)	$	988,361
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	53,397	$	9,347	$	(1,303	)	$	61,441
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	4,084	$	594	$	—		$	4,678
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,780,401		19,378		—			1,799,779
United States municipalities, states and territories	2,981,699		351,694		(10		)	3,333,383
Foreign government obligations	36,373		6,855		—			43,228
Corporate securities	9,117,173		1,079,422		(80,234		)	10,116,361
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,618,040		157,331		(72,081		)	2,703,290
Other asset backed securities	442,509		26,492		(5,611		)	463,390
	$	16,980,279	$	1,641,766	$	(157,936	)	$	18,464,109
Held for investment:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	2,568,274	$	16,806	$	—		$	2,585,080
Corporate security	75,932		—		(16,590		)	59,342
	$	2,644,206	$	16,806	$	(16,590	)	$	2,644,422
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	58,438	$	8,752	$	(4,345	)	$	62,845

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]

	Available for sale				Held for investment
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	47,272	$	48,858	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years	590,055		656,408		—		—
Due after five years through ten years	3,449,900		3,741,359		—		—
Due after ten years through twenty years	4,963,113		5,413,578		—		—
Due after twenty years	6,888,968		7,809,405		1,000,024		988,361
	15,939,308		17,669,608		1,000,024		988,361
Residential mortgage backed securities	2,407,618		2,524,030		—		—
Other asset backed securities	736,101		761,593		—		—
	$	19,083,027	$	20,955,231	$	1,000,024	$	988,361

Schedule of Components of Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Availabe-for-sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Reported as Seperate Component of Stockholders' Equity [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$	1,880,248		$	1,488,237
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,022,806		)	(819,476		)
Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534			22,534
Deferred income tax benefit	(300,104		)	(234,066		)
Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$	579,872		$	457,229

Schedule of Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
NAIC Designation	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
1	$	13,388,910	$	14,799,840	$	14,359,272	$	15,486,571
2	6,282,280		6,758,202		4,894,739		5,272,759
3	371,555		345,380		335,642		315,406
4	31,828		30,224		26,674		23,989
5	5,528		5,783		4,932		5,756
6	2,950		4,163		3,226		4,050
	$	20,083,051	$	21,943,592	$	19,624,485	$	21,108,531

Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]

	Less than 12 months					12 months or more					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	227,829	$	(673	)	$	—	$	—		$	227,829	$	(673	)
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,973		(34		)	—		—			3,973		(34		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	202,825		(10,990		)	118,952		(12,532		)	321,777		(23,522		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	169,512		(4,242		)	11,870		(2,006		)	181,382		(6,248		)
Utilities and related sectors	119,762		(4,005		)	61,802		(12,593		)	181,564		(16,598		)
Wholesale/retail trade	14,226		(763		)	9,700		(763		)	23,926		(1,526		)
Services, media and other	67,231		(456		)	18,020		(1,980		)	85,251		(2,436		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	411,338		(24,615		)	367,268		(29,590		)	778,606		(54,205		)
Other asset backed securities	155,929		(2,120		)	25,486		(2,062		)	181,415		(4,182		)
	$	1,372,625	$	(47,898	)	$	613,098	$	(61,526	)	$	1,985,723	$	(109,424	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	61,839	$	(14,170	)	$	61,839	$	(14,170	)
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	$	8,922	$	(1,203	)	$	7,900	$	(100	)	$	16,822	$	(1,303	)
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States municipalities, states and territories	$	3,535	$	(10	)	$	—	$	—		$	3,535	$	(10	)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	363,909		(36,575		)	146,354		(15,611		)	510,263		(52,186		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	201,762		(7,131		)	29,875		(1,869		)	231,637		(9,000		)
Utilities and related sectors	174,251		(7,576		)	37,778		(6,946		)	212,029		(14,522		)
Wholesale/retail trade	15,523		(188		)	9,275		(1,194		)	24,798		(1,382		)
Services, media and other	27,688		(249		)	17,105		(2,895		)	44,793		(3,144		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	295,352		(19,920		)	709,612		(52,161		)	1,004,964		(72,081		)
Other asset backed securities	115,542		(2,863		)	15,550		(2,748		)	131,092		(5,611		)
	$	1,197,562	$	(74,512	)	$	965,549	$	(83,424	)	$	2,163,111	$	(157,936	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	59,342	$	(16,590	)	$	59,342	$	(16,590	)
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	$	20,028	$	(3,095	)	$	3,750	$	(1,250	)	$	23,778	$	(4,345	)

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
							(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$	1,690		$	55,060		$	11,879		$	29,402
Investments carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	603,462		$	202,827		$	388,374		$	150,683
Equity securities, available for sale	(787		)	559			3,637			2,640
	602,675			203,386			392,011			153,323
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(339,408		)	(117,382		)	(203,330		)	(89,228		)
Change in deferred tax valuation allowance	—			—			—			—
Deferred income tax asset	(92,142		)	(30,101		)	(66,038		)	(22,433		)
	(431,550		)	(147,483		)	(269,368		)	(111,661		)
Increase in net unrealized gains on investments carried at fair value	$	171,125		$	55,903		$	122,643		$	41,662

Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	4,030		$	2,901		$	5,048		$	4,542
Gross realized losses	(59		)	(1,423		)	(355		)	(1,423		)
	3,971			1,478			4,693			3,119
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	—			966			562			966
Other investments:
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate	1,450			(12		)	2,895			(12		)
Impairment losses on real estate	(1,669		)	—			(2,643		)	—
	(219		)	(12		)	252			(12		)
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Increase in allowance for credit losses	(4,363		)	(3,286		)	(12,194		)	(6,120		)
	$	(611	)	$	(854	)	$	(6,687	)	$	(2,047	)

Significant Assumptions in Determining Credit Loss Component of Other Than Temporary Impairments on Residential Mortgage Backed Scurities [Table Text Block]

		Discount Rate				Default Rate				Loss Severity
Sector	Vintage	Min		Max		Min		Max		Min		Max
Six months ended June 30, 2012
Prime	2005	6.5	%	7.7	%	9	%	13	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	5.8	%	7.4	%	9	%	19	%	40	%	55	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.3	%	11	%	38	%	40	%	60	%
Alt-A	2005	5.6	%	7.7	%	12	%	27	%	5	%	50	%
	2006	6.0	%	6.0	%	32	%	46	%	55	%	60	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.0	%	31	%	55	%	55	%	60	%
Six months ended June 30, 2011
Prime	2005	7.7	%	7.7	%	8	%	8	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	7.3	%	7.3	%	9	%	11	%	50	%	55	%
	2007	5.8	%	7.3	%	8	%	30	%	40	%	60	%
Alt-A	2005	6.0	%	7.7	%	13	%	24	%	5	%	55	%
	2006	6.0	%	6.5	%	30	%	33	%	50	%	50	%
	2007	6.2	%	7.4	%	29	%	41	%	50	%	70	%

Other Than Temporary Impairment by Asset Type [Table Text Block]

	Number of Securities	Total OTTI Losses			Portion of OTTI Losses Recognized from Other Comprehensive Income			Net OTTI Losses Recognized in Operations
		(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	7	$	(375	)	$	(603	)	$	(978	)
Three months ended June 30, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	18	$	(113	)	$	(2,116	)	$	(2,229	)
Six months ended June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	22	$	(2,156	)	$	(1,703	)	$	(3,859	)
Six months ended June 30, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	29	$	(5,213	)	$	(3,587	)	$	(8,800	)

Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of period	$	(121,976	)	$	(102,251	)	$	(119,095	)	$	(96,893	)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(47		)	—			(47		)	(789		)
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(931		)	(2,229		)	(3,812		)	(8,011		)
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	—			—			—			1,213
Cumulative credit loss at end of period	$	(122,954	)	$	(104,480	)	$	(122,954	)	$	(104,480	)

Schedule of Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Table Text Block]

	Amortized Cost		OTTI Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income			Change in Fair Value Since OTTI was Recognized		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	3,401	$	(2,151	)	$	5,636	$	6,886
Residential mortgage backed securities	938,894		(185,423		)	146,771		900,242
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	9,976		—			7,890		17,866
	$	952,271	$	(187,574	)	$	160,297	$	924,994
December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	3,347	$	(2,151	)	$	4,818	$	6,014
Residential mortgage backed securities	999,024		(187,126		)	125,502		937,400
Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance and real estate	12,019		—			8,110		20,129
	$	1,014,390	$	(189,277	)	$	138,430	$	963,543