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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entitiy Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document period end date	Mar. 31, 2012
Amendment flag	false
Entity registrant name	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA INC
Entity central index key	0000898174
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity voluntary filers	No
Current fiscal year end date	--12-31
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Common Shares Outstanding		73,712,239
Entity public float			$ 4.5
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale at fair value	$ 16,794,057	$ 16,200,950
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,040,733	991,731
Policy loans	1,260,070	1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest	5,472,532	5,410,424
Short-term investments	75,425	88,566
Other invested assets	867,507	1,012,541
Total investments	25,510,324	24,964,612
Cash and cash equivalents	873,933	962,870
Accrued Investment Income	173,629	144,334
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	1,131,334	1,059,572
Reinsurance ceded receivables	597,508	626,194
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,629,424	3,543,925
Other assets	369,930	332,466
Total assets	32,286,082	31,633,973
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
Future policy benefits	10,413,361	9,903,886
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	8,252,995	8,394,468
Other policy claims and benefits	2,984,681	2,841,373
Other reinsurance balances	132,389	118,219
Deferred income taxes	1,728,765	1,679,834
Other liabilities	777,678	810,775
Short Term Debt	0	0
Long-term debt	1,414,829	1,414,688
Collateral finance facility	652,029	652,032
Total liabilities	26,356,727	25,815,275
Stockholders Equity:
Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding)	0	0
Common stock (par value $.01 per share; 140,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 79,137,758 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011)	791	791
Additional paid-in-capital	1,736,184	1,727,774
Retained earnings	2,906,310	2,818,429
Treasury stock, at cost	(325,732)	(346,449)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,611,802	1,618,153
Total stockholders equity	5,929,355	5,818,698
Total liabilities and stockholders equity	$ 32,286,082	$ 31,633,973

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICAL - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals [Abstract]
Available for Sale at Fair value - Amortized cost	$ 14,814,859	$ 14,182,880
Preferred stock par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common stock shares issued	79,137,758	79,137,758
Common stock shares outstanding	73,712,236	73,367,734
Treasury Shares Held	5,425,522	5,770,024
Allowances for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	$ 14,650	$ 11,793

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Net premiums	$ 1,863,482	$ 1,736,130
Investment income, net of related expenses	340,940	371,040
Investment related gains (losses), net:
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(7,607)	(1,556)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income	(7,221)	0
Other investment related gains (losses), net	58,348	125,176
Total investment related gains (losses), net	43,520	123,620
Other revenues	45,033	51,645
Total revenues	2,292,975	2,282,435
Benefits and Expenses:
Claims and other policy benefits	1,580,149	1,469,449
Interest credited	88,042	106,063
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses	307,634	346,247
Other operating expenses	110,098	106,150
Interest expense	23,322	24,569
Collateral Financing Expense	2,967	3,202
Total benefits and expenses	2,112,212	2,055,680
Income before income taxes	180,763	226,755
Provision for income taxes	(57,445)	(77,835)
Net income	$ 123,318	$ 148,920
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earning per share	$ 1.68	$ 2.03
Diluted earnings per share	1.67	2.02
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.18	$ 0.12

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Abstract
Net income	$ 123,318	$ 148,920
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Abstract
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax	24,080	24,407
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax	(35,415)	(35,818)
Change In Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income	4,694	0
Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Net Of Tax	290	214
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease	(6,351)	(11,197)
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax	$ 116,967	$ 137,723

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References

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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
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-Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
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+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

- Definition

The adjustment out of other comprehensive income for prior service costs recognized as a component of net period benefit cost during the period, after tax.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

- Definition

Change in the balance sheet adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity for the period being reported, net of tax. If an entity's functional currency is a foreign currency, translation adjustments result from the process of translating that entity's financial statements into the reporting currency. Includes gain (loss) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Includes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. Includes the gain (loss) on a derivative instrument or nonderivative financial instrument that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain (loss) and that have been designated and have qualified as hedging instruments for hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5

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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.

+ References

+ Details

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 123,318	$ 148,920
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	(28,616)	(26,763)
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances	(61,722)	85,908
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(65,583)	82,324
Reinsurance ceded balances	28,686	(38,230)
Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and other reinsurance balances	554,354	227,509
Total deferred income taxes	38,107	20,319
Other assets and other liabilities, net	5,944	(25,759)
Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other	(35,281)	(27,093)
Investment related gains, net	(43,520)	(123,620)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	30	(932)
Other, net	38,938	53,065
Net cash provided by operating activities	554,655	375,648
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	47,096	910,943
Maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	36,437	85,374
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(572,345)	(1,087,526)
Cash invested in mortgage loans	(75,081)	(28,493)
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest	(33,083)	571
Principal payments on mortgage loans on real estate	22,081	11,843
Principal payments on policy loans	330	6,402
Change in short-term investments and other invested assets	65,256	(24,911)
Net cash used in investing activities	(509,309)	(125,797)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Dividends to stockholders	(13,255)	(8,832)
Proceeds From Issuance Of Long Term Debt	0	0
Repurchase of long-term debt	0	(7,586)
Net repayments under credit agreements	0	56,000
Proceeds from redemption and remarketing of trust preferred securities	0	154,588
Purchases of treasury stock	(4,118)	(335,955)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement	(30)	932
Exercise of stock options, net	216	(5,811)
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions	(100,565)	(6,120)
Deposits on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	37,303	13,724
Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts	59,922	110,703
Net cash used in financing activities	(140,371)	(249,763)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	6,088	3,923
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(88,937)	4,011
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	962,870	463,661
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	873,933	467,672
Supplementary information:
Cash paid for interest	24,592	12,846
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$ 15,112	$ 77,441

Organization and Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Organization and Basis of Presentation

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated ("RGA") is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. There were no subsequent events that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2011 Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2012.

The Company has adjusted the presentation of certain prior-period information to conform to the current presentation. Such adjustments reflect the retrospective adoption of the amended general accounting principles for Financial Services – Insurance as it relates to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The financial statements and notes to the financial statements presented herein have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective adoption of the new accounting principles. See below for additional information. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

In October 2010, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Financial Services – Insurance as it relates to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This amendment clarifies that only those costs that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction not occurred can be capitalized. It also defines acquisitions costs as costs that are related directly to the successful acquisitions of new or renewal insurance contracts. The Company adopted the amended general accounting principles on a retrospective basis on January 1, 2012. The Company believes retrospective adoption provides the most comparable and useful financial information for financial statement users. The financial statements and notes to the financial statements presented herein have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective adoption of the new accounting principles.

The following tables present the effects of the retrospective adoption of the new accounting principles to the Company's previously reported consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 and condensed consolidated statement of income and condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 (in thousands, except share amounts):

				December 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Assets
Deferred policy acquisition costs			$	4,013,984	$	(470,059)	$	3,543,925

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Future policy benefits				9,903,503		383		9,903,886
Deferred income taxes				1,831,869		(152,035)		1,679,834
Stockholders' Equity:
	Retained earnings			3,131,934		(313,505)		2,818,429
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			1,623,055		(4,902)		1,618,153

				Three months ended March 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Benefits and Expenses:
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses			$	331,153	$	15,094	$	346,247

Income before income taxes				241,849		(15,094)		226,755
Provision for income taxes				81,033		(3,198)		77,835
Net income			$	160,816	$	(11,896)	$	148,920

(Continued)				December 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share			$	2.20	$	(0.17)	$	2.03
Diluted earnings per share			$	2.18	$	(0.16)	$	2.02

				Three months ended March 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income			$	160,816	$	(11,896)	$	148,920
	Change in operating assets and liabilities
		Deferred policy acquisition costs		67,230		15,094		82,324
		Deferred income taxes		23,517		(3,198)		20,319

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Publisher AICPA
-Number 94-6
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Publisher FASB
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 3
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

2. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share on net income (in thousands, except per share information):

			Three months ended
		March 31,
			2012		2011
Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	123,318	$	148,920
Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)		73,575		73,213
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options		468		623
	Denominator for diluted calculation		74,043		73,836
Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	1.68	$	2.03
	Diluted	$	1.67	$	2.02

The calculation of common equivalent shares does not include the impact of options having a strike or conversion price that exceeds the average stock price for the earnings period, as the result would be antidilutive. The calculation of common equivalent shares also excludes the impact of outstanding performance contingent shares, as the conditions necessary for their issuance have not been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, approximately 1.4 million stock options and approximately 0.7 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, approximately 0.8 million stock options and approximately 0.8 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation.

Comprehensive Income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income

3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
			Accumulated
			Currency		Unrealized		Pension and
			Translation		Appreciation		Postretirement
			Adjustments		of Securities		Benefits		Total
Balance, December 31, 2011		$	229,795	$	1,419,318	$	(30,960)	$	1,618,153
	Change in component during the period		24,080		(30,721)		290		(6,351)
Balance, March 31, 2012		$	253,875	$	1,388,597	$	(30,670)	$	1,611,802

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14-26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e689-108580

+ Details

Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Investments Abstract

Investments

4. Investments

The Company had total cash and invested assets of $26.4 billion and $25.9 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, as illustrated below (dollars in thousands):

		March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	16,794,057	$	16,200,950
Mortgage loans on real estate			1,040,733		991,731
Policy loans			1,260,070		1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest			5,472,532		5,410,424
Short-term investments			75,425		88,566
Other invested assets			867,507		1,012,541
Cash and cash equivalents			873,933		962,870
	Total cash and invested assets	$	26,384,257	$	25,927,482

All investments held by the Company are monitored for conformance to the qualitative and quantitative limits prescribed by the applicable jurisdiction's insurance laws and regulations. In addition, the operating companies' boards of directors periodically review their respective investment portfolios. The Company's investment strategy is to maintain a predominantly investment-grade, fixed maturity securities portfolio, which will provide adequate liquidity for expected reinsurance obligations and maximize total return through prudent asset management. The Company's asset/liability duration matching differs between operating segments. Based on Canadian reserve requirements, the Canadian liabilities are matched with long-duration Canadian assets. The duration of the Canadian portfolio exceeds twenty years. The average duration for all portfolios, when consolidated, ranges between eight and ten years.

The Company participates in a securities borrowing program whereby securities, which are not reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets, are borrowed from a third party. The Company is required to maintain a minimum of 100% of the market value of the borrowed securities as collateral. The Company had borrowed securities with an amortized cost and an estimated fair value of $150.0 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The borrowed securities are used to provide collateral under an affiliated reinsurance transaction.

Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses

Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2012		2011
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$	191,418	$	184,561
Mortgage loans on real estate		14,965		13,734
Policy loans		16,783		16,371
Funds withheld at interest		115,014		153,060
Short-term investments		988		925
Other invested assets		11,322		9,698
Investment revenue		350,490		378,349
Investment expense		9,550		7,309
Investment income, net of related expenses	$	340,940	$	371,040

Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net

Investment related gains (losses), net consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2012		2011
Fixed maturities and equity securities available for sale:
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities	$	(7,607)	$	(1,556)
	Portion of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		(7,221)		--
	Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings		(14,828)		(1,556)
	Impairment losses on equity securities		(839)		--
	Gain on investment activity		22,312		29,376
	Loss on investment activity		(7,504)		(6,914)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision			(5,843)		576
Derivatives and other, net			50,222		102,138
Net gains		$	43,520	$	123,620

The net other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings of $14.8 million and $1.6 million in the first three months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, are primarily due to a decline in value of structured securities with exposure to commercial mortgages and corporate bankruptcies. The decrease in derivatives and other is primarily due to a decrease in the fair value of free-standing derivatives.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company sold fixed maturity securities and equity securities with fair values of $248.1 million and $196.6 million at losses of $7.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The Company generally does not engage in short-term buying and selling of securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

As discussed in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company's 2011 Annual Report, a portion of certain other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses on fixed maturity securities are recognized in AOCI. For these securities the net amount recognized in earnings ("credit loss impairments") represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The following table sets forth the amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts (dollars in thousands):

	Three months ended
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	63,947	$	47,291
Initial impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired		1,902		--
Additional impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired		8,720		658
Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period		(11,381)		--
Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period		(952)		--
Balance, end of period	$	62,236	$	47,949

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities by sector as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

													Other-than-
									Estimated				temporary
March 31, 2012:			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair		% of		impairments
			Cost		Gains		Losses		Value		Total		in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	7,518,983	$	671,100	$	78,629	$	8,111,454	48.3	%	$	--
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		2,610,735		1,229,402		797		3,839,340	22.9			--
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			1,075,073		72,598		9,443		1,138,228	6.8			(710)
	Asset-backed securities			448,688		11,390		45,551		414,527	2.5			(4,512)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,302,734		104,586		64,899		1,342,421	8.0			(6,118)
	U.S. government and agencies			257,928		22,500		1,335		279,093	1.6			--
	State and political subdivisions			191,113		27,873		4,982		214,004	1.3			--
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,409,605		49,908		4,523		1,454,990	8.6			--
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	14,814,859	$	2,189,357	$	210,159	$	16,794,057	100.0	%	$	(11,340)

Non-redeemable preferred stock			$	77,766	$	4,963	$	2,706	$	80,023	81.6	%
Other equity securities				16,046		3,446		1,487		18,005	18.4
		Total equity securities	$	93,812	$	8,409	$	4,193	$	98,028	100.0	%

													Other-than-
									Estimated				temporary
December 31, 2011:			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair		% of		impairments
			Cost		Gains		Losses		Value		Total		in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	6,931,958	$	654,519	$	125,371	$	7,461,106	46.0	%	$	--
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		2,507,802		1,362,160		29		3,869,933	23.9			--
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			1,167,265		76,393		16,424		1,227,234	7.6			(1,042)
	Asset-backed securities			443,974		11,692		53,675		401,991	2.5			(5,256)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,233,958		87,750		79,489		1,242,219	7.7			(12,225)
	U.S. government and agencies			341,087		32,976		61		374,002	2.3			--
	State and political subdivisions			184,308		24,419		3,341		205,386	1.3			--
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,372,528		50,127		3,576		1,419,079	8.7			--
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	14,182,880	$	2,300,036	$	281,966	$	16,200,950	100.0	%	$	(18,523)

Non-redeemable preferred stock			$	82,488	$	4,677	$	8,982	$	78,183	68.6	%
Other equity securities				35,352		1,903		1,538		35,717	31.4
		Total equity securities	$	117,840	$	6,580	$	10,520	$	113,900	100.0	%

The Company enters into various collateral arrangements that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral, which are excluded from the tables above. The Company pledged fixed maturity securities as collateral to derivative and reinsurance counterparties with an amortized cost of $37.4 million and $29.0 million, and an estimated fair value of $41.3 million and $32.6 million, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 respectively, which are included in other invested assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company received fixed maturity securities as collateral from derivative and reinsurance counterparties with an estimated fair value of $30.1 million and $1.0 million, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral; however, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company held securities with a fair value of $1,179.0 million that were issued by the Canadian province of Ontario and $1,083.2 million that were issued by an entity that is guaranteed by the Canadian province of Quebec, both of which exceeded 10% of condensed consolidated stockholders' equity. As of December 31, 2011, the Company held securities with a fair value of $1,171.2 million that were issued by the Canadian province of Ontario and $1,107.7 million that were issued by an entity that is guaranteed by the Canadian province of Quebec, both of which exceeded 10% of condensed consolidated stockholders' equity.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2012 are shown by contractual maturity in the table below. Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. At March 31, 2012, the contractual maturities of investments in fixed maturity securities were as follows (dollars in thousands):

			Amortized		Fair
			Cost		Value
Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	179,357	$	180,864
	Due after one year through five years			2,659,446		2,770,954
	Due after five year through ten years			4,094,202		4,447,320
	Due after ten years			5,055,359		6,499,742
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities			2,826,495		2,895,177
		Total	$	14,814,859	$	16,794,057

The tables below show the major industry types of the Company's corporate fixed maturity holdings as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

March 31, 2012:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Finance		$	2,578,694	$	2,686,141	33.1	%
Industrial			3,751,858		4,109,403	50.7
Utility			1,179,592		1,306,787	16.1
Other			8,839		9,123	0.1
	Total	$	7,518,983	$	8,111,454	100.0	%

December 31, 2011:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Finance		$	2,411,175	$	2,442,149	32.7	%
Industrial			3,402,099		3,760,187	50.4
Utility			1,115,384		1,255,090	16.9
Other			3,300		3,680	-
	Total	$	6,931,958	$	7,461,106	100.0	%

The creditworthiness of Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, commonly referred to as “Europe's peripheral region,” is under ongoing stress and uncertainty due to high debt levels and economic weakness. The Company did not have exposure to sovereign fixed maturity securities, which includes global government agencies, from Europe's peripheral region as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. In addition, the Company did not purchase or sell credit protection, through credit default swaps, referenced to sovereign entities of Europe's peripheral region. The tables below show the Company's exposure to sovereign fixed maturity securities originated in countries other than Europe's peripheral region, included in “Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises,” in Note 4 – “Investments,” as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

March 31, 2012:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Australia		$	455,583	$	462,177	37.9	%
Japan			199,435		203,543	16.7
United Kingdom			121,984		132,406	10.8
South Africa			59,393		60,381	5.0
New Zealand			53,981		53,238	4.4
Cayman Islands			48,374		51,807	4.2
Germany			42,434		44,326	3.6
Other			197,465		212,848	17.4
	Total	$	1,178,649	$	1,220,726	100.0	%



December 31, 2011:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Australia		$	437,713	$	446,694	39.1	%
Japan			214,994		219,276	19.2
United Kingdom			118,618		130,106	11.4
Germany			72,926		75,741	6.6
New Zealand			51,547		51,544	4.5
South Africa			37,624		38,528	3.4
South Korea			30,592		32,025	2.8
Other			139,927		148,792	13.0
	Total	$	1,103,941	$	1,142,706	100.0	%

The tables below show the Company's exposure to non-sovereign fixed maturity securities and equity securities, based on the security's country of issuance, from Europe's peripheral region as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

March 31, 2012:							Estimated
					Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Financial institutions:
	Ireland			$	4,160	$	4,569	6.6	%
	Spain				25,656		23,715	34.3
		Total financial institutions			29,816		28,284	40.9

Other:
	Ireland				12,475		13,285	19.3
	Italy				2,980		3,058	4.4
	Spain				24,449		24,450	35.4
		Total other			39,904		40,793	59.1
			Total	$	69,720	$	69,077	100.0	%

December 31, 2011:							Estimated
					Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Financial institutions:
	Ireland			$	4,084	$	4,397	5.9	%
	Spain				25,565		20,378	27.6
		Total financial institutions			29,649		24,775	33.5

Other:
	Ireland				12,474		13,149	17.8
	Italy				2,898		2,808	3.8
	Spain				34,459		33,137	44.9
		Total other			49,831		49,094	66.5
			Total	$	79,480	$	73,869	100.0	%

Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale

The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 851 and 940 fixed maturity and equity securities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):

		March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
		Gross				Gross
		Unrealized				Unrealized
		Losses		% of Total		Losses		% of Total
Less than 20%		$	92,037	42.9	%	$	131,155	44.8	%
20% or more for less than six months			9,986	4.7			51,503	17.6
20% or more for six months or greater			112,329	52.4			109,828	37.6
	Total	$	214,352	100.0	%	$	292,486	100.0	%

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, 58.9% and 65.3% of these gross unrealized losses were associated with investment grade securities. The unrealized losses on these securities decreased primarily due to a decline in interest rates since December 31, 2011.

The Company's determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company's credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. The Company continues to consider valuation declines as a potential indicator of credit deterioration. The Company believes that due to fluctuating market conditions and an extended period of economic uncertainty, the extent and duration of a decline in value have become less indicative of when there has been credit deterioration with respect to a fixed maturity security since it may not have an impact on the ability of the issuer to service all scheduled payments and the Company's evaluation of the recoverability of all contractual cash flows or the ability to recover an amount at least equal to amortized cost. In the Company's impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration given the lack of contractual cash flows or deferability features. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, gross unrealized losses on equity securities greater than 20 percent and 12 months or more totaled $0.5 million.

The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for 851 and 940 fixed maturity securities and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollars in thousands). These investments are presented by class and grade of security, as well as the length of time the related market value has remained below amortized cost.

			Less than 12 months				12 months or greater				Total
					Gross				Gross				Gross
March 31, 2012:			Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized
			Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses
Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	862,016	$	21,354	$	257,018	$	39,896	$	1,119,034	$	61,250
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		28,422		797		--		--		28,422		797
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			73,291		1,148		49,221		6,875		122,512		8,023
	Asset-backed securities			90,691		2,241		96,052		24,491		186,743		26,732
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			92,710		1,432		52,313		13,549		145,023		14,981
	U.S. government and agencies			87,486		1,335		--		--		87,486		1,335
	State and political subdivisions			27,839		3,462		12,020		1,520		39,859		4,982
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		221,491		2,401		17,336		2,122		238,827		4,523
		Total investment grade securities		1,483,946		34,170		483,960		88,453		1,967,906		122,623

Non-investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities			147,646		9,931		47,308		7,448		194,954		17,379
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,851		167		14,434		1,253		18,285		1,420
	Asset-backed securities			11		30		25,023		18,789		25,034		18,819
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			32,637		1,201		61,562		48,717		94,199		49,918
		Total non-investment grade securities		184,145		11,329		148,327		76,207		332,472		87,536
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	1,668,091	$	45,499	$	632,287	$	164,660	$	2,300,378	$	210,159

	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	7,603	$	484	$	19,099	$	2,222	$	26,702	$	2,706
	Other equity securities			20		183		5,537		1,304		5,557		1,487
		Total equity securities	$	7,623	$	667	$	24,636	$	3,526	$	32,259	$	4,193

			Less than 12 months				12 months or greater				Total
					Gross				Gross				Gross
December 31, 2011:			Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized
			Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses
Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	790,758	$	40,180	$	286,244	$	63,117	$	1,077,002	$	103,297
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		3,094		29		--		--		3,094		29
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			128,622		3,549		58,388		10,382		187,010		13,931
	Asset-backed securities			101,263		3,592		93,910		29,036		195,173		32,628
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			109,455		3,538		58,979		22,001		168,434		25,539
	U.S. government and agencies			1,764		61		--		--		1,764		61
	State and political subdivisions			21,045		1,845		12,273		1,268		33,318		3,113
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		148,416		1,085		16,588		2,491		165,004		3,576
		Total investment grade securities		1,304,417		53,879		526,382		128,295		1,830,799		182,174

Non-investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities			212,795		10,852		47,310		11,222		260,105		22,074
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			23,199		712		10,459		1,781		33,658		2,493
	Asset-backed securities			2,363		940		21,275		20,107		23,638		21,047
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			34,918		7,220		62,357		46,730		97,275		53,950
	State and political subdivisions			4,000		228		--		--		4,000		228
		Total non-investment grade securities		277,275		19,952		141,401		79,840		418,676		99,792
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	1,581,692	$	73,831	$	667,783	$	208,135	$	2,249,475	$	281,966

	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	19,516	$	4,478	$	15,694	$	4,504	$	35,210	$	8,982
	Other equity securities			1,662		602		5,905		936		7,567		1,538
		Total equity securities	$	21,178	$	5,080	$	21,599	$	5,440	$	42,777	$	10,520

As of March 31, 2012, the Company does not intend to sell these fixed maturity securities and does not believe it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell these fixed maturity securities before the recovery of the fair value up to the current amortized cost of the investment, which may be maturity. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell fixed maturity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality, asset-liability management and liquidity guidelines.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company has the ability and intent to hold the equity securities until the recovery of the fair value up to the current cost of the investment. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell equity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality and liquidity guidelines.

Unrealized losses on non-investment grade securities are principally related to asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities and were the result of wider credit spreads resulting from higher risk premiums since the time of initial purchase, largely due to macroeconomic conditions and credit market deterioration, including the impact of lower real estate valuations. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, approximately $68.8 million and $68.6 million, respectively, of gross unrealized losses greater than 12 months was associated with non-investment grade asset and mortgage-backed securities. This class of securities was evaluated based on actual and projected collateral losses relative to the securities' positions in the respective securitization trusts and security specific expectations of cash flows. This evaluation also takes into consideration credit enhancement, measured in terms of (i) subordination from other classes of securities in the trust that are contractually obligated to absorb losses before the class of security the Company owns, and (ii) the expected impact of other structural features embedded in the securitization trust beneficial to the class of securities the Company owns, such as overcollateralization and excess spread.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans represented approximately 3.9% and 3.8% of the Company's cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company makes mortgage loans on income producing properties, such as apartments, retail and office buildings, light warehouses and light industrial facilities. Loan-to-value ratios at the time of loan approval are 75% or less.

Information regarding the Company's credit quality indicators for its recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Internal credit risk grade:			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	High investment grade		$	295,266	$	252,333
	Investment grade			539,872		526,608
	Average			93,324		105,177
	Watch list			107,225		91,037
	In or near default			19,696		28,369
		Total	$	1,055,383	$	1,003,524

The age analysis of the Company's past due recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
31-60 days past due			$	11,937	$	21,800
61-90 days past due				3,634		--
Greater than 90 days				17,153		20,316
	Total past due			32,724		42,116
Current				1,022,659		961,408
		Total	$	1,055,383	$	1,003,524

The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of evaluation of credit loss, and the related valuation allowances, by type of credit loss, at (dollars in thousands):

			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Mortgage loans:
	Evaluated individually for credit losses		$	56,855	$	60,904
	Evaluated collectively for credit losses			998,528		942,620
		Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		1,055,383		1,003,524

Valuation allowances:
	Specific for credit losses			9,884		8,188
	Non-specifically identified credit losses			4,766		3,605
		Total valuation allowances		14,650		11,793

		Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances	$	1,040,733	$	991,731

Information regarding the Company's loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans for the three months ending March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	11,793	$	6,239
Charge-offs		(2,193)		--
Provision (release)		5,050		(575)
Balance, end of period	$	14,650	$	5,664

Information regarding the portion of the Company's mortgage loans that were impaired as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Carrying Value
March 31, 2012:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	12,189	$	11,646	$	-	$	11,646
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded			45,352		45,209		9,884		35,325
	Total impaired mortgage loans	$	57,541	$	56,855	$	9,884	$	46,971

December 31, 2011:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	32,088	$	31,496	$	--	$	31,496
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded			29,724		29,408		8,188		21,220
	Total impaired mortgage loans	$	61,812	$	60,904	$	8,188	$	52,716

The Company's average investment in impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
		Average Investment⁽¹⁾		Interest Income		Average Investment⁽¹⁾		Interest Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	21,571	$	169	$	17,751	$	167
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded			37,308		308		18,741		118
	Total	$	58,879	$	477	$	36,492	$	285

(1)	Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.

The Company did not acquire any impaired mortgage loans during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company had $17.2 million and $20.3 million of mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, that were on nonaccrual status at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Other Invested Assets

Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, structured loans and derivative contracts. Other invested assets represented approximately 3.3% and 3.9% of the Company's cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Carrying values of these assets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

		March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Equity securities		$	98,028	$	113,900
Limited partnerships			265,879		251,315
Structured loans			245,246		281,022
Derivatives			168,961		257,050
Other			89,393		109,254
	Total other invested assets	$	867,507	$	1,012,541

The decrease in derivatives in 2012 is primarily due to a decrease in the carrying value of derivatives (primarily interest rate swaps and equity options) used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of investments in certain debt and equity securities (and certain other trading assets) which include all debt and equity securities (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting) with readily determinable fair values. Other trading assets include assets that are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and held for trading purposes. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise that is in the form of a security. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities (and other trading assets).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Debt Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901
-Topic 320

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Equity Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694
-Topic 320

+ Details

Derivative Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

5. Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the notional amounts and fair value of derivative instruments as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

				March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
					Notional	Carrying Value/Fair Value					Notional	Carrying Value/Fair Value
					Amount		Assets		Liabilities		Amount		Assets		Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as
	hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps⁽¹⁾			$	2,708,940	$	117,624	$	20,454	$	2,748,317	$	184,842	$	18,702
	Financial futures⁽¹⁾				274,101		--		--		277,814		--		--
	Foreign currency forwards⁽¹⁾				24,400		2,482		--		24,400		4,560		--
	Consumer Price index (“CPI”) swaps⁽¹⁾				102,425		1,230		--		101,069		766		--
	Credit default swaps⁽¹⁾				649,500		3,245		3,707		649,500		1,313		10,949
	Equity options⁽¹⁾				669,188		69,426		--		510,073		90,106		--
	Embedded derivatives in:
		Modified coinsurance or funds
			withheld arrangements⁽²⁾		--		--		370,884		--		--		361,456
		Indexed annuity products⁽³⁾			--		3,514		772,938		--		4,945		751,523
		Variable annuity products⁽³⁾			--		--		130,344		--		--		276,718
	Total non-hedging derivatives				4,428,554		197,521		1,298,327		4,311,173		286,532		1,419,348

Derivatives designated as
	hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps⁽¹⁾				57,005		39		924		56,250		133		960
	Foreign currency swaps⁽¹⁾				621,578		282		33,143		621,578		286		23,996
	Total hedging derivatives				678,583		321		34,067		677,828		419		24,956
Total derivatives				$	5,107,137	$	197,842	$	1,332,394	$	4,989,001	$	286,951	$	1,444,304

(1)		Carried on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value.
(2)		Embedded liability is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in funds withheld at interest, at fair value.
(3)		Embedded liability is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, at fair value. Embedded asset is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in reinsurance ceded receivables.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. As discussed below under “Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging,” the Company uses various derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company held interest rate swaps that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company held foreign currency swaps that were designated and qualified as fair value hedges of a portion of its net investment in its foreign operations. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company also had derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company's 2011 Annual Report for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value and generally require an insignificant amount of cash at inception of the contracts.

Fair Value Hedges

During the fourth quarter of 2011 the Company removed the fair value hedge designation for its interest rate swaps. However, prior to the fourth quarter of 2011 the Company designated and accounted for certain interest rate swaps that convert fixed rate investments to floating rate investments as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. The gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate and the offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were (dollars in thousands):

Type of Fair Value Hedge	Hedged Item		Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives		Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items		Ineffectiveness Recognized in Investment Related Gains (Losses)

For the three months ended March 31, 2011:
Interest rate swaps	Fixed rate maturities	$	223	$	(97)	$	126

A regression analysis was used, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, to determine whether each derivative used in a hedge transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company designates and accounts for certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows are denominated in different currencies, commonly referred to as cross-currency swaps, as cash flow hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging.

The following table presents the components of AOCI, before income tax, and the condensed consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

	2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of year	$	(828)
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		323
Amounts reclassified to investment related gains (losses), net		--
Amounts reclassified to investment income		(357)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period	$	(862)

As of March 31, 2012, the before-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are $0.8 million. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to investment income over the term of the investment cash flows. There were no hedged forecasted transactions, other than the receipt or payment of variable interest payments on existing financial instruments, for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The Company had no derivative instruments that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the condensed consolidated statements of income and AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives		Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)				Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
	(Effective Portion)		(Effective Portion)				(Ineffective Portion and Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
			Investment Related Gains (Losses)		Investment Income		Investment Related Gains (Losses)		Investment Income
Interest rate swaps	$	323	$	--	$	357	$	(24)	$	--

Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations

The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The following tables illustrate the Company's net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):

		Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
		For the three months ended March 31,
Type of NIFO Hedge ^{(1) (2)}		2012		2011

Foreign currency swaps		$	(10,645)	$	(15,104)

(1)	There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented.
(2)	There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company's hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

The cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) recorded in AOCI related to these hedges was $(6.6) million and $4.1 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. If a foreign operation was sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI would be reclassified to the condensed consolidated statements of income. A pro rata portion would be reclassified upon partial sale of a foreign operation.

Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging

The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. The gain or loss related to the change in fair value for these derivative instruments is recognized in investment related gains (losses), in the condensed consolidated statements of income, except where otherwise noted. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized investment related losses of $93.3 million and $25.9 million, respectively, related to derivatives (not including embedded derivatives) that do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting.

Interest Rate Swaps

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). With an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between two rates, which can be either fixed-rate or floating-rate interest amounts, tied to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments at each due date.

Financial Futures

Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products. With exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the relevant stock indices, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference between the daily estimated fair values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded equity futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange.

Equity Options

Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices volatility, the Company buys put options. The contracts are net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price.

CPI Swaps

CPI swaps are used by the Company primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain insurance products where value is directly affected by changes in a designated benchmark consumer price index. With a CPI swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange the actual amount of inflation realized over a specified period of time for a fixed amount of inflation determined at inception. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Most of these swaps will require a single payment to be made by one counterparty at the maturity date of the swap.

Foreign Currency Swaps

Foreign currency swaps are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a forward exchange rate calculated by reference to an agreed upon principal amount. The principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company may also use foreign currency swaps to economically hedge the foreign currency risk associated with certain of its net investments in foreign operations.

Foreign Currency Forwards

Foreign currency forwards are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made in a different currency at the specified future date.

Credit Default Swaps

The Company sells protection under single name credit default swaps and credit default swap index tranches to diversify its credit risk exposure in certain portfolios and, in combination with purchasing securities, to replicate characteristics of similar investments based on the credit quality and term of the credit default swap. Credit default triggers for indexed reference entities and single name reference entities are defined in the contracts. The Company's maximum exposure to credit loss equals the notional value for credit default swaps. In the event of default for credit default swaps, the Company is typically required to pay the protection holder the full notional value less a recovery rate determined at auction.

The Company's maximum amount at risk on credit default swaps, assuming the value of the underlying referenced securities is zero, was $614.0 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The Company also purchases credit default swaps to reduce its risk against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs, the Company is able to put the bond back to the counterparty at par.

Embedded Derivatives

The Company has certain embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. Host contracts include reinsurance treaties structured on a modified coinsurance (“modco”) or funds withheld basis. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties are net of a decrease in investment related gains (losses), net of $63.5 million and $23.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, associated with the Company's own credit risk. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on variable annuity contracts are net of an increase in investment related gains (losses), net of $37.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 associated with the Company's own credit risk. Additionally, the Company reinsures equity-indexed annuity and variable annuity contracts with benefits that are considered embedded derivatives, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits, and guaranteed minimum income benefits. The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2012		2011
Embedded derivatives in modco or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains	$	(9,428)	$	90,535
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		1,933		19,183
Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains		146,375		32,654
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		15,082		8,801
Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses		(19,739)		(41,271)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		13,870		(36,650)

Non-hedging Derivatives

A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

				Gain (Loss) for the Three Months Ended
				March 31,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)		2012		2011
Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	(47,352)	$	(10,730)
Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net			(17,409)		(11,423)
Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net			(1,608)		(855)
CPI swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net			(802)		811
Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net			11,813		892
Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net			(37,983)		(4,568)
Embedded derivatives in:
	Modco or funds withheld arrangements	Investment related gains (losses), net			(9,428)		90,535
	Indexed annuity products	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance
			expenses		(998)		8,094
	Indexed annuity products	Interest credited			(18,741)		(49,365)
	Variable annuity products	Investment related gains (losses), net			146,375		32,654
Total non-hedging derivatives				$	23,867	$	56,045

Credit Risk

The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties.

The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that may vary depending on the posting party's ratings. Additionally, a decline in the Company's or the counterparty's credit ratings to specified levels could result in potential settlement of the derivative positions under the Company's agreements with its counterparties. The Company also has exchange-traded futures, which require the maintenance of a margin account.

The Company's credit exposure related to derivative contracts is generally limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. Information regarding the Company's credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):

			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position			$	136,100	$	227,399
	Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral⁽¹⁾			35,623		27,052
	Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral⁽²⁾			(140,915)		(241,480)
	Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral⁽³⁾			(30,146)		(997)
Net credit exposure			$	662	$	11,974

Margin account related to exchange-traded futures⁽²⁾			$	15,742	$	18,153

(1)		Consists of U.S. Treasury securities, included in other invested assets.
(2)		Included in cash and cash equivalents.
(3)		Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

Fair Value Disclosures

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Statement - Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures

6. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In accordance with these principles, valuation techniques utilized by management for invested assets and embedded derivatives reported at fair value are generally categorized into three types:

Market Approach. Market approach valuation techniques use prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach include comparables and matrix pricing. Comparables use market multiples, which might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within the range the appropriate multiple falls requires judgment, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors specific to the measurement. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but comparing the securities to benchmark or comparable securities.

Income Approach. Income approach valuation techniques convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single discounted amount. These techniques rely on current expectations of future amounts. Examples of income approach valuation techniques include present value techniques, option-pricing models and binomial or lattice models that incorporate present value techniques.

Cost Approach. Cost approach valuation techniques are based upon the amount that, at present, would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, or the current replacement cost. That is, from the perspective of a market participant (seller), the price that would be received for the asset is determined based on the cost to a market participant (buyer) to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility.

The three approaches described above are consistent with generally accepted valuation techniques. While all three approaches are not applicable to all assets or liabilities reported at fair value, where appropriate and possible, one or more valuation techniques may be used. The selection of the valuation technique(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and the nature of the asset or liability being valued and significant expertise and judgment is required. The Company performs regular analysis and review of the various techniques utilized in determining fair value to ensure that the valuation approaches utilized are appropriate and consistently applied, and that the various assumptions are reasonable. As indicated above, the Company also utilizes information from third parties, such as pricing services and brokers, to assist in determining fair values for certain assets and liabilities; however, management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the Company's financial statements. The Company performs analysis and review of the information and prices received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by the Company's investment and accounting personnel. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing review of third party pricing services and techniques, review of pricing trends and monitoring of recent trade information. In addition, the Company utilizes both internal and external cash flow models to analyze the reasonableness of fair values utilizing credit spread and other market assumptions, where appropriate. As a result of the analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly.

For invested assets reported at fair value, the Company utilizes when available, fair values based on quoted prices in active markets that are regularly and readily obtainable. Generally, these are very liquid investments and the valuation does not require management judgment. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, fair value is based on the market valuation techniques described above, primarily a combination of the market approach, including matrix pricing and the income approach. For corporate and government securities, the assumptions and inputs used by management in applying these techniques include, but are not limited to: using standard market observable inputs which are derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. For structured securities that include residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market inputs including spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, rating, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates, geographic region, debt-service coverage ratios and issuance-specific information including, but not limited to: collateral type, payment terms of the underlying assets, payment priority within the tranche, structure of the security, deal performance and vintage of loans.

When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain types of securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little or no price transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation, and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are believed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities.

The use of different techniques, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company's securities holdings.

For the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the application of market standard valuation techniques applied to similar assets and liabilities has been consistent.

General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company's Level 1 assets and liabilities include investment securities and derivative contracts that are traded in exchange markets.

Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or market standard valuation techniques and assumptions with significant inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active, liquid markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. The Company's Level 2 assets and liabilities include investment securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose values are determined using market standard valuation techniques. This category primarily includes corporate securities, Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Level 2 valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities or through the use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs. Prices from services are validated through analytical reviews and assessment of current market activity.

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the related assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using market standard valuation techniques described above. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value and that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, management believes these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing similar assets and liabilities. For the Company's invested assets, this category generally includes corporate securities (primarily private placements), asset-backed securities (including those with exposure to subprime mortgages), and to a lesser extent, certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Prices are determined using valuation methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. Non-binding broker quotes, which are utilized when pricing service information is not available, are reviewed for reasonableness based on the Company's understanding of the market, and are generally considered Level 3. Under certain circumstances, based on its observations of transactions in active markets, the Company may conclude the prices received from independent third party pricing services or brokers are not reasonable or reflective of market activity. In those instances, the Company would apply internally developed valuation techniques to the related assets or liabilities. Additionally, the Company's embedded derivatives, all of which are associated with reinsurance treaties, are classified in Level 3 since their values include significant unobservable inputs.

When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below (dollars in thousands)

March 31, 2012:								Fair Value Measurements Using:
						Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
		Corporate securities			$	8,111,454	$	75,329	$	7,058,454	$	977,671
		Canadian and Canadian provincial governments				3,839,340		--		3,839,340		--
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				1,138,228		--		1,083,793		54,435
		Asset-backed securities				414,527		--		268,165		146,362
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities				1,342,421		--		1,223,743		118,678
		U.S. government and agencies securities				279,093		166,724		112,369		--
		State and political subdivision securities				214,004		12,793		195,972		5,239
		Other foreign government supranational and foreign
			government-sponsored enterprises			1,454,990		180,114		1,274,876		--
				Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		16,794,057		434,960		15,056,712		1,302,385
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives					(370,884)		--		--		(370,884)
	Cash equivalents					349,457		349,457		--		--
	Short-term investments					19,195		10,909		8,286		--
	Other invested assets:
		Non-redeemable preferred stock				80,023		66,024		13,999		--
		Other equity securities				18,005		3,392		2,786		11,827
		Derivatives:
			Interest rate swaps			96,285		--		96,285		--
			Foreign currency forwards			2,482		--		2,482		--
			CPI swaps			1,230		--		1,230		--
			Credit default swaps			(462)		--		(462)		--
			Equity options			69,426		--		69,426		--
		Collateral				41,298		35,623		5,675		--
		Other				13,143		13,143		--		--
				Total other invested assets		321,430		118,182		191,421		11,827
	Reinsurance ceded receivable – embedded derivatives					3,514		--		--		3,514
		Total			$	17,116,769	$	913,508	$	15,256,419	$	946,842

Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives				$	903,282	$	--	$	--	$	903,282
	Other liabilities:
		Derivatives:
			Foreign currency swaps			32,861		--		32,861		--
				Total other liabilities		32,861		--		32,861		--
		Total			$	936,143	$	--	$	32,861	$	903,282

December 31, 2011:								Fair Value Measurements Using:
						Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
		Corporate securities			$	7,461,106	$	76,097	$	6,410,840	$	974,169
		Canadian and Canadian provincial governments				3,869,933		--		3,869,933		--
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				1,227,234		--		1,145,579		81,655
		Asset-backed securities				401,991		--		208,499		193,492
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities				1,242,219		--		1,126,243		115,976
		U.S. government and agencies securities				374,002		300,514		73,488		--
		State and political subdivision securities				205,386		12,894		182,119		10,373
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign
			government-sponsored enterprises			1,419,079		223,440		1,195,639		--
				Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		16,200,950		612,945		14,212,340		1,375,665
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives					(361,456)		--		--		(361,456)
	Cash equivalents					504,522		504,522		--		--
	Short-term investments					46,671		37,155		9,516		--
	Other invested assets:
		Non-redeemable preferred stock				78,183		58,906		19,277		--
		Other equity securities				35,717		5,308		18,920		11,489
		Derivatives:
			Interest rate swaps			168,484		--		168,484		--
			Foreign currency forwards			4,560		--		4,560		--
			CPI swaps			766		--		766		--
			Credit default swaps			(4,003)		--		(4,003)		--
			Equity options			87,243		--		87,243		--
		Collateral				32,622		27,052		5,570		--
		Other				59,373		59,373		--		--
				Total other invested assets		462,945		150,639		300,817		11,489
	Reinsurance ceded receivable – embedded derivatives					4,945		--		--		4,945
		Total			$	16,858,577	$	1,305,261	$	14,522,673	$	1,030,643

Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives				$	1,028,241	$	--	$	--	$	1,028,241
	Other liabilities:
		Derivatives:
			Interest rate swaps			3,171		--		3,171		--
			Credit default swaps			5,633		--		5,633		--
			Equity options			(2,864)		--		(2,864)		--
			Foreign currency swaps			23,710		--		23,710		--
				Total other liabilities		29,650		--		29,650		--
		Total			$	1,057,891	$	--	$	29,650	$	1,028,241

Management is responsible for monitoring the fair value process, ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices and pricing of financial instruments, and approving changes to valuation methodologies and pricing sources. The Company performs ongoing analysis of the prices received from pricing services to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The Company conducts other specific activities to monitor controls around pricing, which include comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparing fair value estimates to management's knowledge of the current market, and ongoing confirmation that third party pricing services use, wherever possible, market-based parameters for valuation. The Company also determines if the inputs used in estimated fair values received from pricing services or brokers are observable by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. The fair value of embedded derivative liabilities, including those calculated by third parties, are monitored through the use of attribution reports to quantify the effect of underlying sources of fair value change, including capital market inputs based on policyholder account values, interest rates and short-term and long-term implied volatilities, from period to period. Actuarial assumptions are based on experience studies performed internally in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on an annual basis. The methods and assumptions the Company uses to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring bases are summarized below.

Fixed Maturity Securities – The fair values of the Company's public fixed maturity securities, which include corporate and structured securities, are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices from pricing services are sourced from multiple vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company generally receives prices from multiple pricing services for each security, but ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. To validate reasonability, prices are periodically reviewed by internal asset managers through comparison with directly observed recent market trades and internal estimates of current fair value, developed using market observable inputs and economic indicators. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. If the pricing information received from third party pricing services is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process with the pricing service.

If the Company ultimately concludes that pricing information received from the independent pricing service is not reflective of market activity, non-binding broker quotes are used, if available. If the Company concludes the values from both pricing services and brokers are not reflective of market activity, it may override the information from the pricing service or broker with an internally developed valuation; however, this occurs infrequently. Internally developed valuations or non-binding broker quotes are also used to determine fair value in circumstances where vendor pricing is not available. These estimates may use significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company's assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset. Circumstances where observable market data are not available may include events such as market illiquidity and credit events related to the security. Pricing service overrides, internally developed valuations and non-binding broker quotes are generally based on significant unobservable inputs and are often reflected as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy.

The fair values of private placement securities are primarily determined using a discounted cash flow model. In certain cases these models primarily use observable inputs with a discount rate based upon the average of spread surveys collected from private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, taking into account, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Generally, these securities have been reflected within Level 2. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model may also incorporate significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company's own assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the security. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are not significant to the price of a security, a Level 2 classification is made. Otherwise, a Level 3 classification is used.

Embedded Derivatives – For embedded derivative liabilities associated with the underlying products in reinsurance treaties, primarily equity-indexed and variable annuity treaties, the Company utilizes a market standard technique, which includes an estimate of future equity option purchases and an adjustment for the Company's own credit risk. The variable annuity embedded derivative calculations are performed by third parties based on methodology and input assumptions provided by the Company. To validate the reasonability of the resulting fair value, the Company's internal actuaries perform reviews and analytical procedures on the results. The capital market inputs to the model, such as equity indexes, short-term equity volatility and interest rates, are generally observable. Long-term volatility inputs are a significant unobservable input. However, the valuation models also use inputs requiring certain actuarial assumptions such as future interest margins, policyholder behavior, including future equity participation rates, and explicit risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, that are generally not observable and may require use of significant management judgment.

The fair value of embedded derivatives associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties is determined based upon a total return swap technique with reference to the fair value of the investments held by the ceding company that support the Company's funds withheld at interest asset with an adjustment for the Company's own credit risk. The fair value of the underlying assets is generally based on market observable inputs using industry standard valuation techniques. However, the valuation also requires certain significant inputs based on actuarial assumptions, which are generally not observable and accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Company's Own Credit Risk – The Company uses a structural default risk model to estimate its own credit risk. The input assumptions are a combination of externally derived and published values (default threshold and uncertainty), market inputs (interest rate, Company equity price per share, Company debt per share, Company equity price volatility) and insurance industry data (Loss Given Default), adjusted for market recoverability.

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments – Cash equivalents and short-term investments include money market instruments, commercial paper and other highly liquid debt instruments. Money market instruments are generally valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for identical assets and are primarily classified as Level 1. The fair value of certain other short-term investments, such as floating rate notes and bonds with original maturities less then twelve months, are based upon other market observable data and are typically classified as Level 2. Various time deposits carried as cash equivalents or short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value and therefore are excluded from the tables presented.

Equity Securities – Equity securities consist principally of preferred stock of publicly and privately traded companies. The fair values of most publicly traded equity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Estimated fair values for most privately traded equity securities are determined using valuation models that require a substantial level of judgment. In determining the fair value of certain privately traded equity securities the models may also use unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company's assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing. The estimated fair value of certain private equity securities are based on net asset value calculations using fund statements. Most privately traded equity securities are classified within Level 3 because the fund statements are considered a significant unobservable input. The fair values of preferred equity securities are based on prices obtained from independent pricing services and these securities are generally classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities – Level 1 measurement includes assets and liabilities comprised of exchange-traded derivatives. Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available. Level 2 measurement includes all types of derivative instruments utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives. These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations of interest rate contracts, non-option-based, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, and repurchase rates. Valuations of foreign currency contracts, non-option-based, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates, and cross currency basis curves. Valuations of credit contracts, non-option-based, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves, and recovery rates. Valuations of equity market contracts, non-option-based, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, and dividend yield curves. Valuations of equity market contracts, option-based, are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves, and equity volatility. The Company does not currently have derivatives included in Level 3 measurement.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, the Company classified approximately 7.8% and 8.5% of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category. These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities with inactive trading markets. Additionally, the Company has included asset-backed securities with sub-prime exposure and mortgage-backed securities with below investment grade ratings in the Level 3 category due to market uncertainty associated with these securities and the Company's utilization of information from third parties for the valuation of these securities.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's corporate, sovereign, government-backed and other political subdivision securities are probability of default, liquidity premium, subordination premium and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumptions used for the liquidity premium, subordination premium and loss severity.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's asset and mortgage-backed securities are prepayment rates, probability of default, liquidity premium and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the liquidity premium and loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

The actuarial assumptions used in the fair value of embedded derivatives which include assumptions related to lapses, withdrawals, and mortality, are based on experience studies performed by the Company in combination with available industry information and are reviewed annually. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of embedded derivatives are assumptions associated with policyholder experience and selected capital market assumptions for equity indexed and variable annuities. The selected capital market assumptions, which include long-term implied volatilities, are based on observable historical information. Changes in interest rates, equity indices, equity volatility, the Company's own credit risk, and actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder experience may result in significant fluctuations in the value of embedded derivatives.

Fair value measurements associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties are generally not materially sensitive to changes in unobservable inputs associated with policyholder experience. The primary drivers of change in these fair values are related to movements of credit spreads, which are generally observable. Increases (decreases) in market credit spreads tend to decrease (increase) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the own credit assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.

Fair value measurements associated with variable annuity treaties are sensitive to both capital markets inputs and policyholder experience inputs. Increases (decreases) in lapse rates tend to decrease (increase) the value of the embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity treaties. Increases (decreases) in the long-term volatility assumption tend to increase (decrease) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the own credit assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.

The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed by the Company as of March 31, 2012.

March 31, 2012:				Valuation	Unobservable	Range
		Fair Value		Technique(s)	Input	(Weighted Average)
Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities	$	5,239	Market comparable securities	Liquidity premium	1%

	Corporate securities		20,101	Market comparable securities	Liquidity premium	1-2% (2%)

	Private equity securities		9,852	Net asset value	Fund financial statements	Not Applicable

	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		(370,884)	Total return swap	Mortality	0-100% (1%)
					Lapse	0-35% (4%)
					Withdrawal	0-5% (4%)
					Own Credit	0-1% (0%)
					Crediting rate	2-4% (3%)

	Reinsurance ceded receivable- embedded derivatives		3,514	Discounted cash flow	Mortality	0-100% (8%)
					Lapse	14-16% (15%)

Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		772,939	Discounted cash flow	Mortality	0-100% (1%)
					Lapse	0-35% (4%)
					Withdrawal	0-5% (4%)
					Option budget projection	2-4% (3%)


	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities		130,343	Discounted cash flow	Mortality	0-100% (1%)
					Lapse	0-25% (5%)
					Withdrawal	0-7% (4%)
					Own Credit	0-1% (1%)
					Long-term volatility	0-27% (16%)

The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

For the three months ended March 31, 2012:				Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
							Residential				Commercial		State
							mortgage-				mortgage-		and political
				Corporate			backed		Asset-backed		backed		subdivision
				securities			securities		securities		securities		securities
Fair value, beginning of period				$	974,169	$	81,655	$	193,492	$	115,976	$	10,373
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		30		110		249		588		(5)
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(585)		279		(670)		(12,075)		(4)
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			(682)		1,580		6,696		13,521		406
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				21,161		244		--		--		--
	Sales⁽¹⁾				(9,408)		(8,004)		--		--		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				(20,875)		(1,800)		(3,865)		--		(23)
	Transfers into Level 3				17,444		--		1,080		10,846		--
	Transfers out of Level 3				(3,583)		(19,629)		(50,620)		(10,178)		(5,508)
Fair value, end of period				$	977,671	$	54,435	$	146,362	$	118,678	$	5,239

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	30	$	106	$	249	$	588	$	(5)
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(727)		(108)		(607)		(12,075)		--
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--		--

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 (continued):				Funds withheld				Reinsurance		Interest sensitive
				at interest-		Other invested		ceded receivable-		contract liabilities
				embedded		assets- other		embedded		embedded
				derivative		equity securities		derivative		derivative
Fair value, beginning of period				$	(361,456)	$	11,489	$	4,945	$	(1,028,241)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		--		--		--		--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(9,428)		--		--		146,375
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		2,278
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(21,193)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		(1,329)		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			--		338		--		--
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				--		--		--		(23,590)
	Sales⁽¹⁾				--		--		--		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				--		--		(102)		21,089
	Transfers into Level 3				--		--		--		--
	Transfers out of Level 3				--		--		--		--
Fair value, end of period				$	(370,884)	$	11,827	$	3,514	$	(903,282)

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(9,428)		--		--		144,624
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		2,037
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(42,107)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		(1,188)		--

(1)			The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.

The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2011, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands)

For the three months ended March 31, 2011:				Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
							Residential				Commercial
							mortgage-				mortgage-
				Corporate			backed		Asset-backed		backed
				securities			securities		securities		securities
Fair value, beginning of period				$	872,179	$	183,291	$	228,558	$	147,556
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		88		260		582		558
			Investment related gains (losses), net		420		(357)		844		(489)
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			222		7,394		4,231		33,141
	Purchases ⁽¹⁾				100,202		453		4,872		2,613
	Sales⁽¹⁾				(1,509)		(14,065)		(18,299)		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				(50,679)		(8,160)		(8,148)		(330)
	Transfers into Level 3				34,410		5,001		11,326		55,189
	Transfers out of Level 3				(14,863)		(35,249)		(21,720)		(34,844)
Fair value, end of period				$	940,470	$	138,568	$	202,246	$	203,394

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	74	$	258	$	507	$	554
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(514)		--		(552)		(489)
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 (continued):				Fixed maturity securities -
				available-for-sale
						Other foreign
				State		government,		Funds withheld
				and political		supranational and		at interest-
				subdivision		foreign government-		embedded
				securities		sponsored enterprises		derivative
Fair value, beginning of period				$	6,983	$	6,736	$	(274,220)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		368		1		--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(4)		--		90,535
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			2,675		(102)		--
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				871		--		--
	Sales⁽¹⁾				--		(161)		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				(21)		--		--
	Transfers into Level 3				34,209		21		--
Fair value, end of period				$	45,081	$	6,495	$	(183,685)

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	368	$	(37)	$	--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		--		--		90,535
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 (continued):				Other invested				Reinsurance		Interest sensitive
				assets- non-		Other invested		ceded receivable-		contract liabilities
				redeemable		assets- other		embedded		embedded
				preferred stock		equity securities		derivative		derivative
Fair value, beginning of period				$	420	$	16,416	$	75,431	$	(721,485)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		--		--		--		--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		--		--		--		32,654
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		919
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(49,849)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		7,839		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			--		(2,282)		--		--
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				--		--		2,433		(19,917)
	Sales⁽¹⁾				--		--		--		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				--		--		(3,221)		18,661
Fair value, end of period				$	420	$	14,134	$	82,482	$	(739,017)

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period


		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		--		--		--		32,654
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		1,353
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(68,510)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		7,839		--

(1)			The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements - Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on impaired commercial mortgage loans resulted in $3.7 million of net losses being recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The carrying value of these impaired mortgage loans as of March 31, 2012 was $28.9 million. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on certain impaired commercial mortgage loans resulted in $1.2 million of gains being recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The carrying value of the 2011 impaired mortgage loans as of March 31, 2011 was $6.7 million, based on the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on mortgage loans are based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows and were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company is required by general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, which were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

March 31, 2012:					Estimated Fair	Fair Value Measurement Using:
			Carrying Value		Value		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate	$	1,040,733	$	1,140,083	$	--	$	--	$	1,140,083
	Policy loans		1,260,070		1,260,070		--		1,260,070		--
	Funds withheld at interest⁽¹⁾		5,472,532		6,186,149		--		--		6,186,149
	Cash and cash equivalents⁽²⁾		524,476		524,476		524,476		--		--
	Short-term investments⁽²⁾		56,230		56,230		56,230		--		--
	Other invested assets⁽²⁾		494,561		498,040		--		18,799		479,241
	Accrued investment income		173,629		173,629		--		173,629		--
Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities⁽¹⁾	$	6,213,484	$	6,364,422	$	--	$	--	$	6,364,422
	Long-term debt		1,414,829		1,484,949		--		--		1,484,949
	Collateral finance facility		652,029		423,475		--		--		423,475

December 31, 2011:						Estimated Fair
				Carrying Value	Value
Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	991,731	$	1,081,924
	Policy loans			1,260,400		1,260,400
	Funds withheld at interest⁽¹⁾			5,410,424		6,041,984
	Cash and cash equivalents⁽²⁾			458,348		458,348
	Short-term investments⁽²⁾			41,895		41,895
	Other invested assets⁽²⁾			500,681		503,293
	Accrued investment income			144,334		144,334
Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities⁽¹⁾		$	6,203,001	$	6,307,779
	Long-term debt			1,414,688		1,462,329
	Collateral finance facility			652,032		390,900

(1)		Carrying values presented herin differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

(2)		Carrying values presented herin differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates for mortgage loans with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. As such, inputs include current treasury yields and spreads, which are based on the credit rating and average life of the loan, corresponding to the market spreads. The valuation of mortgage loans on real estate is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Policy Loans – Policy loans typically carry an interest rate that is adjusted annually based on an observable market index and therefore carrying value approximates fair value. The valuation of policy loans is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Funds Withheld at Interest – The carrying value of funds withheld at interest approximates fair value except where the funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement. When funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement, the fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets which are held by the ceding company. Ceding companies use a variety of sources and pricing methodologies, which are not transparent to the Company and may include significant unobservable inputs, to value the securities that are held in distinct portfolios, therefore the valuation of these funds withheld assets are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments – The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximates fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Other Invested Assets – This primarily includes limited partnership interests accounted for using the cost method and structured loans. The fair value of limited partnerships is determined using the net asset values of the Company's ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The valuation of limited partnerships is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments. Other invested assets includes structured loans whose fair value is estimated based on a discounted cash flow analysis where the discount rate is based on a Japanese yen forward curve, this is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Other invested assets also include the Company's common stock investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. The fair value is considered to be the carrying value and it is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Accrued Investment Income – The carrying value for accrued investment income approximates fair value as there are no adjustments made to the carrying value. This is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities – The carrying and fair values of interest-sensitive contract liabilities reflected in the table above exclude contracts with significant mortality risk. The fair value of the Company's interest-sensitive contract liabilities and related reinsurance ceded receivables utilizes a market standard technique with both capital market inputs and policyholder behavior assumptions, as well as cash values adjusted for recapture fees. The capital market inputs to the model, such as interest rates, are generally observable. Policyholder behavior assumptions are generally not observable and may require use of significant management judgment. The valuation of interest-sensitive contract liabilities is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Long-term Debt and Collateral Finance Facility – The fair value of the Company's long-term debt and collateral finance facility is generally estimated by discounting future cash flows using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities and reflecting the credit risk of the Company, including inputs when available, from actively traded debt of the Company or other companies with similar credit quality. The valuation of long-term debt and collateral finance facility are generally obtained from brokers and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment Information Statement [Abstract]

Segment Information

7. Segment Information

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2011 Annual Report. The Company measures segment performance primarily based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes. There are no intersegment reinsurance transactions and the Company does not have any material long-lived assets. Investment income is allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes.

The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company's businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are credited to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses. Information related to total revenues, income (loss) before income taxes, and total assets of the Company for each reportable segment are summarized below (dollars in thousands).

	Three months ended March 31,
Total revenues:	2012		2011
U.S.	$	1,324,147	$	1,353,226
Canada		275,623		266,527
Europe & South Africa		308,337		281,003
Asia Pacific		359,685		339,514
Corporate and Other		25,183		42,165
Total	$	2,292,975	$	2,282,435

	Three months ended March 31,
Income (loss) before income taxes:	2012		2011
U.S.	$	92,745	$	147,569
Canada		55,063		29,912
Europe & South Africa		6,606		22,535
Asia Pacific		32,067		21,976
Corporate and Other		(5,718)		4,763
Total	$	180,763	$	226,755


Total Assets:	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
U.S.	$	19,041,229	$	17,965,559
Canada		3,560,286		3,347,771
Europe & South Africa		1,851,560		1,846,751
Asia Pacific		2,879,894		2,902,101
Corporate and Other		4,953,113		5,571,791
Total	$	32,286,082	$	31,633,973

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Publisher FASB
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+ Details

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Statement [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

8. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

At March 31, 2012, the Company's commitments to fund investments were $173.0 million in limited partnerships, $48.6 million in commercial mortgage loans and $110.0 million in private placement investments. At December 31, 2011, the Company's commitments to fund investments were $156.6 million in limited partnerships, $33.6 million in commercial mortgage loans and $100.0 million in private placement investments. The Company anticipates that the majority of its current commitments will be invested over the next five years; however, these commitments could become due any time at the request of the counterparties. Investments in limited partnerships and private placements are carried at cost or accounted for using the equity method and included in other invested assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.

The Company has obtained bank letters of credit in favor of various affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies from which the Company assumes business. These letters of credit represent guarantees of performance under the reinsurance agreements and allow ceding companies to take statutory reserve credits. Certain of these letters of credit contain financial covenant restrictions. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were approximately $18.8 million and $15.8 million, respectively, of undrawn outstanding bank letters of credit in favor of third parties. Additionally, the Company utilizes letters of credit to secure reserve credits when it retrocedes business to its subsidiaries, including Parkway Reinsurance Company (“Parkway Re”), Rockwood Reinsurance Company (“Rockwood Re”), Timberlake Financial L.L.C. (“Timberlake Financial”), RGA Americas Reinsurance, Ltd. (“RGA Americas”), RGA Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Ltd. (“RGA Barbados”) and RGA Atlantic Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“RGA Atlantic”). The Company cedes business to its affiliates to help reduce the amount of regulatory capital required in certain jurisdictions such as the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The capital required to support the business in the affiliates reflects more realistic expectations than the original jurisdiction of the business, where capital requirements are often considered to be quite conservative. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $447.6 million and $582.9 million, respectively, in undrawn letters of credit from various banks were outstanding, backing reinsurance between the various subsidiaries of the Company. The banks providing letters of credit to the Company are included on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) list of approved banks.

The Company maintains a syndicated revolving credit facility with a four year term and an overall capacity of $850.0 million which is scheduled to mature in December 2015. The Company may borrow cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies under this facility. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had $174.6 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under this facility, which is included in the total above. Applicable letter of credit fees and fees payable for the credit facility depend upon the Company's senior unsecured long-term debt rating. The Company also maintains two other letter of credit facilities with capacities of $200.0 million and $120.0 million which are scheduled to mature in September 2019 and May 2016, respectively. The $200.0 million letter of credit facility is fully utilized and is expected to amortize to zero by 2019. Letter of credit fees for this facility are fixed for the term of the facility. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had no issued letters of credit under the $120.0 million letter of credit facility. Letter of credit fees for this facility are fixed for the term of the facility. Fees associated with the Company's other letters of credit are not fixed for periods in excess of one year and are based on the Company's ratings and the general availability of these instruments in the marketplace.

RGA has issued guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries for the payment of amounts due under certain reinsurance treaties, securities borrowing arrangements and office lease obligations, whereby, if a subsidiary fails to meet an obligation, RGA or one of its other subsidiaries will make a payment to fulfill the obligation. In limited circumstances, treaty guarantees are granted to ceding companies in order to provide them additional security, particularly in cases where RGA's subsidiary is relatively new, unrated, or not of a significant size, relative to the ceding company. Liabilities supported by the treaty guarantees, before consideration for any legally offsetting amounts due from the guaranteed party, totaled $666.4 million and $697.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and are reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets in future policy benefits. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company's exposure related to treaty guarantees, net of assets held in trust, was $442.0 million and $467.5 million, respectively. Potential guaranteed amounts of future payments will vary depending on production levels and underwriting results. Guarantees related to borrowed securities provide additional security to third parties should a subsidiary fail to make principal and/or interest payments when due. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, RGA's obligation related to borrowed securities guarantees was $150.0 million.

Manor Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Manor Re”), a subsidiary of RGA, has obtained $300.0 million of collateral financing through 2020 from an international bank which enabled Manor Re to deposit assets in trust to support statutory reserve credits for an affiliated reinsurance transaction. The bank has recourse to RGA should Manor Re fail to make payments or otherwise not perform its obligations under this financing.

In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Since this indemnity generally is not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount due under this indemnity in the future.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

9. Employee Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	Three months ended March 31,				Three months ended March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,532	$	1,415	$	279	$	212
Interest Cost		980		890		259		220
Expected return on plan assets		(734)		(644)		--		--
Amortization of prior service cost		99		7		--		--
Amortization of prior actuarial loss		275		188		88		59
Total	$	2,152	$	1,856	$	626	$	491

The Company has not made any pension contributions in the first three months of 2012 but expects to make total pension contributions of $8.7 million in 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Equity Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Equity Based Compensation [Abstract]

Equity Based Compensation

10. Equity Based Compensation

Equity compensation expense was $8.4 million and $7.8 million in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted 0.7 million stock appreciation rights at $56.65 weighted average per share and 0.2 million performance contingent units to employees. Additionally, non-employee directors were granted a total of 10,350 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2012, 1.8 million share options at $46.01 weighted average per share were vested and exercisable with a remaining weighted average exercise period of 4.7 years. As of March 31, 2012, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the financial statements was $40.1 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Retrocession Arrangements And Reinsurance Ceded Receivables [Abstract]

Retrocession And Claims Recoverable [Text Block]

11. Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables

The Company generally reports retrocession activity on a gross basis. Amounts paid or deemed to have been paid for reinsurance are reflected in reinsurance ceded receivables. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is recognized over the terms of the reinsured policies on a basis consistent with the reporting of those policies. In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage, quota share and coinsurance contracts.

Certain retrocessions are arranged through the Company's retrocession pools for amounts in excess of the Company's retention limit. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all rated retrocession pool participants followed by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A- (excellent)” or better. The Company verifies retrocession pool participants' ratings on a quarterly basis. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, security in the form of letters of credit or trust assets has been given as additional security in favor of RGA Reinsurance Company (“RGA Reinsurance”). In addition, the Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. In addition to its third party retrocessionaires, various RGA reinsurance subsidiaries retrocede amounts in excess of their retention to RGA Reinsurance, Parkway Re, Rockwood Re, RGA Barbados, RGA Americas, Manor Re, RGA Atlantic or RGA Worldwide Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“RGA Worldwide”).

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had claims recoverable from retrocessionaires of $138.1 million and $151.9 million, respectively, which is included in reinsurance ceded receivables, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company considers outstanding claims recoverable in excess of 90 days to be past due. There were $6.6 million and $11.4 million of past due claims recoverable as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Based on the Company's annual financial reviews, the Company has not established a valuation allowance for claims recoverable from retrocessionaires. The Company has never experienced a material default in connection with retrocession arrangements, nor has it experienced any difficulty in collecting claims recoverable from retrocessionaires; however, no assurance can be given as to the future performance of such retrocessionaires or as to recoverability of any such claims.

New Accounting Standards

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

New Accounting Standards [Abstract]

New Accounting Standards

12. New Accounting Standards

Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Transfers and Servicing

In April 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the reconsideration of effective control for repurchase agreements. This amendment removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets and also removes the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

In May 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures as it relates to the measurement and disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. This amendment clarifies the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. It also changes particular principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this amendment and the required disclosures are provided in Note 6 — “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities”.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

In October 2010, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Financial Services – Insurance as it relates to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This amendment clarifies that only those costs that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction not occurred can be capitalized. It also defines acquisitions costs as costs that are related directly to the successful acquisitions of new or renewal insurance contracts. The amendment is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The retrospective adoption of this amendment on January 1, 2012, resulted in a reduction in the Company's deferred acquisition cost asset and a corresponding reduction to equity. There will be a decrease in amortization subsequent to adoption due to the reduced deferred acquisition cost asset. There will also be a reduction in the level of future costs the Company defers; thereby increasing expenses incurred in future periods. The Company retrospectively adopted this amendment and the required disclosures are provided in Note 1 — “Organization and Basis of Presentation”.

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the presentation of comprehensive income. This amendment requires entities to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the presentation of comprehensive income. This amendment defers the requirement to present the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company's consolidated statements of income, which was required in the Comprehensive Income amendment made in June 2011. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted these amendments and the required presentation is provided in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Basis of Presentation

In December 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Balance Sheet as it relates to the disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendment requires disclosures about the Company's rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. This amendment also requires the disclosure of both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidation And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Consolidation Policy Text Block	Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated ("RGA") is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. There were no subsequent events that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2011 Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2012.
Prior Period Reclassifications [Text Block]	The Company has adjusted the presentation of certain prior-period information to conform to the current presentation. Such adjustments reflect the retrospective adoption of the amended general accounting principles for Financial Services – Insurance as it relates to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The financial statements and notes to the financial statements presented herein have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective adoption of the new accounting principles. See below for additional information. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(2)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 96-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 97-2
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 3A
-Section 02, 03

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph k
-Article 1

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph d
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 40
-Section 45
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/section&trid=2197723

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3A-02)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959686&loc=d3e355033-122828

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2196966

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382870&loc=d3e33801-111570

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 325
-SubTopic 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197087

+ Details

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application [Abstract]

Schedule Of New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles Text Block

				December 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Assets
Deferred policy acquisition costs			$	4,013,984	$	(470,059)	$	3,543,925

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Future policy benefits				9,903,503		383		9,903,886
Deferred income taxes				1,831,869		(152,035)		1,679,834
Stockholders' Equity:
	Retained earnings			3,131,934		(313,505)		2,818,429
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			1,623,055		(4,902)		1,618,153

				Three months ended March 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Benefits and Expenses:
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses			$	331,153	$	15,094	$	346,247

Income before income taxes				241,849		(15,094)		226,755
Provision for income taxes				81,033		(3,198)		77,835
Net income			$	160,816	$	(11,896)	$	148,920

(Continued)				December 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share			$	2.20	$	(0.17)	$	2.03
Diluted earnings per share			$	2.18	$	(0.16)	$	2.02

				Three months ended March 31, 2011
				As Reported		Adjustments		As Amended
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income			$	160,816	$	(11,896)	$	148,920
	Change in operating assets and liabilities
		Deferred policy acquisition costs		67,230		15,094		82,324
		Deferred income taxes		23,517		(3,198)		20,319

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 154
-Paragraph 2, 17, 18
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 28
-Paragraph 23, 24
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22499-107794

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accounting Change
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503790

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.10-01.(b)(6))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6958853&loc=d3e46468-122699

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Retrospective Application
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e765-108305

+ Details

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Text Block]

			Three months ended
		March 31,
			2012		2011
Earnings:
	Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$	123,318	$	148,920
Shares:
	Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)		73,575		73,213
	Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options		468		623
	Denominator for diluted calculation		74,043		73,836
Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	1.68	$	2.03
	Diluted	$	1.67	$	2.02

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Text Block]

		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
			Accumulated
			Currency		Unrealized		Pension and
			Translation		Appreciation		Postretirement
			Adjustments		of Securities		Benefits		Total
Balance, December 31, 2011		$	229,795	$	1,419,318	$	(30,960)	$	1,618,153
	Change in component during the period		24,080		(30,721)		290		(6,351)
Balance, March 31, 2012		$	253,875	$	1,388,597	$	(30,670)	$	1,611,802

Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Investments Abstract

Summary of Investments

		March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	16,794,057	$	16,200,950
Mortgage loans on real estate			1,040,733		991,731
Policy loans			1,260,070		1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest			5,472,532		5,410,424
Short-term investments			75,425		88,566
Other invested assets			867,507		1,012,541
Cash and cash equivalents			873,933		962,870
	Total cash and invested assets	$	26,384,257	$	25,927,482

Investment Income

Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses

Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2012		2011
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$	191,418	$	184,561
Mortgage loans on real estate		14,965		13,734
Policy loans		16,783		16,371
Funds withheld at interest		115,014		153,060
Short-term investments		988		925
Other invested assets		11,322		9,698
Investment revenue		350,490		378,349
Investment expense		9,550		7,309
Investment income, net of related expenses	$	340,940	$	371,040

Gain Loss On Investments

Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net

Investment related gains (losses), net consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2012		2011
Fixed maturities and equity securities available for sale:
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities	$	(7,607)	$	(1,556)
	Portion of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		(7,221)		--
	Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings		(14,828)		(1,556)
	Impairment losses on equity securities		(839)		--
	Gain on investment activity		22,312		29,376
	Loss on investment activity		(7,504)		(6,914)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision			(5,843)		576
Derivatives and other, net			50,222		102,138
Net gains		$	43,520	$	123,620

RollForward Of Cumulative Credit Loss Component Of OTTI Income Loss

	Three months ended
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	63,947	$	47,291
Initial impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired		1,902		--
Additional impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired		8,720		658
Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period		(11,381)		--
Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period		(952)		--
Balance, end of period	$	62,236	$	47,949

Available For Sale Securities

													Other-than-
									Estimated				temporary
March 31, 2012:			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair		% of		impairments
			Cost		Gains		Losses		Value		Total		in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	7,518,983	$	671,100	$	78,629	$	8,111,454	48.3	%	$	--
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		2,610,735		1,229,402		797		3,839,340	22.9			--
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			1,075,073		72,598		9,443		1,138,228	6.8			(710)
	Asset-backed securities			448,688		11,390		45,551		414,527	2.5			(4,512)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,302,734		104,586		64,899		1,342,421	8.0			(6,118)
	U.S. government and agencies			257,928		22,500		1,335		279,093	1.6			--
	State and political subdivisions			191,113		27,873		4,982		214,004	1.3			--
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,409,605		49,908		4,523		1,454,990	8.6			--
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	14,814,859	$	2,189,357	$	210,159	$	16,794,057	100.0	%	$	(11,340)

Non-redeemable preferred stock			$	77,766	$	4,963	$	2,706	$	80,023	81.6	%
Other equity securities				16,046		3,446		1,487		18,005	18.4
		Total equity securities	$	93,812	$	8,409	$	4,193	$	98,028	100.0	%

													Other-than-
									Estimated				temporary
December 31, 2011:			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair		% of		impairments
			Cost		Gains		Losses		Value		Total		in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
	Corporate securities		$	6,931,958	$	654,519	$	125,371	$	7,461,106	46.0	%	$	--
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		2,507,802		1,362,160		29		3,869,933	23.9			--
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			1,167,265		76,393		16,424		1,227,234	7.6			(1,042)
	Asset-backed securities			443,974		11,692		53,675		401,991	2.5			(5,256)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,233,958		87,750		79,489		1,242,219	7.7			(12,225)
	U.S. government and agencies			341,087		32,976		61		374,002	2.3			--
	State and political subdivisions			184,308		24,419		3,341		205,386	1.3			--
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		1,372,528		50,127		3,576		1,419,079	8.7			--
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	14,182,880	$	2,300,036	$	281,966	$	16,200,950	100.0	%	$	(18,523)

Non-redeemable preferred stock			$	82,488	$	4,677	$	8,982	$	78,183	68.6	%
Other equity securities				35,352		1,903		1,538		35,717	31.4
		Total equity securities	$	117,840	$	6,580	$	10,520	$	113,900	100.0	%

Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date

			Amortized		Fair
			Cost		Value
Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	179,357	$	180,864
	Due after one year through five years			2,659,446		2,770,954
	Due after five year through ten years			4,094,202		4,447,320
	Due after ten years			5,055,359		6,499,742
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities			2,826,495		2,895,177
		Total	$	14,814,859	$	16,794,057

Fixed Maturity Holdings Industry Types Weighted Average Credit Ratings

March 31, 2012:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Finance		$	2,578,694	$	2,686,141	33.1	%
Industrial			3,751,858		4,109,403	50.7
Utility			1,179,592		1,306,787	16.1
Other			8,839		9,123	0.1
	Total	$	7,518,983	$	8,111,454	100.0	%

December 31, 2011:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Finance		$	2,411,175	$	2,442,149	32.7	%
Industrial			3,402,099		3,760,187	50.4
Utility			1,115,384		1,255,090	16.9
Other			3,300		3,680	-
	Total	$	6,931,958	$	7,461,106	100.0	%

Sovereign Fixed Maturity Holdings By Country [Table Text Block]

March 31, 2012:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Australia		$	455,583	$	462,177	37.9	%
Japan			199,435		203,543	16.7
United Kingdom			121,984		132,406	10.8
South Africa			59,393		60,381	5.0
New Zealand			53,981		53,238	4.4
Cayman Islands			48,374		51,807	4.2
Germany			42,434		44,326	3.6
Other			197,465		212,848	17.4
	Total	$	1,178,649	$	1,220,726	100.0	%



December 31, 2011:					Estimated
			Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Australia		$	437,713	$	446,694	39.1	%
Japan			214,994		219,276	19.2
United Kingdom			118,618		130,106	11.4
Germany			72,926		75,741	6.6
New Zealand			51,547		51,544	4.5
South Africa			37,624		38,528	3.4
South Korea			30,592		32,025	2.8
Other			139,927		148,792	13.0
	Total	$	1,103,941	$	1,142,706	100.0	%

Non Sovereign Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities In European Peripheral Region [Table Text Block]

March 31, 2012:							Estimated
					Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Financial institutions:
	Ireland			$	4,160	$	4,569	6.6	%
	Spain				25,656		23,715	34.3
		Total financial institutions			29,816		28,284	40.9

Other:
	Ireland				12,475		13,285	19.3
	Italy				2,980		3,058	4.4
	Spain				24,449		24,450	35.4
		Total other			39,904		40,793	59.1
			Total	$	69,720	$	69,077	100.0	%

December 31, 2011:							Estimated
					Amortized Cost		Fair Value	% of Total
Financial institutions:
	Ireland			$	4,084	$	4,397	5.9	%
	Spain				25,565		20,378	27.6
		Total financial institutions			29,649		24,775	33.5

Other:
	Ireland				12,474		13,149	17.8
	Italy				2,898		2,808	3.8
	Spain				34,459		33,137	44.9
		Total other			49,831		49,094	66.5
			Total	$	79,480	$	73,869	100.0	%

Investments In Debt And Equity Securities Gross Unrealized Losses Disclosures

		March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
		Gross				Gross
		Unrealized				Unrealized
		Losses		% of Total		Losses		% of Total
Less than 20%		$	92,037	42.9	%	$	131,155	44.8	%
20% or more for less than six months			9,986	4.7			51,503	17.6
20% or more for six months or greater			112,329	52.4			109,828	37.6
	Total	$	214,352	100.0	%	$	292,486	100.0	%

Fair Value And Investments In Debt And Marketable Equity Securities And Certain Trading Assets Disclosures

			Less than 12 months				12 months or greater				Total
					Gross				Gross				Gross
March 31, 2012:			Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized
			Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses
Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	862,016	$	21,354	$	257,018	$	39,896	$	1,119,034	$	61,250
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		28,422		797		--		--		28,422		797
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			73,291		1,148		49,221		6,875		122,512		8,023
	Asset-backed securities			90,691		2,241		96,052		24,491		186,743		26,732
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			92,710		1,432		52,313		13,549		145,023		14,981
	U.S. government and agencies			87,486		1,335		--		--		87,486		1,335
	State and political subdivisions			27,839		3,462		12,020		1,520		39,859		4,982
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		221,491		2,401		17,336		2,122		238,827		4,523
		Total investment grade securities		1,483,946		34,170		483,960		88,453		1,967,906		122,623

Non-investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities			147,646		9,931		47,308		7,448		194,954		17,379
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,851		167		14,434		1,253		18,285		1,420
	Asset-backed securities			11		30		25,023		18,789		25,034		18,819
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			32,637		1,201		61,562		48,717		94,199		49,918
		Total non-investment grade securities		184,145		11,329		148,327		76,207		332,472		87,536
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	1,668,091	$	45,499	$	632,287	$	164,660	$	2,300,378	$	210,159

	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	7,603	$	484	$	19,099	$	2,222	$	26,702	$	2,706
	Other equity securities			20		183		5,537		1,304		5,557		1,487
		Total equity securities	$	7,623	$	667	$	24,636	$	3,526	$	32,259	$	4,193

			Less than 12 months				12 months or greater				Total
					Gross				Gross				Gross
December 31, 2011:			Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized
			Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses
Investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities		$	790,758	$	40,180	$	286,244	$	63,117	$	1,077,002	$	103,297
	Canadian and Canadian provincial
		governments		3,094		29		--		--		3,094		29
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			128,622		3,549		58,388		10,382		187,010		13,931
	Asset-backed securities			101,263		3,592		93,910		29,036		195,173		32,628
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			109,455		3,538		58,979		22,001		168,434		25,539
	U.S. government and agencies			1,764		61		--		--		1,764		61
	State and political subdivisions			21,045		1,845		12,273		1,268		33,318		3,113
	Other foreign government, supranational and
		foreign government-sponsored enterprises		148,416		1,085		16,588		2,491		165,004		3,576
		Total investment grade securities		1,304,417		53,879		526,382		128,295		1,830,799		182,174

Non-investment grade securities:
	Corporate securities			212,795		10,852		47,310		11,222		260,105		22,074
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			23,199		712		10,459		1,781		33,658		2,493
	Asset-backed securities			2,363		940		21,275		20,107		23,638		21,047
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			34,918		7,220		62,357		46,730		97,275		53,950
	State and political subdivisions			4,000		228		--		--		4,000		228
		Total non-investment grade securities		277,275		19,952		141,401		79,840		418,676		99,792
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	1,581,692	$	73,831	$	667,783	$	208,135	$	2,249,475	$	281,966

	Non-redeemable preferred stock		$	19,516	$	4,478	$	15,694	$	4,504	$	35,210	$	8,982
	Other equity securities			1,662		602		5,905		936		7,567		1,538
		Total equity securities	$	21,178	$	5,080	$	21,599	$	5,440	$	42,777	$	10,520

Mortgage Loan Internal Credit Risk Grade

Internal credit risk grade:			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	High investment grade		$	295,266	$	252,333
	Investment grade			539,872		526,608
	Average			93,324		105,177
	Watch list			107,225		91,037
	In or near default			19,696		28,369
		Total	$	1,055,383	$	1,003,524

Schedule Of Analysis Of Past Due Financing Receivables

			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
31-60 days past due			$	11,937	$	21,800
61-90 days past due				3,634		--
Greater than 90 days				17,153		20,316
	Total past due			32,724		42,116
Current				1,022,659		961,408
		Total	$	1,055,383	$	1,003,524

Recorded Investment And Allowance For Credit Losses

			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Mortgage loans:
	Evaluated individually for credit losses		$	56,855	$	60,904
	Evaluated collectively for credit losses			998,528		942,620
		Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances		1,055,383		1,003,524

Valuation allowances:
	Specific for credit losses			9,884		8,188
	Non-specifically identified credit losses			4,766		3,605
		Total valuation allowances		14,650		11,793

		Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances	$	1,040,733	$	991,731

Allowance For Mortgage Loan And Lease Losses Provision For Loss Net

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	11,793	$	6,239
Charge-offs		(2,193)		--
Provision (release)		5,050		(575)
Balance, end of period	$	14,650	$	5,664

Impaired Financing Receivables Table

		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Carrying Value
March 31, 2012:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	12,189	$	11,646	$	-	$	11,646
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded			45,352		45,209		9,884		35,325
	Total impaired mortgage loans	$	57,541	$	56,855	$	9,884	$	46,971

December 31, 2011:
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	32,088	$	31,496	$	--	$	31,496
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded			29,724		29,408		8,188		21,220
	Total impaired mortgage loans	$	61,812	$	60,904	$	8,188	$	52,716

		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
		Average Investment⁽¹⁾		Interest Income		Average Investment⁽¹⁾		Interest Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded		$	21,571	$	169	$	17,751	$	167
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded			37,308		308		18,741		118
	Total	$	58,879	$	477	$	36,492	$	285

(1)	Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.

Schedule Of Other Invested Assets [Table Text Block]

		March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Equity securities		$	98,028	$	113,900
Limited partnerships			265,879		251,315
Structured loans			245,246		281,022
Derivatives			168,961		257,050
Other			89,393		109,254
	Total other invested assets	$	867,507	$	1,012,541

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Fair Value

				March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
					Notional	Carrying Value/Fair Value					Notional	Carrying Value/Fair Value
					Amount		Assets		Liabilities		Amount		Assets		Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as
	hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps⁽¹⁾			$	2,708,940	$	117,624	$	20,454	$	2,748,317	$	184,842	$	18,702
	Financial futures⁽¹⁾				274,101		--		--		277,814		--		--
	Foreign currency forwards⁽¹⁾				24,400		2,482		--		24,400		4,560		--
	Consumer Price index (“CPI”) swaps⁽¹⁾				102,425		1,230		--		101,069		766		--
	Credit default swaps⁽¹⁾				649,500		3,245		3,707		649,500		1,313		10,949
	Equity options⁽¹⁾				669,188		69,426		--		510,073		90,106		--
	Embedded derivatives in:
		Modified coinsurance or funds
			withheld arrangements⁽²⁾		--		--		370,884		--		--		361,456
		Indexed annuity products⁽³⁾			--		3,514		772,938		--		4,945		751,523
		Variable annuity products⁽³⁾			--		--		130,344		--		--		276,718
	Total non-hedging derivatives				4,428,554		197,521		1,298,327		4,311,173		286,532		1,419,348

Derivatives designated as
	hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps⁽¹⁾				57,005		39		924		56,250		133		960
	Foreign currency swaps⁽¹⁾				621,578		282		33,143		621,578		286		23,996
	Total hedging derivatives				678,583		321		34,067		677,828		419		24,956
Total derivatives				$	5,107,137	$	197,842	$	1,332,394	$	4,989,001	$	286,951	$	1,444,304

(1)		Carried on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value.
(2)		Embedded liability is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in funds withheld at interest, at fair value.
(3)		Embedded liability is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, at fair value. Embedded asset is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in reinsurance ceded receivables.

Net Derivatives Gains Losses Recognized On Fair Value Derivatives And Related Hedged Items

Type of Fair Value Hedge	Hedged Item		Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives		Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items		Ineffectiveness Recognized in Investment Related Gains (Losses)

For the three months ended March 31, 2011:
Interest rate swaps	Fixed rate maturities	$	223	$	(97)	$	126

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of year	$	(828)
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges		323
Amounts reclassified to investment related gains (losses), net		--
Amounts reclassified to investment income		(357)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period	$	(862)

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives		Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)				Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
	(Effective Portion)		(Effective Portion)				(Ineffective Portion and Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
			Investment Related Gains (Losses)		Investment Income		Investment Related Gains (Losses)		Investment Income
Interest rate swaps	$	323	$	--	$	357	$	(24)	$	--

Derivatives Hedging Instruments In Net Investment Hedging Relationships

		Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI
		For the three months ended March 31,
Type of NIFO Hedge ^{(1) (2)}		2012		2011

Foreign currency swaps		$	(10,645)	$	(15,104)

(1)	There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented.
(2)	There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company's hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2012		2011
Embedded derivatives in modco or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains	$	(9,428)	$	90,535
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		1,933		19,183
Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains		146,375		32,654
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		15,082		8,801
Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses		(19,739)		(41,271)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income		13,870		(36,650)

Non-hedging Derivatives

A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

				Gain (Loss) for the Three Months Ended
				March 31,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative		Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)		2012		2011
Interest rate swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net		$	(47,352)	$	(10,730)
Financial futures		Investment related gains (losses), net			(17,409)		(11,423)
Foreign currency forwards		Investment related gains (losses), net			(1,608)		(855)
CPI swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net			(802)		811
Credit default swaps		Investment related gains (losses), net			11,813		892
Equity options		Investment related gains (losses), net			(37,983)		(4,568)
Embedded derivatives in:
	Modco or funds withheld arrangements	Investment related gains (losses), net			(9,428)		90,535
	Indexed annuity products	Policy acquisition costs and other insurance
			expenses		(998)		8,094
	Indexed annuity products	Interest credited			(18,741)		(49,365)
	Variable annuity products	Investment related gains (losses), net			146,375		32,654
Total non-hedging derivatives				$	23,867	$	56,045

Credit Risk

			March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position			$	136,100	$	227,399
	Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral⁽¹⁾			35,623		27,052
	Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral⁽²⁾			(140,915)		(241,480)
	Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral⁽³⁾			(30,146)		(997)
Net credit exposure			$	662	$	11,974

Margin account related to exchange-traded futures⁽²⁾			$	15,742	$	18,153

(1)		Consists of U.S. Treasury securities, included in other invested assets.
(2)		Included in cash and cash equivalents.
(3)		Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table Text Block

March 31, 2012:								Fair Value Measurements Using:
						Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
		Corporate securities			$	8,111,454	$	75,329	$	7,058,454	$	977,671
		Canadian and Canadian provincial governments				3,839,340		--		3,839,340		--
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				1,138,228		--		1,083,793		54,435
		Asset-backed securities				414,527		--		268,165		146,362
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities				1,342,421		--		1,223,743		118,678
		U.S. government and agencies securities				279,093		166,724		112,369		--
		State and political subdivision securities				214,004		12,793		195,972		5,239
		Other foreign government supranational and foreign
			government-sponsored enterprises			1,454,990		180,114		1,274,876		--
				Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		16,794,057		434,960		15,056,712		1,302,385
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives					(370,884)		--		--		(370,884)
	Cash equivalents					349,457		349,457		--		--
	Short-term investments					19,195		10,909		8,286		--
	Other invested assets:
		Non-redeemable preferred stock				80,023		66,024		13,999		--
		Other equity securities				18,005		3,392		2,786		11,827
		Derivatives:
			Interest rate swaps			96,285		--		96,285		--
			Foreign currency forwards			2,482		--		2,482		--
			CPI swaps			1,230		--		1,230		--
			Credit default swaps			(462)		--		(462)		--
			Equity options			69,426		--		69,426		--
		Collateral				41,298		35,623		5,675		--
		Other				13,143		13,143		--		--
				Total other invested assets		321,430		118,182		191,421		11,827
	Reinsurance ceded receivable – embedded derivatives					3,514		--		--		3,514
		Total			$	17,116,769	$	913,508	$	15,256,419	$	946,842

Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives				$	903,282	$	--	$	--	$	903,282
	Other liabilities:
		Derivatives:
			Foreign currency swaps			32,861		--		32,861		--
				Total other liabilities		32,861		--		32,861		--
		Total			$	936,143	$	--	$	32,861	$	903,282

December 31, 2011:								Fair Value Measurements Using:
						Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
		Corporate securities			$	7,461,106	$	76,097	$	6,410,840	$	974,169
		Canadian and Canadian provincial governments				3,869,933		--		3,869,933		--
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				1,227,234		--		1,145,579		81,655
		Asset-backed securities				401,991		--		208,499		193,492
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities				1,242,219		--		1,126,243		115,976
		U.S. government and agencies securities				374,002		300,514		73,488		--
		State and political subdivision securities				205,386		12,894		182,119		10,373
		Other foreign government, supranational and foreign
			government-sponsored enterprises			1,419,079		223,440		1,195,639		--
				Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale		16,200,950		612,945		14,212,340		1,375,665
	Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives					(361,456)		--		--		(361,456)
	Cash equivalents					504,522		504,522		--		--
	Short-term investments					46,671		37,155		9,516		--
	Other invested assets:
		Non-redeemable preferred stock				78,183		58,906		19,277		--
		Other equity securities				35,717		5,308		18,920		11,489
		Derivatives:
			Interest rate swaps			168,484		--		168,484		--
			Foreign currency forwards			4,560		--		4,560		--
			CPI swaps			766		--		766		--
			Credit default swaps			(4,003)		--		(4,003)		--
			Equity options			87,243		--		87,243		--
		Collateral				32,622		27,052		5,570		--
		Other				59,373		59,373		--		--
				Total other invested assets		462,945		150,639		300,817		11,489
	Reinsurance ceded receivable – embedded derivatives					4,945		--		--		4,945
		Total			$	16,858,577	$	1,305,261	$	14,522,673	$	1,030,643

Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives				$	1,028,241	$	--	$	--	$	1,028,241
	Other liabilities:
		Derivatives:
			Interest rate swaps			3,171		--		3,171		--
			Credit default swaps			5,633		--		5,633		--
			Equity options			(2,864)		--		(2,864)		--
			Foreign currency swaps			23,710		--		23,710		--
				Total other liabilities		29,650		--		29,650		--
		Total			$	1,057,891	$	--	$	29,650	$	1,028,241

Fair Value Unobservable Input Measurements [Table Text Block]

March 31, 2012:				Valuation	Unobservable	Range
		Fair Value		Technique(s)	Input	(Weighted Average)
Assets:
	State and political subdivision securities	$	5,239	Market comparable securities	Liquidity premium	1%

	Corporate securities		20,101	Market comparable securities	Liquidity premium	1-2% (2%)

	Private equity securities		9,852	Net asset value	Fund financial statements	Not Applicable

	Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives		(370,884)	Total return swap	Mortality	0-100% (1%)
					Lapse	0-35% (4%)
					Withdrawal	0-5% (4%)
					Own Credit	0-1% (0%)
					Crediting rate	2-4% (3%)

	Reinsurance ceded receivable- embedded derivatives		3,514	Discounted cash flow	Mortality	0-100% (8%)
					Lapse	14-16% (15%)

Liabilities:
	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities		772,939	Discounted cash flow	Mortality	0-100% (1%)
					Lapse	0-35% (4%)
					Withdrawal	0-5% (4%)
					Option budget projection	2-4% (3%)


	Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities		130,343	Discounted cash flow	Mortality	0-100% (1%)
					Lapse	0-25% (5%)
					Withdrawal	0-7% (4%)
					Own Credit	0-1% (1%)
					Long-term volatility	0-27% (16%)

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block]

For the three months ended March 31, 2012:				Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
							Residential				Commercial		State
							mortgage-				mortgage-		and political
				Corporate			backed		Asset-backed		backed		subdivision
				securities			securities		securities		securities		securities
Fair value, beginning of period				$	974,169	$	81,655	$	193,492	$	115,976	$	10,373
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		30		110		249		588		(5)
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(585)		279		(670)		(12,075)		(4)
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			(682)		1,580		6,696		13,521		406
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				21,161		244		--		--		--
	Sales⁽¹⁾				(9,408)		(8,004)		--		--		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				(20,875)		(1,800)		(3,865)		--		(23)
	Transfers into Level 3				17,444		--		1,080		10,846		--
	Transfers out of Level 3				(3,583)		(19,629)		(50,620)		(10,178)		(5,508)
Fair value, end of period				$	977,671	$	54,435	$	146,362	$	118,678	$	5,239

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	30	$	106	$	249	$	588	$	(5)
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(727)		(108)		(607)		(12,075)		--
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--		--

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 (continued):				Funds withheld				Reinsurance		Interest sensitive
				at interest-		Other invested		ceded receivable-		contract liabilities
				embedded		assets- other		embedded		embedded
				derivative		equity securities		derivative		derivative
Fair value, beginning of period				$	(361,456)	$	11,489	$	4,945	$	(1,028,241)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		--		--		--		--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(9,428)		--		--		146,375
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		2,278
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(21,193)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		(1,329)		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			--		338		--		--
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				--		--		--		(23,590)
	Sales⁽¹⁾				--		--		--		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				--		--		(102)		21,089
	Transfers into Level 3				--		--		--		--
	Transfers out of Level 3				--		--		--		--
Fair value, end of period				$	(370,884)	$	11,827	$	3,514	$	(903,282)

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(9,428)		--		--		144,624
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		2,037
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(42,107)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		(1,188)		--

(1)			The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011:				Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
							Residential				Commercial
							mortgage-				mortgage-
				Corporate			backed		Asset-backed		backed
				securities			securities		securities		securities
Fair value, beginning of period				$	872,179	$	183,291	$	228,558	$	147,556
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		88		260		582		558
			Investment related gains (losses), net		420		(357)		844		(489)
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			222		7,394		4,231		33,141
	Purchases ⁽¹⁾				100,202		453		4,872		2,613
	Sales⁽¹⁾				(1,509)		(14,065)		(18,299)		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				(50,679)		(8,160)		(8,148)		(330)
	Transfers into Level 3				34,410		5,001		11,326		55,189
	Transfers out of Level 3				(14,863)		(35,249)		(21,720)		(34,844)
Fair value, end of period				$	940,470	$	138,568	$	202,246	$	203,394

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	74	$	258	$	507	$	554
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(514)		--		(552)		(489)
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--		--

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 (continued):				Fixed maturity securities -
				available-for-sale
						Other foreign
				State		government,		Funds withheld
				and political		supranational and		at interest-
				subdivision		foreign government-		embedded
				securities		sponsored enterprises		derivative
Fair value, beginning of period				$	6,983	$	6,736	$	(274,220)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		368		1		--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		(4)		--		90,535
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			2,675		(102)		--
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				871		--		--
	Sales⁽¹⁾				--		(161)		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				(21)		--		--
	Transfers into Level 3				34,209		21		--
Fair value, end of period				$	45,081	$	6,495	$	(183,685)

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period

		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	368	$	(37)	$	--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		--		--		90,535
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--
			Interest credited		--		--		--
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		--

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 (continued):				Other invested				Reinsurance		Interest sensitive
				assets- non-		Other invested		ceded receivable-		contract liabilities
				redeemable		assets- other		embedded		embedded
				preferred stock		equity securities		derivative		derivative
Fair value, beginning of period				$	420	$	16,416	$	75,431	$	(721,485)
	Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses		--		--		--		--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		--		--		--		32,654
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		919
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(49,849)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		7,839		--
		Included in other comprehensive income			--		(2,282)		--		--
	Purchases⁽¹⁾				--		--		2,433		(19,917)
	Sales⁽¹⁾				--		--		--		--
	Settlements⁽¹⁾				--		--		(3,221)		18,661
Fair value, end of period				$	420	$	14,134	$	82,482	$	(739,017)

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period


		Included in earnings, net:
			Investment income, net of related expenses	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--
			Investment related gains (losses), net		--		--		--		32,654
			Claims & other policy benefits		--		--		--		1,353
			Interest credited		--		--		--		(68,510)
			Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		--		--		7,839		--

(1)			The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.

Financial Instruments Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Value [Text Block]

March 31, 2012:					Estimated Fair	Fair Value Measurement Using:
			Carrying Value		Value		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate	$	1,040,733	$	1,140,083	$	--	$	--	$	1,140,083
	Policy loans		1,260,070		1,260,070		--		1,260,070		--
	Funds withheld at interest⁽¹⁾		5,472,532		6,186,149		--		--		6,186,149
	Cash and cash equivalents⁽²⁾		524,476		524,476		524,476		--		--
	Short-term investments⁽²⁾		56,230		56,230		56,230		--		--
	Other invested assets⁽²⁾		494,561		498,040		--		18,799		479,241
	Accrued investment income		173,629		173,629		--		173,629		--
Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities⁽¹⁾	$	6,213,484	$	6,364,422	$	--	$	--	$	6,364,422
	Long-term debt		1,414,829		1,484,949		--		--		1,484,949
	Collateral finance facility		652,029		423,475		--		--		423,475

December 31, 2011:						Estimated Fair
				Carrying Value	Value
Assets:
	Mortgage loans on real estate		$	991,731	$	1,081,924
	Policy loans			1,260,400		1,260,400
	Funds withheld at interest⁽¹⁾			5,410,424		6,041,984
	Cash and cash equivalents⁽²⁾			458,348		458,348
	Short-term investments⁽²⁾			41,895		41,895
	Other invested assets⁽²⁾			500,681		503,293
	Accrued investment income			144,334		144,334
Liabilities:
	Interest-sensitive contract liabilities⁽¹⁾		$	6,203,001	$	6,307,779
	Long-term debt			1,414,688		1,462,329
	Collateral finance facility			652,032		390,900

(1)		Carrying values presented herin differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

(2)		Carrying values presented herin differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment Information [Abstract]

Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated Text Block

	Three months ended March 31,
Total revenues:	2012		2011
U.S.	$	1,324,147	$	1,353,226
Canada		275,623		266,527
Europe & South Africa		308,337		281,003
Asia Pacific		359,685		339,514
Corporate and Other		25,183		42,165
Total	$	2,292,975	$	2,282,435

Reconciliation Of Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated Text Block

	Three months ended March 31,
Income (loss) before income taxes:	2012		2011
U.S.	$	92,745	$	147,569
Canada		55,063		29,912
Europe & South Africa		6,606		22,535
Asia Pacific		32,067		21,976
Corporate and Other		(5,718)		4,763
Total	$	180,763	$	226,755

Reconciliation Of Assets From Segment To Consolidated Text Block


Total Assets:	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
U.S.	$	19,041,229	$	17,965,559
Canada		3,560,286		3,347,771
Europe & South Africa		1,851,560		1,846,751
Asia Pacific		2,879,894		2,902,101
Corporate and Other		4,953,113		5,571,791
Total	$	32,286,082	$	31,633,973

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Text Block

	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	Three months ended March 31,				Three months ended March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,532	$	1,415	$	279	$	212
Interest Cost		980		890		259		220
Expected return on plan assets		(734)		(644)		--		--
Amortization of prior service cost		99		7		--		--
Amortization of prior actuarial loss		275		188		88		59
Total	$	2,152	$	1,856	$	626	$	491

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4, 7, 16, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6930749&loc=d3e4179-114921

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 2
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)	12 Months Ended
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	$ 4,013,984,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(470,059,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	3,543,925,000
Future policy benefits [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	9,903,503,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	383,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	9,903,886,000
Deferred Income Taxes [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	1,831,869,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(152,035,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	1,679,834,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	3,131,934,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(313,505,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	2,818,429,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	1,623,055,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(4,902,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	1,618,153,000
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	331,153,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	15,094,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	346,247,000
Income Before Income Taxes [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	241,849,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(15,094,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	226,755,000
Provision For Income Taxes [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	81,033,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(3,198,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	77,835,000
Net Income [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	160,816,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(11,896,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	148,920,000
Basic Earnings Per Share [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	2.20
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(0.17)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	2.03
Diluted Earnings Per Share [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	2.18
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(0.16)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	2.02
Change In Operating Assets And Liabilities Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	67,230,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	15,094,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	82,324,000
Change In Operating Assets And Liabilities Deferred Income Taxes [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount before Application	23,517,000
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount of Application Adjustment	(3,198,000)
Retrospective Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Tabular Presentation by Financial Statement Line Item, Amount after Application	$ 20,319,000

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Earnings:
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)	$ 123,318	$ 148,920
Shares:
Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)	73,575	73,213
Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options	468	623
Denominator for diluted calculation	74,043	73,836
Earnings Per Share:
Basic earning per share	$ 1.68	$ 2.03
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.67	$ 2.02

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

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

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
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+ Details

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) - shares	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Narrative) - shares	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Stock Options Member
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount	1,400,000	800,000
Contingently Issuable Shares Member
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount	700,000	800,000

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
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-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Comprehensive Income (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Comprehensive Income (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Balance, Beginning of Period	$ 1,618,153
Change in component during the period	(6,351)
Balance, End of Period	1,611,802
Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Balance, Beginning of Period	229,795
Change in component during the period	24,080
Balance, End of Period	253,875
Unrealized Appreciation Of Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Balance, Beginning of Period	1,419,318
Change in component during the period	(30,721)
Balance, End of Period	1,388,597
Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Balance, Beginning of Period	(30,960)
Change in component during the period	290
Balance, End of Period	$ (30,670)

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
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-Article 5

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+ Details

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments Abstract
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$ 16,794,057	$ 16,200,950
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,040,733	991,731
Policy loans	1,260,070	1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest	5,472,532	5,410,424
Short-term investments	75,425	88,566
Other invested assets	867,507	1,012,541
Cash and cash equivalents	873,933	962,870	$ 467,672	$ 463,661
Total cash and invested assets	$ 26,384,257	$ 25,927,482

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 8, 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 1
-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7
-Footnote 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash Equivalents
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361293&loc=d3e6676-107765

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3044-108585

+ Details

Investments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Investments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment Revenue	$ 350,490	$ 378,349
Investment Income Investment Expense	9,550	7,309
Investment income, net of related expenses	340,940	371,040
Availableforsale Securities Member
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment Revenue	191,418	184,561
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Member
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment Revenue	14,965	13,734
Policy Loans Member
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment Revenue	16,783	16,371
Funds Withheld At Interest [Member]
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment Revenue	115,014	153,060
Short Term Investments Member
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment Revenue	988	925
Other Aggregated Investments Member
Major Categories Of Investment Income Net of Expenses [Line Items]
Investment Revenue	$ 11,322	$ 9,698

Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Investment Gains And Losses [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	$ (7,607)	$ (1,556)
Portion of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)	(7,221)	0
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings	(14,828)	(1,556)
Impairment Losses On Equity Securities	(839)	0
Gain on investment activity	22,312	29,376
Loss on investment activity	7,504	6,914
Other impairment losses	5,843	(576)
Derivatives And Other Investments Net	50,222	102,138
Net gains (losses)	$ 43,520	$ 123,620

Investments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Investments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Roll Forward
Balance, beginning of period	$ 63,947	$ 47,291
Initial impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired	1,902	0
Additional impairments - credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired	8,720	658
Other Than Temporary Impairments Credit Losses On Securities Impaired To Fair Value	(11,381)	0
Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which were sold during the period	(952)	0
Balance, end of period	$ 62,236	$ 47,949

Investments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 7,518,983	$ 6,931,958
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	214,352	292,486
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 8,111,454	$ 7,461,106
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 14,814,859	$ 14,182,880
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	2,189,357	2,300,036
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	210,159	281,966
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	16,794,057	16,200,950
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ (11,340)	$ (18,523)
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 93,812	$ 117,840
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	8,409	6,580
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	4,193	10,520
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 98,028	$ 113,900
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate Debt Securities Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 7,518,983	$ 6,931,958
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	671,100	654,519
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	78,629	125,371
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	8,111,454	7,461,106
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	48.30%	46.00%
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 2,610,735	$ 2,507,802
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	1,229,402	1,362,160
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	797	29
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	3,839,340	3,869,933
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	22.90%	23.90%
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 1,075,073	$ 1,167,265
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	72,598	76,393
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	9,443	16,424
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	1,138,228	1,227,234
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ (710)	$ (1,042)
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	6.80%	7.60%
Asset Backed Securities Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 448,688	$ 443,974
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	11,390	11,692
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	45,551	53,675
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	414,527	401,991
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ (4,512)	$ (5,256)
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	2.50%	2.50%
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 1,302,734	$ 1,233,958
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	104,586	87,750
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	64,899	79,489
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	1,342,421	1,242,219
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ (6,118)	$ (12,225)
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	8.00%	7.70%
US Government And Government Agencies And Authorities Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 257,928	$ 341,087
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	22,500	32,976
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	1,335	61
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	279,093	374,002
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	1.60%	2.30%
US States And Political Subdivisions Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 191,113	$ 184,308
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	27,873	24,419
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	4,982	3,341
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	214,004	205,386
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	1.30%	1.30%
Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises \| Fixed Maturities Member
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 1,409,605	$ 1,372,528
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	49,908	50,127
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	4,523	3,576
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	1,454,990	1,419,079
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Than Temporary Impairment Not Credit Loss Net Of Tax Availableforsale Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	8.60%	0.00%
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock Member \| Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 77,766	$ 82,488
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	4,963	4,677
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	2,706	8,982
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 80,023	$ 78,183
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	81.60%	68.60%
Equity Securities Other Member \| Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 16,046	$ 35,352
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	3,446	1,903
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	1,487	1,538
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 18,005	$ 35,717
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	18.40%	31.40%

Investments (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 179,357
Due after one year through five years	2,659,446
Due after five year through ten years	4,094,202
Due after ten years	5,055,359
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	2,826,495
Total	14,814,859	$ 14,182,880
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Fair Value
Due in one year or less	180,864
Due after one year through five years	2,770,954
Due after five year through ten years	4,447,320
Due after ten years	6,499,742
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	2,895,177
Total	$ 16,794,057	$ 16,200,950

Investments (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 7,518,983	$ 6,931,958
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 8,111,454	$ 7,461,106
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Finance Industry [Member]
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 2,578,694	$ 2,411,175
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 2,686,141	$ 2,442,149
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	33.10%	32.70%
Industrial [Member]
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 3,751,858	$ 3,402,099
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 4,109,403	$ 3,760,187
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	50.70%	50.40%
Utility Industry [Member]
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 1,179,592	$ 1,115,384
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,306,787	$ 1,255,090
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	16.10%	16.90%
Other Industry [Member]
Corporate Secturities by Investment Sector And Credit Rating [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 8,839	$ 3,300
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 9,123	$ 3,680
Percentage Of Total Available For Sale Securities	0.10%	0.00%

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

+ References + Details

Investments (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 7,518,983	$ 6,931,958
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	8,111,454	7,461,106
Australia [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	455,583	437,713
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 462,177	$ 446,694
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	37.90%	39.10%
Japan [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 199,435	$ 214,994
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 203,543	$ 219,276
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	16.70%	19.20%
United Kingdom [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 121,984	$ 118,618
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 132,406	$ 130,106
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	10.80%	11.40%
Germany [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 42,434	$ 72,926
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 44,326	$ 75,741
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	3.60%	6.60%
New Zealand [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 53,981	$ 51,547
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 53,238	$ 51,544
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	4.40%	4.50%
South Africa [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 59,393	$ 37,624
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 60,381	$ 38,528
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	5.00%	3.40%
South Korea [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost		$ 30,592
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure		$ 32,025
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities		2.80%
Cayman Islands [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 48,374
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 51,807
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	4.20%
Other [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 197,465	$ 139,927
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 212,848	$ 148,792
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	17.40%	13.00%
Combined Sovereign Debt [Member]
Sovereign Fixed Maturity By Country [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 1,178,649	$ 1,103,941
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,220,726	$ 1,142,706
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	100.00%	100.00%

Investments (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 7,518,983	$ 6,931,958
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	8,111,454	7,461,106
Combined European Peripheral Region [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	69,720	79,480
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 69,077	$ 73,869
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Finance Industry [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 29,816	$ 29,649
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 28,284	$ 24,775
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	40.90%	33.50%
Finance Industry [Member] \| Ireland [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 4,160	$ 4,084
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 4,569	$ 4,397
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	6.60%	5.90%
Finance Industry [Member] \| Spain [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 25,656	$ 25,565
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 23,715	$ 20,378
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	34.30%	27.60%
Other Industry [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 39,904	$ 49,831
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 40,793	$ 49,094
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	59.10%	66.50%
Other Industry [Member] \| Ireland [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 12,475	$ 12,474
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 13,285	$ 13,149
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	19.30%	17.80%
Other Industry [Member] \| Italy [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 2,980	$ 2,898
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 3,058	$ 2,808
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	4.40%	3.80%
Other Industry [Member] \| Spain [Member]
Non-Sovereign Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities in European Peripheral Region [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 24,449	$ 34,459
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 24,450	$ 33,137
Percentage Of Total Available For Sales Securities	35.40%	44.90%

Investments (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 214,352	$ 292,486
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses For Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Less Than 20 Percent [Member]
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 92,037	$ 131,155
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses For Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities	42.90%	44.80%
More Than Or Equal To 20 Percent For Less Than Six Months [Member]
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 9,986	$ 51,503
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses For Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities	4.70%	17.60%
More Than Or Equal To 20 Percent For Six Months Or Greater [Member]
Gross unrealized losses with number of securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 112,329	$ 109,828
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses For Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities	52.40%	37.60%

Investments (Details 10) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	$ 68,800,000	$ 68,600,000
Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	1,668,091,000	1,581,692,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	45,499,000	73,831,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	632,287,000	667,783,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	164,660,000	208,135,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	2,300,378,000	2,249,475,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	210,159,000	281,966,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	7,623,000	21,178,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	667,000	5,080,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	24,636,000	21,599,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	3,526,000	5,440,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	32,259,000	42,777,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	4,193,000	10,520,000
External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	1,483,946,000	1,304,417,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	34,170,000	53,879,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	483,960,000	526,382,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	88,453,000	128,295,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	1,967,906,000	1,830,799,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	122,623,000	182,174,000
External Credit Rating Non Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	184,145,000	277,275,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	11,329,000	19,952,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	148,327,000	141,401,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	76,207,000	79,840,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	332,472,000	418,676,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	87,536,000	99,792,000
Corporate Debt Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	862,016,000	790,758,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	21,354,000	40,180,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	257,018,000	286,244,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	39,896,000	63,117,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	1,119,034,000	1,077,002,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	61,250,000	103,297,000
Corporate Debt Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Non Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	147,646,000	212,795,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	9,931,000	10,852,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	47,308,000	47,310,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	7,448,000	11,222,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	194,954,000	260,105,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	17,379,000	22,074,000
US Government Agencies Debt Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	87,486,000	1,764,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	1,335,000	61,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	87,486,000	1,764,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	1,335,000	61,000
US States And Political Subdivisions Member \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	27,839,000	21,045,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	3,462,000	1,845,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	12,020,000	12,273,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	1,520,000	1,268,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	39,859,000	33,318,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	4,982,000	3,113,000
US States And Political Subdivisions Member \| External Credit Rating Non Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	0	4,000,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	0	228,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	0	4,000,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	0	228,000
Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	221,491,000	148,416,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	2,401,000	1,085,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	17,336,000	16,588,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	2,122,000	2,491,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	238,827,000	165,004,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	4,523,000	3,576,000
Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises \| External Credit Rating Non Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	0
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	92,710,000	109,455,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	1,432,000	3,538,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	52,313,000	58,979,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	13,549,000	22,001,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	145,023,000	168,434,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	14,981,000	25,539,000
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Non Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	32,637,000	34,918,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	1,201,000	7,220,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	61,562,000	62,357,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	48,717,000	46,730,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	94,199,000	97,275,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	49,918,000	53,950,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	73,291,000	128,622,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	1,148,000	3,549,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	49,221,000	58,388,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	6,875,000	10,382,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	122,512,000	187,010,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	8,023,000	13,931,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Non Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	3,851,000	23,199,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	167,000	712,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	14,434,000	10,459,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	1,253,000	1,781,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	18,285,000	33,658,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	1,420,000	2,493,000
Asset Backed Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	90,691,000	101,263,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	2,241,000	3,592,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	96,052,000	93,910,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	24,491,000	29,036,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	186,743,000	195,173,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	26,732,000	32,628,000
Asset Backed Securities Member \| External Credit Rating Non Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	11,000	2,363,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	30,000	940,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	25,023,000	21,275,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	18,789,000	20,107,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	25,034,000	23,638,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	18,819,000	21,047,000
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] \| External Credit Rating Investment Grade Member \| Fixed Maturities Member
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	28,422,000	3,094,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	797,000	29,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	28,422,000	3,094,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	797,000	29,000
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock Member \| Equity Securities [Member]
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	7,603,000	19,516,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	484,000	4,478,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	19,099,000	15,694,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	2,222,000	4,504,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	26,702,000	35,210,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	2,706,000	8,982,000
Equity Securities Other Member \| Equity Securities [Member]
Estimated Fair Values And Gross Unrealized Losses, OTTI Impairment Losses Reported In AOCI [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value	20,000	1,662,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 1	183,000	602,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value	5,537,000	5,905,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	1,304,000	936,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value	5,557,000	7,567,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 1	$ 1,487,000	$ 1,538,000

Investments (Details 11) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
High Investment Grade [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable Commercial Real Estate	$ 295,266	$ 252,333
Investment Grade [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable Commercial Real Estate	539,872	526,608
Average [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable Commercial Real Estate	93,324	105,177
Watch List [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable Commercial Real Estate	107,225	91,037
In Or Near Default [Member]
Credit Quality Indicators [Line Items]
Loans Receivable Commercial Real Estate	$ 19,696	$ 28,369

- Definition

Reflects the sum of the gross carrying amounts of unpaid loans issued to businesses to acquire, develop, construct, improve, or refinance land or a building. Includes [but is not limited to] commercial mortgage loans, which are secured by a [legal] security interest in real property [commercial building or business real property] which thereby serves as collateral securing repayment of the loan; and construction financing, which is an obligation generally in the form of a [promissory] note, used for the funding of construction projects.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 60
-Paragraph 47
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 9
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph a

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-DEP
-Chapter 8
-Paragraph 51, 52, 53
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5066-111524

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Investments (Details 12) - Mortgage Receivables Member - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Aging
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment 30 To 59 Days Past Due	$ 11,937	$ 21,800
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment 60 To 89 Days Past Due	3,634	0
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	17,153	20,316
Total past due	32,724	42,116
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Current	1,022,659	961,408
Total mortgage loans	$ 1,055,383	$ 1,003,524

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Investments (Details 13) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Mortgage Loans:
Evaluated individually for credit losses	$ 56,855	$ 60,904
Evaluated collectively for credit losses	998,528	942,620
Valuation Allowances:
Specific for credit losses	(9,884)	(8,188)
Non-specifically identified credit losses	4,766	3,605
Total valuation allowances	14,650	11,793
Mortgage Loans Net Of Valuation Allowances [Abstract]
Total mortgage loan receivables	$ 1,040,733	$ 991,731

Investments (Details 14) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Investments (Details 14) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Roll Forward
Balance, Beginning of Period	$ 11,793	$ 6,239
Charge-offs	(2,193)	0
Recoveries	0	0
Provision (release)	5,050	$ (575)
Balance, End of Period	$ 14,650

Investments (Details 15) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Investments (Details 15) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 57,541		$ 61,812
Impaired Financing Receivable Recorded Investment	56,855		60,904
Impaired Financing Receivable Related Allowance	9,884		8,188
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	46,971		52,716
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	58,879	$ 36,492
Impaired Financing Receivable Interest Income Accrual Method	477	285
Commercial Real Estate Other Receivable With No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	12,189		32,088
Impaired Financing Receivable Recorded Investment	11,646		31,496
Impaired Financing Receivable Related Allowance	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	11,646		31,496
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	21,571	17,751
Impaired Financing Receivable Interest Income Accrual Method	169	167
Commercial Real Estate Other Receivable With Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	45,352		29,724
Impaired Financing Receivable Recorded Investment	45,209		29,408
Impaired Financing Receivable Related Allowance	9,884		8,188
Impaired Financing Receivable Net Of Related Allowance	35,325		$ 21,220
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	37,308	18,741
Impaired Financing Receivable Interest Income Accrual Method	$ 308	$ 118

Investments (Details 16) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$ 867,507	$ 1,012,541
Equity Securities [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	98,028	113,900
Limited Partner [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	265,879	251,315
Secured Debt [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	245,246	281,022
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	168,961	257,050
Other [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$ 89,393	$ 109,254

Investments (Narrative) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Investments (Narrative) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Sold At Loss	$ 248,100,000	$ 196,600,000
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	7,518,983,000		$ 6,931,958,000
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 8,111,454,000		7,461,106,000
Mortgage Loan Percent Of Cash And Invested Assets	3.90%	3.80%
Impaired Financing Receivable Interest Income Accrual Method	$ 477,000	$ 285,000
Loans And Leases Receivable Impaired Nonperforming Nonaccrual Of Interest	$ 17,200,000		$ 20,300,000
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Positions	851		940
Gross Unrealized Losses On Equity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Greater Than 20 Percent Greater Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	$ 500,000		$ 500,000
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 1	$ 68,800,000		$ 68,600,000
Other Invested Assets Percent Of Cash And Invested Assets	3.30%		3.90%
Borrowed Securities [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 150,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	150,000,000		150,000,000
Collateral Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Sold At Loss	30,100,000		1,000,000
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost		$ 37,400,000	29,000,000
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	41,300,000		32,600,000
Canadian Province Of Ontario Securities [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	1,179,000,000		1,171,200,000
Canadian Province Of Quebec Securities [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,083,200,000		$ 1,107,700,000
Investment Grade Securities [Member]
Investment Narrative [Line Items]
Percentage Of Total Gross Unrealized Losses	58.90%		65.30%

Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 5,107,137	$ 4,989,001
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	197,842	286,951
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	1,332,394	1,444,304
Designated As Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	678,583	677,828
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	321	419
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	34,067	24,956
Designated As Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	57,005	56,250
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	39	133
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	924	960
Designated As Hedging [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Member
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	621,578	621,578
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	282	286
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	33,143	23,996
Designated As Non Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	4,428,554	4,311,173
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	197,521	286,532
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	1,298,327	1,419,348
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	2,708,940	2,748,317
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	117,624	184,842
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	20,454	18,702
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Future Member
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	274,101	277,814
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Member
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	24,400	24,400
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	2,482	4,560
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	102,425	101,069
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	1,230	766
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Credit Default Swap Member
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	649,500	649,500
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	3,245	1,313
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	3,707	10,949
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Equity Member
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	669,188	510,073
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	69,426	90,106
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	0	0
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	370,884	361,456
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	3,514	4,945
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	772,938	751,523
Designated As Non Hedging [Member] \| Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Assets	0	0
Carrying Value / Fair Value of Liabilities	$ 130,344	$ 276,718

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Net Derivatives Gains Losses Recognized On Fair Value Derivatives And Related Hedged Items [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Net	$ 223
Change In Unrealized Gain Loss On Hedged Item In Fair Value Hedge	(97)
Gain Loss On Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness Net	$ 126

- Definition

The amount of net gains and losses recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References + Details

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
AOCI Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning	$ (828)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	323
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net	0
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Investment Income, Net	(357)
Balance ending	$ (862)

Derivative Instruments (Details 3) - Interest Rate Swap Member $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	$ 323
Investment Related Gains Losses [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	(24)
Investment Income [Member]
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	357
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	$ 0

Derivative Instruments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Currency Swap Member
Net Investments in Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	$ (10,645)	$ (15,104)

Derivative Instruments (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$ 43,520	$ 123,620
Total benefits and expenses	2,112,212	2,055,680
Net income	123,318	148,920
Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(9,428)	90,535
Net income	1,933	19,183
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total benefits and expenses	(19,739)	(41,271)
Net income	13,870	(36,650)
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member]
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	146,375	32,654
Net income	$ 15,082	$ 8,801

- Definition

This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling or holding marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, including the unrealized holding gain (loss) of held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading security category and the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) which was included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) for available-for-sale securities transferred to trading securities during the period. Additionally, this item would include any gains (losses) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c),9(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (c)-(e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

+ Details

Derivative Instruments (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$ 43,520	$ 123,620
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses	307,634	346,247
Interest credited	88,042	106,063
Interest Rate Swap Member
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(47,352)	(10,730)
Future Member
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(17,409)	(11,423)
Foreign Exchange Forward Member
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(1,608)	(855)
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(802)	811
Credit Default Swap Member
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	11,813	892
Equity Member
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(37,983)	(4,568)
Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	(9,428)	90,535
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Policy Acquisition Costs And Other Insurance Expenses	(998)	8,094
Interest credited	(18,741)	(49,365)
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member]
Income Affect Of Non Hedging Derivatives [Line Items]
Total investment related gains (losses), net	$ 146,375	$ 32,654

Derivative Instruments (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset (liability) position	$ 136,100	$ 227,399
Cash provided as collateral	0	0
Securities provided as collateral	(35,623)	(27,052)
Cash received as collateral	(140,915)	(241,480)
Securities received as collateral	(30,146)	(997)
Net credit exposure	662	11,974
Margin account related to exchange-traded futures	$ 15,742	$ 18,153

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Narrative) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Gain Loss Recorded In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss For Net Investment In Foreign Operations Hedges	$ 6,600,000		$ 4,100,000
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives	93,300,000		25,900,000
Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives	614,000,000		$ 614,000,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	800,000
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk	63,500,000	$ 23,900,000
Embedded Derivative Gain Loss On Variable Annuity Contracts In Financial Statements From Use Of Own Credit Risk	$ 37,000,000

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$ 16,794,057	$ 16,200,950
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	(370,884)	(361,456)
Short-term investments	19,195	46,671
Other invested assets	321,430	462,945
Cash and cash equivalents	349,457	504,522
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives	3,514	4,945
Total Assets	17,116,769	16,858,577
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives	903,282	1,028,241
Other liabilities	32,861	29,650
Total Liabilities	936,143	1,057,891
Interest Rate Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		3,171
Credit Default Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		5,633
Currency Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	32,861	23,710
Equity Securities Other Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		(2,864)
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	80,023	78,183
Equity Securities Other Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	18,005	35,717
Future Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Interest Rate Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	96,285	168,484
Forward Contracts Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	2,482	4,560
Credit Index Product Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	1,230	766
Credit Default Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	(462)	(4,003)
Equity Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	69,426	87,243
Currency Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Securities Pledged As Collateral Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	41,298	32,622
Other [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	13,143	59,373
Corporate Debt Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	8,111,454	7,461,106
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	3,839,340	3,869,933
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,138,228	1,227,234
Asset Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	414,527	401,991
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,342,421	1,242,219
US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	279,093	374,002
US States And Political Subdivisions Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	214,004	205,386
Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,454,990	1,419,079
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	434,960	612,945
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	0	0
Short-term investments	10,909	37,155
Other invested assets	118,182	150,639
Cash and cash equivalents	349,457	504,522
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives	0	0
Total Assets	913,508	1,305,261
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Credit Default Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Currency Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Equity Securities Other Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Nonredeemable Preferred Stock Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	66,024	58,906
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Equity Securities Other Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	3,392	5,308
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Future Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Forward Contracts Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Credit Index Product Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Credit Default Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Equity Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Currency Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Securities Pledged As Collateral Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	35,623	27,052
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Other [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	13,143	59,373
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Corporate Debt Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	75,329	76,097
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Asset Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	166,724	300,514
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| US States And Political Subdivisions Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	12,793	12,894
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member \| Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	180,114	223,440
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	15,056,712	14,212,340
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	0	0
Short-term investments	8,286	9,516
Other invested assets	191,421	300,817
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives	0	0
Total Assets	15,256,419	14,522,673
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives	0	0
Other liabilities	32,861	29,650
Total Liabilities	32,861	29,650
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		3,171
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Credit Default Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		5,633
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Currency Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	32,861	23,710
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Equity Securities Other Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		(2,864)
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Nonredeemable Preferred Stock Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	13,999	19,277
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Equity Securities Other Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	2,786	18,920
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Future Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	96,285	168,484
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Forward Contracts Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	2,482	4,560
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Credit Index Product Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	1,230	766
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Credit Default Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	(462)	(4,003)
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Equity Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	69,426	87,243
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Currency Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Securities Pledged As Collateral Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	5,675	5,570
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Other [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Corporate Debt Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	7,058,454	6,410,840
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	3,839,340	3,869,933
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,083,793	1,145,579
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Asset Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	268,165	208,499
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,223,743	1,126,243
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	112,369	73,488
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| US States And Political Subdivisions Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	195,972	182,119
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member \| Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,274,876	1,195,639
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,302,385	1,375,665
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives	(370,884)	(361,456)
Short-term investments	0	0
Other invested assets	11,827	11,489
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives	3,514	4,945
Total Assets	946,842	1,030,643
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives	903,282	1,028,241
Other liabilities	0	0
Total Liabilities	903,282	1,028,241
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Credit Default Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Currency Swap Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Equity Securities Other Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
Other liabilities		0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Nonredeemable Preferred Stock Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Equity Securities Other Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	11,827	11,489
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Future Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Interest Rate Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Forward Contracts Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Credit Index Product Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Credit Default Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Equity Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Currency Swap Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Securities Pledged As Collateral Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Other [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Other invested assets	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Corporate Debt Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	977,671	974,169
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	54,435	81,655
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Asset Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	146,362	193,492
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	118,678	115,976
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| US Treasury And Government Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| US States And Political Subdivisions Member
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	5,239	10,373
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member \| Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Assets Fair Value Disclosure
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives	$ 3,514
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities	772,939
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities	$ 130,343
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Mortality [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Mortality [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	100.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	100.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	100.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Mortality [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	8.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Lapse [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	14.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Lapse [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	16.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	35.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	25.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Lapse [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded receivable - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	15.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	4.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	5.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Withdrawal [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Withdrawal [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	5.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	7.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Withdrawal [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	4.00%
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	4.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Own Credit [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Own Credit [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Own Credit [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Option Budget Projection [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	2.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Option Budget Projection [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	4.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Option Budget Projection [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - indexed annuities Unobservable Input Range	3.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Long Term Volatility [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Long Term Volatility [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	27.00%
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| Long Term Volatility [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives - variable annuities Unobservable Input Range	16.00%
Total Return Swap [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives	$ (370,884)
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Mortality [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Mortality [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	100.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Mortality [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Lapse [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Lapse [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	35.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Lapse [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	4.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Withdrawal [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Withdrawal [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	5.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Withdrawal [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	4.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Own Credit [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Own Credit [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Own Credit [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	0.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Crediting Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	2.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Crediting Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	4.00%
Total Return Swap [Member] \| Crediting Rate [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Funds withheld at interest - embedded derivatives Unobservable Input Range	3.00%
Market Comparable Securities [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
State And Political Subdivision Securities	$ 5,239
Corporate Securities	$ 20,101
Market Comparable Securities [Member] \| Liquidity Premium [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
State And Political Subdivision Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Corporate Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Market Comparable Securities [Member] \| Liquidity Premium [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
State And Political Subdivision Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Corporate Securities Unobservable Input Range	2.00%
Market Comparable Securities [Member] \| Liquidity Premium [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
State And Political Subdivision Securities Unobservable Input Range	1.00%
Corporate Securities Unobservable Input Range	2.00%
Net Asset Value [Member]
Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Private Equity Securities	$ 9,852

Fair Value Disclosures (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Fair Value Disclosures (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	$ (361,456)	$ (274,220)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	(9,428)	90,535
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, End of period	(370,884)	(183,685)
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	(9,428)	90,535
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock Member
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period		420
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses		0
Investment related gains (losses), net		0
Claims and other policy benefits		0
Interest credited		0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		0
Included in other comprehensive income		0
Purchases, sales and settlements		0
Transfers into Level 3		0
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Balance, End of period		420
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses		0
Investment related gains (losses), net		0
Claims & other policy benefits		0
Interest credited		0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		0
Equity Securities Other Member
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	11,489	16,416
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	0	0
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	338	(2,282)
Purchases, sales and settlements		0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Settlements	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, End of period	11,827	14,134
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	0	0
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Reinsurance Ceded Receivable Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	4,945	75,431
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	0	0
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	(1,329)	7,839
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements		2,433
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Settlements	(102)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, End of period	3,514	82,482
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	0	0
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	(1,188)	7,839
Interest Sensitive Contract Liabilities Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	(1,028,241)	(721,485)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	146,375	32,654
Claims and other policy benefits	2,278	919
Interest credited	(21,193)	(49,849)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements		(19,917)
Purchases	(23,590)
Sales	0
Settlements	21,089
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, End of period	(903,282)	(739,017)
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	0	0
Investment related gains (losses), net	144,624	32,654
Claims & other policy benefits	2,037	1,353
Interest credited	(42,107)	(68,510)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Availableforsale Securities Member \| Corporate Debt Securities Member
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	974,169	872,179
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	30	88
Investment related gains (losses), net	(585)	420
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	(682)	222
Purchases	21,161	100,202
Sales	(9,408)	(1,509)
Settlements	(20,875)	(50,679)
Transfers into Level 3	17,444	34,410
Transfers out of Level 3	(3,583)	(14,863)
Balance, End of period	977,671	940,470
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	30	74
Investment related gains (losses), net	(727)	(514)
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Availableforsale Securities Member \| Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	81,655	183,291
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	110	260
Investment related gains (losses), net	279	(357)
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	1,580	7,394
Purchases	244	453
Sales	(8,004)	(14,065)
Settlements	(1,800)	(8,160)
Transfers into Level 3	0	5,001
Transfers out of Level 3	(19,629)	(35,249)
Balance, End of period	54,435	138,568
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	106	258
Investment related gains (losses), net	(108)	0
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Availableforsale Securities Member \| Asset Backed Securities Member
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	193,492	228,558
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	249	582
Investment related gains (losses), net	(670)	844
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	6,696	4,231
Purchases	0	4,872
Sales	0	(18,299)
Settlements	(3,865)	(8,148)
Transfers into Level 3	1,080	11,326
Transfers out of Level 3	(50,620)	(21,720)
Balance, End of period	146,362	202,246
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	249	507
Investment related gains (losses), net	(607)	(552)
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Availableforsale Securities Member \| Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Member
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	115,976	147,556
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	588	558
Investment related gains (losses), net	(12,075)	(489)
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	13,521	33,141
Purchases	0	2,613
Sales	0	0
Settlements	0	(330)
Transfers into Level 3	10,846	55,189
Transfers out of Level 3	(10,178)	(34,844)
Balance, End of period	118,678	203,394
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	588	554
Investment related gains (losses), net	(12,075)	(489)
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Availableforsale Securities Member \| US States And Political Subdivisions Member
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period	10,373	6,983
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses	(5)	368
Investment related gains (losses), net	(4)	(4)
Claims and other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	406	2,675
Purchases	0	871
Sales	0	0
Settlements	(23)	(21)
Transfers into Level 3	0	34,209
Transfers out of Level 3	(5,508)	0
Balance, End of period	5,239	45,081
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses	(5)	368
Investment related gains (losses), net	0	0
Claims & other policy benefits	0	0
Interest credited	0	0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses	$ 0	0
Availableforsale Securities Member \| Other Foreign Government, Supranational And Foreign Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period		6,736
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Investment income, net of related expenses		1
Investment related gains (losses), net		0
Claims and other policy benefits		0
Interest credited		0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		0
Included in other comprehensive income		(102)
Purchases		0
Sales		(161)
Settlements		0
Transfers into Level 3		21
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Balance, End of period		6,495
Unrealized Gains And Losses Recorded In Earnings For The Period Relating To Those Level 3 Assets And Liabilities That Were Still Held At The End Of The Period
Investment income, net of related expenses		(37)
Investment related gains (losses), net		0
Claims & other policy benefits		0
Interest credited		0
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses		$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Fixed maturity securities	$ 16,794,057	$ 16,200,950
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,040,733	991,731
Policy loans	1,260,070	1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest	5,472,532	5,410,424
Short-term investments	75,425	88,566
Other invested assets	867,507	1,012,541
Cash and cash equivalents	873,933	962,870	$ 467,672	$ 463,661
Accrued Investment Income	173,629	144,334
Reinsurance ceded receivables	597,508	626,194
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	8,252,995	8,394,468
Collateral finance facility	652,029	652,032
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member
Assets
Fixed maturity securities	434,960	612,945
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member
Assets
Fixed maturity securities	15,056,712	14,212,340
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member
Assets
Fixed maturity securities	1,302,385	1,375,665
Carrying Value [Member]
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,040,733	991,731
Policy loans	1,260,070	1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest	5,472,532	5,410,424
Short-term investments	56,230	41,895
Other invested assets	494,561	500,681
Cash and cash equivalents	524,476	458,348
Accrued Investment Income	173,629	144,334
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	6,213,484	6,203,001
Long And Short Term Debt	1,414,829	1,414,688
Collateral finance facility	652,029	652,032
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,140,083	1,081,924
Policy loans	1,260,070	1,260,400
Funds withheld at interest	6,186,149	6,041,984
Short-term investments	56,230	41,895
Other invested assets	498,040	503,293
Cash and cash equivalents	524,476	458,348
Accrued Investment Income	173,629	144,334
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	6,364,422	6,307,779
Long And Short Term Debt	1,484,949	1,462,329
Collateral finance facility	423,475	$ 390,900
Estimated Fair Value [Member] \| Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	0
Policy loans	0
Funds withheld at interest	0
Short-term investments	56,230
Other invested assets	0
Cash and cash equivalents	524,476
Accrued Investment Income	0
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0
Long And Short Term Debt	0
Collateral finance facility	0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] \| Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	0
Policy loans	1,260,070
Funds withheld at interest	0
Short-term investments	0
Other invested assets	18,799
Cash and cash equivalents	0
Accrued Investment Income	173,629
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	0
Long And Short Term Debt	0
Collateral finance facility	0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] \| Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,140,083
Policy loans	0
Funds withheld at interest	6,186,149
Short-term investments	0
Other invested assets	479,241
Cash and cash equivalents	0
Accrued Investment Income	0
Liabilities
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities	6,364,422
Long And Short Term Debt	1,484,949
Collateral finance facility	$ 423,475

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrative) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Fair Value Disclosures (Narrative) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Securities Classified As Level 3	7.80%		8.50%
Impaired commercial mortgages [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Gains (Losses)	$ 3,700,000	$ 1,200,000
Commercial Mortgage Loans Carrying Value Non Recurring	$ 28,900,000	$ 6,700,000

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Total Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 2,292,975	$ 2,282,435
US Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,324,147	1,353,226
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	275,623	266,527
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	308,337	281,003
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	359,685	339,514
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 25,183	$ 42,165

Segment Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax Segment	$ 180,763	$ 226,755
US Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax Segment	92,745	147,569
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax Segment	55,063	29,912
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax Segment	6,606	22,535
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax Segment	32,067	21,976
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Provision For Income Tax Segment	$ (5,718)	$ 4,763

Segment Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 32,286,082	$ 31,633,973
US Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	19,041,229	17,965,559
Canada Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	3,560,286	3,347,771
Europe And South Africa Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	1,851,560	1,846,751
Asia Pacific Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	2,879,894	2,902,101
Corporate And Other Segment Reporting Information [Member]
Segment Total Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 4,953,113	$ 5,571,791

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Undrawn outstanding letters of credit in favor of third parties	$ 18,800,000	$ 15,800,000
Undrawn outstanding letters of credit between subsidiaries	447,600,000	582,900,000
Syndicated revolving credit facility capacity	850,000,000
Syndicated revolving credit facility undrawn outstanding	174,600,000
Other Long Term Credit Facility Capacity 200 Million Dollar	200,000,000
Other Long Term Credit Facility Undrawn Outstanding 200 Million Dollar	200,000,000
Other Long Term Credit Facility Capacity 120 Million Dollar	120,000,000
Other Long Term Credit Facility Undrawn Outstanding 120 Million Dollar	0
Insurance Treaty Guarantee [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Guarantee Obligations Current Carrying Value	666,400,000	697,500,000
Insurance Treaty Guarantee Net Of Assets Held In Trust [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Guarantee Obligations Current Carrying Value	442,000,000	467,500,000
Guarantee Of Borrowed Securities [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Guarantee Obligations Current Carrying Value	150,000,000
Guarantee Of Subsidiary Collateral Financing [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Guarantee Obligations Current Carrying Value	300,000,000
Limited Partnerships [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments to fund partnership investments, mortgage loans and private corporate bond investments	173,000,000	156,600,000
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments to fund partnership investments, mortgage loans and private corporate bond investments	48,600,000	33,600,000
Private Placement Investments [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments to fund partnership investments, mortgage loans and private corporate bond investments	$ 110,000,000	$ 100,000,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Pension Plans Defined Benefit Member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost	$ 1,532	$ 1,415
Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost	980	890
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets	734	644
Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit	99	7
Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses	(275)	(188)
Total	2,152	1,856
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost	279	212
Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost	259	220
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses	(88)	(59)
Total	$ 626	$ 491

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a, h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative)	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Employer Contributions In Current Fiscal Year	$ 8,700,000

Equity Based Compensation (Narrative)	3 Months Ended
Equity Based Compensation (Narrative)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Equity Based Compensation [Abstract]
Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense \| $	$ 8,400,000	$ 7,800,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Gross	700,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 56.65
Performance Contingent Units	200,000
Shares Granted To Non Employee Directors	10,350
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number	1,800,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 46.01
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4.7
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized \| $	$ 40,100,000
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition	2.5

Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables (Narrative) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Retrocession Arrangements And Reinsurance Ceded Receivables [Abstract]
Retrocession Pool Participants Minimum AM Best Rating	A- (excellent)	A- (excellent)
Reinsurance Claims Recoverables	$ 138,100,000	$ 151,900,000
Claims Recoverable From Retrocessionaires Past Due	$ 6,600,000	$ 11,400,000