ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded	$ (628,527)	$ (622,910)	$ (2,102,596)	$ (1,759,780)
Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments	(116)	(19,268)	152,496	(133,741)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(2,354)	(8,681)	(5,405)	(17,265)
Income before income tax	184,120	113,355	508,346	302,096
Tax (expense) or benefit	(62,287)	(37,107)	(167,921)	(98,966)
Gains and losses on derivative instruments | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded	(293)	(572)	(1,577)	(1,649)
Income before income tax	(293)	(572)	(1,577)	(1,649)
Tax (expense) or benefit	103	200	552	577
Net of tax	(190)	(372)	(1,025)	(1,072)
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments	22,244	10,546	49,812	44,503
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(2,354)	(8,681)	(5,405)	(17,265)
Income before income tax	19,890	1,865	44,407	27,238
Tax (expense) or benefit	(6,962)	(653)	(15,543)	(9,533)
Net of tax	$ 12,928	$ 1,212	$ 28,864	$ 17,705