Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash flows - operating activities
Premiums collected	$ 335,344	$ 326,111
Policyholder benefits paid	(235,046)	(237,481)
Policy acquisition and other operating expenses paid	(136,046)	(119,085)
Federal income taxes paid	(22,545)	(13,643)
Investment income collected	152,500	149,237
Interest expense paid	(6,972)	(7,041)
Other	(1,908)	(3,362)
Net cash provided by operating activities	85,327	94,736
Fixed maturities
Purchases	(677,196)	(707,267)
Sales	213,986	279,529
Maturities, paydowns, calls and redemptions	254,763	300,839
Purchase of other invested assets	(10,000)	(50,000)
Net cash (used in) provided by short-term and other investments	(18,971)	54,200
Net cash used in investing activities	(237,418)	(122,699)
Cash flows - financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	(16,160)	(10,689)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(3,884)	(11,955)
Exercise of stock options	9,394	2,316
Annuity contracts, variable and fixed
Deposits	188,562	188,446
Benefits, withdrawals and net transfers to Separate Account (variable annuity) assets	(135,036)	(114,044)
Life policy accounts
Deposits	801	785
Withdrawals and surrenders	(2,410)	(2,630)
Cash received related to repurchase agreements	133,980	0
Change in bank overdrafts	(456)	(223)
Net cash provided by financing activities	174,791	52,006
Net increase in cash	22,700	24,043
Cash at beginning of period	15,181	7,452
Cash at end of period	$ 37,881	$ 31,495