CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 63,452,536	$ 54,233,151
Fixed maturities, fair value	2,685,076	2,547,210
Equity securities, cost	567,294	589,221
Mortgage loans, securitizations	0	134
Investment real estate, accumulated depreciation	350	251
Other intangibles, accumulated amortization	239,572	197,368
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 42,846	$ 30,989
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000	2,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation preference	$ 2	$ 2
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Net unrealized gains on investments, income tax	$ 421,142	$ (367,217)
Net unrealized (losses) gains relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, income tax	(4,908)	(6,054)
Accumulated loss - derivatives, income tax	$ (1,873)	$ (2)