REINSURANCE (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	$ 5,805,401	$ 5,645,471
Security Life of Denver Insurance Co.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	649,100	626,400
Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	625,900	624,400
Lincoln National Life Insurance Co.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	472,300	479,400
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	425,500	392,900
American United Life Insurance Co.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	321,300	325,100
Employers Reassurance Corp.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	257,700	290,200
The Canada Life Assurance Company
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	219,800	219,100
RGA Reinsurance Co.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	215,400	228,200
Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	180,500	179,900
XL Life Ltd.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance receivables	$ 179,600	$ 183,000