Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Insurance revenues:        
Net premiums $ 42,480 $ 43,704 $ 125,601 $ 141,470
Contract charges 29,541 29,319 89,173 84,278
Total insurance revenues 72,021 73,023 214,774 225,748
Investment revenues:        
Net investment income 40,608 41,961 122,650 127,249
Net realized investment gains, excluding other- than-temporary impairment losses 981 1,956 3,430 4,134
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:        
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses (765) (116) (1,221) (575)
Portion of impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 433 21 620 120
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings (332) (95) (601) (455)
Total investment revenues 41,257 43,822 125,479 130,928
Other revenues 2,385 2,604 7,061 7,395
Total revenues 115,663 119,449 347,314 364,071
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES        
Policyholder benefits 49,675 50,814 152,582 159,547
Interest credited to policyholder account balances 18,999 19,922 57,205 59,450
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 9,797 9,247 31,154 29,016
Operating expenses 25,588 28,660 74,321 81,668
Total benefits and expenses 104,059 108,643 315,262 329,681
Income before income tax expense 11,604 10,806 32,052 34,390
Income tax expense 3,814 3,696 10,303 11,241
Net income 7,790 7,110 21,749 23,149
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES        
Change in net unrealized gains on securities available for sale (9,096) (7,155) 29,177 (51,030)
Change in future policy benefits 623 268 (5,939) 7,192
Change in policyholder account balances 41 28 (203) 350
Change in benefit plan obligations 0 0 0 5,010
Other comprehensive income (loss) (8,432) (6,859) 23,035 (38,478)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $ (642) $ 251 $ 44,784 $ (15,329)
Basic and diluted earnings per share:        
Net income (USD per share) $ 0.71 $ 0.65 $ 1.98 $ 2.10