INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 7) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		$ 15,861	$ 17,932	$ 337,435
Corporate Debt [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		1,954	3,156	277,979
Agency RMBS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		0	0	345
CMBS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		0	413	10,843
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		717	4,715	24,249
ABS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		61	1,126	2,384
Municipals [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		483	19	1,280
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	26,000	3,215	9,429	317,080
Equities [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings		$ 12,646	$ 8,503	$ 20,355