SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other changes:
Add: reinsurance	$ 6,008,010	$ 5,682,841
Life and health insurance
Activity in the liability for unpaid claims for life and health insurance
Balance beginning of year	326,633	312,799	299,971
Less: reinsurance	155,341	161,450	156,932
Net balance beginning of year	171,292	151,349	143,039
Incurred related to:
Current year	698,028	702,555	653,525
Prior year	68,396	62,926	65,269
Total incurred	766,424	765,481	718,794
Paid related to:
Current year	682,877	664,744	639,118
Prior year	85,146	80,794	76,424
Total paid	768,023	745,538	715,542
Other changes:
Acquisition and reserve transfers	47,255		5,058
Net balance end of year	216,948	171,292	151,349
Add: reinsurance	117,502	155,341	161,450
Balance end of year	$ 334,450	$ 326,633	$ 312,799