Reinsurance (Effect of Reinsurance on Net Premiums and Claims and Other Policy Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 43,106	$ 19,365	$ 5,224
Assumed Premiums Earned	9,371,308	9,098,378	8,568,222
Ceded Premiums Earned	(843,673)	(447,889)	(319,419)
Net premiums	8,570,741	8,669,854	8,254,027
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net [Abstract]
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Direct	82,942	32,564	8,078
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed	8,205,308	7,805,984	7,515,524
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded	(798,868)	(431,907)	(219,270)
Claims and other policy benefits	$ 7,489,382	$ 7,406,641	$ 7,304,332