Changes in Variable Annuity Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
GMDB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Guaranteed benefits incurred	$ 344	$ 433	$ 823	$ 882
Guaranteed benefits paid	(388)	(151)	(152)	(299)
Unlocking	555	(281)	(668)	(581)
Total	511	1	3	2
GMIB Reinsurance
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Guaranteed benefits incurred	201	145	490	315
Unlocking	713	108	(746)	(195)
Total	$ 914	$ 253	$ (256)	$ 120

Total net amount of increases and decreases to the liability for guaranteed minimum benefits on long-duration contracts occurring during the period, for all guaranteed benefit types.

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- Definition

Total of amount of guaranteed minimum benefit expense incurred during the period presented, resulting in an increase to the liability for expected guaranteed minimum benefits in excess of projected account values, for all guaranteed benefit types.

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- Definition

Total amount of guaranteed minimum benefit payments to policyholders and contract holders, during the period presented, resulting in a decrease to the liability for expected guaranteed minimum benefits in excess of projected account values, for all guaranteed benefit types.

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TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE Co OF NEW YORK 10-Q