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DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (DETAILS 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ 38,591	$ 5,955	$ (141,583)
Currency Collar Options [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	267	0	2,428
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] | Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Investment Portfolio [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	4,431	(3,641)	(1,032)
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] | Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Underwriting Portfolio [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	33,893	9,596	(10,429)
Longevity Risk Derivative [Member] | Other Insurance Related Income (Loss) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Underwriting Portfolio [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	0	0	(132,595)
Other Contract [Member] | Other Insurance Related Income (Loss) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Underwriting Portfolio [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 45

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- Definition

The amount of net gains and losses recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 205G

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (a),(c),(d),(e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959



Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44C

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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