CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 6,618,208	$ 7,366,808
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	460,000,000	460,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	205,046,780	205,046,780
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	201,146,648	200,449,588
Treasury stock, shares at cost (in shares)	3,900,132	4,597,192