Derivative Instruments - Gross amounts of derivative fair values contained in the consolidated balance sheet (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	$ 8,858		$ 27,487
Asset derivative fair value	8,858		26,145
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	61,367		105,485
Liability derivative fair value	61,367		104,143
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	337,704		1,005,610
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	7,809	[1]	26,098	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	3,225,676		2,572,227
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	27,898	[1]	70,462	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	748,705		172,800
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	1,049	[1]	1,389	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	219,205		513,512
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	33,469	[1]	35,023	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Investment related derivatives | Interest rate exposure
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	520,707		30,702
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	213	[1]	266	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	35,704		10,259
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	0	[1]	8	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Investment related derivatives | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	37,996		17,497
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	506	[1]	12	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	57,771		50,614
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	485	[1]	680	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Investment related derivatives | Credit exposure
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	0		0
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	0	[1]	0	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	18,837		340,020
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	10,456	[1]	15,128	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Investment related derivatives | Financial market exposure
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	125,419		58,232
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	330	[1]	1,111	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	10,606		14,821
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	12	[1]	77	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Financial operations derivatives | Credit exposure
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	0	[2]	0	[2]
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Liability derivative notional amount	43,920	[2]	44,234	[2]
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	9,200	[1],[2]	4,190	[1],[2]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other non-investment derivatives | Guaranteed minimum income benefit contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	0		0
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	0	[1]	0	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	52,367		53,564
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	13,316	[1]	14,940	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other non-investment derivatives | Modified coinsurance funds withheld contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivative notional amount	64,583		66,369
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	0	[1]	0	[1]
Liability derivative notional amount	0		0
Gross amounts recognized in balance sheet	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[1]

[1] Derivative instruments in an asset or liability position are included within Other assets or Other liabilities, respectively, in the balance sheet on a net basis where the Company has both a legal right of offset and the intentions to settle the contracts on a net basis.

[2] Financial operations derivatives represent interests in variable interest entities as described in Note 11, “Variable Interest Entities".