MORTGAGE LOANS (Details 4) (Commercial mortgage loans, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commercial mortgage loans
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance recorded	$ 16,638	$ 7,917
With an allowance recorded	6,481	15,521
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance recorded	18,963	10,926
With an allowance recorded	6,482	15,521
Related allowance recorded
With an allowance recorded	1,900	6,475
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance recorded	2,080	1,979
With an allowance recorded	3,241	5,174
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded	33	34
With an allowance recorded		117
Cash Basis Interest Income
With no related allowance recorded	107	34
With an allowance recorded		$ 181

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