OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (DETAILS 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
Other realized investment gains	$ 11,406	$ 45,376
OTTI losses	(786)	(898)
Income before income taxes	152,596	321,688
General and administrative expenses	152,729	141,475
Tax expense	(4,125)	(10,131)
Net of tax	147,249	311,557
Unrealized appreciation on available for sale investments [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	16,855	38,152
OTTI losses	(786)	(898)
Income before income taxes	16,069	37,254
Tax expense	(6,456)	(3,406)
Net of tax	$ 9,613	$ 33,848