INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net realized investment gains (losses) for all other investments
Fixed maturities	$ 19,152,000	$ 15,994,000	$ 31,461,000	$ 36,040,000
Equity securities	2,366,000	148,000	2,367,000	148,000
Impairments on fixed maturity securities	(2,910,000)	(13,608,000)	(6,497,000)	(32,372,000)
Impairments on equity securities	(1,090,000)		(2,087,000)
Modco trading portfolio	(126,694,000)	56,063,000	(142,022,000)	74,162,000
Other investments	(4,802,000)	(6,612,000)	(5,929,000)	(9,031,000)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments	(113,978,000)	51,985,000	(122,707,000)	68,947,000
Gross realized gains on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments)	23,900,000	16,200,000	36,800,000	39,400,000
Gross realized losses	6,200,000	13,600,000	11,100,000	35,400,000
Impairment losses on investments available-for-sale	3,800,000	13,500,000	8,200,000	32,200,000
Fair value (proceeds) of securities in an unrealized gain position sold	409,900,000	411,800,000	798,500,000	900,100,000
Gain realized on the sale of securities in an unrealized gain position	23,900,000	16,200,000	36,800,000	39,400,000
Fair value (proceeds) of securities in an unrealized loss position sold	53,200,000	300,000	57,200,000	17,500,000
Loss realized on the sale of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ 2,400,000	$ 100,000	$ 3,000,000	$ 3,200,000