INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net realized investment gains (losses) for all other investments
Fixed maturities	$ 12,298,000	$ 19,678,000
Equity securities	1,000
Impairments on fixed maturity securities	(3,587,000)	(18,572,000)
Impairments on equity securities	(997,000)	(24,000)
Modco trading portfolio	(15,328,000)	18,099,000
Other investments	(1,217,000)	(2,294,000)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments	(8,830,000)	16,887,000
Gross realized gains on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments)	12,900,000	22,800,000
Gross realized losses	4,900,000	21,700,000
Impairment losses on investments available-for-sale	4,400,000	18,500,000
Fair value (proceeds) of securities in an unrealized gain position sold	387,900,000	495,100,000
Gain realized on the sale of securities in an unrealized gain position	12,900,000	22,800,000
Fair value (proceeds) of securities sold in an unrealized loss position	4,000,000	17,200,000
Loss realized on the sale of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ 600,000	$ 3,100,000