Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Insurance revenues:        
Premiums, net $ 33,049 $ 32,476 $ 99,958 $ 96,902
Contract charges 24,464 25,427 75,187 75,413
Total insurance revenues 57,513 57,903 175,145 172,315
Investment revenues:        
Net investment income 44,645 43,093 132,289 133,377
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment losses 606 210 17,804 3,115
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:        
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses (697) (167) (1,153) (674)
Portion of impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income 47 17 197 131
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings (650) (150) (956) (543)
Total investment revenues 44,601 43,153 149,137 135,949
Other revenues 2,146 2,215 6,643 7,289
Total revenues 104,260 103,271 330,925 315,553
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES        
Policyholder benefits 39,500 38,540 119,246 122,679
Interest credited to policyholder account balances 20,436 21,119 61,371 62,366
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 7,151 11,577 20,173 21,866
Operating expenses 30,943 24,593 81,983 76,956
Total benefits and expenses 98,030 95,829 282,773 283,867
Income before income tax expense 6,230 7,442 48,152 31,686
Income tax expense 2,098 2,976 16,182 11,256
NET INCOME 4,132 4,466 31,970 20,430
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES        
Change in net unrealized gains on securities available for sale 22,033 24,269 40,050 43,447
Change in future policy benefits (3,617) (3,862) (8,586) (6,068)
Change in policyholder account balances (178) (95) (396) (172)
Other comprehensive income 18,238 20,312 31,068 37,207
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 22,370 $ 24,778 $ 63,038 $ 57,637
Basic and diluted earnings per share:        
Net income $ 0.38 $ 0.39 $ 2.88 $ 1.78