CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 26,139,017	$ 24,002,893
Equity securities, cost	336,722	349,605
Mortgage loans, related to securitizations	875,096	934,655
Investment real estate, accumulated depreciation	1,404	1,200
Accounts and premiums receivable, allowance for uncollectible amounts	3,855	4,330
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	133,419	130,576
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	4,000,000	4,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares Issued (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.50
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	160,000,000	160,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	88,776,960	88,776,960
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,964,872	3,108,983
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, income tax	523,401	195,096
Net unrealized (losses) gains relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, income tax	(14,784)	(5,223)
Accumulated loss - derivatives, income tax	(5,408)	(6,355)
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment, income tax	$ 26,966	$ (25,612)