CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues
Insurance premiums and contract charges earned	$ 175,403	$ 169,158
Net investment income	83,044	77,403
Net realized investment gains	1,699	6,862
Other income	1,119	1,108
Total revenues	261,265	254,531
Benefits, losses and expenses
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	111,988	112,699
Interest credited	43,087	41,408
Policy acquisition expenses amortized	23,033	20,074
Operating expenses	39,947	38,818
Interest expense	3,546	3,554
Total benefits, losses and expenses	221,601	216,553
Income before income taxes	39,664	37,978
Income tax expense	11,298	10,966
Net income	28,366	27,012
Net income per share
Basic	$ 0.69	$ 0.68
Diluted	$ 0.67	$ 0.66
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares (in thousands)
Basic	41,180	39,527
Diluted	42,259	41,088
Net realized investment gains
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities	0	0
Portion of losses recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings	0	0
Realized gains, net	1,699	6,862
Total	$ 1,699	$ 6,862