Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Investments:
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $6,414,860 and $6,082,330)	$ 5,849,916		$ 5,641,909
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,560,225 and $2,422,650)	2,821,367		2,624,953
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for possible losses ($0 and $4,571)	135,776	[1]	157,460	[1]
Policy loans	74,138		74,967
Derivatives, index options	87,833		30,844
Other long-term investments	41,346		34,472
Total investments	9,010,376		8,564,605
Cash and short-term investments	127,945		119,290
Deferred policy acquisition costs	698,283		722,542
Deferred sales inducements	150,939		155,753
Accrued investment income	93,727		87,875
Federal income tax receivable	1,368		0
Other assets	83,456		77,934
Total assets	10,166,094		9,727,999
Future policy benefits:
Universal life and annuity contracts	8,329,743		8,023,798
Traditional life reserves	137,857		139,657
Other policyholder liabilities	152,725		151,308
Deferred Federal income tax liability	52,795		46,481
Federal income tax payable	0		5,962
Other liabilities	124,578		84,008
Total liabilities	8,797,698		8,451,214
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	37,767		37,767
Accumulated other comprehensive income	78,751		53,176
Retained earnings	1,248,243		1,182,207
Total stockholders’ equity	1,368,396		1,276,785
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	10,166,094		9,727,999
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	3,435		3,435
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	$ 200		$ 200

[1] Loan-to-Value Ratio using the most recent appraised value.