Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of year				$ 3,457,397	[1]					$ 3,325,433	$ 3,457,397	[1]	$ 3,325,433		$ 3,187,710
Commissions											401,166		358,969		330,922
Other expenses											211,015		203,276		189,326
Total deferred											612,181		562,245		520,248
Value of insurance purchased during year											0		0		8,489
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment losses											8,682		0		14,906
Total additions											620,863		562,245		543,643
Amortized during period	$ (111,584)	$ (111,643)	$ (111,738)	$ (110,660)		$ (104,913)		$ (103,084)	$ (103,889)	$ (104,028)	(445,625)		(415,914)	[2],[3]	(400,869)	[2],[3]
Foreign exchange adjustment											(15,500)		(8,167)		(5,051)
Adjustment attributable to unrealized investment gains											0		(6,200)		0
Total deductions											(461,125)		(430,281)		(405,920)
Balance at end of year	$ 3,617,135					$ 3,457,397	[1]				$ 3,617,135		$ 3,457,397	[1]	$ 3,325,433

[1] Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.

[2] Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations and the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests."

[3] Certain balances were adjusted to give effect to discontinued operations as described in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies.