Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Premiums and other revenue:
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$ 132,133	$ 127,192	$ 145,651
Traditional life and annuity premiums	18,078	16,565	17,043
Net investment income	391,034	401,383	393,531
Other revenues	25,439	25,377	17,348
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses	(1,752)	(729)	(13,847)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income	1,613	0	8,326
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(139)	(729)	(5,521)
Other net investment gains	6,202	6,204	354
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	6,063	5,475	(5,167)
Total revenues	572,747	575,992	568,406
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	46,494	52,929	48,997
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	133,088	96,449	115,163
Universal life and annuity contract interest	232,788	266,603	242,816
Other operating expenses	77,541	55,448	92,192
Total benefits and expenses	489,911	471,429	499,168
Earnings before Federal income taxes	82,836	104,563	69,238
Federal income taxes	27,209	31,666	23,754
Net earnings	$ 55,627	$ 72,897	$ 45,484
Common Class A [Member]
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 15.74	$ 20.67	$ 12.90
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 15.73	$ 20.61	$ 12.87
Common Class B [Member]
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 7.87	$ 10.33	$ 6.45
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 7.87	$ 10.33	$ 6.45