FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Investments
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	$ 669		$ 1,681
Available-for-sale securities	2,980,624		2,985,205
Trading securities	12,427		15,371
Fair Value [Member]
Investments
Mortgage loans	4,724		5,037
Policy loans	6,261		6,671
Other long-term investments	44,946		30,028
Short-term investments	800		800
Cash and cash equivalents	92,193		107,466
Accrued investment income	27,923		30,375
Policy reserves
Annuity (accumulations)	941,636	[1]	1,043,866	[1]
Annuity (benefit payments)	140,276		139,213
Fair Value [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investments
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	669		1,681
Available-for-sale securities	2,751,256		2,808,078
Trading securities	9,940		13,353
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Investments
Available-for-sale securities	229,368		177,127
Trading securities	2,487		2,018
Carrying Value [Member]
Investments
Mortgage loans	4,423		4,633
Policy loans	6,261		6,671
Other long-term investments	44,946		30,028
Short-term investments	800		800
Cash and cash equivalents	92,193		107,466
Accrued investment income	27,923		30,375
Policy reserves
Annuity (accumulations)	925,832	[1]	983,579	[1]
Annuity (benefit payments)	94,805		93,701
Carrying Value [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investments
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	656		1,655
Available-for-sale securities	2,751,256		2,808,078
Trading securities	9,940		13,353
Carrying Value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Investments
Available-for-sale securities	229,368		177,127
Trading securities	$ 2,487		$ 2,018

[1] Annuity accumulations represent deferred annuity contracts that are currently earning interest.