SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Other changes:
Add: reinsurance	$ 5,682,841	$ 5,542,417	[1]
Life and health insurance
Activity in the liability for unpaid claims for life and health insurance
Balance beginning of year	312,799	299,971		299,396
Less: reinsurance	161,450	156,932		148,479
Net balance beginning of year	151,349	143,039		150,917
Incurred related to:
Current year	702,555	653,525		471,039
Prior year	62,926	65,269		35,555
Total incurred	765,481	718,794		506,594
Paid related to:
Current year	664,744	639,118		457,511
Prior year	80,794	76,424		56,961
Total paid	745,538	715,542		514,472
Other changes:
Acquisition and reserve transfers		5,058
Net balance end of year	171,292	151,349		143,039
Add: reinsurance	155,341	161,450		156,932
Balance end of year	$ 326,633	$ 312,799		$ 299,971

[1] Recast from previously reported information