GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Estimated amortization expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
VOBA
2019	$ 26,722
2020	5,139
2021	3,853
2022	0
2023	0
2024 and thereafter	0
Value of business acquired	35,714	$ 206,838
Intangible assets
2019	11,017
2020	10,916
2021	10,916
2022	10,916
2023	10,916
2024 and thereafter	66,103
Total	120,784
Indefinite lived intangible assets	120,784	120,784	$ 26,036	$ 26,036
Intangible assets, net	241,568	257,987
Total
2019	37,739
2020	16,055
2021	14,769
2022	10,916
2023	10,916
2024 and thereafter	66,103
Total remaining amortization expense	156,498
Total intangible assets	$ 277,282	$ 464,825