SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash paid / (received) during the year:
Interest on debt	$ 260,241	$ 253,708	$ 234,928
Income taxes	(26,856)	$ (14,163)	$ 112,886
Debt Securities
Cash paid / (received) during the year:
Interest on debt	56,700
Subordinated debentures
Cash paid / (received) during the year:
Interest on debt	29,300
Repurchase Agreements
Cash paid / (received) during the year:
Interest on debt	9,300
Other Obligations Nonrecourse Funding Obligations and Other Borrowings
Cash paid / (received) during the year:
Interest on debt	$ 164,900