INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net realized gains (losses) for all other investments
Fixed maturities	$ 22,244,000	$ 10,546,000	$ 49,812,000	$ 42,136,000
Equity securities				2,367,000
Impairments on fixed maturity securities	(2,354,000)	(7,421,000)	(5,405,000)	(13,918,000)
Impairments on equity securities		(1,260,000)		(3,347,000)
Modco trading portfolio	(17,225,000)	(25,960,000)	110,067,000	(167,982,000)
Other investments	(5,135,000)	(3,854,000)	(7,383,000)	(10,262,000)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments	(2,470,000)	(27,949,000)	147,091,000	(151,006,000)
Gross realized gains on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments)	22,500,000	11,700,000	50,600,000	48,500,000
Gross realized losses	2,500,000	9,600,000	5,900,000	20,600,000
Impairment losses on investments available-for-sale	2,300,000	8,500,000	5,100,000	16,700,000
Fair value (proceeds) of securities in an unrealized gain position sold	494,000,000	332,100,000	1,100,000,000	1,100,000,000
Gain realized on the sale of securities in an unrealized gain position	22,500,000	11,700,000	50,600,000	48,500,000
Fair value (proceeds) of securities sold in an unrealized loss position	2,300,000	7,000,000	6,700,000	64,200,000
Losses realized on the sale of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ 300,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 800,000	$ 4,000,000