Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Guaranty fund assessment			$ 1,155
Guaranty fund assessment, after tax			751	0
Legal settlement related to a non insurance matter			500
Legal settlement related to a non insurance matter, after tax			325
Litigation related charges			8,625
Litigation related charges, After tax			5,606
Family Heritage Life acquisition expense, after tax		(400)	522	(400)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	98,444	94,016	302,646	287,115
Family Heritage Life acquisition expense		615		615
Family Heritage Adjustment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs			$ 1,519