Business Segments - Other Balances by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 11,256,155	$ 10,706,219
Unearned and advance premium	74,174	76,088
Policy claims and other benefits payable	223,380	228,470
Debt	1,219,935	1,308,729
Total	12,773,644	12,319,506
Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	8,493,972	8,093,618
Unearned and advance premium	16,970	16,856
Policy claims and other benefits payable	121,661	123,600
Total	8,632,603	8,234,074
Health Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,384,365	1,264,540
Unearned and advance premium	57,204	59,232
Policy claims and other benefits payable	101,719	104,870
Total	1,543,288	1,428,642
Annuity [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	1,377,818	1,348,061
Total	1,377,818	1,348,061
Investment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Debt	1,219,935	1,308,729
Total	$ 1,219,935	$ 1,308,729