CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues
Premiums and policy fees	$ 2,784,134	$ 2,609,357	$ 2,674,680
Reinsurance ceded	(1,363,914)	(1,380,712)	(1,509,036)
Net of reinsurance ceded	1,420,220	1,228,645	1,165,644
Net investment income	1,753,444	1,624,845	1,603,063
Realized investment gains (losses):
Derivative financial instruments	(155,005)	(144,438)	(176,880)
All other investments	247,753	158,420	303,709
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(62,210)	(74,970)	(227,587)
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)	14,889	33,606	47,696
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(47,321)	(41,364)	(179,891)
Other income	189,494	110,876	212,443
Total revenues	3,408,585	2,936,984	2,928,088
Benefits and expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2011 - $1,231,405; 2010 - $1,283,054; 2009 - $1,430,621)	2,222,220	2,076,392	1,960,046
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	300,450	189,255	320,357
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2011 - $203,868; 2010 - $205,299; 2009 - $212,393)	373,964	284,070	222,651
Total benefits and expenses	2,896,634	2,549,717	2,503,054
Income before income tax	511,951	387,267	425,034
Income tax (benefit) expense
Current	(4,576)	6,544	(55,885)
Deferred	169,093	122,485	203,448
Total income tax expense	164,517	129,029	147,563
Net income	$ 347,434	$ 258,238	$ 277,471