ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
Beginning Balance	$ 1,736,722,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,220,168,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings	4,591,000	30,236,000	(24,524,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(27,079,000)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,242,656,000)	751,278,000	677,594,000
Ending Balance	494,066,000	1,736,722,000
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
Beginning Balance	1,813,516,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,250,498,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings	4,591,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(28,606,000)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,274,513,000)
Ending Balance	539,003,000
Impact of DAC and VOBA	198,100,000	204,900,000
Accumulated Gain and Loss Derivatives
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
Beginning Balance	(3,496,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	734,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,527,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,261,000
Ending Balance	(1,235,000)
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustments
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
Beginning Balance	(73,298,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	29,596,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	29,596,000
Ending Balance	$ (43,702,000)