Investments (Details) - Credit loss impairments on fixed income securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OTTI related to credit losses recognized in earnings
Balance, beginning of period	$ 333,379	$ 426,372
Credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired	13,000	28,910
Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period	(114,056)	(209,187)
Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period	(271)	0
Additional credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired	52,869	88,016
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected	(16,213)	(732)
Balance, end of period	$ 268,708	$ 333,379