Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Investments [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 16,200,950	$ 14,304,597
Mortgage loans on real estate	991,731	885,811
Policy loans	1,260,400	1,228,418
Funds withheld at interest	5,410,424	5,421,952
Short-term investments	88,566	118,387
Other invested assets	1,012,541	707,403
Cash and cash equivalents	962,870	463,661	512,027	875,403
Investments and Cash, Total	$ 25,927,482	$ 23,130,229

For an unclassified balance sheet, total of debt securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

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+ Details

- Definition

Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

Gross amount of loans made to policy and contract holders using their life insurance contracts' cash value or separate accounts as collateral.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy that will be realized in a short period of time, usually less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer.

+ References+ Details