Document and Entity Information Document - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information Document - shares	Jun. 30, 2016	Aug. 05, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING CO
Entity Central Index Key	0001039828
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		87,997,986

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016 - $36,982,728; 2015 - $35,823,710)	$ 39,863,803	$ 36,421,839
Held for investment, at amortized cost (fair value: 2016 - $68,542; 2015 - $65,377)	76,722	76,622
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2016 - $7,518; 2015 - $7,515)	7,813	7,828
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,451,375	2,435,257
Derivative instruments	576,262	337,256
Other investments	292,776	291,530
Total investments	43,268,751	39,570,332
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041	397,749
Coinsurance deposits	4,120,911	3,187,470
Accrued investment income	377,393	362,104
Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,417,192	2,905,136
Deferred sales inducements	1,843,672	2,232,148
Deferred income taxes	0	232,683
Income taxes recoverable	35,677	29,599
Other assets	110,691	112,171
Total assets	53,721,328	49,029,392
Liabilities:
Policy benefit reserves	49,432,481	45,495,431
Other policy funds and contract claims	304,827	324,850
Notes payable	393,739	393,227
Subordinated debentures	241,650	241,452
Deferred income taxes	99,194	0
Other liabilities	636,047	629,897
Total liabilities	51,107,938	47,084,857
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 2016 and 2015 - no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2016 - 82,278,771 shares (excluding 3,244,255 treasury shares); 2015 - 81,354,079 shares (excluding 3,448,750 treasury shares)	82,279	81,354
Additional paid-in capital	636,861	630,367
Accumulated other comprehensive income	893,232	201,663
Retained earnings	1,001,018	1,031,151
Total stockholders' equity	2,613,390	1,944,535
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 53,721,328	$ 49,029,392

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale, at fair value, amortized cost	$ 36,982,728	$ 35,823,710
Held for investment, at amortized cost, fair value	68,542	65,377
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value, cost	$ 7,518	$ 7,515
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	82,278,771	81,354,079
Common stock, shares outstanding	82,278,771	81,354,079
Common stock, shares held in treasury	3,244,255	3,448,750

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Revenues:

Premiums and other considerations

$ 11,458

$ 10,037

$ 18,803

$ 17,034

Annuity product charges

41,124

32,409

77,629

61,091

Net investment income

459,830

418,176

910,656

817,845

Change in fair value of derivatives

39,099

(23,024)

(34,966)

(54,124)

Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses

2,737

4,324

5,424

9,203

OTTI losses on investments:

Total OTTI losses

(762)

(6,780)

(132)

Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income

(3,684)

(828)

(3,360)

(828)

Net OTTI losses recognized in operations

(4,446)

(828)

(10,140)

(960)

Total revenues

549,802

441,094

967,406

850,089

Benefits and expenses:

Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits

13,393

12,450

22,502

21,670

Interest sensitive and index product benefits

111,121

306,141

208,792

588,966

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

30,672

75,518

58,151

86,471

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

284,303

(219,601)

550,160

(168,388)

Interest expense on notes payable

6,882

7,354

13,762

14,693

Interest expense on subordinated debentures

3,206

3,047

6,374

6,063

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

50,665

104,700

100,378

118,986

Other operating costs and expenses

26,823

24,868

53,653

45,990

Total benefits and expenses

527,065

314,477

1,013,772

714,451

Income (loss) before income taxes

22,737

126,617

(46,366)

135,638

Income tax expense (benefit)

8,029

43,772

(16,233)

46,890

Net income (loss)

$ 14,708

$ 82,845

$ (30,133)

$ 88,748

Earnings (loss) per common share

$ 0.18

$ 1.07

$ (0.37)

$ 1.15

Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution

$ 0.18

$ 1.05

$ (0.37)

$ 1.12

Weighted average common shares outstanding: earnings (loss) per common share

^[1]

82,516,927

77,237,200

82,322,919

77,139,992

Weighted average common shares outstanding: earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution

83,184,137

79,227,317

83,072,816

79,173,143

[1]	Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Net income (loss)

$ 14,708

$ 82,845

$ (30,133)

$ 88,748

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses (1)

^[1]

555,412

(778,097)

1,060,760

(513,984)

Noncredit component of OTTI losses (1)

^[1]

1,713

413

1,566

413

Reclassification of unrealized investment gains/losses to net income (loss) (1)

^[1]

1,511

825

1,627

1,844

Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax

558,636

(776,859)

1,063,953

(511,727)

Income tax effect related to other comprehensive income (loss)

(195,523)

271,900

(372,384)

179,105

Other comprehensive income (loss)

363,113

(504,959)

691,569

(332,622)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 377,821

$ (422,114)

$ 661,436

$ (243,874)

[1]	Net of related adjustments to amortization of deferred sales inducements and deferred policy acquisition costs.

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' equity at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 2,139,876	$ 76,062	$ 513,218	$ 721,401	$ 829,195
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	88,748				88,748
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(332,622)			(332,622)
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	6,361		6,361
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	5,399	732	4,667
Stockholders' equity at end of period at Jun. 30, 2015	1,907,762	76,794	524,246	388,779	917,943
Stockholders' equity at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	1,944,535	81,354	630,367	201,663	1,031,151
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(30,133)				(30,133)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	691,569			691,569
Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits	3,889		3,889
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	3,531	832	2,699
Issuance of common stock to settle warrants that have reached their expiration	(1)	93	(94)
Stockholders' equity at end of period at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 2,613,390	$ 82,279	$ 636,861	$ 893,232	$ 1,001,018

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Shares of common stock issued under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits	831,694	731,170
Shares of common stock issued to settle warrants that have reached their expiration	92,998

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (30,133)	$ 88,748
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest sensitive and index product benefits	208,792	588,966
Amortization of deferred sales inducements	58,151	86,471
Annuity product charges	(77,629)	(61,091)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	550,160	(168,388)
Change in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves	2,261	1,699
Policy acquisition costs deferred	(304,877)	(292,140)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	100,378	118,986
Provision for depreciation and other amortization	1,745	2,518
Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments	(5,342)	(6,528)
Realized gains/losses on investments and net OTTI losses recognized in operations	4,716	(8,243)
Change in fair value of derivatives	34,172	53,191
Deferred income taxes	(40,257)	3,096
Share-based compensation	3,448	3,347
Change in accrued investment income	(15,289)	(16,613)
Change in income taxes recoverable/payable	(6,078)	(12,636)
Change in other assets	706	178
Change in other policy funds and contract claims	(23,793)	(27,115)
Change in collateral held for derivatives	10,615	(97,273)
Change in other liabilities	(41,573)	13,141
Other	(7,793)	(4,817)
Net cash provided by operating activities	422,380	265,497
Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments:
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	1,421,976	886,573
Mortgage loans on real estate	215,904	229,179
Derivative instruments	15,859	452,212
Other investments	11,597	10,930
Acquisition of investments:
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	(2,542,281)	(3,312,404)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(229,328)	(239,408)
Derivative instruments	(289,412)	(275,523)
Other investments	(6,945)	(4,901)
Purchases of property, furniture and equipment	(506)	(592)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,403,136)	(2,253,934)
Financing activities
Receipts credited to annuity and single premium universal life policyholder account balances	4,181,709	3,095,837
Coinsurance deposits	(884,741)	(16,800)
Return of annuity policyholder account balances	(1,168,302)	(1,022,667)
Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans	441	3,014
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	3,779	5,399
Change in checks in excess of cash balance	(2,838)	(44,046)
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,130,048	2,020,737
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,149,292	32,300
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	397,749	701,514
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,547,041	733,814
Cash paid during period for interest:
Interest expense	19,390	19,526
Cash paid during period for income taxes:
Income taxes	29,961	53,401
Non-cash operating activity:
Deferral of sales inducements	196,207	219,191
Common Stock Issued to Settle Warrants That Have Expired [Member]
Non-cash financing activities:
Common stock issued	$ 93	$ 0

Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“we”, “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which are necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2016. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements requires the use of management estimates. For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Subsequently, in August 2015, the FASB issued an ASU that states that the Securities and Exchange Commission staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and expensing those costs ratably over the term of the line of credit arrangement. These ASU's became effective for us on January 1, 2016, and retroactive application is required. They did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Pronouncements In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that, among other aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, primarily requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Additionally, it changes the accounting for financial liabilities measured at fair value under the fair value option and eliminates some disclosures regarding fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2018, and we have not determined the effect it will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that will require recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This ASU affects accounting and disclosure more dramatically for lessees as accounting for lessors is mainly unchanged. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and we have not determined the effect it will have on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The aspects of accounting guidance affected by this ASU are income taxes, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and we have not determined the effect it will have on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets that are measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments from an incurred loss model to an expected loss model that requires these assets be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. In addition, credit losses on available for sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance account. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and we have not yet determined the impact this updated guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following sets forth a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments:



	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale	$	39,863,803	$	39,863,803	$	36,421,839	$	36,421,839
Held for investment	76,722		68,542		76,622		65,377
Equity securities, available for sale	7,813		7,813		7,828		7,828
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,451,375		2,478,023		2,435,257		2,471,864
Derivative instruments	576,262		576,262		337,256		337,256
Other investments	292,776		291,107		285,044		290,075
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041		1,547,041		397,749		397,749
Coinsurance deposits	4,120,911		3,700,449		3,187,470		2,860,882
Interest rate caps	427		427		1,410		1,410
Counterparty collateral	91,457		91,457		82,312		82,312

Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	49,086,249		41,155,256		45,151,460		38,435,515
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	304,365		315,420		324,264		336,066
Notes payable	393,739		424,804		393,227		417,752
Subordinated debentures	241,650		229,881		241,452		216,933
Interest rate swap	5,971		5,971		3,139		3,139

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.

We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:


Level 1—	Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.


Level 2—	Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.

Level 3—

Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.

Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security. There were no transfers between levels during any period presented.

Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:



	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	449,439	$	442,226	$	7,213	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,380,266		—		1,380,266		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,975,544		—		3,975,544		—
Foreign government obligations	253,990		—		253,990		—
Corporate securities	26,383,116		7		26,383,109		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,392,441		—		1,392,441		—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,735,210		—		4,735,210		—
Other asset backed securities	1,293,797		—		1,293,797		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	7,813		—		7,813		—
Derivative instruments	576,262		—		576,262		—
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041		1,547,041		—		—
Interest rate caps	427		—		427		—
Counterparty collateral	91,457		—		91,457		—
	$	42,086,803	$	1,989,274	$	40,097,529	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	5,971	$	—	$	5,971	$	—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	6,499,015		—		—		6,499,015
	$	6,504,986	$	—	$	5,971	$	6,499,015

December 31, 2015
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	471,256	$	438,598	$	32,658	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,398,611		—		1,398,611		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,755,367		—		3,755,367		—
Foreign government obligations	212,565		—		212,565		—
Corporate securities	23,802,394		121		23,802,273		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,462,072		—		1,462,072		—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,174,396		—		4,174,396		—
Other asset backed securities	1,145,178		—		1,145,178		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	7,828		—		7,828		—
Derivative instruments	337,256		—		337,256		—
Cash and cash equivalents	397,749		397,749		—		—
Interest rate caps	1,410		—		1,410		—
Counterparty collateral	82,312		—		82,312		—
	$	37,248,394	$	836,468	$	36,411,926	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	3,139	$	—	$	3,139	$	—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	5,983,622		—		—		5,983,622
	$	5,986,761	$	—	$	3,139	$	5,983,622

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Fixed maturity securities and equity securities

The fair values of fixed maturity securities and equity securities in an active and orderly market are determined by utilizing independent pricing services. The independent pricing services incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques, including:


•	reported trading prices,


•	benchmark yields,


•	broker-dealer quotes,


•	benchmark securities,


•	bids and offers,


•	credit ratings,


•	relative credit information, and


•	other reference data.

The independent pricing services also take into account perceived market movements and sector news, as well as a security's terms and conditions, including any features specific to that issue that may influence risk and marketability. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary.

The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available. Quoted prices are not always available due to market inactivity. When quoted market prices are not available, the third parties use yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics to determine fair value for securities that are not actively traded. We generally obtain one value from our primary external pricing service. In situations where a price is not available from this service, we may obtain further quotes or prices from additional parties as needed. In addition, for our callable United States Government sponsored agencies, we obtain multiple broker quotes and take the average of the broker prices received. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are considered for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. Inputs used by the broker include market information, such as yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. Valuations and quotes obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and do not represent quotes on which one may execute the disposition of the assets.

We validate external valuations at least quarterly through a combination of procedures that include the evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing services, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against trends, and maintenance of a securities watch list. Additionally, as needed we utilize discounted cash flow models or perform independent valuations on a case-by-case basis using inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing services. Although we do identify differences from time to time as a result of these validation procedures, we did not make any significant adjustments as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Mortgage loans on real estate

Mortgage loans on real estate are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are calculated using discounted expected cash flows using current competitive market interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. The fair values of impaired mortgage loans on real estate that we have considered to be collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the real estate collateral (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The inputs utilized to determine fair value of all mortgage loans are unobservable market data (competitive market interest rates and appraised property values); therefore, fair value of mortgage loans falls into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments

The fair values of derivative instruments, primarily call options, are based upon the amount of cash that we will receive to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are determined by our investment team using industry accepted valuation models and are adjusted for the nonperformance risk of each counterparty net of any collateral held. Inputs include market volatility and risk free interest rates and are used in income valuation techniques in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to fund our fixed index annuity policy liabilities.

Other investments

None of the financial instruments included in other investments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments included in other investments are policy loans, equity method investments and company owned life insurance (COLI). We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying value and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived. The fair value of our equity method investments qualify as Level 3 fair values and were determined by calculating the present value of future cash flows discounted by a risk free rate, a risk spread and a liquidity discount. The risk spread and liquidity discount are rates determined by our investment professionals and are unobservable market inputs. The fair value of our COLI approximates the cash surrender value of the policies and whose fair values fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and cash equivalents

Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.

Interest rate swap and caps

The fair values of our pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swap and our interest rate caps are obtained from third parties and are determined by discounting expected future cash flows using projected LIBOR rates for the term of the swap and caps.

Counterparty collateral

Amounts reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.

Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves

The fair values of the liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The coinsurance deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. For period-certain annuity benefit contracts, the fair value is determined by discounting the benefits at the interest rates currently in effect for newly purchased immediate annuity contracts. We are not required to and have not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the fair values presented within these categories fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as most of the inputs are unobservable market data.

Notes payable

The fair values of our senior unsecured notes are based upon pricing matrices developed by a third party pricing service when quoted market prices are not available and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Subordinated debentures

Fair values for subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including our incremental borrowing rates, which reflect our credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued. These fair values are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Subordinated debentures are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

Within this determination we have the following significant unobservable inputs: 1) the expected cost of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary and 2) our best estimates for future policy decrements, primarily lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates. As of both June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we utilized an estimate of 3.10% for the expected cost of annual call options, which are based on estimated account value growth and a historical review of our actual option costs.

Our best estimate assumptions for lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates are based on our actual experience and our outlook as to future expectations for such assumptions. These assumptions, which are consistent with the assumptions used in calculating deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, are reviewed on a quarterly basis and are revised as our experience develops and/or as future expectations change. Our mortality rate assumptions are based on 65% of the 1983 Basic Annuity Mortality Tables. The following table presents average lapse rate and partial withdrawal rate assumptions, by contract duration, used in estimating the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each reporting date:



	Average Lapse Rates		Average Partial Withdrawal Rates
Contract Duration (Years)	June 30, 2016	December 31, 2015	June 30, 2016	December 31, 2015
1 - 5	1.77%	1.58%	3.30%	3.08%
6 - 10	6.59%	8.55%	3.30%	3.55%
11 - 15	11.25%	12.01%	3.31%	3.59%
16 - 20	12.04%	12.99%	3.17%	3.22%
20+	11.69%	12.54%	3.17%	3.22%

Lapse rates are generally expected to increase as surrender charge percentages decrease. Lapse expectations reflect a significant increase in the year in which the surrender charge period on a contract ends.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our Level 3 assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:



	Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016		2015			2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities
Beginning balance	$	—	$	342		$	—	$	375
Principal returned	—		(9		)	—		(21		)
Amortization of premium/accretion of discount	—		(409		)	—		(466		)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	—		240			—		276
Included in operations	—		(138		)	—		(138		)
Ending balance	$	—	$	26		$	—	$	26

The Level 3 assets included in the table above are not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and it is management's opinion that the sensitivity of the inputs used in determining the fair value of these assets is not material as well.



	Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016		2015			2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
Beginning balance	$	6,254,466	$	5,865,171		$	5,983,622	$	5,574,653
Premiums less benefits	44,632		453,317			135,761		813,712
Change in fair value, net	199,917		(334,481		)	379,632		(404,358		)
Ending balance	$	6,499,015	$	5,984,007		$	6,499,015	$	5,984,007

Change in fair value, net for each period in our embedded derivatives are included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Certain derivatives embedded in our fixed index annuity contracts are our most significant financial instrument measured at fair value that are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The contractual obligations for future annual index credits within our fixed index annuity contracts are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We estimate the fair value of these embedded derivatives at each valuation date by the method described above under fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

The most sensitive assumption in determining policy liabilities for fixed index annuities is the rates used to discount the excess projected contract values. As indicated above, the discount rate reflects our nonperformance risk. If the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values at June 30, 2016, were to increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of the embedded derivatives would decrease by $462.7 million recorded through operations as a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding decrease of $274.1 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as an increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. A decrease by 100 basis points in the discount rate used to discount the excess projected contract values would increase the fair value of the embedded derivatives by $518.8 million recorded through operations as an increase in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding increase of $303.6 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as a decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities were as follows:



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	446,560	$	2,879	$	—		$	449,439
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,319,088		61,728		(550		)	1,380,266
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,459,913		516,314		(683		)	3,975,544
Foreign government obligations	234,382		25,063		(5,455		)	253,990
Corporate securities	24,393,498		2,201,998		(212,380		)	26,383,116
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,257,634		136,085		(1,278		)	1,392,441
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,600,531		173,501		(38,822		)	4,735,210
Other asset backed securities	1,271,122		40,148		(17,473		)	1,293,797
	$	36,982,728	$	3,157,716	$	(276,641	)	$	39,863,803
Held for investment:
Corporate security	$	76,722	$	—	$	(8,180	)	$	68,542

Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	7,518	$	295	$	—		$	7,813

December 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	470,567	$	988	$	(299	)	$	471,256
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,386,219		26,801		(14,409		)	1,398,611
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,422,667		341,328		(8,628		)	3,755,367
Foreign government obligations	210,953		12,547		(10,935		)	212,565
Corporate securities	23,597,530		887,288		(682,424		)	23,802,394
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,366,985		98,576		(3,489		)	1,462,072
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,238,265		41,412		(105,281		)	4,174,396
Other asset backed securities	1,130,524		34,534		(19,880		)	1,145,178
	$	35,823,710	$	1,443,474	$	(845,345	)	$	36,421,839
Held for investment:
Corporate security	$	76,622	$	—	$	(11,245	)	$	65,377

Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	7,515	$	313	$	—		$	7,828

At June 30, 2016, 35% of our fixed income securities have call features, of which 0.2% ($77.2 million) were subject to call redemption and another 2.9% ($1.1 billion) will become subject to call redemption during the next twelve months. Approximately 68% of our fixed income securities that have call features are not callable until within six months of their stated maturities.

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2016, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as separate lines.



	Available for sale				Held for investment
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	320,122	$	325,370	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years	2,673,105		2,836,994		—		—
Due after five years through ten years	10,956,902		11,483,761		—		—
Due after ten years through twenty years	8,357,708		9,305,285		—		—
Due after twenty years	7,545,605		8,490,945		76,722		68,542
	29,853,442		32,442,355		76,722		68,542
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,257,633		1,392,441		—		—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,600,531		4,735,210		—		—
Other asset backed securities	1,271,122		1,293,797		—		—
	$	36,982,728	$	39,863,803	$	76,722	$	68,542

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity were comprised of the following:



	June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$	2,881,370		$	598,442
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,541,834		)	(322,859		)
Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534			22,534
Deferred income tax expense	(468,838		)	(96,454		)
Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$	893,232		$	201,663

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) assigns designations to fixed maturity securities. These designations range from Class 1 (highest quality) to Class 6 (lowest quality). In general, securities are assigned a designation based upon the ratings they are given by the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO’s”). The NAIC designations are utilized by insurers in preparing their annual statutory statements. NAIC Class 1 and 2 designations are considered “investment grade” while NAIC Class 3 through 6 designations are considered “non-investment grade.” Based on the NAIC designations, we had 97% and 98% of our fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:



	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
NAIC Designation	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
1	$	23,685,524	$	25,965,937	$	23,363,259	$	24,207,801
2	12,154,249		12,860,194		11,709,730		11,589,325
3	1,045,123		972,142		758,531		643,293
4	141,552		107,753		60,480		44,312
5	19,384		12,180		—		—
6	13,618		14,139		8,332		2,485
	$	37,059,450	$	39,932,345	$	35,900,332	$	36,487,216

The following table shows our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 411 and 1,246 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



	Less than 12 months					12 months or more					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	61,450	$	(550	)	$	—	$	—		$	61,450	$	(550	)
United States municipalities, states and territories	—		—			6,752		(683		)	6,752		(683		)
Foreign government obligations	—		—			19,141		(5,455		)	19,141		(5,455		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	168,620		(8,462		)	172,731		(7,056		)	341,351		(15,518		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	354,576		(24,505		)	764,467		(107,685		)	1,119,043		(132,190		)
Utilities and related sectors	209,329		(6,837		)	345,800		(28,023		)	555,129		(34,860		)
Wholesale/retail trade	80,220		(2,736		)	62,330		(7,574		)	142,550		(10,310		)
Services, media and other	97,145		(7,014		)	151,222		(12,488		)	248,367		(19,502		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	39,184		(1,258		)	653		(20		)	39,837		(1,278		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,164,578		(38,822		)	—		—			1,164,578		(38,822		)
Other asset backed securities	304,638		(10,633		)	98,345		(6,840		)	402,983		(17,473		)
	$	2,479,740	$	(100,817	)	$	1,621,441	$	(175,824	)	$	4,101,181	$	(276,641	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	68,542	$	(8,180	)	$	68,542	$	(8,180	)

December 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	37,730	$	(299	)	$	—	$	—		$	37,730	$	(299	)
United States Government sponsored agencies	957,053		(14,409		)	—		—			957,053		(14,409		)
United States municipalities, states and territories	261,823		(8,474		)	2,846		(154		)	264,669		(8,628		)
Foreign government obligations	42,966		(1,762		)	15,463		(9,173		)	58,429		(10,935		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	2,077,223		(59,607		)	49,912		(14,855		)	2,127,135		(74,462		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	3,517,967		(246,456		)	376,229		(131,003		)	3,894,196		(377,459		)
Utilities and related sectors	2,240,652		(138,940		)	97,184		(22,565		)	2,337,836		(161,505		)
Wholesale/retail trade	473,050		(17,863		)	38,682		(8,125		)	511,732		(25,988		)
Services, media and other	1,037,011		(39,937		)	32,050		(3,073		)	1,069,061		(43,010		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	162,770		(2,958		)	6,438		(531		)	169,208		(3,489		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	2,679,510		(105,002		)	11,495		(279		)	2,691,005		(105,281		)
Other asset backed securities	457,055		(10,581		)	46,657		(9,299		)	503,712		(19,880		)
	$	13,944,810	$	(646,288	)	$	676,956	$	(199,057	)	$	14,621,766	$	(845,345	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	65,377	$	(11,245	)	$	—	$	—		$	65,377	$	(11,245	)

Based on the results of our process for evaluating available for sale securities in unrealized loss positions for other than temporary impairments, which is discussed in detail later in this footnote, we have determined that the unrealized losses on the securities in the preceding table are temporary. The unrealized losses at June 30, 2016 are principally related to select sectors of the credit markets with spreads that remain wide due to specific market concerns around metals, mining and energy.

The commodity related sectors had a high concentration of gross unrealized losses in our corporate fixed income securities portfolio as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Commodity prices, specifically oil, gas and base metals, declined significantly in late 2015, but prices have risen in 2016 to levels that appear sustainable and should support prices and NRSRO ratings longer term. The value of oil has been significantly depressed as the amount of supply from new production has exceeded demand. In addition, iron ore and other key industrial metals have depressed prices as investors perceive the economic slowdown in Asia Pacific will curb demand as supply remains high. The companies in the metal and mining sectors experienced the largest decline in values of their debt in late 2015. In the above table, oil and metals and mining exposure is reflected within the foreign government; manufacturing, construction and mining; and utilities and related sectors. Within these sectors, we continue to monitor the impact to our investment portfolio for those companies that may be adversely affected, both directly and indirectly. Even though the energy holdings and a majority of the metals and mining holdings have seen significant improvements in values as oil and iron ore prices have increased, they could continue to see price volatility and possible downgrades in credit ratings. If oil and commodity prices fall lower and remain at depressed levels for an extended period of time or decline further, certain issuers and investments may come under further stress. At this time, we believe the unrealized losses are temporary due to the fact that the price decline is driven by an over-supply of oil in the energy sector, which we feel is unsustainable long term. Our exposure is in companies that we believe have more financial flexibility and significant operational scale to manage through the downturn. In addition, price declines in the metal and mining sector have been heavily influenced by excess production and softer demand. Companies in the mining sector are more susceptible to rating downgrades and we believe companies will be under continued financial strain if prices decline again. We believe company issuers in our portfolio will be able to meet their debt service obligations.

Approximately 56% and 84% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table for June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, are on securities that are rated investment grade, defined as being the highest two NAIC designations. All of the fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses are current with respect to the payment of principal and interest.

Changes in net unrealized gains on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$	820		$	(17,326	)	$	3,065		$	(10,227	)
Investments carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	1,167,861		$	(1,547,155	)	$	2,282,946		$	(1,026,989	)
Equity securities, available for sale	(1		)	11			(18		)	53
	1,167,860			(1,547,144		)	2,282,928			(1,026,936		)
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(609,224		)	770,285			(1,218,975		)	515,209
Deferred income tax asset/liability	(195,523		)	271,900			(372,384		)	179,105
	(804,747		)	1,042,185			(1,591,359		)	694,314
Change in net unrealized gains on investments carried at fair value	$	363,113		$	(504,959	)	$	691,569		$	(332,622	)

Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were $186.1 million and $242.8 million, respectively. Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale securities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were $1.2 billion and $643.8 million, respectively.

Realized gains and losses on sales are determined on the basis of specific identification of investments based on the trade date. Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding net OTTI losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	4,604		$	2,212		$	6,091		$	4,500
Gross realized losses	(1,368		)	(511		)	(2,599		)	(800		)
	3,236			1,701			3,492			3,700
Other investments:
Gain on sale of real estate	705			195			836			1,033
Loss on sale of real estate	(1		)	(193		)	(93		)	(575		)
Impairment losses on real estate	—			—			—			(629		)
	704			2			743			(171		)
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Decrease (increase) in allowance for credit losses	(2,885		)	(499		)	(3,833		)	1,299
Recovery of specific allowance	1,682			3,120			5,022			4,375
	(1,203		)	2,621			1,189			5,674
	$	2,737		$	4,324		$	5,424		$	9,203

Losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities were realized primarily due to strategies to reposition the fixed maturity security portfolio that result in improved net investment income, credit risk or duration profiles as they pertain to our asset liability management.

We review and analyze all investments on an ongoing basis for changes in market interest rates and credit deterioration. This review process includes analyzing our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of each investment that has a fair value that is materially lower than its amortized cost and requires a high degree of management judgment and involves uncertainty. The evaluation of securities for other than temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties.

We have a policy and process to identify securities that could potentially have impairments that are other than temporary. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as:


•	the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;


•	whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;


•	the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;


•	the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;


•	the fair value of any underlying collateral;


•	the existence of any credit protection available;


•	our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;


•	our assessment in the case of equity securities including perpetual preferred stocks with credit deterioration that the security cannot recover to cost in a reasonable period of time;


•	our intent and ability to retain equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery;


•	consideration of rating agency actions; and


•	changes in estimated cash flows of mortgage and asset backed securities.

We determine whether other than temporary impairment losses should be recognized for debt and equity securities by assessing all facts and circumstances surrounding each security. Where the decline in fair value of debt securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates or to factors such as market volatility, liquidity and spread widening, and we anticipate recovery of all contractual or expected cash flows, we do not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell these investments before a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity. For equity securities, we recognize an impairment charge in the period in which we do not have the intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery of cost or we determine that the security will not recover to book value within a reasonable period of time. We determine what constitutes a reasonable period of time on a security-by-security basis by considering all the evidence available to us, including the magnitude of any unrealized loss and its duration.

Other than temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in operations. If we intend to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, other than temporary impairment has occurred and the difference between amortized cost and fair value will be recognized as a loss in operations.

If we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security but also do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an impairment loss would be recognized in operations in the amount of the expected credit loss. We determine the amount of expected credit loss by calculating the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected discounted at each security's acquisition yield based on our consideration of whether the security was of high credit quality at the time of acquisition. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security is the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The remaining amount of the other than temporary impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

The determination of the credit loss component of a mortgage or asset backed security is based on a number of factors. The primary consideration in this evaluation process is the issuer's ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments as contractually stated at time of purchase. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of the cash flow modeling under various default scenarios considering independent third party benchmarks, the seniority of the specific tranche within the structure of the security, the composition of the collateral and the actual default, loss severity and prepayment experience exhibited. With the input of third party assumptions for default projections, loss severity and prepayment expectations, we evaluate the cash flow projections to determine whether the security is performing in accordance with its contractual obligation.

We utilize the models from a leading structured product software specialist serving institutional investors. These models incorporate each security's seniority and cash flow structure. In circumstances where the analysis implies a potential for principal loss at some point in the future, we use the "best estimate" cash flow projection discounted at the security's effective yield at acquisition to determine the amount of our potential credit loss associated with this security. The discounted expected future cash flows equates to our expected recovery value. Any shortfall of the expected recovery when compared to the amortized cost of the security will be recorded as the credit loss component of other than temporary impairment.

The cash flow modeling is performed on a security-by-security basis and incorporates actual cash flows on the residential mortgage backed securities through the current period, as well as the projection of remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions including default rates, prepayment rates and loss severity rates. The default curves we use are tailored to the Prime or Alt-A residential mortgage backed securities that we own, which assume lower default rates and loss severity for Prime securities versus Alt-A securities. These default curves are scaled higher or lower depending on factors such as current underlying mortgage loan performance, rating agency loss projections, loan to value ratios, geographic diversity, as well as other appropriate considerations.

The following table presents the range of significant assumptions used to determine the credit loss component of other than temporary impairments we have recognized on residential mortgage backed securities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, which are all senior level tranches within the structure of the securities:



		Discount Rate				Default Rate				Loss Severity
Sector	Vintage	Min		Max		Min		Max		Min		Max
Six months ended June 30, 2016
Prime	2005	7.7	%	7.7	%	14	%	14	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	7.3	%	7.3	%	13	%	13	%	50	%	50	%
	2007	6.2	%	6.4	%	18	%	31	%	50	%	55	%
Alt-A	2005	7.4	%	7.4	%	11	%	11	%	60	%	60	%

Six months ended June 30, 2015
Prime	2006	6.5	%	6.5	%	14	%	14	%	40	%	40	%
	2007	6.4	%	7.0	%	15	%	19	%	55	%	55	%
Alt-A	2005	5.6	%	5.6	%	99	%	99	%	2	%	2	%

The determination of the credit loss component of a corporate bond (including redeemable preferred stocks) is based on the underlying financial performance of the issuer and their ability to meet their contractual obligations. Considerations in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, credit rating changes, financial statement and ratio analysis, changes in management, significant changes in credit spreads, breaches of financial covenants and a review of the economic outlook for the industry and markets in which they trade. In circumstances where an issuer appears unlikely to meet its future obligation, or the security's price decline is deemed other than temporary, an estimate of credit loss is determined. Credit loss is calculated using default probabilities as derived from the credit default swaps markets in conjunction with recovery rates derived from independent third party analysis or a best estimate of credit loss. This credit loss rate is then incorporated into a present value calculation based on an expected principal loss in the future discounted at the yield at the date of purchase and compared to amortized cost to determine the amount of credit loss associated with the security.

In addition, for debt securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell, but our intent changes due to changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated, an other than temporary impairment charge is recognized in net income and amortized cost is written down to fair value. Once an impairment charge has been recorded, we then continue to review the other than temporarily impaired securities for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Unrealized losses may be recognized in future periods through a charge to earnings, should we later conclude that the decline in fair value below amortized cost is other than temporary pursuant to our accounting policy described above. The use of different methodologies and assumptions to determine the fair value of investments and the timing and amount of impairments may have a material effect on the amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes other than temporary impairments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, by asset type:



	Number of Securities	Total OTTI Losses			Portion of OTTI Losses Recognized in (from) Other Comprehensive Income			Net OTTI Losses Recognized in Operations
		(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	2	$	—		$	(202	)	$	(202	)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	2	(762		)	—			(762		)
Other asset backed securities	1	—			(3,482		)	(3,482		)
	5	$	(762	)	$	(3,684	)	$	(4,446	)

Three months ended June 30, 2015
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	3	$	—		$	(828	)	$	(828	)

Six months ended June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities:
Energy	2	$	(642	)	$	—		$	(642	)
Telecommunications	1	(4,462		)	562			(3,900		)
Utilities	1	(136		)	—			(136		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	6	—			(440		)	(440		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	5	(1,540		)	—			(1,540		)
Other asset backed securities	1	—			(3,482		)	(3,482		)
	16	$	(6,780	)	$	(3,360	)	$	(10,140	)

Six months ended June 30, 2015
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	4	$	(132	)	$	(828	)	$	(960	)

The cumulative portion of other than temporary impairments determined to be credit losses which have been recognized in operations for debt securities are summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of period	$	(151,518	)	$	(127,182	)	$	(145,824	)	$	(127,050	)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(762		)	—			(6,218		)	(132		)
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(3,684		)	(828		)	(3,922		)	(828		)
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	1,556			—			1,556			—
Cumulative credit loss at end of period	$	(154,408	)	$	(128,010	)	$	(154,408	)	$	(128,010	)

The following table summarizes the cumulative noncredit portion of OTTI and the change in fair value since recognition of OTTI, both of which were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), by major type of security, for securities that are part of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



	Amortized Cost		OTTI Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income			Change in Fair Value Since OTTI was Recognized			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	8,764	$	(3,537	)	$	7,234		$	12,461
Residential mortgage backed securities	416,615		(170,284		)	200,735			447,066
Commercial mortgage backed securities	16,646		—			206			16,852
Other asset backed securities	4,854		(1,643		)	(1,533		)	1,678
	$	446,879	$	(175,464	)	$	206,642		$	478,057
December 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	6,396	$	(2,975	)	$	9		$	3,430
Residential mortgage backed securities	466,871		(170,724		)	199,149			495,296
Other asset backed securities	8,154		(5,125		)	(553		)	2,476
	$	481,421	$	(178,824	)	$	198,605		$	501,202

- Definition

The entire disclosure for investments in certain debt and equity securities.

+ References + Details

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

Our mortgage loan portfolio is summarized in the following table. There were commitments outstanding of $66.5 million at June 30, 2016.



	June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Principal outstanding	$	2,463,412		$	2,449,909
Loan loss allowance	(10,852		)	(14,142		)
Deferred prepayment fees	(1,185		)	(510		)
Carrying value	$	2,451,375		$	2,435,257

The portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. The mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:



	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Principal		Percent		Principal		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Geographic distribution
East	$	672,512	27.3	%	$	698,113	28.5	%
Middle Atlantic	160,283		6.5	%	160,261		6.6	%
Mountain	234,568		9.5	%	252,442		10.3	%
New England	12,944		0.6	%	13,161		0.5	%
Pacific	385,306		15.6	%	355,268		14.5	%
South Atlantic	472,253		19.2	%	456,227		18.6	%
West North Central	325,402		13.2	%	313,120		12.8	%
West South Central	200,144		8.1	%	201,317		8.2	%
	$	2,463,412	100.0	%	$	2,449,909	100.0	%
Property type distribution
Office	$	341,209	13.9	%	$	396,154	16.2	%
Medical Office	72,087		2.9	%	77,438		3.2	%
Retail	815,013		33.1	%	790,158		32.2	%
Industrial/Warehouse	690,503		28.0	%	686,400		28.0	%
Hotel	3,255		0.1	%	3,361		0.1	%
Apartment	372,459		15.1	%	352,971		14.4	%
Mixed use/other	168,886		6.9	%	143,427		5.9	%
	$	2,463,412	100.0	%	$	2,449,909	100.0	%

Our financing receivables currently consist of one portfolio segment which is our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. These are mortgage loans with collateral consisting of commercial real estate and borrowers consisting mostly of limited liability partnerships or limited liability corporations.

We evaluate our mortgage loan portfolio for the establishment of a loan loss allowance by specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss for each individual loan identified. A mortgage loan is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell.

In addition, we analyze the mortgage loan portfolio for the need of a general loan allowance for probable losses on all other loans on a quantitative and qualitative basis. The amount of the general loan allowance is based upon management's evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, delinquencies, credit concentrations, underwriting standards and national and local economic conditions.

We rate each of the mortgage loans in our portfolio based on factors such as historical operating performance, loan to value ratio and economic outlook, among others. We calculate a loss factor to apply to each rating based on historical losses we have recognized in our mortgage loan portfolio. We apply the loss factors to the total principal outstanding within each rating category to determine an appropriate estimate of the general loan loss allowance. We also assess the portfolio qualitatively and apply a loss rate to all loans without a specific allowance based on management's assessment of economic conditions, and we apply an additional amount of loss allowance to a group of loans that we have identified as having higher risk of loss.

The following table presents a rollforward of our specific and general loss allowances for mortgage loans on real estate:



	Three Months Ended June 30, 2016						Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(5,750	)	$	(6,000	)	$	(12,452	)	$	(7,000	)
Charge-offs	2,101			—			15			—
Recoveries	1,682			—			3,120			—
Change in provision for credit losses	(2,585		)	(300		)	1			(500		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(4,552	)	$	(6,300	)	$	(9,316	)	$	(7,500	)

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2016						Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(7,842	)	$	(6,300	)	$	(12,333	)	$	(10,300	)
Charge-offs	2,101			—			143			—
Recoveries	5,022			—			4,375			—
Change in provision for credit losses	(3,833		)	—			(1,501		)	2,800
Ending allowance balance	$	(4,552	)	$	(6,300	)	$	(9,316	)	$	(7,500	)

The specific allowance represents the total credit loss allowances on loans which are individually evaluated for impairment. The general allowance is for the group of loans discussed above which are collectively evaluated for impairment. The following table presents the total outstanding principal of loans evaluated for impairment by basis of impairment method:



	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	10,342	$	21,277
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,453,070		2,428,632
Total loans evaluated for impairment	$	2,463,412	$	2,449,909

Charge-offs include allowances that have been established on loans that were satisfied either by taking ownership of the collateral or by some other means such as discounted pay-off or loan sale. When ownership of the property is taken it is recorded at the lower of the mortgage loan's carrying value or the property's fair value (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The real estate owned is recorded as a component of other investments and the mortgage loan is recorded as fully paid, with any allowance for credit loss that has been established charged off. Fair value of the real estate is determined by third party appraisal. Recoveries are situations where we have received a payment from the borrower in an amount greater than the carrying value of the loan (principal outstanding less specific allowance).

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, no mortgage loans were satisfied by taking ownership of any real estate serving as collateral. The following table summarizes the activity in the real estate owned, included in Other investments, which was obtained in satisfaction of mortgage loans on real estate:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate owned at beginning of period	$	5,356		$	14,611		$	6,485		$	20,238
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	—			—			—			—
Sales	(5,338		)	(1,581		)	(6,444		)	(6,480		)
Impairments	—			—			—			(629		)
Depreciation	(18		)	(72		)	(41		)	(171		)
Real estate owned at end of period	$	—		$	12,958		$	—		$	12,958

We analyze credit risk of our mortgage loans by analyzing all available evidence on loans that are delinquent and loans that are in a workout period.



	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Credit Exposure--By Payment Activity
Performing	$	2,453,915	$	2,438,341
In workout	1,648		11,568
Delinquent	—		—
Collateral dependent	7,849		—
	$	2,463,412	$	2,449,909

The loans that are categorized as "in workout" consist of loans that we have agreed to lower or no mortgage payments for a period of time while the borrowers address cash flow and/or operational issues. The key features of these workouts have been determined on a loan-by-loan basis. Most of these loans are in a period of low cash flow due to tenants vacating their space or tenants requesting rent relief during difficult economic periods. Generally, we have allowed the borrower a six month interest only period and in some cases a twelve month period of interest only. Interest only workout loans are expected to return to their regular debt service payments after the interest only period. Interest only loans that are not fully amortizing will have a larger balance at their balloon date than originally contracted. Fully amortizing loans that are in interest only periods will have larger debt service payments for their remaining term due to lost principal payments during the interest only period. In limited circumstances we have allowed borrowers to pay the principal portion of their loan payment into an escrow account that can be used for capital and tenant improvements for a period of not more than twelve months. In these situations new loan amortization schedules are calculated based on the principal not collected during this twelve month workout period and larger payments are collected for the remaining term of each loan. In all cases, the original interest rate and maturity date have not been modified, and we have not forgiven any principal amounts.

Mortgage loans are considered delinquent when they become 60 days or more past due. In general, when loans become 90 days past due, become collateral dependent or enter a period with no debt service payments required we place them on non-accrual status and discontinue recognizing interest income. If payments are received on a delinquent loan, interest income is recognized to the extent it would have been recognized if normal principal and interest would have been received timely. If payments are received to bring a delinquent loan back to current we will resume accruing interest income on that loan. Outstanding principal of loans in a non-accrual status at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 totaled $7.8 million and $0.0 million, respectively.

We define collateral dependent loans as those mortgage loans for which we will depend on the value of the collateral real estate to satisfy the outstanding principal of the loan.

All of our commercial mortgage loans depend on the cash flow of the borrower to be at a sufficient level to service the principal and interest payments as they come due. In general, cash inflows of the borrowers are generated by collecting monthly rent from tenants occupying space within the borrowers' properties. Our borrowers face collateral risks such as tenants going out of business, tenants struggling to make rent payments as they become due, and tenants canceling leases and moving to other locations. We have a number of loans where the real estate is occupied by a single tenant. Our borrowers sometimes face both a reduction in cash flow on their mortgage property as well as a reduction in the fair value of the real estate collateral. If borrowers are unable to replace lost rent revenue and increases in the fair value of their property do not materialize we could potentially incur more losses than what we have allowed for in our specific and general loan loss allowances.

Aging of financing receivables is summarized in the following table, with loans in a "workout" period as of the reporting date considered current if payments are current in accordance with agreed upon terms:



	30 - 59 Days		60 - 89 Days		90 Days and Over		Total Past Due		Current		Collateral Dependent Receivables		Total Financing Receivables
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial Mortgage Loans
June 30, 2016	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	2,455,563	$	7,849	$	2,463,412
December 31, 2015	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	2,449,909	$	—	$	2,449,909

Financing receivables summarized in the following two tables represent all loans that we are either not currently collecting, or those we feel it is probable we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements (all loans that we have worked with the borrower to alleviate short-term cash flow issues, loans delinquent for 60 days or more at the reporting date, loans we have determined to be collateral dependent and loans that we have recorded specific impairments on that we feel may continue to have performance issues).



	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	5,790	$	10,342	$	(4,552	)
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	4,723		4,723		—
	$	10,513	$	15,065	$	(4,552	)
December 31, 2015
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	13,435	$	21,277	$	(7,842	)
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	8,859		8,859		—
	$	22,294	$	30,136	$	(7,842	)



	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2016
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	6,921	$	164
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	4,737		74
	$	11,658	$	238
Three months ended June 30, 2015
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	15,518	$	394
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	11,856		180
	$	27,374	$	574
Six months ended June 30, 2016
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	7,166	$	329
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	4,793		150
	$	11,959	$	479
Six months ended June 30, 2015
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	15,893	$	738
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	11,873		372
	$	27,766	$	1,110

A Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constitute a concession on our part. We analyze all loans where we have agreed to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:


•	borrower is in default,


•	borrower has declared bankruptcy,


•	there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,


•	borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,


•	borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and


•	there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.

If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:


•	assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,


•	interest rate is modified,


•	maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,


•	capitalization of interest,


•	delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and


•	partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.

Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDRs are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. A summary of mortgage loans on commercial real estate with outstanding principal at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 that we determined to be TDRs are as follows:



Geographic Region	Number of TDRs	Principal Balance Outstanding		Specific Loan Loss Allowance			Net Carrying Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
South Atlantic	2	$	3,881	$	(461	)	$	3,420
East North Central	1	2,061		(467		)	1,594
	3	$	5,942	$	(928	)	$	5,014
December 31, 2015
South Atlantic	6	$	11,155	$	(2,992	)	$	8,163
East North Central	2	3,306		(467		)	2,839
West North Central	1	5,913		—			5,913
	9	$	20,374	$	(3,459	)	$	16,915

Derivative Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

None of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, thus, any change in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:



	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Derivative instruments
Call options	$	576,262	$	337,256
Other assets
Interest rate caps	427		1,410
	$	576,689	$	338,666
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves - annuity products
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	$	6,499,015	$	5,983,622
Other liabilities
Interest rate swap	5,971		3,139
	$	6,504,986	$	5,986,761

The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations are as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of derivatives:
Call options	$	40,394		$	(20,141	)	$	(30,357	)	$	(49,361	)
2015 notes hedges	—			(3,942		)	—			(3,375		)
Interest rate swap	(982		)	827			(3,626		)	(934		)
Interest rate caps	(313		)	232			(983		)	(454		)
	$	39,099		$	(23,024	)	$	(34,966	)	$	(54,124	)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	$	199,917		$	(334,481	)	$	379,632		$	(404,358	)
Other changes in difference between policy benefit reserves computed using derivative accounting vs. long-duration contracts accounting	84,386			118,822			170,528			239,345
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	—			(3,942		)	—			(3,375		)
	$	284,303		$	(219,601	)	$	550,160		$	(168,388	)

The amounts presented as "Other changes in difference between policy benefit reserves computed using derivative accounting vs. long-duration contracts accounting" represents the total change in the difference between policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities computed under the derivative accounting standard and the long-duration contracts accounting standard at each balance sheet date, less the change in fair value of our fixed index annuities embedded derivatives that is presented as Level 3 liabilities in Note 2.

We have fixed index annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. When fixed index annuity deposits are received, a portion of the deposit is used to purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to fixed index annuity policyholders. Substantially all such call options are one year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. The call options are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of revenues. The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term or upon early termination and the changes in fair value for open positions. On the respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the annual index credit is reset and we purchase new one-year call options to fund the next annual index credit. We manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our fixed index annuities, which permit us to change caps, participation rates, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums on each policy's anniversary date. By adjusting caps, participation rates, or asset fees, we can generally manage option costs except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.

Our strategy attempts to mitigate any potential risk of loss due to the nonperformance of the counterparties to these call options through a regular monitoring process which evaluates the program's effectiveness. We do not purchase call options that would require payment or collateral to another institution and our call options do not contain counterparty credit-risk-related contingent features. We are exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, we purchase our option contracts from multiple counterparties and evaluate the creditworthiness of all counterparties prior to purchase of the contracts. All of these options have been purchased from nationally recognized financial institutions with a Standard and Poor's credit rating of A- or higher at the time of purchase and the maximum credit exposure to any single counterparty is subject to concentration limits. We also have credit support agreements that allow us to request the counterparty to provide collateral to us when the fair value of our exposure to the counterparty exceeds specified amounts.

The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty's current credit rating are as follows:



			June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
Counterparty	Credit Rating (S&P)	Credit Rating (Moody's)	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
Bank of America	A	A1	$	6,555,160	$	124,871	$	6,257,861	$	67,662
Barclays	A-	A2	2,677,943		58,261		2,463,768		35,273
BNP Paribas	A	A1	1,154,557		25,532		1,520,710		16,944
Citibank, N.A.	A	A1	3,667,666		46,160		3,786,498		23,587
Credit Suisse	A	A2	1,573,916		29,563		1,278,492		12,508
Deutsche Bank	BBB+	Baa2	557,990		6,167		1,349,002		10,704
J.P. Morgan	A+	Aa3	1,308,604		24,114		838,982		5,283
Morgan Stanley	A	A1	3,322,720		38,833		3,465,457		33,171
Royal Bank of Canada	AA-	Aa3	3,260,997		76,346		2,820,410		48,654
SunTrust	A-	Baa1	1,542,351		38,407		1,308,434		20,028
Wells Fargo	AA-	Aa2	4,426,882		105,968		4,187,955		63,442
Exchange traded			99,949		2,040		—		—
			$	30,148,735	$	576,262	$	29,277,569	$	337,256

As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we held $369.5 million and $349.8 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and other securities from counterparties for derivative collateral, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This derivative collateral limits the maximum amount of economic loss due to credit risk that we would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts to $205.3 million and $36.9 million at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The future annual index credits on our fixed index annuities are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contract. We do not purchase call options to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next policy anniversary date. We must value both the call options and the related forward embedded options in the policies at fair value.

We entered into an interest rate swap and interest rate caps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. See Note 10 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 for more information on our subordinated debentures. The terms of the interest rate swap provide that we pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a floating rate of interest. The terms of the interest rate caps limit the three month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") to 2.50%. The interest rate swap and caps are not effective hedges under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Therefore, we record the interest rate swap and caps at fair value and any net cash payments received or paid are included in the change in fair value of derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Details regarding the interest rate swap are as follows:



	Notional			Pay			June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
Maturity Date	Amount		Receive Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value			Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
March 15, 2021	$	85,500	LIBOR	2.415	%	SunTrust	$	(5,971	)	$	(3,139	)

Details regarding the interest rate caps are as follows:



	Notional			Cap			June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
Maturity Date	Amount		Floating Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value		Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
July 7, 2021	$	40,000	LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	$	213	$	708
July 8, 2021	12,000		LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	64		212
July 29, 2021	27,000		LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	150		490
	$	79,000					$	427	$	1,410

The interest rate swap converts floating rates to fixed rates for seven years which began in March 2014. The interest rate caps cap our interest rates for seven years which began in July 2014. As of June 30, 2016, we deposited $5.7 million of collateral with the counterparty to the swap.

In September 2010, concurrently with the issuance of $200.0 million principal amount of 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due September 15, 2015 (the "2015 notes"), we entered into hedge transactions (the "2015 notes hedges") with two counterparties whereby we would receive the cash equivalent of the conversion spread on 16.0 million shares of our common stock based upon a strike price of $12.50 per share, subject to certain conversion rate adjustments in the 2015 notes. The 2015 notes hedges were accounted for as derivative assets and were included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The 2015 notes hedges and the 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative liability were settled with the extinguishment of the 2015 notes in 2015. The 2015 notes hedges and 2015 notes embedded conversion derivative were adjusted to fair value each reporting period and unrealized gains and losses are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.

In separate transactions, we sold warrants (the "2015 warrants") to the 2015 notes hedges counterparties for the purchase of up to 16.0 million shares of our common stock at a price of $16.00 per share. We received $15.6 million in cash proceeds from the sale of the 2015 warrants, which was recorded as an increase in additional paid-in capital. The number of shares and strike price of the warrants were subject to adjustment based on dividends we paid subsequent to selling the warrants. The warrants expired on various dates from December 2015 through June 2016. Changes in the fair value of these warrants were not recognized in our consolidated financial statements as the instruments remained classified as equity.

In December 2015, we began settling the 2015 warrants in net shares on a weekly basis, and as of June 30, 2016, 140,866 shares of our common stock had been delivered to holders of the expiring warrants, of which 92,998 shares were issued during the six months ended June 30, 2016. As of June 30, 2016, all of the 2015 warrants have been settled. 2015 warrants remained outstanding on 1.6 million shares of our common stock at a strike price of $15.59 per share at December 31, 2015. The average price of our common stock exceeded the strike price of the 2015 warrants for the six months ended June 30, 2016, and the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and the effect has been included in diluted earnings per share for the three periods.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

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+ Details

Notes Payable	6 Months Ended
Notes Payable	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes Payable	Notes Payable We have a $140 million unsecured revolving line of credit agreement with five banks that terminates on November 22, 2017. The interest rate is floating at a rate based on our election that will be equal to the alternate base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin or the adjusted LIBOR rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin. We also pay a commitment fee based on the available unused portion of the credit facility. The applicable margin and commitment fee rate are based on our credit rating and can change throughout the period of the credit facility. Based upon our current credit rating, the applicable margin is 0.75% for alternate base rate borrowings and 1.75% for adjusted LIBOR rate borrowings, and the commitment fee is 0.30%. Under this agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio at our subsidiary, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company ("American Equity Life"), of 275%, a maximum ratio of adjusted debt to total adjusted capital of 0.35, and a minimum level of statutory surplus at American Equity Life equal to the sum of 1) 80% of statutory surplus at September 30, 2013, 2) 50% of the statutory net income for each fiscal quarter ending after September 30, 2013, and 3) 50% of all capital contributed to American Equity Life after September 30, 2013. The agreement contains an accordion feature that allows us, on up to three occasions and subject to credit availability, to increase the credit facility by an additional $50 million in the aggregate. We also have the ability to extend the maturity date by an additional one year past the initial maturity date of November 22, 2017 with the consent of the extending banks. There are currently no guarantors of the credit facility, but certain of our subsidiaries must guarantee our obligations under the credit agreement if such subsidiaries guarantee other material amounts of our debt. No amounts were outstanding at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. As of June 30, 2016, $311.0 million is unrestricted and could be distributed to shareholders and still be in compliance with all covenants under this credit agreement. As part of our investment strategy, we enter into securities repurchase agreements (short-term collateralized borrowings). The maximum amount borrowed was $40.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015. When we do borrow cash on these repurchase agreements, we pledge collateral in the form of debt securities with fair values approximately equal to the amount due and we use the cash to purchase debt securities ahead of the time we collect the cash from selling annuity policies to avoid a lag between the investment of funds and the obligation to credit interest to policyholders. We earn investment income on the securities purchased with these borrowings at a rate in excess of the cost of these borrowings. Such borrowings averaged $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. We had no borrowings under repurchase agreements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and the three months ended June 30, 2015. The weighted average interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 0.39% for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers. In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability. Companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We were a defendant in a purported class action, McCormack, et al. v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et al., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division and Anagnostis v. American Equity, et al., coordinated in the Central District, entitled, In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the "Los Angeles Case"), involving allegations of improper sales practices and similar claims. The Los Angeles Case was a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by putative class members seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by us. On July 30, 2013, the parties entered into a settlement agreement and stipulated to certification of the case as a class action for settlement purposes only. A class member filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on February 28, 2014. On February 17, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the terms of the settlement agreement and on April 6, 2016, the class member’s subsequent request for a rehearing en banc was denied. All remaining opportunities for appeal have passed. We estimate our litigation liability in this matter to be $11.1 million based on our best estimate of probable loss. There can be no assurance that any other pending or future litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. In addition to our commitments to fund mortgage loans, we have unfunded commitments at June 30, 2016 to limited partnerships of $36.5 million and to secured bank loans of $13.5 million.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Stockholders' Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Stockholders' Equity

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings (loss) per common share and earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution:



	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016		2015		2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss) - numerator for earnings (loss) per common share	$	14,708	$	82,845	$	(30,133	)	$	88,748

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)	82,516,927		77,237,200		82,322,919			77,139,992
Effect of dilutive securities:
2015 warrants	—		779,926		30,439			793,132
Stock options and deferred compensation agreements	353,052		1,087,893		422,809			1,123,614
Restricted stock and restricted stock units	314,158		122,298		296,649			116,405
Denominator for earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution	83,184,137		79,227,317		83,072,816			79,173,143

Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.18	$	1.07	$	(0.37	)	$	1.15
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.18	$	1.05	$	(0.37	)	$	1.12


(1)	Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan.

Options to purchase shares of our common stock that were outstanding during the respective periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares are as follows:



Period	Number of Shares	Range of Exercise Prices
		Minimum	Maximum
Three months ended June 30, 2016	1,061,541	$24.79	$24.79
Three months ended June 30, 2015	—	$—	$—
Six months ended June 30, 2016	1,061,541	$24.79	$24.79
Six months ended June 30, 2015	—	$—	$—

Stockholders' Equity

In August 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 8,600,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $25.25 per share, of which 4,300,000 shares remained subject to a forward sale agreement as of June 30, 2016. The underwriters exercised in full their option to purchase 1,290,000 additional shares of common stock, which was subject to a separate forward sale agreement. Settlement of the forward sale agreements occurred on August 1, 2016 as we issued 5,590,000 shares of our common stock and received $134.7 million in net proceeds. We contributed the net proceeds from the settlement to the capital and surplus of American Equity Life.

The forward sale agreements had no initial fair value since they were entered into at the then market price of the common stock. The forward sale agreements are equity instruments and qualify for an exception from derivative and fair value accounting.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Subsequently, in August 2015, the FASB issued an ASU that states that the Securities and Exchange Commission staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and expensing those costs ratably over the term of the line of credit arrangement. These ASU's became effective for us on January 1, 2016, and retroactive application is required. They did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that, among other aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, primarily requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Additionally, it changes the accounting for financial liabilities measured at fair value under the fair value option and eliminates some disclosures regarding fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2018, and we have not determined the effect it will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that will require recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This ASU affects accounting and disclosure more dramatically for lessees as accounting for lessors is mainly unchanged. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and we have not determined the effect it will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The aspects of accounting guidance affected by this ASU are income taxes, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and we have not determined the effect it will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets that are measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments from an incurred loss model to an expected loss model that requires these assets be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. In addition, credit losses on available for sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance account. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and we have not yet determined the impact this updated guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments, Policy


Level 1—	Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.


Level 2—	Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.

Level 3—

Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security.

Investments, Policy


•	the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;


•	whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;


•	the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;


•	the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;


•	the fair value of any underlying collateral;


•	the existence of any credit protection available;


•	our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;


•	our assessment in the case of equity securities including perpetual preferred stocks with credit deterioration that the security cannot recover to cost in a reasonable period of time;


•	our intent and ability to retain equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery;


•	consideration of rating agency actions; and


•	changes in estimated cash flows of mortgage and asset backed securities.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Allowance for Loan Losses, Policy

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure, Policy

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Non-Accrual Loan Status, Policy

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Policy


•	borrower is in default,


•	borrower has declared bankruptcy,


•	there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,


•	borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,


•	borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and


•	there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.

If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:


•	assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,


•	interest rate is modified,


•	maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,


•	capitalization of interest,


•	delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and


•	partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.

Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDRs are individually evaluated and measured for impairment.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy

In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for investments in financial assets, including marketable securities (debt and equity securities with readily determinable fair values), investments accounted for under the equity method and cost method, securities borrowed and loaned, and repurchase and resale agreements. For marketable securities, the disclosure may include the entity's accounting treatment for transfers between investment categories and how the fair values for such securities are determined. Also, for all investments, an entity may describe its policy for assessing, recognizing and measuring impairment of the investment.

+ References + Details

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following sets forth a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments:



	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale	$	39,863,803	$	39,863,803	$	36,421,839	$	36,421,839
Held for investment	76,722		68,542		76,622		65,377
Equity securities, available for sale	7,813		7,813		7,828		7,828
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,451,375		2,478,023		2,435,257		2,471,864
Derivative instruments	576,262		576,262		337,256		337,256
Other investments	292,776		291,107		285,044		290,075
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041		1,547,041		397,749		397,749
Coinsurance deposits	4,120,911		3,700,449		3,187,470		2,860,882
Interest rate caps	427		427		1,410		1,410
Counterparty collateral	91,457		91,457		82,312		82,312

Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	49,086,249		41,155,256		45,151,460		38,435,515
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	304,365		315,420		324,264		336,066
Notes payable	393,739		424,804		393,227		417,752
Subordinated debentures	241,650		229,881		241,452		216,933
Interest rate swap	5,971		5,971		3,139		3,139

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis, By Fair Value Hierarchy Level

Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:



	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	449,439	$	442,226	$	7,213	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,380,266		—		1,380,266		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,975,544		—		3,975,544		—
Foreign government obligations	253,990		—		253,990		—
Corporate securities	26,383,116		7		26,383,109		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,392,441		—		1,392,441		—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,735,210		—		4,735,210		—
Other asset backed securities	1,293,797		—		1,293,797		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	7,813		—		7,813		—
Derivative instruments	576,262		—		576,262		—
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041		1,547,041		—		—
Interest rate caps	427		—		427		—
Counterparty collateral	91,457		—		91,457		—
	$	42,086,803	$	1,989,274	$	40,097,529	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	5,971	$	—	$	5,971	$	—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	6,499,015		—		—		6,499,015
	$	6,504,986	$	—	$	5,971	$	6,499,015

December 31, 2015
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	471,256	$	438,598	$	32,658	$	—
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,398,611		—		1,398,611		—
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,755,367		—		3,755,367		—
Foreign government obligations	212,565		—		212,565		—
Corporate securities	23,802,394		121		23,802,273		—
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,462,072		—		1,462,072		—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,174,396		—		4,174,396		—
Other asset backed securities	1,145,178		—		1,145,178		—
Equity securities, available for sale: finance, insurance and real estate	7,828		—		7,828		—
Derivative instruments	337,256		—		337,256		—
Cash and cash equivalents	397,749		397,749		—		—
Interest rate caps	1,410		—		1,410		—
Counterparty collateral	82,312		—		82,312		—
	$	37,248,394	$	836,468	$	36,411,926	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	3,139	$	—	$	3,139	$	—
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	5,983,622		—		—		5,983,622
	$	5,986,761	$	—	$	3,139	$	5,983,622

Schedule of Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value

The following table presents average lapse rate and partial withdrawal rate assumptions, by contract duration, used in estimating the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each reporting date:



	Average Lapse Rates		Average Partial Withdrawal Rates
Contract Duration (Years)	June 30, 2016	December 31, 2015	June 30, 2016	December 31, 2015
1 - 5	1.77%	1.58%	3.30%	3.08%
6 - 10	6.59%	8.55%	3.30%	3.55%
11 - 15	11.25%	12.01%	3.31%	3.59%
16 - 20	12.04%	12.99%	3.17%	3.22%
20+	11.69%	12.54%	3.17%	3.22%

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis, Level 3 Reconciliation



	Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016		2015			2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities
Beginning balance	$	—	$	342		$	—	$	375
Principal returned	—		(9		)	—		(21		)
Amortization of premium/accretion of discount	—		(409		)	—		(466		)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	—		240			—		276
Included in operations	—		(138		)	—		(138		)
Ending balance	$	—	$	26		$	—	$	26

Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis, Level 3 Reconciliation



	Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016		2015			2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
Beginning balance	$	6,254,466	$	5,865,171		$	5,983,622	$	5,574,653
Premiums less benefits	44,632		453,317			135,761		813,712
Change in fair value, net	199,917		(334,481		)	379,632		(404,358		)
Ending balance	$	6,499,015	$	5,984,007		$	6,499,015	$	5,984,007

Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Investments [Abstract]

Schedule of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities were as follows:



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	446,560	$	2,879	$	—		$	449,439
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,319,088		61,728		(550		)	1,380,266
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,459,913		516,314		(683		)	3,975,544
Foreign government obligations	234,382		25,063		(5,455		)	253,990
Corporate securities	24,393,498		2,201,998		(212,380		)	26,383,116
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,257,634		136,085		(1,278		)	1,392,441
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,600,531		173,501		(38,822		)	4,735,210
Other asset backed securities	1,271,122		40,148		(17,473		)	1,293,797
	$	36,982,728	$	3,157,716	$	(276,641	)	$	39,863,803
Held for investment:
Corporate security	$	76,722	$	—	$	(8,180	)	$	68,542

Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	7,518	$	295	$	—		$	7,813

December 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	470,567	$	988	$	(299	)	$	471,256
United States Government sponsored agencies	1,386,219		26,801		(14,409		)	1,398,611
United States municipalities, states and territories	3,422,667		341,328		(8,628		)	3,755,367
Foreign government obligations	210,953		12,547		(10,935		)	212,565
Corporate securities	23,597,530		887,288		(682,424		)	23,802,394
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,366,985		98,576		(3,489		)	1,462,072
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,238,265		41,412		(105,281		)	4,174,396
Other asset backed securities	1,130,524		34,534		(19,880		)	1,145,178
	$	35,823,710	$	1,443,474	$	(845,345	)	$	36,421,839
Held for investment:
Corporate security	$	76,622	$	—	$	(11,245	)	$	65,377

Equity securities, available for sale:
Finance, insurance, and real estate	$	7,515	$	313	$	—		$	7,828

Schedule of Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity Date



	Available for sale				Held for investment
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	320,122	$	325,370	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years	2,673,105		2,836,994		—		—
Due after five years through ten years	10,956,902		11,483,761		—		—
Due after ten years through twenty years	8,357,708		9,305,285		—		—
Due after twenty years	7,545,605		8,490,945		76,722		68,542
	29,853,442		32,442,355		76,722		68,542
Residential mortgage backed securities	1,257,633		1,392,441		—		—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	4,600,531		4,735,210		—		—
Other asset backed securities	1,271,122		1,293,797		—		—
	$	36,982,728	$	39,863,803	$	76,722	$	68,542

Schedule of Components of Net Unrealized Gains on Available for Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Reported as Separate Component of Stockholders' Equity

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity were comprised of the following:



	June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$	2,881,370		$	598,442
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,541,834		)	(322,859		)
Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534			22,534
Deferred income tax expense	(468,838		)	(96,454		)
Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$	893,232		$	201,663

Schedule of Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation

The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:



	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
NAIC Designation	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
1	$	23,685,524	$	25,965,937	$	23,363,259	$	24,207,801
2	12,154,249		12,860,194		11,709,730		11,589,325
3	1,045,123		972,142		758,531		643,293
4	141,552		107,753		60,480		44,312
5	19,384		12,180		—		—
6	13,618		14,139		8,332		2,485
	$	37,059,450	$	39,932,345	$	35,900,332	$	36,487,216

Schedule of Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments, By Category and Length of Time



	Less than 12 months					12 months or more					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government sponsored agencies	$	61,450	$	(550	)	$	—	$	—		$	61,450	$	(550	)
United States municipalities, states and territories	—		—			6,752		(683		)	6,752		(683		)
Foreign government obligations	—		—			19,141		(5,455		)	19,141		(5,455		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	168,620		(8,462		)	172,731		(7,056		)	341,351		(15,518		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	354,576		(24,505		)	764,467		(107,685		)	1,119,043		(132,190		)
Utilities and related sectors	209,329		(6,837		)	345,800		(28,023		)	555,129		(34,860		)
Wholesale/retail trade	80,220		(2,736		)	62,330		(7,574		)	142,550		(10,310		)
Services, media and other	97,145		(7,014		)	151,222		(12,488		)	248,367		(19,502		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	39,184		(1,258		)	653		(20		)	39,837		(1,278		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	1,164,578		(38,822		)	—		—			1,164,578		(38,822		)
Other asset backed securities	304,638		(10,633		)	98,345		(6,840		)	402,983		(17,473		)
	$	2,479,740	$	(100,817	)	$	1,621,441	$	(175,824	)	$	4,101,181	$	(276,641	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	—	$	—		$	68,542	$	(8,180	)	$	68,542	$	(8,180	)

December 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit	$	37,730	$	(299	)	$	—	$	—		$	37,730	$	(299	)
United States Government sponsored agencies	957,053		(14,409		)	—		—			957,053		(14,409		)
United States municipalities, states and territories	261,823		(8,474		)	2,846		(154		)	264,669		(8,628		)
Foreign government obligations	42,966		(1,762		)	15,463		(9,173		)	58,429		(10,935		)
Corporate securities:
Finance, insurance and real estate	2,077,223		(59,607		)	49,912		(14,855		)	2,127,135		(74,462		)
Manufacturing, construction and mining	3,517,967		(246,456		)	376,229		(131,003		)	3,894,196		(377,459		)
Utilities and related sectors	2,240,652		(138,940		)	97,184		(22,565		)	2,337,836		(161,505		)
Wholesale/retail trade	473,050		(17,863		)	38,682		(8,125		)	511,732		(25,988		)
Services, media and other	1,037,011		(39,937		)	32,050		(3,073		)	1,069,061		(43,010		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	162,770		(2,958		)	6,438		(531		)	169,208		(3,489		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	2,679,510		(105,002		)	11,495		(279		)	2,691,005		(105,281		)
Other asset backed securities	457,055		(10,581		)	46,657		(9,299		)	503,712		(19,880		)
	$	13,944,810	$	(646,288	)	$	676,956	$	(199,057	)	$	14,621,766	$	(845,345	)
Held for investment:
Corporate security:
Insurance	$	65,377	$	(11,245	)	$	—	$	—		$	65,377	$	(11,245	)

Schedule of Changes in Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments

Changes in net unrealized gains on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$	820		$	(17,326	)	$	3,065		$	(10,227	)
Investments carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale	$	1,167,861		$	(1,547,155	)	$	2,282,946		$	(1,026,989	)
Equity securities, available for sale	(1		)	11			(18		)	53
	1,167,860			(1,547,144		)	2,282,928			(1,026,936		)
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(609,224		)	770,285			(1,218,975		)	515,209
Deferred income tax asset/liability	(195,523		)	271,900			(372,384		)	179,105
	(804,747		)	1,042,185			(1,591,359		)	694,314
Change in net unrealized gains on investments carried at fair value	$	363,113		$	(504,959	)	$	691,569		$	(332,622	)

Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments

Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding net OTTI losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	4,604		$	2,212		$	6,091		$	4,500
Gross realized losses	(1,368		)	(511		)	(2,599		)	(800		)
	3,236			1,701			3,492			3,700
Other investments:
Gain on sale of real estate	705			195			836			1,033
Loss on sale of real estate	(1		)	(193		)	(93		)	(575		)
Impairment losses on real estate	—			—			—			(629		)
	704			2			743			(171		)
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Decrease (increase) in allowance for credit losses	(2,885		)	(499		)	(3,833		)	1,299
Recovery of specific allowance	1,682			3,120			5,022			4,375
	(1,203		)	2,621			1,189			5,674
	$	2,737		$	4,324		$	5,424		$	9,203

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Credit Loss Component of Other Than Temporary Impairment on Residential Mortgage Backed Securities



		Discount Rate				Default Rate				Loss Severity
Sector	Vintage	Min		Max		Min		Max		Min		Max
Six months ended June 30, 2016
Prime	2005	7.7	%	7.7	%	14	%	14	%	50	%	50	%
	2006	7.3	%	7.3	%	13	%	13	%	50	%	50	%
	2007	6.2	%	6.4	%	18	%	31	%	50	%	55	%
Alt-A	2005	7.4	%	7.4	%	11	%	11	%	60	%	60	%

Six months ended June 30, 2015
Prime	2006	6.5	%	6.5	%	14	%	14	%	40	%	40	%
	2007	6.4	%	7.0	%	15	%	19	%	55	%	55	%
Alt-A	2005	5.6	%	5.6	%	99	%	99	%	2	%	2	%

Other Than Temporary Impairment by Asset Type

The following table summarizes other than temporary impairments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, by asset type:



	Number of Securities	Total OTTI Losses			Portion of OTTI Losses Recognized in (from) Other Comprehensive Income			Net OTTI Losses Recognized in Operations
		(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	2	$	—		$	(202	)	$	(202	)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	2	(762		)	—			(762		)
Other asset backed securities	1	—			(3,482		)	(3,482		)
	5	$	(762	)	$	(3,684	)	$	(4,446	)

Three months ended June 30, 2015
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	3	$	—		$	(828	)	$	(828	)

Six months ended June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities:
Energy	2	$	(642	)	$	—		$	(642	)
Telecommunications	1	(4,462		)	562			(3,900		)
Utilities	1	(136		)	—			(136		)
Residential mortgage backed securities	6	—			(440		)	(440		)
Commercial mortgage backed securities	5	(1,540		)	—			(1,540		)
Other asset backed securities	1	—			(3,482		)	(3,482		)
	16	$	(6,780	)	$	(3,360	)	$	(10,140	)

Six months ended June 30, 2015
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Residential mortgage backed securities	4	$	(132	)	$	(828	)	$	(960	)

Other Than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings

The cumulative portion of other than temporary impairments determined to be credit losses which have been recognized in operations for debt securities are summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of period	$	(151,518	)	$	(127,182	)	$	(145,824	)	$	(127,050	)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(762		)	—			(6,218		)	(132		)
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(3,684		)	(828		)	(3,922		)	(828		)
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	1,556			—			1,556			—
Cumulative credit loss at end of period	$	(154,408	)	$	(128,010	)	$	(154,408	)	$	(128,010	)

Schedule of Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments



	Amortized Cost		OTTI Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income			Change in Fair Value Since OTTI was Recognized			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	8,764	$	(3,537	)	$	7,234		$	12,461
Residential mortgage backed securities	416,615		(170,284		)	200,735			447,066
Commercial mortgage backed securities	16,646		—			206			16,852
Other asset backed securities	4,854		(1,643		)	(1,533		)	1,678
	$	446,879	$	(175,464	)	$	206,642		$	478,057
December 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Corporate securities	$	6,396	$	(2,975	)	$	9		$	3,430
Residential mortgage backed securities	466,871		(170,724		)	199,149			495,296
Other asset backed securities	8,154		(5,125		)	(553		)	2,476
	$	481,421	$	(178,824	)	$	198,605		$	501,202

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]

Summary of Mortgage Loan Portfolio

Our mortgage loan portfolio is summarized in the following table. There were commitments outstanding of $66.5 million at June 30, 2016.



	June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Principal outstanding	$	2,463,412		$	2,449,909
Loan loss allowance	(10,852		)	(14,142		)
Deferred prepayment fees	(1,185		)	(510		)
Carrying value	$	2,451,375		$	2,435,257

Mortgage Loan Portfolio Summarized by Geographic Region and Property Type

The mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:



	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Principal		Percent		Principal		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Geographic distribution
East	$	672,512	27.3	%	$	698,113	28.5	%
Middle Atlantic	160,283		6.5	%	160,261		6.6	%
Mountain	234,568		9.5	%	252,442		10.3	%
New England	12,944		0.6	%	13,161		0.5	%
Pacific	385,306		15.6	%	355,268		14.5	%
South Atlantic	472,253		19.2	%	456,227		18.6	%
West North Central	325,402		13.2	%	313,120		12.8	%
West South Central	200,144		8.1	%	201,317		8.2	%
	$	2,463,412	100.0	%	$	2,449,909	100.0	%
Property type distribution
Office	$	341,209	13.9	%	$	396,154	16.2	%
Medical Office	72,087		2.9	%	77,438		3.2	%
Retail	815,013		33.1	%	790,158		32.2	%
Industrial/Warehouse	690,503		28.0	%	686,400		28.0	%
Hotel	3,255		0.1	%	3,361		0.1	%
Apartment	372,459		15.1	%	352,971		14.4	%
Mixed use/other	168,886		6.9	%	143,427		5.9	%
	$	2,463,412	100.0	%	$	2,449,909	100.0	%

Rollforward of Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table presents a rollforward of our specific and general loss allowances for mortgage loans on real estate:



	Three Months Ended June 30, 2016						Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(5,750	)	$	(6,000	)	$	(12,452	)	$	(7,000	)
Charge-offs	2,101			—			15			—
Recoveries	1,682			—			3,120			—
Change in provision for credit losses	(2,585		)	(300		)	1			(500		)
Ending allowance balance	$	(4,552	)	$	(6,300	)	$	(9,316	)	$	(7,500	)

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2016						Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
	Specific Allowance			General Allowance			Specific Allowance			General Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning allowance balance	$	(7,842	)	$	(6,300	)	$	(12,333	)	$	(10,300	)
Charge-offs	2,101			—			143			—
Recoveries	5,022			—			4,375			—
Change in provision for credit losses	(3,833		)	—			(1,501		)	2,800
Ending allowance balance	$	(4,552	)	$	(6,300	)	$	(9,316	)	$	(7,500	)

Impaired Mortgage Loans on Real Estate by Basis of Impairment

The following table presents the total outstanding principal of loans evaluated for impairment by basis of impairment method:



	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	10,342	$	21,277
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,453,070		2,428,632
Total loans evaluated for impairment	$	2,463,412	$	2,449,909

Real Estate Acquired Via Foreclosure or Deed In Lieu

The following table summarizes the activity in the real estate owned, included in Other investments, which was obtained in satisfaction of mortgage loans on real estate:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate owned at beginning of period	$	5,356		$	14,611		$	6,485		$	20,238
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	—			—			—			—
Sales	(5,338		)	(1,581		)	(6,444		)	(6,480		)
Impairments	—			—			—			(629		)
Depreciation	(18		)	(72		)	(41		)	(171		)
Real estate owned at end of period	$	—		$	12,958		$	—		$	12,958

Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator

We analyze credit risk of our mortgage loans by analyzing all available evidence on loans that are delinquent and loans that are in a workout period.



	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Credit Exposure--By Payment Activity
Performing	$	2,453,915	$	2,438,341
In workout	1,648		11,568
Delinquent	—		—
Collateral dependent	7,849		—
	$	2,463,412	$	2,449,909

Aging of Financing Receivables



	30 - 59 Days		60 - 89 Days		90 Days and Over		Total Past Due		Current		Collateral Dependent Receivables		Total Financing Receivables
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial Mortgage Loans
June 30, 2016	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	2,455,563	$	7,849	$	2,463,412
December 31, 2015	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	2,449,909	$	—	$	2,449,909

Impaired Financing Receivables



	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
	(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	5,790	$	10,342	$	(4,552	)
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	4,723		4,723		—
	$	10,513	$	15,065	$	(4,552	)
December 31, 2015
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	13,435	$	21,277	$	(7,842	)
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	8,859		8,859		—
	$	22,294	$	30,136	$	(7,842	)



	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2016
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	6,921	$	164
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	4,737		74
	$	11,658	$	238
Three months ended June 30, 2015
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	15,518	$	394
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	11,856		180
	$	27,374	$	574
Six months ended June 30, 2016
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	7,166	$	329
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	4,793		150
	$	11,959	$	479
Six months ended June 30, 2015
Mortgage loans with an allowance	$	15,893	$	738
Mortgage loans with no related allowance	11,873		372
	$	27,766	$	1,110

Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables



Geographic Region	Number of TDRs	Principal Balance Outstanding		Specific Loan Loss Allowance			Net Carrying Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2016
South Atlantic	2	$	3,881	$	(461	)	$	3,420
East North Central	1	2,061		(467		)	1,594
	3	$	5,942	$	(928	)	$	5,014
December 31, 2015
South Atlantic	6	$	11,155	$	(2,992	)	$	8,163
East North Central	2	3,306		(467		)	2,839
West North Central	1	5,913		—			5,913
	9	$	20,374	$	(3,459	)	$	16,915

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:



	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Derivative instruments
Call options	$	576,262	$	337,256
Other assets
Interest rate caps	427		1,410
	$	576,689	$	338,666
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves - annuity products
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	$	6,499,015	$	5,983,622
Other liabilities
Interest rate swap	5,971		3,139
	$	6,504,986	$	5,986,761

Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations are as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of derivatives:
Call options	$	40,394		$	(20,141	)	$	(30,357	)	$	(49,361	)
2015 notes hedges	—			(3,942		)	—			(3,375		)
Interest rate swap	(982		)	827			(3,626		)	(934		)
Interest rate caps	(313		)	232			(983		)	(454		)
	$	39,099		$	(23,024	)	$	(34,966	)	$	(54,124	)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
Fixed index annuities—embedded derivatives	$	199,917		$	(334,481	)	$	379,632		$	(404,358	)
Other changes in difference between policy benefit reserves computed using derivative accounting vs. long-duration contracts accounting	84,386			118,822			170,528			239,345
2015 notes embedded conversion derivative	—			(3,942		)	—			(3,375		)
	$	284,303		$	(219,601	)	$	550,160		$	(168,388	)

Schedule of Call Options by Counterparty

The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty's current credit rating are as follows:



			June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
Counterparty	Credit Rating (S&P)	Credit Rating (Moody's)	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
Bank of America	A	A1	$	6,555,160	$	124,871	$	6,257,861	$	67,662
Barclays	A-	A2	2,677,943		58,261		2,463,768		35,273
BNP Paribas	A	A1	1,154,557		25,532		1,520,710		16,944
Citibank, N.A.	A	A1	3,667,666		46,160		3,786,498		23,587
Credit Suisse	A	A2	1,573,916		29,563		1,278,492		12,508
Deutsche Bank	BBB+	Baa2	557,990		6,167		1,349,002		10,704
J.P. Morgan	A+	Aa3	1,308,604		24,114		838,982		5,283
Morgan Stanley	A	A1	3,322,720		38,833		3,465,457		33,171
Royal Bank of Canada	AA-	Aa3	3,260,997		76,346		2,820,410		48,654
SunTrust	A-	Baa1	1,542,351		38,407		1,308,434		20,028
Wells Fargo	AA-	Aa2	4,426,882		105,968		4,187,955		63,442
Exchange traded			99,949		2,040		—		—
			$	30,148,735	$	576,262	$	29,277,569	$	337,256

Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives

Details regarding the interest rate swap are as follows:



	Notional			Pay			June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
Maturity Date	Amount		Receive Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value			Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
March 15, 2021	$	85,500	LIBOR	2.415	%	SunTrust	$	(5,971	)	$	(3,139	)

Details regarding the interest rate caps are as follows:



	Notional			Cap			June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
Maturity Date	Amount		Floating Rate	Rate		Counterparty	Fair Value		Fair Value
							(Dollars in thousands)
July 7, 2021	$	40,000	LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	$	213	$	708
July 8, 2021	12,000		LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	64		212
July 29, 2021	27,000		LIBOR	2.50	%	SunTrust	150		490
	$	79,000					$	427	$	1,410

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about a derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments. May include a combination of the type of instrument, risks being hedged, notional amount, hedge designation, related hedged item, inception date, maturity date, or other relevant item.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41678-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings (loss) per common share and earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution:



	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2016		2015		2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss) - numerator for earnings (loss) per common share	$	14,708	$	82,845	$	(30,133	)	$	88,748

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)	82,516,927		77,237,200		82,322,919			77,139,992
Effect of dilutive securities:
2015 warrants	—		779,926		30,439			793,132
Stock options and deferred compensation agreements	353,052		1,087,893		422,809			1,123,614
Restricted stock and restricted stock units	314,158		122,298		296,649			116,405
Denominator for earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution	83,184,137		79,227,317		83,072,816			79,173,143

Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.18	$	1.07	$	(0.37	)	$	1.15
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.18	$	1.05	$	(0.37	)	$	1.12


(1)	Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan.

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share



Period	Number of Shares	Range of Exercise Prices
		Minimum	Maximum
Three months ended June 30, 2016	1,061,541	$24.79	$24.79
Three months ended June 30, 2015	—	$—	$—
Six months ended June 30, 2016	1,061,541	$24.79	$24.79
Six months ended June 30, 2015	—	$—	$—

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Basis_Points	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Basis_Points	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers, amount	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers, amount	0		0		0
Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 transfers, amount	0		0		0
Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 transfers, amount	0		0		0
Assets, transfers into Level 3, amount	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Liabilities, transfers into Level 3, amount	0	0	0	0
Assets, transfers out of Level 3, amount	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, transfers out of Level 3, amount	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Other investments	$ 292,776		$ 292,776		$ 291,530
Expected cost of annual call options	3.10%		3.10%		3.10%
Mortality rate assumption	65.00%		65.00%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 0		$ 0
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Increase in Discount Rate by 10 Percent [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value, sensitivity, discount rate adjustment (basis points) \| Basis_Points	100		100
Fixed index annuities embedded derivative, adjustment due to change in discount rate			$ (462,700)
Deferred policy scquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, combined balance, adjustment due to change in discount rate			$ (274,100)
Fair Value, Sensitivity, Decrease in Discount Rate by 10 Percent [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value, sensitivity, discount rate adjustment (basis points) \| Basis_Points	100		100
Fixed index annuities embedded derivative, adjustment due to change in discount rate			$ 518,800
Deferred policy scquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, combined balance, adjustment due to change in discount rate			$ 303,600

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Held for investment	$ 68,542	$ 65,377
Other investments	292,776	291,530
Coinsurance deposits	4,120,911	3,187,470
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	49,432,481	45,495,431
Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,451,375	2,435,257
Derivative instruments	576,262	337,256
Other investments	292,776	285,044
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041	397,749
Coinsurance deposits	4,120,911	3,187,470
Counterparty collateral	91,457	82,312
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	49,086,249	45,151,460
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	304,365	324,264
Notes payable	393,739	393,227
Subordinated debentures	241,650	241,452
Carrying Amount [Member] \| Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Assets
Interest rate derivative assets	427	1,410
Carrying Amount [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities
Interest rate derivative liabilities	5,971	3,139
Carrying Amount [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	39,863,803	36,421,839
Held for investment	76,722	76,622
Carrying Amount [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	7,813	7,828
Fair Value [Member]
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	2,478,023	2,471,864
Derivative instruments	576,262	337,256
Other investments	291,107	290,075
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041	397,749
Coinsurance deposits	3,700,449	2,860,882
Counterparty collateral	91,457	82,312
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves	41,155,256	38,435,515
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves	315,420	336,066
Notes payable	424,804	417,752
Subordinated debentures	229,881	216,933
Fair Value [Member] \| Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Assets
Interest rate derivative assets	427	1,410
Fair Value [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities
Interest rate derivative liabilities	5,971	3,139
Fair Value [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	39,863,803	36,421,839
Held for investment	68,542	65,377
Fair Value [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	$ 7,813	$ 7,828

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Derivative assets	$ 576,262	$ 337,256
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041	397,749
Counterparty collateral	91,457	82,312
Assets	42,086,803	37,248,394
Liabilities
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	6,499,015	5,983,622
Liabilities	6,504,986	5,986,761
Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Assets
Interest rate derivative assets	427	1,410
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities
Interest rate derivative liabilities	5,971	3,139
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	7,813	7,828
United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	449,439	471,256
United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	1,380,266	1,398,611
United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	3,975,544	3,755,367
Foreign Government Obligations [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	253,990	212,565
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	26,383,116	23,802,394
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	1,392,441	1,462,072
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	4,735,210	4,174,396
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	1,293,797	1,145,178
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	1,547,041	397,749
Counterparty collateral	0	0
Assets	1,989,274	836,468
Liabilities
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Assets
Interest rate derivative assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities
Interest rate derivative liabilities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	442,226	438,598
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Foreign Government Obligations [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Corporate Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	7	121
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	576,262	337,256
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Counterparty collateral	91,457	82,312
Assets	40,097,529	36,411,926
Liabilities
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	0	0
Liabilities	5,971	3,139
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Assets
Interest rate derivative assets	427	1,410
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities
Interest rate derivative liabilities	5,971	3,139
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	7,813	7,828
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	7,213	32,658
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	1,380,266	1,398,611
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	3,975,544	3,755,367
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Foreign Government Obligations [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	253,990	212,565
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Corporate Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	26,383,109	23,802,273
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	1,392,441	1,462,072
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	4,735,210	4,174,396
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	1,293,797	1,145,178
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Counterparty collateral	0	0
Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives	6,499,015	5,983,622
Liabilities	6,499,015	5,983,622
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Assets
Interest rate derivative assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities
Interest rate derivative liabilities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Foreign Government Obligations [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Corporate Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Assets
Available for sale securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value) (Details) - Fixed Index Annuities [Member]	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 1 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	1 year	1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 2 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	6 years	6 years
Minimum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 3 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	11 years	11 years
Minimum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 4 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	16 years	16 years
Minimum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 5 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	20 years	20 years
Maximum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 1 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	5 years	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 2 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 3 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	15 years	15 years
Maximum [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 4 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Contract duration (years)	20 years	20 years
Average [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 1 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Average lapse rates	1.77%	1.58%
Average partial withdrawal rates	3.30%	3.08%
Average [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 2 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Average lapse rates	6.59%	8.55%
Average partial withdrawal rates	3.30%	3.55%
Average [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 3 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Average lapse rates	11.25%	12.01%
Average partial withdrawal rates	3.31%	3.59%
Average [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 4 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Average lapse rates	12.04%	12.99%
Average partial withdrawal rates	3.17%	3.22%
Average [Member] \| Contract Duration (Years), Group 5 [Member]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Average lapse rates	11.69%	12.54%
Average partial withdrawal rates	3.17%	3.22%

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Assets) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 0	$ 342	$ 0	$ 375
Principal returned	0	(9)	0	(21)
Amortization of premium/accretion of discount	0	(409)	0	(466)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	240	0	276
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): included in operations	0	(138)	0	(138)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 26	$ 0	$ 26

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 6,254,466	$ 5,865,171	$ 5,983,622	$ 5,574,653
Premiums less benefits	44,632	453,317	135,761	813,712
Change in fair value, net	199,917	(334,481)	379,632	(404,358)
Ending balance	$ 6,499,015	$ 5,984,007	$ 6,499,015	$ 5,984,007

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Securities	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 Securities
Investments [Abstract]
Fixed income securities with call features, percentage	35.00%
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, percentage	0.20%
Fixed income securities with call features, currently callable, amount	$ 77,200
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, percentage	2.90%
Fixed income securities with call features, callable during next 12 months, amount	$ 1,100,000
Fixed income securities with call features, not callable until within 6 months of stated maturity, percentage	68.00%
Percentage of fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade based on NAIC designations	97.00%		98.00%
Number of individual securities with unrealized losses \| Securities	411		1,246
Percentage of unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities where securities are rated investment grade	56.00%		84.00%
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale securities	$ 1,421,976	$ 886,573
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale securities	1,200,000	643,800
Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	$ 186,100	$ 242,800

Investments (Schedule of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Held for investment, amortized cost	$ 76,722	$ 76,622
Held for investment	68,542	65,377
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	36,982,728	35,823,710
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	3,157,716	1,443,474
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(276,641)	(845,345)
Available for sale, fair value	39,863,803	36,421,839
Equity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	7,518	7,515
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	295	313
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Available for sale, fair value	7,813	7,828
United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	446,560	470,567
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	2,879	988
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	0	(299)
Available for sale, fair value	449,439	471,256
United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	1,319,088	1,386,219
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	61,728	26,801
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(550)	(14,409)
Available for sale, fair value	1,380,266	1,398,611
United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	3,459,913	3,422,667
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	516,314	341,328
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(683)	(8,628)
Available for sale, fair value	3,975,544	3,755,367
Foreign Government Obligations [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	234,382	210,953
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	25,063	12,547
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(5,455)	(10,935)
Available for sale, fair value	253,990	212,565
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	24,393,498	23,597,530
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	2,201,998	887,288
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(212,380)	(682,424)
Available for sale, fair value	26,383,116	23,802,394
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Held For Investment Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Held for investment, amortized cost	76,722	76,622
Held for investment, gross unrealized gains	0	0
Held for investment, gross unrealized losses	(8,180)	(11,245)
Held for investment	68,542	65,377
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	1,257,634	1,366,985
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	136,085	98,576
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(1,278)	(3,489)
Available for sale, fair value	1,392,441	1,462,072
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	4,600,531	4,238,265
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	173,501	41,412
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(38,822)	(105,281)
Available for sale, fair value	4,735,210	4,174,396
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] \| Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available for sale, amortized cost	1,271,122	1,130,524
Available for sale, gross unrealized gains	40,148	34,534
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses	(17,473)	(19,880)
Available for sale, fair value	$ 1,293,797	$ 1,145,178

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, due in one year or less, amortized cost	$ 320,122
Available for sale securities, due after one year through five years, amortized cost	2,673,105
Available for sale securities, due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	10,956,902
Available for sale securities, due after ten years through twenty years, amortized cost	8,357,708
Available for sale securities, due after twenty years, amortized cost	7,545,605
Available for sale securities, securities with a single maturity date, amortized cost	29,853,442
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	36,982,728	$ 35,823,710
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, due in one year or less, fair value	325,370
Available for sale securities, due after one year through five years, fair value	2,836,994
Available for sale securities, due after five years through ten years, fair value	11,483,761
Available for sale securities, due after ten years through twenty years, fair value	9,305,285
Available for sale securities, due after twenty years, fair value	8,490,945
Available for sale securities, securities with a single maturity date, fair value	32,442,355
Available for sale securities, fair value	39,863,803	36,421,839
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, due in one year or less, amortized cost	0
Held for investment securities, due after one year through five years, amortized cost	0
Held for investment securities, due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	0
Held for investment securities, due after ten years through twenty years, amortized cost	0
Held for investment securities, due after twenty years, amortized cost	76,722
Held for investment securities, securities with a single maturity date, amortized cost	76,722
Held for investment, amortized cost	76,722	76,622
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, due in one year or less, fair value	0
Held for investment securities, due after one year through five years, fair value	0
Held for investment securities, due after five years through ten years, fair value	0
Held for investment securities, due after ten years through twenty years, fair value	0
Held for investment securities, due after twenty years, fair value	68,542
Held for investment securities, securities with a single maturity date, fair value	68,542
Held for investment	68,542	$ 65,377
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	1,257,633
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	1,392,441
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	0
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	4,600,531
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	4,735,210
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	0
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	1,271,122
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	1,293,797
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, securities without a single maturity date, amortized cost	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, securities without a single maturity date, fair value	$ 0

Investments (Net Unrealized Gains on Available for Sale Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities Reported as a Separate Component of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities	$ 2,881,370	$ 598,442
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(1,541,834)	(322,859)
Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal	22,534	22,534
Deferred income tax expense	(468,838)	(96,454)
Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 893,232	$ 201,663

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References + Details

Investments (Schedule of Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Portfolio by NAIC Designation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 37,059,450	$ 35,900,332
Fair value	39,932,345	36,487,216
NAIC, Class 1 Designation [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	23,685,524	23,363,259
Fair value	25,965,937	24,207,801
NAIC, Class 2 Designation [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	12,154,249	11,709,730
Fair value	12,860,194	11,589,325
NAIC, Class 3 Designation [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,045,123	758,531
Fair value	972,142	643,293
NAIC, Class 4 Designation [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	141,552	60,480
Fair value	107,753	44,312
NAIC, Class 5 Designation [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	19,384	0
Fair value	12,180	0
NAIC, Class 6 Designation [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	13,618	8,332
Fair value	$ 14,139	$ 2,485

Investments (Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments, By Category and Length of Time) (Details) - Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	$ 2,479,740	$ 13,944,810
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(100,817)	(646,288)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	1,621,441	676,956
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(175,824)	(199,057)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	4,101,181	14,621,766
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(276,641)	(845,345)
United States Government Full Faith and Credit [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value		37,730
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses		(299)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value		0
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses		0
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value		37,730
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses		(299)
United States Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	61,450	957,053
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(550)	(14,409)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	0	0
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	0	0
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	61,450	957,053
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(550)	(14,409)
United States Municipalities, States and Territories [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	0	261,823
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	(8,474)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	6,752	2,846
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(683)	(154)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	6,752	264,669
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(683)	(8,628)
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	0	42,966
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	(1,762)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	19,141	15,463
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(5,455)	(9,173)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	19,141	58,429
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(5,455)	(10,935)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Sectors [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	168,620	2,077,223
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(8,462)	(59,607)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	172,731	49,912
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(7,056)	(14,855)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	341,351	2,127,135
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(15,518)	(74,462)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Manufacturing, Construction and Mining [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	354,576	3,517,967
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(24,505)	(246,456)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	764,467	376,229
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(107,685)	(131,003)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	1,119,043	3,894,196
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(132,190)	(377,459)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Utilities and Related Sectors [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	209,329	2,240,652
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(6,837)	(138,940)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	345,800	97,184
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(28,023)	(22,565)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	555,129	2,337,836
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(34,860)	(161,505)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Wholesale/Retail Trade [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	80,220	473,050
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(2,736)	(17,863)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	62,330	38,682
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(7,574)	(8,125)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	142,550	511,732
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(10,310)	(25,988)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Services, Media and Other [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	97,145	1,037,011
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(7,014)	(39,937)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	151,222	32,050
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(12,488)	(3,073)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	248,367	1,069,061
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(19,502)	(43,010)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Insurance [Member]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Held for investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	0	65,377
Held for investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	(11,245)
Held for investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	68,542	0
Held for investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(8,180)	0
Held for investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	68,542	65,377
Held for investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(8,180)	(11,245)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	39,184	162,770
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(1,258)	(2,958)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	653	6,438
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(20)	(531)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	39,837	169,208
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(1,278)	(3,489)
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	1,164,578	2,679,510
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(38,822)	(105,002)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	0	11,495
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	0	(279)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	1,164,578	2,691,005
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	(38,822)	(105,281)
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	304,638	457,055
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(10,633)	(10,581)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	98,345	46,657
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, unrealized losses	(6,840)	(9,299)
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, fair value	402,983	503,712
Available for sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, total, unrealized losses	$ (17,473)	$ (19,880)

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Gains on Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost	$ 820	$ (17,326)	$ 3,065	$ (10,227)
Investments carried at fair value, available for sale	1,167,860	(1,547,144)	2,282,928	(1,026,936)
Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements	(609,224)	770,285	(1,218,975)	515,209
Deferred income tax asset/liability	(195,523)	271,900	(372,384)	179,105
Total adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts	(804,747)	1,042,185	(1,591,359)	694,314
Change in net unrealized gains on investments carried at fair value	363,113	(504,959)	691,569	(332,622)
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments carried at fair value, available for sale	1,167,861	(1,547,155)	2,282,946	(1,026,989)
Equity Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments carried at fair value, available for sale	$ (1)	$ 11	$ (18)	$ 53

Investments (Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Invesments, Excluding Other Than Temporary Impairments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	$ 2,737	$ 4,324	$ 5,424	$ 9,203
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	4,604	2,212	6,091	4,500
Gross realized losses	(1,368)	(511)	(2,599)	(800)
Gross realized gains (losses), excluding other than temporary impairments	3,236	1,701	3,492	3,700
Other Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of real estate	705	195	836	1,033
Loss on sale of real estate	(1)	(193)	(93)	(575)
Impairment losses on real estate	0	0	0	(629)
Gain (loss) on other investments	704	2	743	(171)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Decrease (increase) in allowance for credit losses	(2,885)	(499)	(3,833)	1,299
Recovery of specific allowance	1,682	3,120	5,022	4,375
Change in allowance for credit losses and recoveries	$ (1,203)	$ 2,621	$ 1,189	$ 5,674

Investments (Significant Assumptions in Determining Credit Loss Component of Other Than Temporary Impairment on Residential Mortgage Backed Securities) (Details) - Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Prime Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2005 [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.70%
Default rate	14.00%
Loss severity	50.00%
Prime Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2005 [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.70%
Default rate	14.00%
Loss severity	50.00%
Prime Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2006 [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.30%	6.50%
Default rate	13.00%	14.00%
Loss severity	50.00%	40.00%
Prime Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2006 [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.30%	6.50%
Default rate	13.00%	14.00%
Loss severity	50.00%	40.00%
Prime Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2007 [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	6.20%	6.40%
Default rate	18.00%	15.00%
Loss severity	50.00%	55.00%
Prime Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2007 [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	6.40%	7.00%
Default rate	31.00%	19.00%
Loss severity	55.00%	55.00%
Alt-A Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2005 [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.40%	5.60%
Default rate	11.00%	99.00%
Loss severity	60.00%	2.00%
Alt-A Sector [Member] \| Vintage Year 2005 [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.40%	5.60%
Default rate	11.00%	99.00%
Loss severity	60.00%	2.00%

Investments (Other Than Temporary Impairments by Asset Type) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Securities	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) Securities	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Securities	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) Securities
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract]
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities \| Securities	5		16
Total OTTI losses	$ (762)	$ 0	$ (6,780)	$ (132)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income	(3,684)	(828)	(3,360)	(828)
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	$ (4,446)	$ (828)	$ (10,140)	$ (960)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Energy [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract]
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities \| Securities			2
Total OTTI losses			$ (642)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income			0
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations			$ (642)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Telecommunications [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract]
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities \| Securities			1
Total OTTI losses			$ (4,462)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income			562
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations			$ (3,900)
Corporate Securities [Member] \| Utilities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract]
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities \| Securities			1
Total OTTI losses			$ (136)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income			0
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations			$ (136)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract]
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities \| Securities	2	3	6	4
Total OTTI losses	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (132)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income	(202)	(828)	(440)	(828)
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	$ (202)	$ (828)	$ (440)	$ (960)
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract]
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities \| Securities	2		5
Total OTTI losses	$ (762)		$ (1,540)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income	0		0
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	$ (762)		$ (1,540)
Other Asset Backed Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract]
Other than temporary impairment, number of securities \| Securities	1		1
Total OTTI losses	$ 0		$ 0
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in (from) other comprehensive income	(3,482)		(3,482)
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations	$ (3,482)		$ (3,482)

Investments (Cumulative Credit Loss Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Cumulative credit loss at beginning of period	$ (151,518)	$ (127,182)	$ (145,824)	$ (127,050)
Credit losses on securities for which OTTI has not previously been recognized	(762)	0	(6,218)	(132)
Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized	(3,684)	(828)	(3,922)	(828)
Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period	1,556	0	1,556	0
Cumulative credit loss at end of period	$ (154,408)	$ (128,010)	$ (154,408)	$ (128,010)

Investments (Cumulative Noncredit Portion of Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Change in Fair Value Since Other Than Temporary Impairment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 446,879	$ 481,421
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	(175,464)	(178,824)
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	206,642	198,605
Fair value	478,057	501,202
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Corporate Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	8,764	6,396
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	(3,537)	(2,975)
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	7,234	9
Fair value	12,461	3,430
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	416,615	466,871
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	(170,284)	(170,724)
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	200,735	199,149
Fair value	447,066	495,296
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	16,646
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	0
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	206
Fair value	16,852
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] \| Other Asset Backed Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	4,854	8,154
OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income	(1,643)	(5,125)
Change in fair value since OTTI was recognized	(1,533)	(553)
Fair value	$ 1,678	$ 2,476

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) loans portfolio_segment	Jun. 30, 2015 loans	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) loans portfolio_segment	Jun. 30, 2015 loans	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]
Commitments outstanding	$ 66.5		$ 66.5
Number of portfolio segments that make up financing receivables \| portfolio_segment	1		1
Number of mortgage loans satisfied by foreclosure \| loans	0	0	0	0
Impaired mortgage loans, workout terms, interest only payments, six month terms			6 months
Impaired mortgage loans, workout terms, interest only payments, twelve month terms			12 months
Impaired mortgage loans, workout terms, cash flow sweep, number of months			12 months
Number of days past due, non-accrual status			90 days
Outstanding principal of loans in a non-accrual status	$ 7.8		$ 7.8		$ 0.0
Minimum [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number of days past due, delinquent status			60 days

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Summary of Mortgage Loan Portfolio) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]
Principal outstanding	$ 2,463,412	$ 2,449,909
Loan loss allowance	(10,852)	(14,142)
Deferred prepayment fees	(1,185)	(510)
Mortgage loans on real estate	$ 2,451,375	$ 2,435,257

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Mortgage Loan Portfolio Summarized by Geographic Region and Property Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 2,463,412	$ 2,449,909
Percent	100.00%	100.00%
Office [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 341,209	$ 396,154
Percent	13.90%	16.20%
Medical Office [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 72,087	$ 77,438
Percent	2.90%	3.20%
Retail [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 815,013	$ 790,158
Percent	33.10%	32.20%
Industrial/Warehouse [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 690,503	$ 686,400
Percent	28.00%	28.00%
Hotel [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 3,255	$ 3,361
Percent	0.10%	0.10%
Apartment [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 372,459	$ 352,971
Percent	15.10%	14.40%
Mixed Use/Other [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 168,886	$ 143,427
Percent	6.90%	5.90%
East [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 672,512	$ 698,113
Percent	27.30%	28.50%
Middle Atlantic [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 160,283	$ 160,261
Percent	6.50%	6.60%
Mountain [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 234,568	$ 252,442
Percent	9.50%	10.30%
New England [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 12,944	$ 13,161
Percent	0.60%	0.50%
Pacific [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 385,306	$ 355,268
Percent	15.60%	14.50%
South Atlantic [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 472,253	$ 456,227
Percent	19.20%	18.60%
West North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 325,402	$ 313,120
Percent	13.20%	12.80%
West South Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal outstanding	$ 200,144	$ 201,317
Percent	8.10%	8.20%

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Allowance for Loan Losses Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning allowance balance			$ (14,142)
Ending allowance balance	$ (10,852)		(10,852)
Specific Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning allowance balance	(5,750)	$ (12,452)	(7,842)	$ (12,333)
Charge-offs	2,101	15	2,101	143
Recoveries	1,682	3,120	5,022	4,375
Change in provision for credit losses	(2,585)	1	(3,833)	(1,501)
Ending allowance balance	(4,552)	(9,316)	(4,552)	(9,316)
General Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning allowance balance	(6,000)	(7,000)	(6,300)	(10,300)
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Change in provision for credit losses	(300)	(500)	0	2,800
Ending allowance balance	$ (6,300)	$ (7,500)	$ (6,300)	$ (7,500)

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Impaired Mortgage Loans on Real Estate by Basis of Impairment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	$ 10,342	$ 21,277
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,453,070	2,428,632
Principal outstanding	$ 2,463,412	$ 2,449,909

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Real Estate Owned) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]
Real estate owned at beginning of period	$ 5,356	$ 14,611	$ 6,485	$ 20,238
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of mortgage loans	0	0	0	0
Sales	(5,338)	(1,581)	(6,444)	(6,480)
Impairments	0	0	0	(629)
Depreciation	(18)	(72)	(41)	(171)
Real estate owned at end of period	$ 0	$ 12,958	$ 0	$ 12,958

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Mortgage Loans by Credit Quality Indicator) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]
Performing	$ 2,453,915	$ 2,438,341
In workout	1,648	11,568
Delinquent	0	0
Collateral dependent	7,849	0
Principal outstanding	$ 2,463,412	$ 2,449,909

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans, past due	$ 0	$ 0
Commercial mortgage loans, current	2,455,563	2,449,909
Commercial mortgage loans, collateral dependent receivables	7,849	0
Principal outstanding	2,463,412	2,449,909
30 to 59 Days [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans, past due	0	0
60 to 89 Days [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans, past due	0	0
90 Days and Over [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans, past due	$ 0	$ 0

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Mortgage loans with an allowance, recorded investment	$ 5,790		$ 5,790		$ 13,435
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, recorded investment	4,723		4,723		8,859
Impaired mortgage loans, recorded investment	10,513		10,513		22,294
Mortgage loans with an allowance, unpaid principal balance	10,342		10,342		21,277
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, unpaid principal balance	4,723		4,723		8,859
Impaired mortgage loans, unpaid principal balance	15,065		15,065		30,136
Mortgage loans with an allowance, related allowance	(4,552)		(4,552)		$ (7,842)
Mortgage loans with an allowance, average recorded investment	6,921	$ 15,518	7,166	$ 15,893
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, average recorded investment	4,737	11,856	4,793	11,873
Impaired mortgage loans, average recorded investment	11,658	27,374	11,959	27,766
Mortgage loans with an allowance, interest income recognized	164	394	329	738
Mortgage loans with no related allowance, interest income recognized	74	180	150	372
Impaired mortgage loans, interest income reoognized	$ 238	$ 574	$ 479	$ 1,110

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Troubled Debt Restructurings) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) loans	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of TDRs \| loans	3	9
Principal balance outstanding	$ 5,942	$ 20,374
Specific loan loss allowance	(928)	(3,459)
Net carrying amount	$ 5,014	$ 16,915
South Atlantic [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of TDRs \| loans	2	6
Principal balance outstanding	$ 3,881	$ 11,155
Specific loan loss allowance	(461)	(2,992)
Net carrying amount	$ 3,420	$ 8,163
East North Central [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of TDRs \| loans	1	2
Principal balance outstanding	$ 2,061	$ 3,306
Specific loan loss allowance	(467)	(467)
Net carrying amount	$ 1,594	$ 2,839
West North Central [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of TDRs \| loans		1
Principal balance outstanding		$ 5,913
Specific loan loss allowance		0
Net carrying amount		$ 5,913

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($) counterparties $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) shares	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative collateral		$ 369.5	$ 369.5	$ 349.8
Credit risk, maximum exposure		$ 205.3		$ 36.9
Shares of common stock issued to settle warrants that have reached their expiration \| shares		92,998	140,866
2015 Notes Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of counterparties \| counterparties	2
Derivative, conversion spread, shares of common stock \| shares	16,000,000
Derivative asset, strike price \| $ / shares	$ 12.50
2015 Warrants [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Warrants, number of securities called by warrants \| shares	16,000,000			1,600,000
Warrants, strike price \| $ / shares	$ 16.00			$ 15.59
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	$ 15.6
September 2015 Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Principal amount of convertible senior notes payable at issuance	$ 200.0
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.50%
SunTrust [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps, duration		7 years
Collateral on deposit		$ 5.7	$ 5.7
SunTrust [Member] \| Three Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, cap interest rate		2.50%	2.50%
Call Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Investment maturity period		1 year

Derivative Instruments (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 576,262	$ 337,256
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	576,689	338,666
Derivative liabilities	6,504,986	5,986,761
Call Options [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	576,262	337,256
Interest Rate Caps [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	427	1,410
Fixed Index Annuities - Embedded Derivatives [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	6,499,015	5,983,622
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	$ 5,971	$ 3,139

Derivative Instruments (Change in Fair Value of Derivatives Included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of derivatives	$ 39,099	$ (23,024)	$ (34,966)	$ (54,124)
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	284,303	(219,601)	550,160	(168,388)
Call Options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of derivatives	40,394	(20,141)	(30,357)	(49,361)
2015 Notes Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of derivatives	0	(3,942)	0	(3,375)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of derivatives	(982)	827	(3,626)	(934)
Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of derivatives	(313)	232	(983)	(454)
Fixed Index Annuities - Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	199,917	(334,481)	379,632	(404,358)
Other Changes in Difference Between Policy Benefit Reserves Computed Using Derivative Accounting Vs. Long-Duration Contracts Accounting [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	84,386	118,822	170,528	239,345
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	$ 0	$ (3,942)	$ 0	$ (3,375)

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Call Options, Notional Amount and Fair Value, by Counterparty) (Details) - Call Options [Member] - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 30,148,735	$ 29,277,569
Derivative instruments	576,262	337,256
Bank of America [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	6,555,160	6,257,861
Derivative instruments	124,871	67,662
Barclays [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	2,677,943	2,463,768
Derivative instruments	58,261	35,273
BNP Paribas [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,154,557	1,520,710
Derivative instruments	25,532	16,944
Citibank, N.A. [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	3,667,666	3,786,498
Derivative instruments	46,160	23,587
Credit Suisse [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,573,916	1,278,492
Derivative instruments	29,563	12,508
Deutsche Bank [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	557,990	1,349,002
Derivative instruments	6,167	10,704
J.P. Morgan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,308,604	838,982
Derivative instruments	24,114	5,283
Morgan Stanley [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	3,322,720	3,465,457
Derivative instruments	38,833	33,171
Royal Bank of Canada [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	3,260,997	2,820,410
Derivative instruments	76,346	48,654
SunTrust [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,542,351	1,308,434
Derivative instruments	38,407	20,028
Wells Fargo [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	4,426,882	4,187,955
Derivative instruments	105,968	63,442
Exchange Traded [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	99,949	0
Derivative instruments	$ 2,040	$ 0

Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Swap) (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - Interest Rate Swap, Maturity Date, March 15, 2021, 2.415% [Member] - SunTrust [Member] - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 85,500
Pay rate	2.415%
Derivative liabilities	$ (5,971)	$ (3,139)

Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Caps) (Details) - Interest Rate Caps [Member] - SunTrust [Member] - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 79,000
Derivative assets	427	$ 1,410
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 7, 2021, 2.50% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 40,000
Cap rate	2.50%
Derivative assets	$ 213	708
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 8, 2021, 2.50% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 12,000
Cap rate	2.50%
Derivative assets	$ 64	212
Interest Rate Caps, Maturity Date, July 29, 2021, 2.50% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 27,000
Cap rate	2.50%
Derivative assets	$ 150	$ 490

Notes Payable (Line of Credit Narrative) (Details) - 2013 Line of Credit [Member] $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) banks occasions guarantor	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 140,000
Line of credit, number of banks in agreement \| banks	5
Line of credit, interest rate, floating, applicable margin	0.75%
Line of credit, interest rate, floating, adjusted LIBOR	1.75%
Line of credit, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.30%
Minimum risk-based capital ratio	275.00%
Maximum debt to capital ratio	0.35
Minimum capital to be retained	80.00%
Minimum portion of net income to be retained	50.00%
Minimum capital contributions to be retained	50.00%
Line of credit, number of occasions borrowing capacity can be increased \| occasions	3
Line of credit, additional borrowing capacity, aggregate amount	$ 50,000
Line of credit, maturity date extension available, years	1 year
Line of credit, number of guarantors \| guarantor	0
Line of credit, amount outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Cash in excess of amount required by covenants	$ 311,000

Notes Payable (Repurchase Agreements Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Repurchase agreement, maximum amount borrowed				$ 40,600
Repurchase agreement, average borrowings	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 900
Repurchase agreement, weighted average interest rate				0.39%

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated litigation liability	$ 11.1
Unfunded commitments to limited partnerships	36.5
Unfunded commitments to secured bank loans	$ 13.5

Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]

Net income (loss) - numerator for earnings (loss) per common share

$ 14,708

$ 82,845

$ (30,133)

$ 88,748

Weighted average common shares outstanding (shares)

^[1]

82,516,927

77,237,200

82,322,919

77,139,992

Effect of dilutive securities: 2015 warrants (shares)

779,926

30,439

793,132

Denominator for earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution

83,184,137

79,227,317

83,072,816

79,173,143

Earnings (loss) per common share

$ 0.18

$ 1.07

$ (0.37)

$ 1.15

Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution

$ 0.18

$ 1.05

$ (0.37)

$ 1.12

Stock Options and Deferred Compensation Agreements [Member]

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]

Effect of dilutive securities: share-based payment arrangements (shares)

353,052

1,087,893

422,809

1,123,614

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]

Effect of dilutive securities: share-based payment arrangements (shares)

314,158

122,298

296,649

116,405

[1]	Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of shares	1,061,541	0	1,061,541	0
Minimum [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	$ 24.79	$ 0.00	$ 24.79	$ 0.00
Maximum [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	$ 24.79	$ 0.00	$ 24.79	$ 0.00

Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Stockholders' Equity (Stockholders' Equity Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Public offering related to equity forward transaction, shares		8,600,000
Forward rate per share		$ 25.25
Shares subject to forward sale agreement		4,300,000
Optional shares available to underwriters		1,290,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			$ 3,779	$ 5,399
Subsequent Event [Member]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Shares of common stock issued	5,590,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 134,700