Income Taxes (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract  
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
    2013 2012 2011
            
    (in thousands)
Current tax expense (benefit):         
U.S. $ 250,601 $ 216,654 $ 42,474
Total   250,601   216,654   42,474
          
Deferred tax expense (benefit):         
U.S.   315,819   (35,614)   (263,930)
Total   315,819   (35,614)   (263,930)
          
Total income tax expense on continuing operations   566,420   181,040   (221,456)
Total income tax expense (benefit) reported in equity related to:         
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (113,517)   29,258   16,417
Additional paid-in capital   (7,574)   (9,540)   1,908
Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 445,329 $ 200,758 $ (203,131)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
     2013 2012 2011
  (in thousands)
Expected federal income tax expense  $ 736,621 $ 302,882 $ (123,964)
Non-taxable investment income   (149,933)   (108,463)   (81,031)
Tax credits   (20,935)   (14,460)   (15,977)
Other   667   1,081   (484)
Total income tax expense (benefit) on continuing operations $ 566,420 $ 181,040 $ (221,456)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
     2013 2012
  (in thousands)
Deferred tax assets      
 Insurance reserves $ 1,551,346 $ 1,436,802
 Investments   82,821   -
 Other   -   824
 Deferred tax assets $ 1,634,167 $ 1,437,626
          
Deferred tax liabilities      
 Deferred policy acquisition costs $ 1,412,944 $ 960,414
 Deferred sales inducements   346,461   275,762
 Net unrealized gains on securities   46,247   176,441
 Investments   -   2,315
 Other   1,232   -
 Deferred tax liabilities   1,806,884   1,414,932
Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (172,717) $ 22,694
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
   2013  2012  2011
   (in thousands)
Balance at January 1,  $ - $ 113 $ 1,620
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits - prior years   -   464   -
(Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits- prior years   -   -   (1,507)
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits - current year   -   -   -
(Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits- current year   -   -   -
Settlements with taxing authorities   -   (577)   -
Balance at December 31,  $ - $ - $ 113
          
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective rate   -   -   -