Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Premiums and other revenues:
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$ 38,005	$ 37,899
Traditional life premiums	4,271	3,864
Net investment income	108,451	180,814
Other revenues	5,763	6,142
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) gains (losses)	(32)	382
Portion of OTTI (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income	(3)	(443)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(35)	(61)
Other net investment gains (losses)	1,548	2,374
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	1,513	2,313
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	158,003	231,032
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	12,963	12,690
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	28,579	30,804
Universal life and annuity contract interest	62,936	140,300
Other operating expenses	23,463	21,924
Total benefits and expenses	127,941	205,718
Earnings before Federal income taxes	30,062	25,314
Federal income taxes	10,236	8,682
Net earnings	19,826	16,632
Common Class A [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	19,265	16,162
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 5.61	$ 4.71
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 5.61	$ 4.70
Common Class B [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 561	$ 470
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.80	$ 2.35
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.80	$ 2.35