OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (DETAILS 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
Other realized investment gains	$ 84,926	$ 151,703	$ 137,300
OTTI losses	(9,362)	(24,234)	(15,861)
Income before income taxes	734,467	550,528	61,538
General and administrative expenses	(575,390)	(560,981)	(459,151)
Tax benefit	(7,002)	(3,287)	(15,233)
Net income	727,465	547,241	46,305
Unrealized appreciation on Available for Sale Securities [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
Other realized investment gains	76,518	152,062	137,694
OTTI losses	(9,362)	(24,234)	(16,446)
Income before income taxes	67,156	127,828	121,248
Tax benefit	(5,605)	(11,550)	(1,700)
Net income	61,551	116,278	119,548
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses	0	(1,718)	(92)
Tax benefit	0	0	0
Net income	$ 0	$ (1,718)	$ (92)