Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 15,544,598	$ 15,382,402
Fixed maturities, held for trading, amortized cost (in dollars)	163,466	134,587
Mortgage loans on real estate, allowances (in dollars)	21,130	16,300
Equity investments, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$ 2,196	$ 1,313
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	7,032,000	7,032,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,032,000	7,032,000