Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 11,075,086	$ 10,924,244	[1]
Equity securities, cost	14,875	14,875	[1]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 981,882	$ 947,142	[1]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1	[1]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000	[1]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	[1]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	320,000,000	320,000,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	112,312,123	112,312,123	[1]
Common stock, shares held in treasury	16,938,875	11,732,658	[1]

[1] Derived from audited financial statements. Additionally, 2011 balances have been retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of new accounting guidance as described in Note F-Adoption of New Accounting Standard.