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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 161,090	$ (333,621)	$ 269,404	$ (206,997)
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	188,201	(205,565)	466,278	(138,225)
Call Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	160,735	(292,167)	280,014	(161,953)
Option on Securities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	1,839	(41,446)	(5,573)	(44,900)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(1,171)	(8)	(4,319)	(144)
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(313)	0	(718)	0
Fixed Index Annuity Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	(186,362)	164,119	(471,851)	93,325
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	$ (1,839)	$ 41,446	$ 5,573	$ 44,900