CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Parenthetical (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (notes 6 and 7):
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 5,700,894	$ 7,366,808
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	460,000	460,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	205,047	205,047
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	201,172	200,450
Treasury stock, shares at cost (in shares)	3,875	4,597