Reinsurance (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Reinsurance [Abstract]

Effects of reinsurance on premiums and benefits

	Gross Amount		Ceded to Other Companies		Assumed from Other Companies		Net Amount
Three months ended September 30, 2012
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	291,732	$	7,407	$	881	$	285,206
Premiums and contract charges earned		174,372		7,410		942		167,904
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		108,680		3,585		956		106,051
Three months ended September 30, 2011
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	305,476	$	7,484	$	918	$	298,910
Premiums and contract charges earned		173,537		7,480		978		167,035
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		127,524		4,278		1,166		124,412
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	808,147	$	22,175	$	2,276	$	788,248
Premiums and contract charges earned		519,928		22,541		2,356		499,743
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		353,029		10,365		2,249		344,913
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	823,557	$	23,698	$	2,477	$	802,336
Premiums and contract charges earned		522,207		24,702		2,561		500,066
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		413,909		17,478		2,391		398,822