Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash flows - operating activities
Premiums collected	$ 326,111	$ 328,356
Policyholder benefits paid	(237,481)	(274,337)
Policy acquisition and other operating expenses paid	(119,085)	(125,321)
Federal income taxes paid	(13,643)	(4,130)
Investment income collected	149,237	135,894
Interest expense paid	(7,041)	(6,784)
Other	(3,362)	(3,027)
Net cash provided by operating activities	94,736	50,651
Fixed maturities
Purchases	(707,267)	(688,483)
Sales	279,529	211,284
Maturities, paydowns, calls and redemptions	300,839	207,391
Net cash (used for) provided by short-term and other investments	4,200	174,270
Net cash used in investing activities	(122,699)	(95,538)
Cash flows - financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	(10,689)	(9,094)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(11,955)
Exercise of stock options	2,316	2,127
Annuity contracts, variable and fixed
Deposits	188,446	188,770
Benefits, withdrawals and net transfers to Separate Account (variable annuity) assets	(114,044)	(113,693)
Life policy accounts
Deposits	785	917
Withdrawals and surrenders	(2,630)	(2,560)
Change in bank overdrafts	(223)	10,813
Net cash provided by financing activities	52,006	77,280
Net increase in cash	24,043	32,393
Cash at beginning of period	7,452	5,928
Cash at end of period	$ 31,495	$ 38,321