SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Schedule of Effect of New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	$ 2,434,154		$ 2,199,577
Other liabilities	2,454,942		$ 2,353,565
Statements of Income
Other income	114,411	$ 109,242
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	57,981	20,519
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded	229,251	$ 222,787
Before ASC 606
Balance Sheet
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	2,295,200
Other liabilities	2,193,300
Statements of Income
Other income	113,200
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	44,200
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded	$ 243,500