Reinsurance and Catastrophes (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effects of reinsurance on premiums and benefits
Premiums written and contract deposits, Gross Amount													$ 1,120,852	$ 1,093,937	$ 1,106,012
Premiums written and contract deposits, Ceded to Other Companies													30,115	29,691	31,271
Premiums written and contract deposits, Assumed from Other Companies													3,456	3,481	3,708
Premiums written and contract deposits, Net Amount	275,379	306,033	267,703	245,078	279,479	285,206	260,289	242,753	276,113	298,910	259,324	244,102	1,094,193	1,067,727	1,078,449
Premiums and contract charges earned, Gross Amount													717,494	696,721	695,264
Premiums and contract charges earned, Ceded to Other Companies													29,990	29,634	31,940
Premiums and contract charges earned, Assumed from Other Companies													3,434	3,440	3,796
Premiums and contract charges earned, Net Amount													690,938	670,527	667,120
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses, Gross Amount													455,298	457,332	519,935
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses, Ceded to Other Companies													10,018	12,177	20,767
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses, Assumed from Other Companies													3,037	3,095	3,266
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses, Net Amount													$ 448,317	$ 448,250	$ 502,434