Premiums Receivable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Premiums Receivable [Abstract]

Premiums Receivable

3. Premiums Receivable

Premiums receivable consist primarily of premium-related balances due from policyholders. The balance is shown net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The components of premiums receivable are shown below:

	December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Premiums receivable	$	126,796		$	127,722
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(5,573	)		(5,104	)
Premiums receivable, net	$	121,223		$	122,618

The following summarizes the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts:

	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of year	$	5,104		$	4,917		$	3,228
Provision for bad debts		1,209			915			2,996
Write-offs		(740	)		(728	)		(1,307	)
Balance, end of year	$	5,573		$	5,104		$	4,917

Included in premiums receivable at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is the Company's estimate for EBUB premium of $2.1 million, $1.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively.